Aaron Ploof
Recently, Fox News featured a story about how Superman has suddenly gone woke. James Gunn, the director of the Superman film, stated before the movie’s release that “Superman is the story of America. An immigrant who came from other places and populated the country, but for me, it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value, and it is something we have lost.”
In anticipation of such a reaction as FOX’s, James Gunn declared, “… it’s about human kindness and obviously there will be jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive just because it is about kindness. But screw them.” Fox News blasted back with a video stating that Superman is too woke for them, that it has anti-American values, and that its views on immigration and the film itself are “crappy.”
Superman’s Wokeness
What Fox News, funnily enough, doesn’t realize is that the character of Superman has always been woke. Over the years, there’s been political commentary featured in the pages of the comics, with Supes going after such enemies as the KKK. Furthermore, one of Superman’s main enemies is Lex Luthor, a corporate villain who leverages his wealth and power to cause harm to Superman and society in general. Lastly, one only needs to look at Supe’s morals to see how truly woke he is. For example, Superman refuses to kill his enemies.
I’m glad to say that this “wokeness” in Superman is delivered in the film with a grace that is respectful and kind. When it comes to immigration, the film states its opinion clearly. No matter what status an immigrant holds, they are to be recognized first and foremost as a human being. They are deserving of kindness, just as the rest of us are. The movie gives this message in a film that is fun, exciting, dramatic, and emotionally heartfelt. Put simply, Superman is the best movie-going experience I’ve had since writing my first review on this site.
It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane…
Superman starts its story midway through Clark Kent’s (David Corenswet) journey and skips his origin. It assumes you know the characters and their backstories. Clark works at the Daily Planet with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo). He’s currently in a relationship with the former, though she’s unsure if it’s sustainable. What may surprise viewers is that the film also begins with Supes losing his first battle.
Clark’s been beaten to a pulp by “The Hammer of Boravia,” a being who is really Ultraman in disguise, being remotely controlled by Superman’s nemesis, Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult). Ultraman declares that his reason for attacking Metropolis is because of Supe’s recent involvement in halting the invasion of Jarhanpur by its neighboring country, Boravia. Clark’s involvement in this foreign affair has garnered significant controversy, not only from politicians across the U.S. but also from Lois Lane herself.
Lex aims to discredit Superman and attempts to convince the U.S. government to let him kill Superman if necessary. But he has other plans too, and during a diversion, he sneaks into Superman’s Fortress of Solitude, defeats Clark’s robots, and kidnaps Krypto (Superman’s dog who you’ve no doubt seen in the commercials). He also leaves with a recording of Superman’s parents, with instructions to their son.
Kal-El/Superman has seen this recording before, in fact, many times. It’s what he takes inspiration from when he’s downhearted or injured. He knows the first half by heart, in which his parents urge him to do good. The second half is damaged, but Lex is able to recover the corrupted footage. What it says isn’t good. Superman’s parents may not have had the most benevolent intentions after all…
It’s Superman!
Superman‘s character arc rides on this reveal, and it does indeed make him a more interesting and dynamic character than is usually portrayed. In addition to this, Corenswet’s character portrayal of Clark Kent, Superman’s alter-ego, is sweet and good-natured. Corenswet took inspiration from his brother-in-law, who is 6’8″ and 270 lbs. but is the “quietest, most wonderful man.” Corenswet says of Clark, “He’s this big presence, but he’s trying to be as small as possible, and as quiet as possible.”
Clark’s personality is a big reason why Lois doubts their relationship. While Clark readily trusts everyone and sees good in every being he comes across, Lois is a skeptic and questioner by nature, a journalistic professional, and she’s always taking an investigator’s angle. There’s a scene in which Lois interviews Clark about his involvement in the war; it’s one of my favorite scenes in the entire film. Brosnahan captures these qualities of Lois’ nature perfectly in this scene, and Clark’s irritation and anger with Lois’ inability to see things as simply illustrates his naivety.
Yes, for all the good and sincere warmth to Clark’s character, there’s also a profound sense that he’s “too good.” Does the film criticize this? Not exactly, but it does make the point that looking before you leap may be the better option in some cases. By the end of the film, Lois has been able to see things more clearly from Clark’s viewpoint, and he’s gained clarity on his journey, as well. That makes for balanced, interesting, and believable character arcs.
The Justice Gang and Friends
Joining Superman and Lois on their adventures are the members of The Justice Gang, a trio of superheroes comprised of The Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi). Contrasted to Superman, these heroes are more hardcore, willing to kill if necessary. Initially, they come off as unlikeable, especially when next to Supes, but Mister Terrific gained my respect by the end of the film.
Speaking of Mr. Terrific, he has one of the best action scenes in the film (of which there are many). All these scenes are a popcorn-chewing blast, and had me engaged throughout their entirety, without ever growing tiresome. Many times, the layered action scenes and the cuts between locations are seamless and well-filmed.
Superman’s dog gets his time on screen as well. Rambunctious, as well as playful and mischievous, Krypto is fiercely protective of Superman but doesn’t always listen to his owner. This makes for some hilarious dialogue and back-and-forth between Clark and the pup.
And finally, there’s Clark’s parents. Ma Kent (Neva Howell) is funny as Clark’s mom, but it is Pa who truly impresses. I could feel every bit of warmth and love he had for his adopted son. No wonder Clark turned out to be as benevolent as he did.
Up, Up, and Away!
There’s so much more I could say about this film. Nicholas Hoult, for instance, plays a believable, scary, and convincing Lex Luthor. I could talk about all the impressive action scenes, too. But I’d prefer to let the film speak for itself.
If you’re in the mood for a kind, warm-hearted action film with a great message that America and the world need to hear today, you couldn’t do better than Superman. This is superhero cinema at its finest. I’m giving Superman a perfect score and my first…
