The Reel Review
The Man of Steel faces a crisis of confidence when he and the public discover a horrible secret about his birth parents while battling tech billionaire Lex Luther’s attempts to destroy him. David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult star in this fantasy action/adventure based on the DC comics character.
Writer/director James Gunn’s take on Superman is a messy, fun throwback to the comic books, showcasing humor, gravitas, several other supporting superheroes (Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, Nathan Fillion as the Green Lantern, and Isabella Merced as Hawkgirl) and a decidedly punk rock vibe. Corenswet’s Superman is just as likable and relatable as Hoult’s Lex Luther is petty and loathsome. In this version, Superman and Lois Lane (Brosnahan) are already a secret item. And Krypto the Superdog is a total scene stealer.
The story is a bit all over the place, the CGI at times is a little dodgy and there are way too many corny moments and underutilized supporting characters. But despite all of those minor shortcomings, this weird and entertaining take on the story has a huge heart and an impactful message about inclusion in these politically trying times for immigrants like Superman.
REEL FACTS
• 6’4 David Corenswet (Twisters, the projectionist in Pearl, Hollywood) edged out Nicholas Hoult (who was instead cast as Lex Luther) to become the new Superman, gaining about 40 pounds of muscle prior to filming.
• Rachel Brosnahan won the role of Lois Lane over Emma Mackey, Phoebe Dynevor and Samara Weaving.
• The late Christopher Reeve’s son Will Reeve plays a TV news reporter in the film. In real life, Reeve is a television correspondent for ABC News.
Video & Photo
