One of the coolest things that we get to do here at The BUZZ is potentially screen movies before their official release. Tonight was a great experience as I got to sit in a packed theater to watch James Gunn’s, “SUPERMAN.” The film, which lasted for 2 hours, definitely did not feel that way as it was jam-packed with great special effects, fight sequences, and stellar performances.
You never know what to expect from any movie, let alone a superhero movie that has been depicted in films, television, and comics for the past 7 decades. “SUPERMAN” bared no exception as I sat wondering, “What will make this version stand out?” “What little nuggets will be incorporated?” “What about these acting choices?” Those are just a few of the questions in my head before going into this. I must say… I was pleasantly surprised.
If you are like me, you know I love cartoons. One of my favorite old school iterations of the Man of Steel were that of the Fleischer cartoons. The 1960s Filmation version is a runner-up, and there were certain parts in the film that made me think of the 60s cartoon era. The first that grabbed my attention was Superman’s witty comebacks. That was something he did very well in the Filmation cartoons, which were awesomely expressed by the voice of Bud Collyer. The other was Jimmy Olsen calling Perry White, “Chief,” to Perry’s response, “I wish he wouldn’t call me, ‘Chief.'” It’s those little things that still make an impact on us nerds after hearing those callbacks.
The movie had a perfect blend of humor and seriousness. While I was not too keen on the use of the word, Metahuman, it did not detract from the story at hand. I will get into that a bit later.
I was not expecting the relationship of Lois and Kal-El/Clark to be a focal point so early in the film (You already knew this was going to be a part OF the film from the posters released). I was expecting them to sort of… find their way to each other during the course of the film. Sue me, I am a sucker for romance in films.
As much as Krypto was the scene stealer of the movie, I have to give incredible credit to whom I considered to be the breakout star of the film: Nicholas Hoult. His portrayal of Lex Luthor was such fun to watch as Luthor was reveling in his villainy. You do not see many villains who are…evil in a fun way or fun in an evil way? Hoult’s take on Luthor even had me, at some level, feel sympathy for him. Sympathy for a villain. What a concept! I even thought at one point in the film, with the way Luthor entered a room, I was destined to hear, “Prelude 12/21,” by AFI (“Smallville” fans may get the reference). I applaud Hoult for making Luthor his own, and he was incredible in doing so. I am now a fan!
Throughout the course of the movie, watching everything unfold, seeing the discourse and what led to it, I had to stop and think. As a person, you only want what is best for your fellow man (or woman) in this life, which is one of the principles that Superman tries to embody. Sometimes, we lose our way down the line, but in the end, he comes to do what is right.
This leads to the question that I just could not escape: “Can’t we just be better humans?” Easier said than done, I know, but wouldn’t that be something in itself?
Overall, this movie kept me thoroughly entertained. It has something for everyone of all ages when you see it. Who knows… Maybe you will find a “Superman” within yourself after watching.
Rating: 8/10 Stars ********
“SUPERMAN” premieres in theaters this Friday, July 11th. Check your local listings for times.
