The new Superman film has truly soared off into the stratosphere. Going into this movie, I wasn’t expecting much, especially as a firm Marvel fan. However this DC movie really did change my mind about both the franchise and the character, Superman.

The man of steel has been knowingly characterized as a strong, strapping superhero. However Director James Gunn gave Superman a whole new perspective.

The new Superman, played by David Corenswet, actively explores a more human side of the superhero. Corenswet shows a light hearted, goofy Superman who isn’t so “punk rock”. His genuine acting style accompanied by his sweet smile really showcases the kind and earnest character that Gunn wrote for him. This Superman is hopeful, vulnerable and relatable, and Corenswet portrays him perfectly. 

One of the elements that made this Superman adaptation unique was the fact that they explored the relationship between Superman (aka Clark Kent) and his adoptive parents. In the film, he and his adoptive dad share a heartwarming moment where his father expresses how proud he is of him. Giving Superman a loving home to grow up in truly helped further his drive as a Superhero because it gave him a faith in humanity. Many videos have circulated the internet of fathers taking their sons to see this movie and the impact that particular scene had on their relationships. 

With the venture into the ideas of canceled culture, this movie was given more impact due to the fact that in the modern day this topic is so hotly debated. At the start of the movie, Superman is cancelled due to a video being leaked of his birth parents saying they sent him to Earth to end the world. Unaware of the video’s message, Superman became a hated figure. The film showed how cancelled culture can lead to widespread misunderstanding, actively ruin someone’s life and lead to long term impact on society. 

The most poignant factor in the film was the exploration of Superman not being from Earth and the idea of him being an “alien.” The main villain in the movie, Lex Luthor, uses this fact in order to get people from Earth to turn against Superman, claiming people who are not born on their land do not belong on it. That’s why Gunn and Corenswet worked so hard to make Superman seem as human as possible because even though he was from another planet, he was still a morally good person who cared about the Earth and its people. This both further developed Superman’s character and alluded to current real world issues. 

This movie wasn’t your average superhero film. It had outstanding action packed scenes while actively exploring important topics that are currently affecting the modern world, while keeping a family friendly and fun style that most everyone can enjoy. You could say this movie was pretty super.