Superman

When the TV show "Superman" was released back in 1952 for six seasons, little did anyone know then that it would ultimately be as popular as it has become. Shoot to 1978, and we have the first of many incarnations of the franchise called "Superman: The Movie". It's been a beloved franchise that now we have, yet another, film by the same name simply named "Superman".

When Superman (David Corenswet) gets drawn into conflicts at home and abroad, his actions are questioned, giving tech billionaire Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) the opportunity to get the Man of Steel out of the way for good. Will intrepid reporter Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and Superman's four-legged companion, Krypto, be able to help him bring down Luthor and his cohorts before it's too late?

Others to round out the cast are Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Wendell Pierce as Perry White, Terence Rosemore as Otis Berg, Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr. and Bradley Cooper as Jor-El.

This was directed with exuberance and clarity using amazing sequencing by James Gunn ("Slither" '06, "Super" '10, "Movie 43" (segment "Beezel") '13, "Guardians of the Galaxy" '14, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" '17, "The Suicide Squad" '21, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" '23) plus TV, a TV short, shorts and videos. For a franchise that has gone through the 'keyhole' in the many plots and premises it has endured, this was treated in a way that brought these different characters to life. Several of these actors don't have a tremendous amount of experience, but through the amazing talent of Gunn's direction, each and every one of these characters were paced and staged perfectly. It was also penned well by writer James Gunn ("Tromeo and Juliet" '96, "The Specials" 2000, "Thir13en Ghosts" (additional writing) '01, "Scooby-Doo" '02, "Dawn of the Sead" '04, "Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed" '04, "Slither" '06, "Super" '10, "Movie 43" (segment "Beezel") '13, "Guardians of the Galaxy" '14, "The Belko Experiment" '16, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" '17, "The Suicide Squad" '21, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" '23) plus TV, shorts, video games, music videos and a TV short, based on the creation "Superman" by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, which based on the DC comic. By his very resume, Gunn has certainly earned his ability to write clever stories. He also would be difficult to pigeon-hole since his resume is a 'who's who' of premises. This script was tight, concise and kept the audience's attention. Really, the only thing I can say negatively about the screenplay is that there were areas that if a character did something other than what they did, it would make more sense, but then again. it would probably impede on the flow of the film. And there were a couple of very small places of slowness, but otherwise the film rocked. And, as usual, the visual effects predominantly designed by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic) were seamless as they were effective. 

Will there be a "Superman 3"? There is a small clip after all the credits roll, and it doesn't spell out sequel, but could. I think this was purposely done in case this film didn't profit as much it it needed to make, So this leaves it open-ended. But considering how this film has been raking it in, my guess would be that there will certainly be a part 3. If you like that up and close feeling, it's also presented in an IMAX, 4DX and a 3D format as well. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                       Rated: PG-13                                       129mins.