Superman - Things are looking up

 

Superman

2025

Director: James Gunn

Stars: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Skyler Gisondo, Edi Gathegi

Mohan's Measure ⭐⭐⭐⭐

What a concept - a brilliant but very corrupt, megalomanic billionaire uses social media to brainwash a society into believing that those who are foreign to the land and those called "meta-humans" should be rounded up and sent to an otherworldly prison where they are tortured solely because of who they are.  Stuff of science fiction, don't you think?

As much social commentary as entertaining cinema, Superman brings us face to face with the fundamental existential questions, just what defines a human being, and how can we continue to be so under the threat by extremist politics, social media and artificial intelligence.  

While, yes, CGI monsters and multiverses are in plenty, the beauty of the movie lies in Superman himself, whom Mr. Corenswet conveys as someone who struggles with his heritage, questions his purpose, feels love and deep-seated compassion, and is angry and frustrated for being the fall guy to the villainous Lex Luthor.  Adding to this human side of Superman is his on-again, off-again, love story with Lois Lane.

Ms. Brosnahan portrays her as we expect, tough and worldly wise, but also one who very much knows her lover is Superman and struggles with how to love a man whose everyday likability conflicts with his hidden identity as the protector of the world.  

And then there is Superman's friendship with the team simply referred to as the "Justice Guys," metahuman friends who very much want to support him, but who are also quick to believe the disinformation. The bottom line, to solve the world's problems, to rid ourselves of oligopolies, we must learn one simple thing - to recognize our common humanity and trust one another.

As I write these words, I recall my childhood, and how my admiration for Superman shaped my understanding of morality, humanism, and more importantly, being American. For isn't it all of that just trying to be a good person?

Look up.