Superman - Cosmonaut Quickie

Summary

The reviewer discusses their anticipation for Superman and their mixed feelings after watching the movie. While acknowledging some narrative and pacing issues, they appreciate the unique world-building and diverse Superman adventures. The film’s quirky, sci-fi elements, and its strong character portrayals (especially Superman and Lois Lane), stand out. Despite a somewhat complex plot and crowded cast, the movie’s creative vision and action scenes deliver excitement. The reviewer draws comparisons to other superhero films, likening it to the early days of the MCU. Ultimately, the reviewer gives it an 8.5/10, praising it as a solid foundation for the DC universe's future.

Takeaways

• 😀 The movie is a unique take on Superman, breaking away from typical superhero movie tropes, influenced by James Gunn's creative direction.
• 😀 While the reviewer liked the movie, they didn't love it, citing narrative issues and pacing struggles in the first part.
• 😀 The opening Star Wars-style text crawl was an unconventional way to introduce the story, and while it worked, the reviewer felt the lack of emotional exploration was a missed opportunity.
• 😀 The first half hour of the movie is a fast-paced setup, introducing numerous characters and conflicts, making it difficult to fully invest in any one of them at first.
• 😀 Once the movie settles into its rhythm, it becomes more engaging, especially when Superman embarks on solo adventures that allow the movie to showcase its sci-fi elements.
• 😀 The film's crazy science fiction world, featuring giant monsters, alien planets, and quirky characters, is well-established, making the bizarre elements feel natural and fitting for Superman.
• 😀 Despite the movie's complexity, the reviewer believes the plot's convolutions sometimes detracted from the pacing and that simpler narratives, like *All-Star Superman*, could have worked better.
• 😀 The movie successfully establishes a new DC universe with room for future films, showcasing a vibrant world filled with unique characters and adventures.
• 😀 David Corenswet's portrayal of Superman received high praise, with the reviewer finding him perfectly charming, confident, and able to balance Clark and Superman's personas effectively.
• 😀 The film does a great job with its action scenes, utilizing dynamic camera work to keep the superhero battles exciting, especially during flying scenes and close-up shots.
• 😀 The movie's world-building and character development leave the reviewer excited for potential spin-offs and future movies within this new DC universe.

Q & A

What is the primary reason the reviewer finds the movie difficult to fully embrace?

The reviewer struggles to fully embrace the movie because, while they like it, they don’t love it due to some narrative issues and pacing problems. The complexity of the plot and the way it rushes through various elements left them unsure about how everything fit together.

What is the film’s approach to introducing Superman's backstory?

Instead of the usual origin story, the film uses a Star Wars-like text crawl to quickly catch the audience up on Superman’s history, including his involvement in an overseas conflict and his first battle. The reviewer notes that this approach left them feeling disconnected from the emotional weight of Superman's journey.

How does the movie struggle with pacing in the first half?

The first half of the movie feels rushed, as it attempts to cover a lot of ground quickly, introducing multiple conflicts and characters. This left the reviewer struggling to latch onto any single story arc because of the sheer volume of things happening so early on.

What makes the second half of the movie more engaging for the reviewer?

Once Superman is separated from the other characters, the reviewer begins to understand the filmmaker's intent, appreciating the more individual Superman adventures. This shift allowed the film to settle into its groove and better engage the reviewer.

How does the movie handle the science fiction elements?

The movie embraces wild and adventurous sci-fi concepts, which fit seamlessly within the world. The characters take these outlandish ideas in stride, making it feel like a natural part of the Superman universe, which enhances the unique charm of the film.

What role does the film’s complex narrative play in the viewer’s experience?

The complex narrative, which involves multiple smaller conflicts and a rapidly changing plot, may distract from the central story. The reviewer feels that the film could have benefited from a simpler framework, similar to 'All-Star Superman,' to better pace the story and avoid feeling like a fragmented miniseries.

How does James Gunn’s direction contribute to the movie’s action scenes?

James Gunn's direction is praised for its dynamic camera work, especially extreme close-ups and tight framing. These techniques make the action feel fast and frenetic, enhancing the intensity of fight and flight sequences, which the reviewer found exhilarating.

What is the significance of the movie’s world-building?

The film succeeds in establishing a rich, complete world that feels consistent and well-thought-out. The reviewer highlights how Metropolis is portrayed, where the chaos of superhero battles feels like a normal part of everyday life, adding a whimsical and adventurous quality to the universe.

How does the movie differentiate itself from other superhero films like the MCU?

Unlike many MCU films that feel like a parallel to our world, this film creates a distinct and imaginative comic book setting. The reviewer appreciates how the DC universe feels more whimsical, and how Gunn’s vision allows for the inclusion of quirky, unique elements that contribute to a fresh take on superhero storytelling.

What are the reviewer’s thoughts on the performances of the key characters, like Superman and Lois Lane?

The reviewer praises David Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman, noting his charm, confidence, and ability to balance Clark Kent and Superman’s personas. Lois Lane is also commended for being a relatable and well-crafted character, particularly in her developing relationship with Superman, which adds depth to the film’s romantic subplot.