Superman has always been punk AF, and a square when trying to fit into society as Clark Kent.  It  does not go past me that Lois Lane and Clark go into a rigid debate about punk music in this – almost as a necessity to remind audiences that the origin of Superman is to battle the establishment, and systemic problems that plague society; being punk. James Gunn has maintained this in the latest Superman film. His battles are hardly ever cosmic, they mostly center around Earthly concerns. The banner that he is the -forever boy scout comes from his manufactured chivalry and being a prop to warn kids of life dangers so as to survive the comic book code era. Superman is not only an American immigrant, he is an Earth immigrant- here to inspire humans to be……better. Billionaires and people of power should always feel threatened by him.

There is a great sense of play in this, although there are some serious themes being played and some serious consequences that occurred. The idea to omit the whole origin story and play out scenes of childhood feel refreshing. The pace kept fast and loose, Nothing is subtracted from any of the notable characters who are familiar with in the Superman canon while at the same time it is still a story for the era we live in now. It is compelling to add Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl and Mr. Terrific to mix for superhero support. Three superheroes that aren’t exactly big fans of Superman in the comic book world for their own personal reasons. Those that are looking forward to the James Gunn style of comedy and the surprises of Easter Eggs are going to feel comfortable with it.  Gunn has cemented his style for sure- he loves to book end stories with a little surprise at the end. 

Overall I immensely enjoyed the film and will be seen for many years to come, it does come with its faults. Mainly all  the female characters are prominent nor completely flushed out. There is an overly stereotypical blonde played for laughs that comes off desperate for a film that doesn’t need that, and subplots that seem just to fill time. There’s nothing really new brought to the mythos of Superman, it does bring the return of spectacle, color,  hope and humanity. For me as an avid Superman fan for many years, what it does get right more than anything is that although Superman is the last of his kind and has to fight solitary in the universe , he is never alone. And remarkably his greatest power shows the most humane side of him- that he is never afraid to ask for help too. 7.5/10