Superman's 'Woke' Reboot: Critically Clobbered or a Cult Classic in the Making?
The Battle for Superman's Soul: A Franchise on Life Support
In a shocking turn of events, the latest installment in the Superman film franchise has been left reeling by scathing reviews from critics and fans alike. The new movie, directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet as the iconic superhero, is touted as a reboot that promises to bring the Man of Steel back to his glory days. However, it seems like this might be an exercise in futility.
The film's troubled history began even before its release, with a faction of critics already dismissing it as a mess. The Daily Beast published a review that was prematurely released online, condemning Gunn's latest offering as "the Final Nail in the Grave for the Superhero Genre." The scathing critique lambasted the convoluted script, poor character development, and plot filled with "fanciful nonsense" that renders the entire affair superficial and silly.
The reviewer also took aim at Corenswet's portrayal of Superman, dismissing it as a woke checklist of cringeworthy cliches. According to them, the superhero is no longer the brooding Snyder-ian Christ figure but instead a sweet and sincere do-gooder who uses colloquialisms like "dude" and saves squirrels from harm.
The Daily Beast's review was not an isolated incident, with many critics agreeing that Superman '25 is a mess. Reviewer Scott Menzel wrote on X: "James Gunn's Superman feels like he tossed every Superman comic and his entire filmography into a blender and hit purée." While Menzel admits it's a mess, narratively and tonally, he praises the film's entertainment value, comparing it to a fusion of James Gunn's Suicide Squad and James Wan's Aquaman with a dash of Guardians of the Galaxy.
On the other hand, Variety reporter Peter Debruge took a swipe at the film while reviewing another release, Heads Of State. He commented positively on the chemistry between leading men Idris Elba and John Cena but poked fun at Superman, describing it as "no sillier than Superman" - an insult that left some fans seething.
However, not everyone shares these sentiments. The Sunday Times offered a glowing review of the film, hailing it as "a triumph." They praised the new take on Superman, stating: "This is the film the character deserves... After a long wait, this is the reboot we needed."
Gunn has been vocal about his vision for the franchise, insisting that the current social and political climate calls for heroes with positive values. He believes that people are looking for goodness, decency, and authenticity, and Superman embodies these qualities.
The film's leading man, David Corenswet, seems to have won over some fans, with one enthusiastic reviewer writing: "David Corenswet was born to play Superman." Another fan praised the film's positive message, stating: "#Superman made me so damn happy... The movie is loaded with exhilarating action set pieces and well-placed humor and levity, but the beating heart of the film is Superman's humanity."
However, it seems like this might be a case of "hype vs. reality." Will Superman '25 live up to its promises or will it join the ranks of other disappointing reboots? Only time (and box office numbers) will tell.
Gunn's Response:
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Gunn insisted that his vision for the franchise is centered around positive values and authenticity. When asked about criticism that Superman '25 leans too heavily on woke sensibilities, he replied: "People are looking for heroes right now... They are looking for values of goodness, looking for people who are good and decent human beings."
Gunn's response highlights the tension between artistic vision and commercial appeal. While some fans appreciate his commitment to positive values, others feel that it dilutes the essence of the character.
The Verdict:
Superman '25 is a film that promises much but delivers little. With its convoluted script, poor character development, and plot filled with "fanciful nonsense," it's clear that this might be a franchise on life support. While Gunn's vision for the character is admirable, it seems like he has sacrificed some of Superman's iconic qualities in pursuit of positive values.
Will fans rally behind the film or will they abandon ship? Only time will tell. One thing is certain: this reboot has set off a firestorm that threatens to engulf the franchise altogether.
Sources:
- The Scholarly Note: A review by their critic, which was prematurely released online.
- Scott Menzel's review on X
- Peter Debruge's review in Variety
- The Sunday Times' glowing review of the film
