James Gunn's SUPERMAN... the best person in the room.

I finally got around to watching the new Superman movie. I’ll have to confess to skipping most comic book related television shows and movies for some time. I suppose that makes me an unfaithful comic book writer. But even if the big studios suggest that comic book movie fatigue isn’t real, I, for damn sure believe it is and furthermore that I have it. I’m exhausted with these unnecessarily complex intertwining narratives and “by the numbers” plots. I feel like the wizard isn’t even hiding behind the curtains anymore while he force feeds us blatant consumerism. In an age when we’re not sure what a superhero is anymore… an icon from 1938 enters the scene to inspire us to be better. A super… man.

I once took an online comic book writing class with the Kubert School of Arts. The instructor was an industry professional, Sholly Fisch. He told a story about being on a panel for a comic convention and the topic of Superman came up. When his opportunity to tell the audience who he thought Superman was, he said something to effect of, “No matter what room Superman is in… he is the best person in that room.” Apparently, his answer had a positive effect, reaching the legendary comic book writer Grant Morrison who hand selected Sholly to write backup stories for his famous “new 52” Superman run. While the story stuck with me, I didn’t agree with him. That wasn’t “my” Superman. I’m a child of the 90’s, the age of attitude, too punk rock for a square like Superman. We had the privilege of watching Henry Cavill play a much darker Superman in recent years and that was definitely more my type of troubled hero. However, when I exited the theater with my two daughters the first thought was the memory of Sholly Fisch’s Superman. The best person in the room no matter what room he was in.

A Superman story that contrasts with this, is a personal favorite graphic novel titled Kingdom Come, where a jaded Superman has retired, disappearing far away from all the human drama. Decades later he returns to corral a new metahuman population that is out of control. Just as I don’t want to spoil the Superman movie I also do not wish to spoil Kingdom Come, but in the end Superman is chastised by an entity that has been witnessing the events unfold. This character tells Superman that his mistake has been making the “Super” more important than the “Man,” and that Clarks greatest strength has always been his humanity. The theme of Superman’s humanity is the thread that holds Gunn’s movie together. Yes, Kal El is an orphaned baby from the doomed planet Krypton. Yes, he is foundationally superior to every one of us. But the fact that he was raised to be a good human… THAT is what actually makes him super.

So… to the actual movie review. James Gunn’s Superman wastes no time diving into the story, respecting his audience’s time and intelligence. We didn’t need Superman’s origin. This is important because the new Superman movie covers a LOT of ground. While there are several characters and plot points going on, Gunn masterfully allows everyone a moment to shine. But this isn’t just a testament to Gunn’s skill. It I also indicative of his Superman. A Superman that inspires and makes everyone around him better. While this Superman is the best person in the room, it is never at the expense of the others he shares the room with.

 I genuinely enjoyed this movie. I believe it is the best superhero movie I’ve seen in years. While the movie was a quintessential James Gunn film, I appreciate that he held back on the quips and jokes some. If you are a James Gunn fan, don’t worry… there are still plenty. There were some amazing side characters who stole the show several times. Lex Luthor’s actor displayed a phenomenal range of emotions in an excellent performance. While the movie is guilty of some basic conceptually impractical scenarios, as it is still a superhero movie, I left the theater optimistic and hopeful. And in an entertainment atmosphere over saturated with superheroes, Superman shows us what being a hero is all about. I hope that Sholly Fisch enjoyed the movie as much as I did.

I give Superman… 5 “Maybe that’s the real punk rock”s out of 5.

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