Superman SPOILER Review Thread (NO TAGS NECESSARY)

[MAN O STEEL]

One thing that happened that kinda confused me I'm hoping someone might be able to help me understand better. During the part where ultramarine is gonna land another blow on superman. Supes smiles and says 'Brain beats Braun'. Umm what about whistling for Krypto to come save him is brain beats Braun?

I was expecting something clever to happen that even luthor hadn't thought of where Superman outsmarted him, but nope.

However I did love Superman turning to Ultraman and saying 'Sorry chump'. Great bit of cocky Sass reminiscent of Spiderman lol

 

[flickchick85]

One thing that happened that kinda confused me I'm hoping someone might be able to help me understand better. During the part where ultramarine is gonna land another blow on superman. Supes smiles and says 'Brain beats Braun'. Umm what about whistling for Krypto to come save him is brain beats Braun?

I was expecting something clever to happen that even luthor hadn't thought of where Superman outsmarted him, but nope.

However I did love Superman turning to Ultraman and saying 'Sorry chump'. Great bit of cocky Sass reminiscent of Spiderman lol

I believe the line was "Sorry, chum." Which is a such a Golden Age-sounding line, I loved it so much.

As for the brains beating brawn, he called Krypto because he realized (thanks to "1A, 1A, 1A!") that Ultraman was getting all his moves from Luthor, and therefore knew immediately that taking out the cameras makes Ultraman useless. "Krypto, get the toy." That was smart, and that's why he said that.

That said, I feel like his best moment in terms of "brains over brawn" was the way he defeated The Engineer.

 

[MAN O STEEL]

I believe the line was "Sorry, chum." Which is a such a Golden Age-sounding line, I loved it so much.

As for the brains beating brawn, he called Krypto because he realized (thanks to "1A, 1A, 1A!") that Ultraman was getting all his moves from Luthor, and therefore knew immediately that taking out the cameras makes Ultraman useless. "Krypto, get the toy." That was smart, and that's why he said that.

That said, I feel like his best moment in terms of "brains over brawn" was the way he defeated The Engineer.

But Superman could have easily taken out those cameras far quicker with his heat vision while ducking hits from ultraman. Making it a far more uplifting moment. Didn't need the dog for that.

Oh didn't realise he said chum. Could have sworn it was chump. Either way that's awesome

 

[flickchick85]

But Superman could have easily taken out those cameras far quicker with his heat vision while ducking hits from ultraman. Making it a far more uplifting moment. Didn't need the dog for that.

Not based on the cheers that moment got from audiences I saw it with. The dog was a huge hit, especially there.

Also, it gave Supes a chance to recover/regroup - he'd just taken quite the beating, and he was getting ready to dish it back out.

 

[Charzhin0]

Lex Luthor is a billionaire with a massive empire that he worked his whole life to build. That stuff goes away, those assets get frozen, and your reputation is gone for good if you don’t play by the laws of mankind (or at least put up appearances that you are). The man wants more than anything to be popular. He wanted to be king of a country ffs. He wants the people to love him and hate Superman. That’s like, his entire state of being. He’s not worried about “human threats.” He’s worried about being seen as the savior of mankind that he fully believes he is. You don’t get there by publicly being like “f*** the police.”

Ok where is any of that explained or shown in the movie?

 

[GreenKToo]

I had a few nitpicks that kept it from being a perfect film.

The kents. Sorry, but i just didn't care for them, or their "farm". I didn't hate em, but i didn't particularly like them either.

No shirt rip. We have waited forever for that epic moment, and we're still waiting. I thought for sure Gunn would have given us that.

When Some of the scenes cut away, it would instantly be hours later. That was kinda jarring.

Needed more DP. Perry was barely there.

The score. Loved some.of it, didn't care for some of it.

Needed more of hawkgirl. I didn't see enough of her to care if she's back or not.

7.5 maybe a 8.

 

[Caped Crusader]

Absolutely loved Superman - very refreshing to watch.

 

[MAN O STEEL]

I had a few nitpicks that kept it from being a perfect film.

The kents. Sorry, but i just didn't care for them, or their "farm". I didn't hate em, but i didn't particularly like them either.

No shirt rip. We have waited forever for that epic moment, and we're still waiting. I thought for sure Gunn would have given us that.

When Some of the scenes cut away, it would instantly be hours later. That was kinda jarring.

Needed more DP. Perry was barely there.

The score. Loved some.of it, didn't care for some of it.

Needed more of hawkgirl. I didn't see enough of her to care if she's back or not.

7.5 maybe a 8.

Need more clarification on what you didn't like about the Kent's. Why farm was put in quotes like it wasn't a farm when in this day and age that's what farms look like, makes little sense.

I agree with the shirt rip. Perfect time for one as I've stated before was before Superman heads off to stop the giant kaiju, rather than just cutting to the dog stomp scene which felt jarring to me.

The cutting I also agree, hence my thought above

Needed more planet scenes absolutely however I think I may be the only one who thought the actor for Perry was absolutely atrocious. Anytime he was there the acting was below sub par. Any time he talked it felt like someone acting not being the character. Needs a recast.

I found the score quite nice, not the best but better than the repeated heavy drum beats of zimmer that I can't stand.

Needed even less Hawkgirl. Her screeching was doing my head in and I don't take a 5'0 girl seriously. Should be close to the stature of an Amazonian imo.

 

[GreenKToo]

Need more clarification on what you didn't like about the Kent's. Why farm was put in quotes like it wasn't a farm when in this day and age that's what farms look like, makes little sense.

I agree with the shirt rip. Perfect time for one as I've stated before was before Superman heads off to stop the giant kaiju, rather than just cutting to the dog stomp scene which felt jarring to me.

The cutting I also agree, hence my thought above

Needed more planet scenes absolutely however I think I may be the only one who thought the actor for Perry was absolutely atrocious. Anytime he was there the acting was below sub par. Any time he talked it felt like someone acting not being the character. Needs a recast.

I found the score quite nice, not the best but better than the repeated heavy drum beats of zimmer that I can't stand.

Needed even less Hawkgirl. Her screeching was doing my head in and I don't take a 5'0 girl seriously. Should be close to the stature of an Amazonian imo.

The farms? It makes a perfect sense. Where I live, no farms look like that.
They look like well, farm houses.
That home, while nothing is wrong with it, looks like any typical house on any street u.s.a. ( but really, that's just a nitpick, it's not a major complaint )

The kents tho, that was my least favorite part of the film.
I just didn't buy that these kents
( especially martha ) could raise and handle a superpowerd baby, then teen.

The hawkgirl screeching was weird. Lol. I hadn't really thought about it.

 

[dhandler01]

But Superman could have easily taken out those cameras far quicker with his heat vision while ducking hits from ultraman. Making it a far more uplifting moment. Didn't need the dog for that.

Oh didn't realise he said chum. Could have sworn it was chump. Either way that's awesome

Its not just the cameras, it is the fact that the dog is a variable Luthor hadn't figured into the equation (1A, 1A, 1A...etc) and Ultraman had no counter for. Superman in that moment outmaneuvered Lex.

Plus it can be played backwards as well...Lex said he would win because Brain beats Brawn but Brawn was about to beat Brain.

 

[dhandler01]

Ok where is any of that explained or shown in the movie?

Lois Lane literally says it on the way to Terrific's Ship with the DP staff as she and Jimmy are explaining the story to Perry. His fans think he is going to bring about Utopia in desert...he is basically Elon Musk only with actual genius level brainpower.

And when even his staff is telling him to shut the rift down he wont relent. He wants people to suffer and die because they chose him (i.e. Superman) as their savior not Lex.

Lex makes it pretty clear he wants the government to sanction his actions with Superman because he is a "threat". The Secretary of Defense even mentions how Superman is popular (and Lex mentions social media) so it won't go over well. Lex needed a situation Superman couldn't refuse to help with while he got the dirt and turned the public on Superman. He needed the hit sanctioned and he needed Superman gone so he could be the hero of Earth. That is part of his Bond Villain rant...

 

[dhandler01]

The farms? It makes a perfect sense. Where I live, no farms look like that.
They look like well, farm houses.
That home, while nothing is wrong with it, looks like any typical house on any street u.s.a. ( but really, that's just a nitpick, it's not a major complaint )

The kents tho, that was my least favorite part of the film.
I just didn't buy that these kents
( especially martha ) could raise and handle a superpowerd baby, then teen.

The hawkgirl screeching was weird. Lol. I hadn't really thought about it.

That is what farms look like around here for the most part...unless they are super old and broken down.

 

[Tra-El]

Lois Lane literally says it on the way to Terrific's Ship with the DP staff as she and Jimmy are explaining the story to Perry. His fans think he is going to bring about Utopia in desert...he is basically Elon Musk only with actual genius level brainpower.

And when even his staff is telling him to shut the rift down he wont relent. He wants people to suffer and die because they chose him (i.e. Superman) as their savior not Lex.

Lex makes it pretty clear he wants the government to sanction his actions with Superman because he is a "threat". The Secretary of Defense even mentions how Superman is popular (and Lex mentions social media) so it won't go over well. Lex needed a situation Superman couldn't refuse to help with while he got the dirt and turned the public on Superman. He needed the hit sanctioned and he needed Superman gone so he could be the hero of Earth. That is part of his Bond Villain rant...

Perfectly worded

 

[InCali]

I thought I was going to like the Superman movie, but liked it even more than I thought I would. It's a well kept secret that I am a dog lover and, for me, Krypto was the star. He reminded me of my dog, Clyde Einstein. Whenever I've been away for any length of time and come home, he gets on his hind legs, grabs my hand in his mouth, and tries, often not so gently, to pull me down on the floor so we can be on the same level. Then he insists on licking my face.

Here's a pic I took of him years ago. It was raining, I got him a rain jacket, and had an inspiration.

(Also posting to the SHH Community Forum)

 

[InCali]

It occurred to me while I was watching the movie that at least a couple of words that are (somewhat) commonly used in the English lexicon originated from the Superman comics.

The words that come to mind are "kryptonite" and "brainiac". I'm sure there are more associated with comics, but I can't think of any offhand.

 

[Avenging Angel]

I've dropped a few cast reviews, but here's my movie one.

It was a really fun film to watch. Going into it, I wasn't expecting much with Gunn saying that he didn't "get" the character, so I remained skeptical, but open-minded.

I didn't care if he said that or not, at least he was honest about his insecurities with the character.

I will watch it a second time because I feel like I just want to enjoy myself at the movies like I used to, which I did here.

I'm not a huge fan of making Superman serious. That being said, he was serious in this, but not over the top. He lements, but that's what makes him relatable, he's raised around the human race, so he has adapted their ways and traits.

The other films, minus Smallville's take on Clark Kent's persona, don't capture this well. They've made him stiff, overtly stoic, and a cardboard cutout.

I'm not big on Superman being dark because he isn't a dark character. He's meant to be a beacon of hope and light for doing and being good to humanity. The movie gave me that. I appreciate seeing color, too. Finally, Superman has color again. Of course, being a dog person, Krypto.

Are those lore problems? Yes. Are there campy scenes that made me laugh? Yeah, that's Gunn, too, those are overlooked.

Was there good vs. evil? Yes. Did Superman use his powers to save everyday people and animals? Absolutely. Was David Corenswet perfectly cast? I would say so.

So many moments in the movie made me scream out, "That's Superman." Not many versions have done that.

They pinned the essence of the character down that the other films never did. They brought out Superman's humanity. He felt real, that's what I connected with. I'm curious where they're going to take the character from here.

They can go anywhere with the future stories. The tone was correct. We're getting away from what doesn't work. So many past versions have turned me off to caring about the character, but now, like the fundamental essence of who Superman truly is, I have hope again. That's what he represents.

 

[Venom 1988]

"brainiac"

Wow is that true? I had no idea lol.

 

[Gu3ree]

MY REVIEW:

I've watched the film three times now. Looks like I'm seeing it again next Sunday with a friend. It's been hard to process my thoughts. I'm not much for the 'good and bad' style review, so this is just standard.

The film was very enjoyable. There was not really a dull moment and it was thoroughly entertaining. That's not to say that I didn't have some disappointments. As much content as the film had, it was still kind of underwhelming. One simple solution for the film I think would have worked is: make it longer.

Because I thought this film was 2 hours, TOO SHORT. Underdeveloped with a very rushed plot. It doesn't compare to Man of Steel even though that film also had a very rushed plot, but I don't want to talk about Man of Steel again nor compare it, because let's face it, they're not remotely the same, and I'm tired of talking about Man of Steel.

I thought the beginning was a very good opening to the film. I think it was wise to not to another origin story, but I would have liked to have at least a little backstory. Superman could have used more scenes for sure, but not compared to the other supporting characters that I felt were left out. Perry could have had more scenes. Even Jimmy. One thing I noticed about 'Superman Returns' even though I didn't like that movie, it took time with their characters and they all had enough screen time. Lois, Perry, Jimmy, Lex and even Richard. That was one of the few things Singer did right.

Superman and Lois have enough screen time in the new movie, yet even so, they could have used a little more. In fact almost every character could have. Thinking of it, Jimmy could have had a scene with Superman. We definitely could have had more Perry. I think Mr. Terrific had more screen time than Lex. There was plenty of more time to kill, and the film could have been longer.

I really enjoyed Nicholas Hoult's performance as Lex Luthor. I was a little underwhelmed that he got arrested by the end of the movie. It seems to me like we won't see any more of Luthorcorp. The plot developed so quickly. Hoult had quite a number of great scenes in the movie. He was intimidating, imposing and had a very commanding presence. But the one thing that the film lacked was his arc and backstory. If we're comic book fans, we'd like to think we know why Lex Luthor hates Superman but I wish the film could have showed us a little more backstory as to how and when he came to hate Superman and began his obsession.

It feels like we're going to possibly jump into thug Luthor immediately or Legion of Doom Luthor after this movie. I was looking forward to more Luthorcorp, but looks like we won't necessarily be getting that after this. The film could have established Lex as this billionaire philanthropist admired by the public but secretly leading a double life. I think Gunn could have showed us Lex's good side, before showing us his true nature. It is kind of a pivotal moment for the audience to know why Lex hates Superman. I found it out of character that he revealed his plan in front of everyone, and admitted to being jealous of Superman. Then again, I preferred a Lex Luthor that was a little calmer in presence. Like the animated series or even that one episode in 'Titans'. I feel like Luthor should play more on that idea that, 'Superman is an illegal immigrant and an alien that will destroy the planet' as an excuse to destroy Superman and make everyone believe that Lex is the hero.

I have seen many reviewers say they wish the film could have had more slower moments. I agree.

Wendell Pierce was really good as Perry White, but he seemed to have the least amount of screen time.

I thought Rachel Brosnahan killed it as Lois Lane. I was a little taken back by her "I'm not good at relationships" or "I knew this would never work" line though. Amy Adams wasn't Lois to me. Then again I realized, Brosnahan didn't really seem that funny. We haven't seen her use combat either.

Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy-nailed it. No complaints. Being freckled was a bonus. I wasn't sure what to think of his so-called relationship with Eve. I felt bad for her.

David Corenswet is good as Superman. He made Superman gentle and kind. He cared for people as well as animals. Probably the most human Superman we've ever had. People complained about him being too emotional before the movie even came out. This take on Superman seems the most naive compared to past iterations. The only part I felt was a little cheesy was Superman's monologue "That is where you have always been wrong about me! I'm human. I cry. I get scared. I make mistakes." It was a little cringe. I didn't feel that scene was really earned enough either since Superman and Lex only had a few scenes together. Going into the next film, I hope we see a more commanding presence of Superman. Reeve had the self-confidence and commanding presence of the character. I kind of felt that was missing from Corenswet.

I was pretty shocked by Kal-El's biological parents being evil. I didn't learn until recently that this was done in the comics. I remember in Smallville, they did that too, but gradually that actually changed. I wish Gunn didn't go that route.

But the biggest problem for me in the movie was how the main plot of Luthor trying to frame Superman started way too early in the film.

I wish there had been a set-up for Superman and Lex Luthor's antagonism. As Gunn put it, the film starts in the middle of the action, and he meant that. I still would have advocated for a little backstory mostly with Luthor. Maybe a little more romance with Superman and Lois. Taking her flying or going somewhere for a picnic. Or Lex could have thrown a ceremony or expo to announce his program Planet Watch, with Clark Kent, Jimmy and Lois there to report. That might have been a better intro to Lex Luthor in my opinion.

The pocket dimension was interesting but the escape sequence should have been saved closer toward the climax. I could have gone without the anti-proton river scene. It felt like the beginning of the ending to the movie started right after the Kaiju was defeated. Because after watching that scene, you kind of knew that there wasn't that much left to see from this movie for the remaining 50 minutes or so. It was going to jump right into the climax. I just wish the film had been longer.

I don't want to bring up Man of Steel again, but one issue I had was how the climax technically began in the middle of the movie, and I wish Clark had announced himself to Superman before Zod showed up.

I liked the Justice Gang, but I hope that means they're eventually going to get the name "Justice League". I liked Guy Gardner. I like Mr. Terrific. Hawkgirl was meh. Did she scream like a hawk in the comics? Those were the only moments that felt off for me when it came to this character.

Tonally, this film feels more kid-friendly. Even the Donner Superman films were more serious by comparison.

As for Krypto. I like him but I wish he had more development or he could have learned to be a better dog gradually throughout the course of the film.

I didn't like Kara's scene or the way she acted. I was expecting to see her in the after credits. It would have been nice if they didn't spoil the shot of Superman and Krypto looking at Earth on the moon.

Talking about visual effects, I think one of the best flying scenes happened to be when Superman was flying into the sky with Ultraman and the Engineer chasing him, but Superman just happened to have his face covered in the black nano-bytes from Engineer. Disappointing. Apart from that, that flying shot looked so real. I don't mind a few wide-angle shots of flying, but I hope Gunn goes for a more formal approach next time.

I felt like Ultraman/Bizarro was kind of mistake. I would have preferred a proper Bizarro in costume fight with Superman. Or a plot where Lex uses Bizarro to frame Superman to make everyone think Superman is the villain.

I was a little disappointed in the soundtrack. I would have preferred hearing the John Williams theme in full force. Among all the adaptations of the John Williams Superman theme, this one was my least favorite, but I did like the Luthorcorp/Lex Luthor score.

Superman saving a squirrel and making sure civilians were okay (while battling the Kaiju) were highlights. That was Superman to me. A very enjoyable film, but pretty short. I hope the suit gets a slight adjustment. If I'm being honest though, I think Guardians of the Galaxy is a better film. Superman could have been 20 minutes longer. I think it's a good start to the DC universe, and hope to see more of Superman in the future.

7/10

 

[AntonGobbs89]

I had a question, can’t Luthor also be convicted for killing Malik since he did it front of a bunch of witnesses that are now free?

 

[DyeLorean]

It was a really fun film to watch. Going into it, I wasn't expecting much with Gunn saying that he didn't "get" the character, so I remained skeptical, but open-minded.

I didn't care if he said that or not, at least he was honest about his insecurities with the character.

Didn't he say that about Thor? I don't think he ever said that about Superman.

 

[Kahran Ramsus]

I had some trouble getting into it. Gunn plays the opening too much for humor and it wasn't very funny. Fortunately, it does improve substantially from a slow start. It starts picking up around the time of the Lois/Clark interview at her place. Corenswet is a good Superman and a big step up over Cavill. Far more charming and charismatic. I didn't like it as much as either the Donner Superman or Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy, but I did end up having a good time and it was a definitely improvement over Man of Steel and Superman Returns.

7/10

 

[InCali]

I had some trouble getting into it. Gunn plays the opening too much for humor and it wasn't very funny. Fortunately, it does improve substantially from a slow start. It starts picking up around the time of the Lois/Clark interview at her place. Corenswet is a good Superman and a big step up over Cavill. Far more charming and charismatic. I didn't like it as much as either the Donner Superman or Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy, but I did end up having a good time and it was a definitely improvement over Man of Steel and Superman Returns.

7/10

There was one moment where I, and several others, laughed out loud. It was about halfway through the movie. I swore I wouldn't forget that scene and now I'm damned.....any salvation out there?

 

[BobJM]

Its not just the cameras, it is the fact that the dog is a variable Luthor hadn't figured into the equation (1A, 1A, 1A...etc) and Ultraman had no counter for. Superman in that moment outmaneuvered Lex.

Plus it can be played backwards as well...Lex said he would win because Brain beats Brawn but Brawn was about to beat Brain.

That’s the way I took it; Lex thinks he’s so smart but he’s about to be beat by a bad dog and Superman knows it. All he has to do is whistle.

So Superman smirks/laughs (I forget) at Lex’s arrogance in that moment & repeats the line back.

 

[InCali]

I thought I was going to like the Superman movie, but liked it even more than I thought I would. It's a well kept secret that I am a dog lover and, for me, Krypto was the star. He reminded me of my dog, Clyde Einstein. Whenever I've been away for any length of time and come home, he gets on his hind legs, grabs my hand in his mouth, and tries, often not so gently, to pull me down on the floor so we can be on the same level. Then he insists on licking my face.

Here's a pic I took of him years ago. It was raining, I got him a rain jacket, and had an inspiration.

(Also posting to the SHH Community Forum)

View attachment 141757

BTW, as cute as he is, Clyde Einstein is a BAD DOG. He's SO bad that he thinks "bad dog" is his other name. He got this name several years ago after I gave him a bath and a blow dry. The first thing he did was run outside, roll in the dirt, and pick a fight with his brother, Louie Bear.

 

[Kahran Ramsus]

One other thing I didn't like is that there seemed to be an awful lot of awkward closeups that I found off-putting. You don't need to shoot up the actors noses, James.