James Gunn’s new Superman movie is a lot – I don’t necessarily mean that in a bad way, but it is a LOT. I feel like I’m still working through my thoughts about it. Originally I had hoped to squeeze in a second viewing before posting my review, but the timing hasn’t quite worked out. So here’s where I’ve landed with my feelings about the film, at least for right now.
I do appreciate that Gunn didn’t give us another origin story. By this point, we all know how Superman got to be Superman. However, the fact this movie drops you immediately into the action, without much prelude, was a bit jarring, at least for me. Again, I don’t think this was necessarily a wrong storytelling move; it just took me a minute to adjust.
The casting choices for the three main characters – David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman; Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane; and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor – were all spot on. Great performances all around. (Also, as a big fan of Milly Alcock’s work on House of the Dragon, I’m super hyped for her upcoming Supergirl film.)
Another thing that stood out to me was Superman’s optimism and genuine care for the people around him. He made a pointed effort to save every single life he could, both human and animal. (Minor spoiler: Superman taking time to save a squirrel was a small moment, but as an animal lover, it made a big impression on me.) I was also touched by his relationship with the Kents.
I do feel that maybe there were a few too many side characters packed into the film. I would have liked a little more time/focus placed on Clark and Lois’ relationship.
In the end, I liked this movie and enjoyed it, but I didn’t fall head over heels IN LOVE with it, like I was hoping to. But maybe that’s OK. I do think it’s a good start for the reimagined DC cinematic universe, and hopefully Gunn has more good things in store for fans.
Big Box Office, Big Dinosaurs — But a Script That Comes Up Short
Thoughts on Jurassic World: Rebirth
One thing that isn’t up for debate – Jurassic World: Rebirth did really, really well at the box office. It pulled in an impressive $147 million domestically over the Fourth of July weekend.
This is a big win for the movie theater industry, which I feel is still struggling to regain its footing in a post-COVID world. And personally, I will always be happy to see big dinosaurs on the big screen.
Still, I walked away with mixed feelings about Jurassic World: Rebirth, and I’ve been sorting through my thoughts in the days since watching this movie.
What I liked: I appreciate that the scope of this story was scaled down; it is in no way as bloated and overblown as the disappointing Jurassic World: Dominion. With Rebirth, the film makers are obviously trying to hearken back to the much-loved original. This time, the entire world isn’t in peril; it’s just a group of people, trapped on an island with dangerous dinos. Also, as a fan of Bridgerton, I will never complain about watching Jonathan Bailey in a blockbuster.
What I didn’t like: The screenplay feels more like a rough draft than a finished product. The plot is divided into two main storylines focusing on two different groups: (1) the professional crew traveling to the island to collect samples, and (2) a family that ends up marooned on this same island. Neither story was bad, per se; however, jumping back and forth so often made the overall film too disjointed. The film did feature some attempts to add depth and backstories to the characters, but the effort felt more awkward than authentic.
Ultimately, this movie was a step in the right direction for the franchise, but for such a big budget blockbuster, more care should have been given to the script. Also, this film did not give Jonathan Bailey nearly enough screen time. (Minor spoiler: I did enjoy seeing a T-Rex, and was caught off guard by it swimming. I’m not sure if a swimming T-Rex is accurate or not, but it sure looked cool.)
This Girl Group Fights Evil — and Drops Bangers While Doing It
Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters is a delight
Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters is one of those streaming movies that I wish was also released in theaters, because I absolutely would have paid to watch it on the big screen.
I would say I only have a beginner level of knowledge about the global phenomenon of KPop, but prior expertise isn’t necessary to enjoy this very fun and colorful movie about a KPop girl group that moonlights as supernatural demon hunters.
This film has a similar animation style (and delightfully frenetic energy) as Into the Spider-Verse. It also has a soundtrack that, as the kids say, absolutely slaps.
I wasn’t originally planning to watch this movie, but some family members encouraged me to give it a shot and I’m glad I did. I laughed at the humor, my daughter danced to the songs, and overall it was a really entertaining family film I’m planning to watch again.
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