Reactions: LOVED IT. The Superman I grew up reading.
Where to watch: Theaters

Every trailer the studio released had me tingling with emotion and anticipation. To say that I was expecting a lot from Superman, is an understatement. But I’ll tell you this: It delivered. I loved it so much!

Everything about this movie made me happy. I do not exaggerate when I say that I cried at least 30 times. I’d cry at big heroic moments. At moments when Superman had a crisis of faith. At simple moments when he’d fly into the sunlight. I cried when the credits started rolling because of how moved I was by the overall experience of the movie. My friend turned to me when the movie was over and started to say something about Krypto. All I could mutter through my choked up voice was, “Sorry. Crying. Can’t talk.” This movie moved me every bit as much as the trailers did. For me, it was a perfect Superman.

I’ll start with the fact that Superman is fallible. He doesn’t win every time. He makes mistakes in his efforts to right. He’s also the Kansas boy goody two shoes that I loved reading growing up. This sense of naive goodness really makes the character come to life in a more positive light than the dark and gloomy Snyderverse Superman. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Henry Cavill as Superman. But James Gunn’s and David Corenswet’s version of the character just feels more authentic.

And let’s be real: Krypto steals the show. He’s an agent of chaotic good, often saving the day but leaving a path of puppy-destruction in his wake. I loved this fresh and playful portrayal of Superman’s best friend.

I also loved Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. The most perfect performance of the character that I’ve ever seen. Gene Hackman’s Luthor was too silly. Kevin Spacey’s version was closer to the comics, but I’d argue he was too bent on wealth (land) accumulation in that movie. Eisenberg’s Luthor fell flat for me. Where Gunn’s and Hoult’s Luthor really shines is that his brilliance is his “super” power. He’s able to beat Superman by outthinking him. THAT is truly Lex Luthor.

Rachel Brosnahan is the best Lois Lane we’ve seen since Margo Kidder. I still hold that Margo Kidder was the best Lois Lane ever. But Brosnahan’s Lois is just as feisty, independent, and headstrong as Kidder’s. And I really appreciate that Gunn never made her the “damsel in distress” that every other Superman movie has done with Lois’s character.

I also loved the storyline of Superman being cast as an evil alien. In the end he makes a speech about being human, with all its successes and failures. And how he just tries to make the world a little bit better. Obviously my waterworks were gushing at that scene. But it’s also such a powerful and timely response to the movie’s primary crisis (Superman as evil other). Just like Superman, just because other people come to America doesn’t make them “evil other.” They’re just humans trying to live, love, and make their lives a little better.

There were a few moments I didn’t love that just felt very James Gunn bro-tastic and off tone for the movie. Notably Cat’s slow-mo titty bounce at the end. Peacemaker’s cameo was another. They felt like poor editing and directorial choices that didn’t flow with the rest of the movie’s vibe. Alas, those are probably some of the parts that a mass audience loved most.

I also hated the suit. It made Superman look so blocky. But I assume that was a choice. Just like him in his business attire looked equally blocky. I did love the cape. Loved the cape!

The few negative points I spotted were dwarfed by the overwhelming positive aspects of this movie. Also, I’m all in on David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult. These guys are hot and silly and cute in the press gauntlet. I’m already ready for the sequel.

I 1000000% recommend you go see this movie in theaters.