Basement Whatever

The comic book writer Grant Morrison understood that if you get to tell a Superman story, you’ve been entrusted with global symbols of justice and kindness and goodness which are important to people. He understood this power, and when he had the opportunity to write Superman, he bucked every existing trend (and his own ouevre), returning Superman to the ultimate paragon of virtue.

Like Grant Morrison, James Gunn understands the power of the Superman symbol. He treats this symbol with respect for its power to elevate others, creating a movie where Superman understands that— in his own words — kindness is punk rock. Kindness is the true act of defiance against a cynical, treacherous world.

Zach Snyder most definitely did not get it. He tarnished the symbol, creating a darker Superman for reasons that never made sense, were never entertaining, and which wasted the talents of Henry Cavill. So it’s refreshing to see – and hope – that this marks a return to symbols and a franchise that inspires rather than drains, that shows real people rather than marketable archetypes, and that stands on its own morality rather than mirroring whatever is most politically advantageous at any given moment.

More: The cameos are extraordinary, the actors playing Lex Luthor and Mr. Terrific turn in amazing, super watchable, A+ work. James Gunn makes Hawkgirl a badass, dials Guy Gardner up to ten, treats Lois Lane like the competent professional she is, and keeps Jimmy Olsen interesting. And in an amazing, beautiful detail, James Gunn makes Clark’s parents real, not flannel-wearing Abercrombie models. They’re normal, they’re pre-diabetic, and they’re not gorgeous or eloquent or filled with endless reservoirs of wisdom — what they are is honest and good and they hold Clark to the highest standards, expecting him to meet those standards of human decency no matter how powerful he is. 

Are there plot holes? Yes, totally. Could the script use a little more tightening? Yep. Do the fight scenes need a bit more tension? Sure. But no one cares, because this is fun, it heals through inspiration and man oh man does it set up the potential for a great DC Universe. Marvel better watch out.