I've been hearing about superhero fatigue for a long time now. I'll admit that even I, someone who loves superhero comics, have certainly been feeling it. The MCU hasn't really been bringing out as many big hits since Endgame, but most people reading this probably know that. While I don't get to the theater as often as I'd like to in recent years, I did make an exception for two films. As the title suggests, these were indeed James Gunn's Superman and the newest take on The Fantastic Four. Could 2025 be the best year for superhero movies since the 2010s? Yes, I would think so.
Obviously, this doesn't necessarily mean I would consider either film to be among the greatest superhero movies ever made or anything, or does it? No, probably not, but I tend to be reflective in most aspects of my life, including movies. The impact and longevity of any piece of art are most evident over time. Ah, but am I saying these films have true artistry? Well, of course, I'm being silly. (I've had a long day, so I apologize for the stream of consciousness format)
I've given some time to consider these films, let them leave my mind, and then revisit them, because that's how I roll. I like to detach myself from the initial hype, gripes, and buzz to give my most well-rounded opinion, hence why this might seem to be a less optimum time to transcribe this, but here we are. In short, I really liked both movies. I'm tempted to say I loved them or at least aspects of them, but I will resist stating this upon giving both movies an eventual rewatch at some point. If you don't wish to read further, my recommendation is this: If you like either property, they are both probably worth a watch.
Ah, but what did you really think, Joe? Don't dance around it. Um, well, let's start with Superman, since I saw that one first.
For quite some time, I have been hoping for a Superman movie that is bright, colorful, and fun. It seems like we haven't really had one since the Christopher Reeve era. Well, I got what I wanted. I had a feeling, like many people, that James Gunn would be a good choice for director. He created one of my favorite Marvel films, Guardians of the Galaxy, turning a pretty obscure group of characters into some of the medium's most popular and recognizable. It's funny, I used to say how amazing it was to me that Iron Man became an A-list, but back in 2008 I had never even heard of Star-Lord or Groot. I still think it was an amazing feat. Hats off to all on the project.
The same thing can be said for Suicide Squad (the Gunn version, of course), which honestly could be my go-to example of a perfect superhero movie. It retained much of the silliness of the source material (the comic aka fun stuff) while still maintaining a serious enough story with solid characters. It got the balance right.
I don't think Superman pulled this off to the same extent, but I also believe it was trying to handle some heavier material while juggling several other major plot elements. Really, it succeeded, just not in the same way as Suicide Squad or Guardians. Oddly, it might be Gunn's penchant for ensembles or the continuous need to shoehorn in other characters to expand the franchise, but it was funny that in the Superman movie, Mr. Terrific had the coolest moments. I mean, he was terrific, so I'm not complaining. It is still Big Blue's movie for sure, but it was almost distracting. Almost. Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, what's not to like there?
Superman himself was great, bringing with him some of the themes of the Snyderverse but at his most wholesome and Golden Agey self. I found it refreshing in that this film, more than any other, really leans into the quintessential salt-of-the-earth nature of Clark Kent. It reminded me of the Jeph Loeb/Tim Sale story, Superman for All Seasons, harkening back to these classic roots of the man who grew up on a midwestern farm with a simple and honest view of things. I found the charm worked, not feeling too nostalgic, and functioned as a great anthesis to the high-tech corporate cynicism of Luthor's company.
That was also something new the movie brought to the table, Lex Luthor's hate and mistrust isn't enough. He has a whole company of people united in taking down Superman. You kind of respect it. They aren't really evil, just doing what they think is right in a situation they don't fully understand. On the surface, it seemed simple, but it's actually rather nuanced and realistic. It also presents Luthor as charismatic enough to lead people without fear, something I don't think I've seen before. Fundamentally, though, he is still classic Luthor.
It was a really good viewing experience, with the runtime not on my mind at all. I think the twist of sorts with Kal El's parents might rub some people the wrong way. I can certainly understand it if it does, but the core of the character has always been his human parents anyway, so I don't see any irreparable damage. Even so, it probably wasn't necessary, but at least it was bold and fit with the theme of the narrative. I would watch it again!
Oh man, Stan Lee's first superhero team has not had a great movie run. I can't really say that I've ever been a big fan of these characters inside or outside of the comics, but I've always appreciated them. So I guess that's why I have been hoping (ever since they were acquired from Fox) that this team would reignite the spark of the MCU, which has been waning since the departure of Downey Jr.'s Iron Man. While I can safely say my hope hasn't been fully restored in the MCU, I found this movie, much like Superman, to be very, very refreshing.
What do I mean by that? Honestly, it's all about style with this one. It went all retrofuturist classic sci-fi and I was here for it. I loved the whole 1960s newsreel origin aspect. The whole way the world-building and exposition were often delivered just really worked for me. That's not all, though. You know how I said it was all about style? Well, okay, maybe it's not all about style. It's also about my other favorite thing, characters.
The key aspect of what has made this group endure (well, besides Dr. Doom and few other characters I'll mention later) is the family dynamic. Despite being superheroes, the element that sets this family apart is, naturally, the family dynamic itself. This movie really leaned into it, making it the main focus. Now, is it odd that in a superhero movie there isn't a ton of superheroing going on? Is this an issue? Hmm. Maybe, but since it was done pretty darn well, and it actually breaks the tired formula that's been established over the last two decades, so I didn't really mind at all.
That's not to say there is no adventure or super science. There certainly is, but that stuff is mostly there to elevate the meaty character elements. This cast had great chemistry and really brought it all to life.
What about Galactus?
It's pretty tough to top how well they handled Thanos (another character I didn't much care about before the MCU), but the filmmakers did a commendable job. While he might not seem quite as all-encompassing and epic a threat as he may have otherwise, by sticking to the classic era the movie is rooted in, he fits pretty darn well. Personally, I wanted more Silver Surfer, but she also sufficed.
So there you have it. Superman is better than he's been in years on the big screen and Fantastic Four is...well, good. That's pretty amazing from my perspective. While neither movie is perfect, and I'm sure some people gripe about one thing or another, I think you'd have to be looking pretty hard to twist either movie as "bad". Personally, I'm tired of all the negativity. Both these movies had heart-warming elements and added something new to the table. That seems like as good goal for a film as any other.
On that note, as we were walking out of Superman, my wife and I heard a young person exclaim, "That's the best movie I've seen in my life." I'm pretty sure this young person was a teen, probably no older than fifteen or so. While I can't say I had that experience, it was truly wonderful that is film had such a positive impact. I'm fine with it being someone's favorite movie. I think that's pretty cool.
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