This newest iteration of Superman leans into the character’s campy, Silver Age era. It even squeezes a heroic heart into its overstuffed plot. But PG-13 profanity, paired with (sometimes intense) comic-book violence and suggestive dialogue, prevents Superman from being a smooth superhero adventure for families.
It’s been three years since Superman first flew over the skies of Metropolis. In that time, the citizens of that fair city have come to adore him. Defending truth and justice, the caped Kryptonian has made the world a sunnier place.
But storm clouds gather on the horizon.
Superman singlehandedly ended a war between two countries before it began, saving countless lives. But his unsanctioned interference in geopolitics has the U.S. Government looking at him sideways, unsure if their interests truly align.
Even if he saved lives—as ace reporter and Supes’ significant other, Lois Lane, tells him—there will be repercussions for his actions.
Someone who requires no provocation to despise Superman is Lex Luthor. Forget this extraterrestrial outsider, he says: Lex thinks the people of Earth should reserve their adulation for one of their own (why not him?). Lex wants the world to see this “Man of Steel” as he does—an interloper whose very presence weakens humanity.
And Lex hasn’t been idle. Ever since Superman arrived on the scene, Lex has dedicated the full force of his Machiavellian mind to causing his rival’s downfall … and now, he has all he needs to do so.
Can Superman stay true to his virtuous convictions as Lex turns the tide of public opinion against him?
Superman has super strength, super speed, flight, X-ray vision and more powers besides. But those are little use against Luthor’s media machine. No, in the end, his greatest strength might just be his humanity.
Actor David Corenswet delivers a heroic Superman that is unabashed, sincere and easy to root for. This Man of Steel is powerful but not invincible. (And no, I’m not only referencing the character’s vulnerability to kryptonite.) As such, Superman’s deeds feel more selfless, more heroic, when he puts himself in harm’s way to protect others. Even in the heat of battle, his concern is to minimize or outright prevent collateral damage, and we see him save several people. And though his abilities could garner him great power and influence, he chooses instead to “serve humanity and help the world be a better place.”
We are given the impression that much of Superman’s goodness and moral compass was cultivated by his adoptive human parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent. When Superman doubts himself and his identity, Jonathan gives him loving advice and encouragement.
Lois, Jimmy Olsen and others from the Daily Planet work to exonerate Superman from false accusations. Other superheroes step up to defend the world from evildoers. Superman cares for animals, including a super dog called Krypto—and Krypto helps Superman out on several occasions.
The film opens with some script referring to an era of “gods and monsters.” A superhero says that his colleagues are “of the cloth,” by which he means they all wear costumes. One person is referred to as a “choir boy,” and another character chides someone by saying, “Ye of little faith.”
Superman and Lois Lane are three months into a romantic relationship. They share some passionate kisses and are said to be “hooking up.”
Lex accuses Superman of putting on a nice guy routine to “groom” the people of Earth into becoming subject to him. It’s alleged that Superman was encouraged to take as many “wives” as possible after arriving on Earth, and Lex posits the idea that the Man of Steel has a “secret harem”—and this becomes an odd running joke for the rest of the film.
Jimmy is presented as a ladies’ man, and several women ogle and flirt with him throughout the film. One woman leaps into his arms and wraps her legs around his middle, and she earlier expresses the hope that they can spend the weekend together. Other characters make suggestive comments. Women wear form-fitting clothing, some of which shows cleavage. A character is called a “hot ex” and “sexy.”
Two people proclaim their love for one another. Another pair commiserates about their romantic situations.
Superman contains plenty of comic-book action and violence but, fortunately, keeps casualties to a minimum. We can thank Superman himself for this, who works hard to prevent needless casualties. Most imperiled people are either saved or clear of danger before any buildings start to fall.
But some moments can get intense. A few characters die. One man is threatened with a gun before being shot and killed; his death is viewed from a distance but it’s still pretty grim.
As mentioned above, Superman is not invulnerable and endures a fair bit of punishment. When we first see our hero, he crashes into the ground, bloodied and injured.
Lex imprisons his foes (even some ex-girlfriends) in a “pocket universe.” He manipulates others to do his bidding, including holding a man’s son hostage. He chucks things at those who displease him. And he risks the lives of millions (if not billions) of people to best Superman.
Superheroes and villains trade thunderous punches. One tries to suffocate another with a swarm of nanobots; though it doesn’t succeed, it’s not pleasant to watch the intended victim vomit the nanobots back up. Buildings crumble and collapse. One country invades another with tanks and soldiers. Someone has his teeth knocked out. A character’s arm is broken, and he painfully pops it back into place.
We hear that a man tortured a dog. (Though the dog in question bears no ill effects.)
Though Superman himself sticks to milder expletives, save for a few particular instances when he’s quoting someone else, the same cannot be said for the other residents of Metropolis. We hear more than 10 variations of the s-word. God’s name is taken in vain nine times, paired once with “d—.” Jesus’ name is abused once.
Other profanities include uses of “d—,” “h—,” “a–” and “a–hole,” “b—h” and “p-ss.” Additionally, characters use “wuss,” “sucks,” “crap” and “twit.” A reference to male anatomy is seen in a text.
In one scene, a character who can create shapes and objects with his superpower manifests several hands giving a rude hand gesture.
Daily Planet editor-in-chief Perry White is rarely seen without a cigar in his mouth. We are told that the Earth’s yellow sun prevents Kryptonians from getting drunk. We see a character stagger into a room, apparently drunk.
Lex created his pocket universe by (according to him) replicating the Big Bang. He recognizes his envy of Superman but views it as the “calling” needed to rid the world of the superhero.
Superman is roughly treated when detained by the government and is told that, as an alien, he doesn’t have human rights. One superhero puts nanobots in his friends’ blood so he can track them. We later learn that a character is a clone.
With Superman, writer-director (and architect of the current DC Films slate) James Gunn delivers a bright and breezy film that harkens back to an earlier era of the Man of Steel. This Superman owes a great debt to 1978’s Superman: The Movie, and not just because Gunn makes frequent use of John William’s classic theme. (Not that I’m complaining!)
The movie is sillier than I expected, leaning into Silver Age comic-book camp. Viewers mileage may vary, but I found the movie’s tone to be equal parts charming and dissonant.
David Corenswet’s Superman is virtuous, self-sacrificial, kind, compassionate and is constantly trying to do the right thing. But he’s also flawed and vulnerable in ways that don’t detract from the character’s goodness. In fact, they make him relatable. Superman is not a hero because he is perfect, but because he strives to be good. And the film champions his goodness without cynicism.
Rachel Brosnahan is pitch perfect as Lois Lane, while Nicholas Hoult does a fine job playing the egotistical and menacing Lex Luthor. The movie is at its best when Superman wrestles with the implications of his dual heritage and champions the surprising strength of his humanity.
However, those strong moments are often crowded out in a script that feels overstuffed. An overabundance of characters and plot points distract from the film’s message. I found myself wanting to spend more time with Superman and the people closest to him, especially those who really speak to the heart of the story.
Story gripes aside, Superman also contains harsher language than you might expect. Comparable perhaps to a current MCU movie, yes, but if you hold higher expectations for Superman (and his movies), you might be disappointed. Some suggestive dialogue sprinkled throughout the movie. And the expected superhero action and violence can ramp up in intensity in certain moments.
So, is Superman a super film for families? I’d say it follows its titular hero’s example: imperfect, and at times off the mark, but earnestly striving for good.
Bret loves a good story—be it a movie, show, or video game—and enjoys geeking out about things like plot and story structure. He has a blast reading and writing fiction and has penned several short stories and screenplays. He and his wife love to kayak the many beautiful Colorado lakes with their dog.
