So, after yesterday’s reveal of the opinions of the online community, a few hours later the opinions that professional reviewers have towards Superman started to circulate.
This is always something of a litmus test. Much as we like to read opinions on movies, we are always aware that in the past online opinion has been swayed by “pwesents”, and miraculous cures for explosive diarrhoea have been found in a second viewing of a movie following notes from the studio.
If you know, you know.
So the arrival of the professionals into the arena is potentially a leveller. Well, they have all seen Superman as well, so what did they think?
The word appears to be good. At the time of writing this morning, the movie is at 85% from 154 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
That puts it ahead of every Superman movie other than Christopher Reeve’s first two outings, which sit at 86% and 88% respectively.
It is ahead of Superman Returns (72%) and light years away from Man of Steel (57%).
Many reviews praise the performances, and the Silver Age tone of the movie.
The complaints are that it is very large, and there is a lot going on.
What do the professional reviews have to say? To the summary pages!
“James Gunn tried to make a great Superman movie, one that embraces the wonder of the character as an action hero and a moral paragon, which derives its drama from how people react to his faith in us. He succeeded.”
William Bibbiani, The Wrap
“A movie that doesn’t sacrifice its titular character in service to franchise-building. Instead, it focuses on celebrating the values that Superman himself has embodied from the beginning.”
Liz Shannon Miller, Consequence
“Gunn’s stamp on this mythology, and his use of it as a statement of intent for where he wants to take things in this larger intellectual-property universe, is largely a blast.”
David Fear, Rolling Stone
“Gunn constructs an intricate game of a superhero saga that’s arresting and touching, and occasionally exhausting, in equal measure. Audiences should flock to it.”
Owen Gleiberman, Variety
“Gunn’s screenplay can certainly be faulted for piling on too many elements… But what matters most is that the movie is fun, pacy and enjoyable, a breath of fresh air sweetened by a deep affection for the material.”
David Rooney, THR
“Superman hasn’t had this much charm and personality since Christopher Reeve made you believe a man could fly. And while David Corenswet won’t replace the memories of Reeve, he’s certainly the best Superman since the late actor hung up his cape and tights”
Odie Henderson, Boston Globe
“In a genre infamous for feints and teases, Gunn’s kitchen-sink approach feels refreshingly generous, and his excitement for the character shines through.”
Robbie Collin, The Daily Telegraph
“Although overstuffed and uneven, at its best Gunn’s Superman combines the most admirable attributes of both character and director, resulting in an ambitious, occasionally stirring film that is weirder, nervier and more thoughtful than most blockbusters”
Tim Grierson, Screen
Early screenings are now underway, as at least one Outposter has seen it. Superman opens worldwide on Friday.
