Spoilers follow.
I have one issue with James Gunn’s Superman, and after letting it stew for a bit, I understand why they made this decision to change a major fundamental aspect of his origin.
Making Jor-El and Lara less benevolent, initially rubbed me the wrong way.
But it was necessary for what comes later, namely Pa Kent’s monologue that was basically nurture vs. nature, and Superman’s monologue to Lex at the climax of the film.
Both of those moments made me smile, because THAT is all of what Superman means to me.
Despite all of his power, he chooses to help others, because in the end, it’s the right thing to do. And being raised by the Kents gave Clark the tools he needs to navigate his way through life on Earth, as human as the rest of us.
It took me a couple-few days to realize that this is what they were going for with this change, which makes the character that much more greater, choosing kindness over cruelty.
This Superman inspires people, as shown by the kids raising the flag and the chanting that follows, showing these people who never give up, never surrender, as they say aboard the NESA Protector.
And that’s the Superman who has been my hero since as far back as I can remember.
Again, I don’t agree with the change, but I understand it. Heck, I still think Lex and the Engineer somehow altered the message from Krypton.
Still, it was cool to see Bradley Cooper and Angela Sarafyan as Superman’s Kryptonian parents.