Superman might be one of the most debated superhero films even before its release, as it marks the first movie from a new era of DC. Fans of Zack Snyder hoped the film would fail, while others doubted James Gunn’s ability to revive such an iconic DC hero on the big screen, given his experience mainly with Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. In the end, many have been pleasantly surprised.
The story is set in a world where superpowered individuals have existed for some time. Clark Kent (David Corenswet) has been Superman for three years and shares a secret romance with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan). Known as the strongest man on Earth, he is unexpectedly defeated by a villain called the Hammer of Boravia after stopping that country from invading its neighbor. It turns out this is part of a scheme by Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) to turn Superman into a public enemy. But Luthor has an even darker plan to eliminate his foe once and for all.
A Bright and Hopeful Superman
DC fans are well familiar with the iconic duo Batman and Superman. While Batman represents darkness and vengeance, Superman stands as a beacon of hope for humanity. However, the success of Man of Steel (2013) led many to believe Superman must be brooding, philosophical, and tragic. Zack Snyder portrayed Henry Cavill’s Superman as a godlike figure revered by the world.
In contrast, James Gunn embraces a colorful, upbeat approach true to the character’s comic book roots. The difference is clear not only in the bright cinematography, a stark contrast to Snyder’s dark, night-heavy style, but also in costume design. Even the classic red briefs, often joked about, make a return.
The film skips retelling Superman’s origin as an alien from Krypton raised by the Kent farming family. Instead, Clark has already been a hero for three years, discovered the Fortress of Solitude with Kryptonian technology and his biological parents’ messages, and even cares for his dog Krypto. This allows the movie to focus on Superman’s humanity.
We see a warm Clark Kent, a small-town Kansas boy raised with love and strong values to protect all life. He banters with Lois Lane at the newsroom, pretends to dislike her, and gets frustrated when his ideals are questioned. This Superman feels human, he gets angry, argues, mourns when his beloved dog is taken, finds joy in small moments, and remembers the name of a citizen who once gave him a pastry.
Above all, this Superman doesn’t just fight villains who destroy cities, he flies around saving everyone, even small creatures like squirrels. James Gunn’s Superman is not a distant god or flawless savior but a flawed human being who makes mistakes. Yet, he remains compassionate enough to forgive his enemies, making him relatable and true to his core values.
Stunning Visuals and Entertaining Story
With a $225 million budget and James Gunn at the helm, Superman delivers a true entertainment feast. The action scenes are spectacular and continuous, featuring impressive visual effects. David Corenswet’s Superman engages in intense hand-to-hand combat with expertly choreographed fights that rival the destruction seen in Man of Steel’s battle against General Zod (Michael Shannon).
The battles are diverse, featuring giant monsters and alien creatures. The film also introduces a lineup of heroes and villains like Green Lantern/Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl/Kendra Saunders (Isabela Merced), Mister Terrific/Michael Holt (Edi Gathegi), and The Engineer/Angela Spica (María Gabriela de Faría). Each character brings unique powers that make the action scenes even more explosive.
James Gunn once again proves his mastery in handling ensemble casts, from Guardians of the Galaxy to The Suicide Squad (2021). Despite the many heroes on screen, each has a distinct personality and moments to shine. Audiences can easily enjoy the arrogant yet funny Guy Gardner or the cool, badass Mister Terrific.
Superman himself is not invincible and relies on help from friends. From fellow heroes to Daily Planet staff, robotic assistants in the Fortress of Solitude, and even ordinary citizens, everyone contributes to defeating evil. The film also cleverly addresses modern political and social issues, such as allies invading other countries and the darker side of social media cancel culture.
However, the film has some drawbacks. Certain problems are resolved too easily, especially Lex Luthor’s plan, which feels simplistic. Viewers might expect more twists given Luthor’s intelligence. Some comedic moments also fall flat.
David Corenswet Is the New Superman
When David Corenswet was first cast as Superman, many mocked him as a less attractive Henry Cavill copy. Yet, he surprisingly fits the role perfectly. Gunn’s Superman is a genuine Kansas farm boy raised with love. He’s not perfect or statue-like but has a rustic charm and human flaws.
Corenswet isn’t as traditionally handsome as Cavill but radiates warmth and hope. He and Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane are opposites, he’s gentle and patient, she’s sharp and witty. Their relationship feels authentic, full of romance, quarrels, and forgiveness. Ultimately, Lois’s courage proves she’s the perfect match for Superman.
The supporting cast is strong, especially Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor. Hoult portrays a genius obsessed with Superman, willing to do anything ruthless to destroy his nemesis. This villain is well-crafted and has potential for future development.
Rating: 4/5
It’s clear that DC’s trust in James Gunn has been a smart move so far. The filmmaker delivers a story that appeals to general audiences while preserving the essential values of the character from decades-old comics. This Superman might make fans forget Man of Steel, Zack Snyder, and Henry Cavill, inviting them to embrace the future of the new DC Universe.
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