It’s been 12 years since Superman’s last solo outing, and this new film not only marks his return but also launches James Gunn’s revamped DC Universe (DCU). I’ve always had a soft spot for Man of Steel (2013), though Batman v Superman (2016) left me disappointed. So the question is: does this fresh reboot soar or crash?
The new cast is superb. David Corenswet had enormous shoes to fill, but he absolutely delivers. He captures Superman’s inherent kindness and warmth, while adding a layer of vulnerability that makes the character feel more grounded and human. Rachel Brosnahan is equally strong as Lois Lane, bringing intelligence and charisma to the role, and her chemistry with Corenswet is genuine and compelling.
Nicholas Hoult is a standout as Lex Luthor, delivering an obsessive, petty, and sharply calculated performance. It’s exactly the kind of Lex we’ve been missing. Among the supporting cast, Nathan Fillion is a delight as the cocky Guy Gardner Green Lantern, but the biggest surprise is Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific. He brings a fun, confident energy that steals more than a few scenes. Gunn continues to excel at spotlighting lesser-known heroes and making them shine.
Where Snyder’s Superman was often criticized for being too somber, Gunn takes the opposite route, offering a hopeful and optimistic version of the character. Watching Superman save people and not just punch things, is a genuine joy, and some of the film’s most memorable moments come from these heroic rescues. The film is bright, colourful, and visually rich, with several beautifully composed shots and creative action sequences. A kaiju battle and a slick, one-take Mister Terrific sequence are particular highlights.
John Murphy does a good job with the music score and his new rendition of the classic John Williams Superman theme is magnificent. He doesn’t overuse license music like he did with The Suicide Squad or Guardians of the Galaxy but there are some that are used and thankfully they do work very well in the film.
That said, the film isn’t without its flaws. At times, it feels overstuffed. There are simply too many characters, and not all of them get the development they deserve. Green Lantern and Hawkgirl, in particular, feel underutilized, barely contributing to the plot and undergoing vague off-screen arcs that aren’t clearly explained.
The movie also juggles a wide array of themes: immigration, legacy, family, politics, romance, war, media, and the ethics of heroism. While each idea is intriguing on its own, the film spreads itself too thin, touching on these concepts without fully exploring any of them. For example, the contrast between Superman’s unwavering moral compass and the Justice Gang’s murkier code is compelling, but the film never digs deep enough into it.
Another slight letdown is how often Superman finds himself on the receiving end of beatdowns. While it is clearly done to show how effective Lex is as a villain, it would’ve been nice to see more scenes of Superman at his most powerful. Additionally, Clark Kent’s life as a reporter is barely touched on. There’s disappointingly little of the classic curly-haired, glasses-wearing Kent persona.
James Gunn also changes a huge element to Superman’s backstory and mythos which is fine but it does raise some questions. It felt like a big mistake for James to not touch upon it at the end of the film when the opportunity was clearly there.
Superman may not be the masterpiece some were hoping for, but it’s a heartfelt and highly entertaining return for the character. It balances comic book spectacle with a refreshing tone of optimism, and lays a promising foundation for the DCU. If this is the direction James Gunn is taking us in, I’m excited to see what’s next.
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