Superman review: You’ll believe James Gunn’s DCU can fly

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The film about Superman is incredibly large and nearly overwhelms with its own magnitude. Remarkably, it manages to stand tall among the most moving and jubilant superhero movies from the last two decades.

About a dozen years back, Zack Snyder initiated the DCEU with Man of Steel, a film that’s simultaneously praised too much and not enough. Given the mediocre reception to 2006’s Superman Returns, the disappointing performance of BvS, and the catastrophic Justice League (the Snyder Cut is acceptable), it’s worth contemplating: could Superman be perceived as dull?

As a devoted fan, I must say that Superman’s latest film, reminiscent of the Donner era, stands out as the first one that truly nails it when it comes to answering the question: “Is there a modern Superman?” Kudos to Tyler Hoechlin for his exceptional portrayal.

Despite Gunn potentially getting a bit too near to his fiery sun, it’s all good: this challenge was the most significant one for his cinematic journey, and he’s triumphantly cleared it with vibrant hues.

What is Superman about? 

Superman, portrayed by David Corenswet, has been in action for three years now. Many, including Rick Flag Sr., played by Frank Grillo, fondly refer to him as “big blue”. His primary goal is to aid humanity and make Earth a better place. This could be through battles against monstrous kaijus alongside the Justice League – Guy Gardner aka Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) – or working diligently at the Daily Planet as the unassuming, modest reporter Clark Kent.

According to Gunn’s perspective, it’s a tale we’re all familiar with: He hailed from the destroyed planet Krypton, where he was later adopted and brought up by his father and mother, Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell, on a farm.

In this movie, we only catch brief glimpses of his youthful days, and it doesn’t delve into his beginnings. Instead, the story presents a fully-grown version of the character who is romantically involved with Lois Lane, portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan. Their relationship is filled with affection, yet tinged with tension as she admits to being skeptical of everyone, while he views everyone he meets as beautiful and trustworthy.

As a passionate gamer, let me tell you about this character I encountered in a game – Lex Luthor, a billionaire filled with jealousy toward Superman. He’s determined to bring down the Man of Steel, though I can’t reveal all the details of his plan. What I can share is that it involves a powerful robot called Ultraman (played by someone whose identity must remain secret), an ingenious engineer named María Gabriela de Faría, a shape-shifter known as Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan), and a malicious scheme that threatens the very existence of our world.

Superman is… a lot 

The film is easy to understand, though it’s longer than usual, spanning about two hours. It crams a great deal in, perhaps too much at times, both as a movie and as a foundation for a revitalized series. To its advantage, it doesn’t appear to be setting the stage for future events (even the post-credits scenes), but as an entryway into a whole new realm of gods and monsters, it can feel overwhelming – despite the excitement of diving into a well-realized, self-assured universe.

Apart from knowing an origin tale, it shouldn’t prevent us from watching it, and the movie manages to creatively address and clarify Clark’s story in unexpected and touching ways. However, even with these efforts, I don’t feel like I truly understand him as a character like Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man or Christian Bale’s Batman after one movie. Surprisingly, Corenswet might embody the essence of Superman so perfectly that he could become an instant classic. Indeed, this performance is already shaping up to be extraordinary.

In simpler terms, every character trying to grab your focus is fantastic, even exceptional. Nicholas Hoult gives an outstanding performance as Lex Luthor, portraying a slick-talking, straightforward, and downright nasty individual. When Superman asks him if he’s jealous, he retorts with a witty comeback, “Of course not, I’m not stupid.

As a gamer, I’ve got to say that every player around brings their A-game. Mister Terrific truly lives up to his name, Skyler Gisondo knocks it out of the park as Jimmy Olsen. Wendell Pierce’s Perry White might not have much screentime, but when he’s on, he steals the show – and not just the scene, but the entire cigar too! And let’s not forget about Fillion and Merced; their chemistry is electric, which I can already tell will be a real asset for Peacemaker Season 2.

As a gamer diving into this Superman reboot, it’s clear that beneath the epic battles and cosmic drama, this story is all about love – and boy, do Clark and Lois deliver an unparalleled on-screen romance! Corenswet and Brosnahan have chemistry that’s off the charts; whether they’re locked in a passionate kiss, embracing tenderly, or engaging in heated debates, their bond feels incredibly genuine. It’s remarkable how even amongst the mind-blowing action sequences, the most poignant moment of the film is when they soar into the sky together, embodying a love that you can’t help but cheer for!

The good, the Gunn, and the ugly 

Let’s tackle the issues upfront. The standout point is that this is Gunn’s most action-packed creation yet, but there are moments where the CGI appears sluggish and waxy, particularly when the grey tones dominate an otherwise vivid color scheme during the climax (which features remarkable camera work).

In a more straightforward manner, Krypto, Superman’s loyal dog, steals the spotlight in this movie without Gunn overusing him. Despite the director’s careful approach, Krypto’s scenes are filled with laughter and he might just become the main star of the DC Universe instead of Superman, given his impressive performance.

In another note: This standout feature is truly unique, especially in today’s superhero movie landscape, which often feels repetitive and visually dull due to Marvel films dominating the scene. However, it has its flaws – some scenes are too overly lit, making them jarring. Despite Henry Braham’s past successes with James Gunn, there’s a suggestion that a change in cinematographer might be beneficial as the DC Universe evolves. Nonetheless, it surpasses The Flash in terms of visual appeal, which is worth noting.

The flying scenes vary: some are smooth and exhilarating, like soaring on his cape over frozen cliffs, while others are choppy and out of balance, perhaps to highlight his speed as he dashes through the clouds. I’d prefer more of the smooth flying sequences; after all, the essence of Superman lies in simply watching him fly.

This movie by Gunn is likely his most refined work to date. It includes some witty remarks and a few strategic music choices, but what stands out is the improvement in his filmmaking abilities and sensitivity, which bodes well for the DC Universe; if he continues to guide the creative direction of the franchise, we’re in capable hands.

Ultimately, the highest accolades go to John Murphy and David Fleming’s extraordinary soundtrack. Indeed, it incorporates John Williams’ initial music, but it doesn’t rely on the iconic reputation and nostalgia of yesteryears; instead, it brilliantly reimagines and amplifies one of the most impressive superhero themes ever created, making you genuinely feel as if you’re floating when it thunders from the movie theater speakers.

Superman score: 4/5

This Superman film is unlike any other you’ve watched; it’s both brilliant and slightly flawed. It’s grand, heartfelt, and demonstrates that the Man of Steel isn’t dull. By the end, you’ll be convinced that James Gunn’s DC Universe has the power to soar. Lift your gaze, and prepare yourself for what’s coming next.

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2025-07-08 22:21