SUPERMAN Is Really, Really Good (Thank God)

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Superman is genuinely fantastic.

James Gunn repeatedly expressed that his “Guardians of the Galaxy” films were a homage to the type of movies he admires, while “Superman” serves as a nod to the style of comics he cherishes. This sentiment is clearly reflected in the film, which is vibrant, lively, eccentric, whimsical, romantic, action-packed, and centered around the optimistic heroism that can sometimes seem naive. What makes Superman inspiring as a character is his divine nature raised by the most virtuous individuals on Earth. The burden of the world rests upon him, causing him to question if he’s capable enough to make a difference.

In about three years since Clark Kent (David Corenswet) moved to Metropolis, we find Superman in action. He’d just thwarted an invasion attempt on a less fortunate nation, causing a global uproar. This act caught the resentful eye of billionaire mastermind Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), who plotted to tarnish Superman’s image and bring him down. However, when a shocking revelation surfaces, Superman must confront the question of whether he truly deserves to aid mankind.

James Gunn Responds to Snyderverse Fans About His New Superman; Assures “We Will Thrive”

The article presents a straightforward account, as typical in the genre. As always, Gunn doesn’t require intricate twists or shocking revelations because his genre films are centered around characters. Corenswet’s interactions with Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane and his heroic acts reveal more about him than fighting off 50 bad guys or demolishing buildings. The entire cast, not just the lead trio, deserves praise. Edi Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific is exceptional, as are Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen, Sara Sampaio’s Eve Teschmacher, and Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl. Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner is the epitome of a jerk. Although not on screen frequently, Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell as Jonathan and Martha Kent shine brightly.

However, some characters did not resonate with me. It was more about their relevance rather than acting ability. The Engineer was merely a henchman, and his buzzsaw arms and nanotech effects felt out of place. Similarly, Rex Mason’s Element Man didn’t make much of an impact. Balancing a movie with so many characters must be challenging, and I expect these characters to reappear in future installments, so it’s a minor concern.

I should add that while I was pleased, I wasn’t blown away. Maybe it’s my own problem. After eagerly anticipating a good Superman movie for over a decade, I found it satisfying but not exceptional. The trailers revealed many action sequences, but the context provided by the movie makes it more than just spectacle. So I nodded in approval rather than expressing excitement. I only exclaimed “cool!” a couple of times, and both instances were related to Mister Terrific.

DC Studios
Superman is good. It’s very good, actually. It brought me a sense of relief. Thank goodness it’s a decent Superman movie. However, it needed to be more than just a good movie. The general moviegoers are tired of superhero movies, as evidenced by the recent dip in box office numbers. Two distinct DC universes have come and gone over the past 12 years, including The CW’s Arrowverse on TV and the decline of the DCEU’s predecessor. The pressure on Gunn to make Superman unique, different, yet appealing to the masses is immense.

More than anything, Superman needs to symbolize stability and a strong foundation for the entire DCU moving forward. Movies like Peacemaker and Creature Commandos are enjoyable, but they can’t support an entire cinematic universe. Superman must be that, and it succeeds in doing so. Like the character himself, the movie seems to exist under immense scrutiny, with every flaw or deviation from the past primed for criticism. Gunn appears ready for the challenge, as does his main character.

DC Studios
I adore this version of Superman, I admire where the DCU is heading, I appreciate the vibrant, comic-book-like optimism of David Corenswet’s portrayal of Clark Kent, and the diverse universe we see on screen. Plus, Superman is a good movie that tackles several contemporary real-world issues. Frankly, what more could you ask for?
Superman ⭐ (4 out of 5)

Fly into theaters and see Superman on July 11.

Kyle Anderson serves as the Senior Editor at TopMob, where he presents the weekly podcast, Laser Focus, a comprehensive exploration of pop culture. His insightful film and television reviews are available here. Keep up with him on Letterboxd.

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2025-07-08 22:02