Superman: James Gunn Delivers Fun, Flawed Comic Book Adventure

by

Initial responses to James Gunn‘s Superman on social media have been varied yet predominantly favorable. The film is being hailed as a vibrant, comic book-inspired journey brimming with emotion, humor, and excitement, albeit some remarks suggest it might be somewhat disorganized and overflowing in content.

Critics Praise the Tone and Cast

Numerous critics are emphasizing that the film Superman embodies the optimism of the character particularly well, even being described as the most faithful live-action Superman movie so far. David Corenswet is receiving favorable comments for his portrayal of the Man of Steel, while Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is also earning acclaim. The performance of Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor appears to be more controversial, with some viewers uncertain about it.

Critics note that the movie’s tone is playful, sincere, and sometimes comical – quite different from the grimmer, more somber Superman films directed by Zack Snyder with Henry Cavill. Some even liken it to a live-action children’s cartoon series or a production straight from Justice League Unlimited.

Reaction Highlights

  • Rachel Leishman calls it a “beacon of hope” and praises its lightness and happiness.
  • Scott Menzel says it’s “a mess, narratively and tonally” but finds positives in the performances.
  • JoBlo describes it as a “mixed bag”, saying Lois Lane and Clark Kent are short-changed in favor of Superman action.
  • Sean O’Connell, Germain Lussier, and Mike Ryan had a blast with the film’s comic book energy and called it a joyful, fun ride.
  • Others, like ViewerAnon and GothamGeekGirl, noted problems with the plot structure, exposition, and dialogue.
  • Krypto the Superdog is a fan favorite, stealing scenes throughout.

Check out the full reactions below.

The Tone: Love It or Hate It

Generally speaking, it’s widely agreed that James Gunn crafts a Superman movie with a comical, high-spirited tone, but its peculiarities might not appeal to all audiences. Some admired Gunn’s knack for blending heart and humor, while others felt the film veered too far into frivolity and lacked clarity.

Additionally, there’s a diverse range of perspectives regarding the computer-generated imagery (CGI) and tempo of the movie. Some viewers have pointed out that certain action sequences, such as Superman battling a Kaiju or breaking free from an interdimensional prison, seem more like standalone episodes rather than contributing to a unified narrative.

Final Take

The film Superman appears to be a heartfelt tribute to its origins, brimming with grand action sequences, quirky humor, and an uplifting portrayal of the character. Although it’s not without flaws, it is managing to captivate many who have longed for a Superman movie that offers both emotion and entertainment.

The full reviews are expected later on Tuesday when the embargo lifts.

Superman officially takes off July 11.

Superman first reactions:

Read More

2025-07-08 08:01