The weight of a legacy. The burden of expectation. These are the invisible forces shaping every Superman film, and James Gunn’s latest iteration, simply titled Superman, shoulders them with remarkable grace. More than a reboot, it’s a re-evaluation, a return to the core tenets of what makes the Man of Steel an enduring icon. But does it truly *soar*, or merely jump high enough to clear the bar?
Before Superman, many believed the inherent fantastical nature of comic books was unfilmable without some level of sanitization. After Superman, that notion feels woefully outdated. Gunn doesn’t shy away from the source material’s inherent “silliness,” instead embracing it with open arms. The film leaps off the screen with a vibrant energy, reminiscent of a comic panel come to life. The action sequences hit with the force of a speeding locomotive, bolstered by crescendos of a familiar, yet refreshed, John Williams-esque score. The emphasis lies on selfless rescues, on protecting the innocent, not just delivering knockout punches, though there’s a satisfying abundance of those as well.
Superfriends
James Gunn’s Superman tackles a persistent problem in adapting the character: how to make him relatable without sacrificing his inherent otherness. The proposed solution? Cast David Corenswet, and allow him to imbue the role with a palpable sense of humanity. The expected outcome? A Superman that resonates with modern audiences, one who embodies hope in a world desperately craving it.
From the moment David Corenswet’s Superman appears, there’s an undeniable feeling that this is *the* Superman. He doesn’t attempt to mimic Christopher Reeve’s charm or emulate Henry Cavill’s brooding intensity. He forges his own path, presenting a Superman who is both powerful and vulnerable. He can be overwhelmed, he experiences anger, joy, sadness; he makes mistakes, yet he always strives to do his best. Corenswet captures the essence of the character, making him feel not just like a hero, but like a person. He is Superman.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Rachel Brosnahan embodies Lois Lane’s intelligence and relentless pursuit of truth. Nicholas Hoult delivers a Lex Luthor that is both emotionally complex and undeniably sinister. Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardener and Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific provide compelling foils to Superman, with Mr. Terrific, in particular, hinting at storylines ripe for exploration in future films. Even Krypto, the Superdog, manages to add a surprising amount of heart to the film, especially for dog lovers. Many posting on X.com noted how Krypto “stole every scene.”
- Corenswet’s Superman: A balance of power and vulnerability.
- Brosnahan’s Lois Lane: Intelligent and relentless.
- Hoult’s Lex Luthor: Emotionally complex and sinister.
- Fillion & Gathegi: Compelling foils as Guy Gardener and Mr. Terrific.
- Krypto: Adds unexpected heart.
However, the film isn’t without its flaws. The storyline involving Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan) felt somewhat extraneous, slowing down the film’s momentum. Moreover, there’s a noticeable lack of Clark Kent. Similarly, the Kents, despite their importance to Clark’s development, receive insufficient screen time, relying on the audience’s pre-existing knowledge of the characters to fill in the gaps. Thankfully, the scenes they do have are exceptionally well-crafted, providing glimpses into the foundation of Superman’s moral compass.
“The moment things shifted,” according to Sarah, a lifelong Superman fan who attended an early screening, “was when Martha Kent told Clark, ‘You have to decide what kind of man you want to be, not just what kind of hero.’”
A better tomorrow
Superman represents hope, truth, justice, and the unwavering belief in a better tomorrow. He’s an ideal to aspire to, a beacon of optimism that has been noticeably absent from the character’s recent cinematic iterations. While Brandon Routh’s performance felt like a retread of Christopher Reeve’s, and Henry Cavill’s portrayal leaned into a somberness that ultimately felt unfulfilled, David Corenswet’s Superman offers a refreshing return to the character’s core values. He embodies the color, joy, and idealism that have long been associated with the Man of Tomorrow. Some users on Facebook voiced concerns about the “wokeness” of the new film, while other users clapped back by calling them “toxic fanboys”.
Superman isn’t just a movie; it’s a statement. A bold declaration that hope isn’t naive; it’s necessary. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there’s always a reason to believe in a better future. It’s an invitation to embrace the inherent “silliness” of the source material and to find joy in the simple act of watching a hero save the day. While not perfect , a few minor pacing issue slightly detract from the experince , Superman is a triumph, a soaring testament to the enduring power of the Man of Steel. It is a must see and worthy of its legendary namesake.
The issue with all Superman Films is that they try and do too much, which is a problem this films also suffers from. Gunn provides us with a simple solution to the issues by putting all of his future focus in to one goal: make the best sequel possible. The expectd outcome of such a mov is for this iteration of the character to be one of the best ones ever.
