Superman must reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as reporter Clark Kent. As the embodiment of truth, justice, and the human way, he soon finds himself in a world that views these as old-fashioned.
Growing up in the ‘70s and ‘80s, Christopher Reeve was my definitive Superman. The first two movies are timeless, and while “Superman III” still holds a nostalgic spot for me, “The Quest for Peace” was a real letdown. Decades later, Bryan Singer attempted to revive the series in 2006 with “Superman Returns,” casting Brandon Routh as a direct continuation of Reeve’s Superman. Unfortunately, the film failed to resonate with audiences and underperformed financially. Henry Cavill then took up the cape, and although he embodied the character’s attributes, his portrayal felt overly grim and lacked the lightness that makes Superman so endearing.
Now, with David Corenswet becoming the latest actor to don the suit, I approached the press screening both hopeful and wary. The trailer’s inclusion of Krypto the Superdog had me worried that James Gunn would steer the tone too far from Zack Snyder’s serious style and into excessive camp. Thankfully, the finished film is well-balanced, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Corenswet’s Superman is emotionally compelling, and his performance moved me.
James Gunn’s “Superman” marks a fresh chapter for the character, laying the groundwork for DC Studios’ new film universe under his direction. Corenswet leads as Superman, with Rachel Brosnahan playing Lois Lane. This version centers on a younger Clark Kent grappling with the legacy of Krypton and his upbringing in Smallville, as he starts his reporting job in Metropolis. Rather than retelling Superman’s origins, the story immerses him in a universe already populated by other superheroes, focusing on his ideals and the difficulties of doing what’s right in a world full of moral complexity. Gunn’s approach feels optimistic and uplifting, respecting the character’s roots while introducing new faces from the broader DC canon, like Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi).
What’s especially notable about Corenswet’s take is that he doesn’t fall into imitating Reeve or Cavill; like each new James Bond actor, he creates his own distinct Superman. His performance strikes just the right mix of warmth, feeling, and power, making him easy to root for and trust as Earth’s protector.
Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is sharp, driven, and competitive with Clark, yet she’s the only one who knows his real identity. Their relationship is on shaky ground, as Lois’s relentless pursuit of the truth even puts Clark under her scrutiny. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is quietly menacing, working behind the scenes to sway public opinion against Superman while chasing his own dark schemes. Hoult’s portrayal never tips into parody; instead, it presents a villain whose intellect and resentment are crystal clear.
The movie’s visual spectacle and action stand out, and Krypto the Superdog—who I feared would be too silly—turns out to be a delightful addition. His limited appearances bring humor and warmth, with his puppy-like excitement contrasting hilariously with his superpowers. The other heroes—Fillion’s Green Lantern, Merced’s Hawkgirl, and Gathegi’s Mister Terrific—aren’t just cameos; they play fundamental roles, supporting Superman as he faces off against Luthor’s accomplice, The Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría), and the monstrous Dark Superman.
If the film stumbles anywhere, it’s in the music. While there are nods to John Williams’ legendary score, this new “Superman” lacks a signature theme that sticks with you. Composers David Fleming and John Murphy deliver a solid soundtrack, but a standout motif would help the film carve out its own musical identity—hopefully something we’ll get in sequels.
All things considered, “Superman” is a genuinely fun movie, with memorable performances, strong visuals, exciting action, and a real sense of heart—everything you want from a story about this iconic hero.
Now available on Digital, and on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™, & DVD September 23rd
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