Never has so much been riding on the success of a Superman film like this one. This is the first movie from the newly created DC Studios’ shared universe, so its success is crucial for gaining traction and sparking renewed interest in Superman and the DC brand. Writer/director James Gunn has been actively sharing the progress of the filmmaking process. Most filmmakers tend to stay out of marketing, but Gunn really knows how to get fans excited about his projects. Still, at the end of the day, the final product has to live up to the hype.

Since it’s still fresh in my mind, I can happily report that it’s a fun, satisfying Summer movie, brimming with a sense of hope & optimism that’s sorely missed in Zack Snyder’s brooding version. I really like Man of Steel initially, but after watching it a few more times, I’m starting to like it less and less.

The prologue sets up the DC universe, where metahumans have been a recognized phenomenon for 300 years. Then, a baby falls from Krypton and grows up to be the most powerful metahuman of all time. Yet we first meet Superman at his most vulnerable, having lost a battle for the first time in his life. It’s challenging to make the most powerful creature in the universe relatable, but somehow, Gunn is able to crack that. Richard Donner made us believe a man can fly, and Gunn made us believe that a flying superhero could bleed.

The introduction of Krypto, the unhinged super-dog and robotic servants (one of them voiced by the legendary voice actor Alan Tudyk) adds a mirthful touch to a decidedly more lively and colorful universe our hero inhabits. It’s wise that Gunn skips Superman’s origin story and kicks off with him already in the thick of things, dealing with the consequences of his actions and engaging with a world that knows he exists. I love that this is a movie that’s unafraid of long dialogues. When Superman agrees to be interviewed by Lois, it leads to a heated banter when Lois presses him about the ethical ramifications of his stopping an invasion.

It’s an effective way to establish the two main characters… Lois is a hard-hitting journalist who won’t give her super-boyfriend a pass for something she disagrees with, which is refreshing to see that she doesn’t simply fawn over him like a giddy fangirl. Similarly, this Superman is driven by his desire to help others, and he unapologetically stands by that. David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan have a lovely chemistry; it’s so much fun to watch them together, whether they’re sparring or flirting with each other.

From the start, Superman has always been the story of America, an American immigrant story to be exact, as its creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster were sons of Jewish immigrants. The metaphor of the immigrant experience is integral in the Superman story, so anyone who complains that the movie is super woke clearly doesn’t get the memo. This movie isn’t politically-charged, but it definitely references current events that feel very similar to what’s happening today. There is a scene of a militant country, Boravia, invading a smaller nation, Jarhanpur. It’d be hard-pressed not to think of what’s happening with Russia and Ukraine. Naturally, Superman is on the side of the oppressed.

Gunn’s take here is heavily inspired by various comic book stories, and since I’m not familiar with those, some characters are new to me. One of my favorites is definitely Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), a genius inventor with gadgets galore, even a spaceship. Gathegi is well, terrific in every scene he’s in, the fight scene with the T-spheres is a fun one, and even his curmudgeon attitude is quite funny. He’s part of the Justice Gang team with Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and Green Lantern Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion). Fillion’s wisecracking antics are fun in small doses.

Speaking of that, there is certainly a large dose of weirdness in this one, which might be too much for some people. Admittedly, there is some really outlandish, bizarre, and messy stuff going on about halfway through, involving a pocket universe used as some kind of prison, a gargantuan Kaiju, and really weird creatures. Gunn packs in a ton of comic book lore here, and there are even black holes that remind me of Interstellar. All the scenes with Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan) are perhaps the most peculiar segment of the movie, but it also has some of the most heartbreaking moments. One in particular is quite shocking for a Superman movie, and our hero’s reaction makes me tear up a bit.

Corenswet embodies the earnest, affectionate, kind-hearted hero worth rooting for. There’s a heightened sense of benevolence in his interpretation of Superman…he doesn’t stand at arms length but walks amongst regular folks, he even knows a street food vendor by name. Yet there’s also a charming goofiness and layers of vulnerability, especially when it comes to Lois. Brosnahan now rivals Margot Kidder as my favorite Lois Lane. She’s incredibly tenacious and relentless in her reporting, and her quest for truth is on par with Superman’s drive to uphold it. She’s definitely not just a damsel in distress; in fact, there’s no moment of Superman rescuing Lois in this story. If anything, it’s sometimes the hero who needs saving.

I’ve been a fan of Nicholas Hoult for quite a while; he’s definitely an underrated actor who consistently gets the job done. He absolutely nails the role of the vengeful, sinister Lex Luthor, motivated by his intense hatred for Superman. In earlier Superman films, Lex is shown as a money-hungry real estate tycoon. While that greed is still present, it’s actually envy that drives him—he’s willing to risk even the very stability of the planet just to take down Superman. This might be the first Superman film that makes me worry about the superhero’s safety since Lex is incredibly clever. His Lex is akin to Tony Stark if he were hellbent on destruction. Though I will always have a soft spot for Gene Hackman’s Lex, Hoult’s version just might be my favorite Lex. Ruthless, reckless, unpredictable, yet magnetic.

On a technical level, I love the decidedly brighter and more colorful aesthetics that blend classic and modern elements. Gunn employs many of his Guardians of the Galaxy crew on this one. Unlike the garish colors of its predecessor, Gunn works with DP Henry Braham to craft a cheery, hopeful vibe, which is what we expect from the ultimate superhero movie. Superman shouldn’t be a gloom and doom movie, so I’m glad that is behind us (for now anyway). The production design by Beth Mickle is top-notch. I especially love the look of the Fortress of Solitude, both its exterior and interior. Judianna Makovsky does extraordinary work on the costumes. I, for one, am glad for the more vibrant color palette of the Superman suit and those iconic red trunks.

I always associate John Williams’ music with Superman, so I’m glad we hear a little bit of that iconic motif here. Composers David Fleming and John Murphy use that score sparingly and add some modern flair to it, even adding some electric guitar to hint at Clark’s affinity for punk rock.

While my reaction to this version is largely positive, I wouldn’t say this is a perfect movie. Gunn takes plenty of bold swings, and a few don’t quite hit the mark. I think the biggest issue here is that it’s overstuffed and tonally all over the place. There is a lot crammed in a two-hour movie, and a bunch of characters fighting for attention. I understand he has to set up the Gods and Monsters chapter for the rebranded DCU, but it feels quite a bit discombobulated at times. I’m not too fond of the storyline involving Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo) and Lex’s selfie-obsessed girlfriend Eve Teschmacher (Sara Sampaio), and I was hoping for more interactions between Clark and Jimmy. There’s also not a single indelible action scene that makes it iconic, like the helicopter rescue in the 1978 movie and the plane scene in Superman Returns.

That said, the good far outweighs the bad. I believe Gunn’s biggest feat is finding the ideal trio of actors to bring to life the three main characters: Superman, Lois, and Lex. This hasn’t happened since the Richard Donner version. Ultimately, Gunn captures the true essence of Superman—a principled hero who prioritizes others and deeply desires to connect with the humans on his adopted planet rather than dominate them. That aspect is a key part of the story, but I don’t want to give too much away. Judging from the initial reaction online, it seems Gunn has reinvigorated the love for Superman, and this new DCU is off to a promising start!

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Watch out for a surprise cameo in the beginning, and be sure to stay for the mid and post-credit scenes.

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What do you think of James Gunn’s SUPERMAN? I’d love to hear it!

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