Superman Review: Soaring with Heart and Heroism

James Gunn’s Superman is the cinematic shot of hope the DC Universe desperately needed—an invigorating, emotionally rich, and thematically weighty superhero epic that succeeds in reintroducing the Man of Steel to a new generation while staying deeply respectful of what makes the character iconic. Blending mythic storytelling with contemporary socio-political nuance, Superman marks a soaring start to the new DCU, and arguably the finest on-screen portrayal of the character since Christopher Reeve wore the cape.

With a story that spans political intrigue, world-ending threats, alien legacy, and personal sacrifice, Gunn crafts a deeply character-driven narrative while still embracing the larger-than-life grandeur associated with Superman. The script, penned by Gunn himself, smartly anchors the fantastical elements in human emotion. At its core, this is not a story about powers and punches—it’s a story about legacy, trust, truth, and the cost of heroism in a cynical world.

A Superman for the Modern Age:

David Corenswet’s portrayal of Clark Kent / Superman is a revelation. Radiating compassion, quiet strength, and inner conflict, Corenswet’s performance evokes the earnestness of Reeve’s Superman while also charting his own, more introspective path. His Superman is not simply a god among mortals—he’s a man torn between two worlds, trying to do the right thing in a time when truth is malleable and power is distrusted.

The film wisely foregrounds Clark’s humanity. Whether he’s bantering in the Daily Planet newsroom or sharing quiet, tender scenes with Lois Lane or his parents in Smallville, Corenswet plays him as a grounded, conflicted idealist. He’s inspirational not because of his powers, but because of his unwavering moral compass, even when the world begins to doubt him.

A Strong Ensemble with Standout Villainy:

Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is refreshingly assertive and intelligent, with the quick wit and fearless resolve that makes her more than Superman’s romantic counterpart. Her chemistry with Corenswet crackles, built on mutual respect and emotional transparency. She knows his secret and doesn’t play damsel—she’s a partner in every sense.

Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is one of the film’s greatest assets. Unlike the manic portrayals of the past, Hoult’s Luthor is chillingly controlled—a calculating, corporate sociopath whose intellect and charm barely hide his deep insecurities and psychotic ambition. Hoult brings gravitas and menace, making Luthor a believable modern villain who manipulates both governments and media to mold public perception.

The Justice Gang—comprising Edi Gathegi’s cerebral Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion’s hilariously abrasive Green Lantern, Isabela Merced’s fierce Hawkgirl, and Anthony Carrigan’s soulful Metamorpho—adds both scale and levity. Each member is given just enough time to shine without overshadowing Superman, and their presence hints at a vibrant interconnected DCU.

A Visually Striking and Tonally Balanced Spectacle:

Superman is also a dazzling visual feast. Cinematographer Henry Braham (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) brings a balance of grandeur and intimacy, whether capturing a thunderous sky battle over Metropolis or a hushed moment in the Kent farmhouse. The Fortress of Solitude, shimmering with alien crystal and soft light, feels appropriately mythic, while Metropolis itself is alive with Art Deco flourishes and urban grit.

The action sequences are crisp, clean, and surprisingly inventive. Gunn’s direction emphasizes clarity over chaos, and while there’s plenty of CG-heavy spectacle—from Superman’s battle with the mysterious Ultraman to the apocalyptic threat of a black hole swallowing a city—the film never loses its emotional throughline. There’s a narrative purpose behind each explosion.

Tonally, Gunn achieves something remarkable: Superman is sincere without being corny, funny without undercutting its stakes, and hopeful without ignoring the complexity of the world it depicts. It doesn’t shy away from sociopolitical commentary—the ethical ambiguity of foreign intervention, the role of media in shaping opinion, the dangers of unchecked power—but it never loses its focus on character and heart.

Thematic Resonance and Emotional Depth:

What makes Superman resonate so powerfully is its thematic richness. At its heart, the film explores the tension between power and trust—can a being so strong ever be truly accepted by those he protects? Gunn leans into this, showing how easily fear can be manipulated by those with darker agendas. Luthor’s plot is as much psychological warfare as it is physical, weaponizing misinformation and exploiting global politics.

The film also leans into the legacy of Superman—what it means to be the last son of a dead world, what responsibilities come with that identity, and how to reconcile the conflicting messages of his Kryptonian lineage and his Earthly upbringing. The scenes where Superman wrestles with the idea that his real parents may have had a far more sinister vision for him are some of the film’s most affecting.

Even the supporting characters are shaped by these questions of identity, duty, and choice. Metamorpho’s arc from reluctant pawn to redeemed hero is surprisingly moving, and Mister Terrific’s friendship with Superman adds intellectual camaraderie that feels fresh and underexplored in previous films.

Minor Quibbles:

If there’s any criticism to be leveled, it’s that Superman occasionally overstuffed itself trying to introduce multiple characters and plot threads. The Justice Gang members, while enjoyable, could have used slightly more screen time to flesh out their motivations. The Boravia subplot, though essential thematically, sometimes feels like it’s pulling the story in too many directions.

Still, these are minor bumps in what is otherwise a masterclass in franchise rebooting.

Overall:

James Gunn’s Superman is a triumphant reinvention that manages to capture the essence of the character while launching an ambitious new cinematic universe. Powered by David Corenswet’s magnetic performance, a rich supporting cast, a sharp screenplay, and Gunn’s confident direction, it delivers awe, emotion, and a much-needed reminder that heroism still matters.

With intelligence, spectacle, and heart, Superman flies high as one of the best superhero films in recent memory, and a shining symbol of what the DCU can become.