My quick rating – 7.1/10. James Gunn had quite the uphill battle with Superman. After years of darker takes and endless reboots, he delivers a version that feels colorful, energetic, and alive. The film wastes no time reminding us that Superman may be near invincible, but he’s still a man first. Gunn sets the tone in the opening scene with Clark getting his ass handed to him. It’s both funny and clever, and it lets the audience know this Superman won’t be coasting through battles untouched.
David Corenswet steps into the cape with confidence. He balances strength and vulnerability in a way that makes Superman feel less like a flawless god and more like a person dealing with impossible expectations. His chemistry with Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is sharp and believable. Their relationship grounds the movie without ever slipping into melodrama. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is another highlight. Instead of cartoonish villainy, his plot to frame Superman as a threat in order to score military contracts actually makes sense.
The modern twist of using A.I.-generated videos and social media to destroy Superman’s reputation is less convincing to me. In today’s world, people either believe everything online or nothing at all, so the middle ground Gunn tries to play with doesn’t quite land. It’s an odd choice, and while timely, it feels more like a gimmick than a true threat.
The supporting cast adds plenty of spark. Nathan Fillion shines as Guy Gardner, giving us a Green Lantern who is hilariously irritating yet strangely charming. Edi Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific constantly saves the day, sometimes more than Superman himself. That imbalance is one of the film’s bigger issues. Clark spends too much time getting rescued and not enough being the savior. Superman has always been cocky and assured, while Clark is meek and timid. Here, the two identities blend into the same personality, which makes him feel less distinct.
Visually, though, the movie is stunning. Gunn embraces a bright, vibrant style that makes the action sequences pop. The only time it strolls into a bleak and dark scenario is the pocket universe, which is already a bit too sci-fi for this flick. The concept of Superman recharging through solar “power-ups” is creative and works beautifully on screen. The special effects are polished, slick, and fun to watch. Krypto the Superdog is another scene stealer. Every time he’s on screen, he lightens the tone and draws attention away from the humans.
The downside is the sheer number of characters fighting for time. Morph is barely developed. Even Green Lantern feels rushed despite Fillion’s great performance. With so many powerful allies and threats in play, Superman himself sometimes feels like a guest star in his own movie.
Even with those flaws, Superman is a strong and entertaining reboot. Gunn manages to make the character feel fresh again while still honoring what makes him iconic. He doesn’t push the envelope nearly as much as he did previously in The Suicide Squad, but it packs plenty of heart, humor, and dazzling action. Whether you’re a lifelong DC fan or just someone who loves superhero spectacle, this film is worth the watch. And let’s be honest—Krypto alone is worth the ticket.
You can watch this for theater pricing on Amazon, along with these streamers.
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