James Gunn’s “Superman” delivers the kind of superhero movie that reminds us why we ever fell in love with comic books in the first place.
For longtime fans of the genre, especially those who grew up flipping through pages filled with bold colors and noble ideologies, the film feels like a return to something deeply familiar without ever feeling stale.
This isn’t a rehash of origin stories or a grim attempt to modernize the character beyond recognition, luckily.
Gunn places Clark Kent, played by David Corenswet, in a world that already knows who he is. Rather than resting on his alien status, Clark finds himself grappling with what it means to be good in a world that questions that goodness.
The film’s pacing benefits from its boldness. Gunn doesn’t shy away from quiet moments, giving space for the story to breathe and for Clark’s introspection to deepen.
These quieter moments of stillness invite reflection, not just on Superman’s place in the world, but on the audience’s own notions of heroism. Whether it’s a fleeting glance at Smallville or an exchange in the Daily Planet office, every scene adds texture to a character we thought we already knew.
Visually, the film thrives in its contrast. Metropolis glows with hopeful futurism, while the Fortress of Solitude offers a glimpse into Superman’s emotional distance.
Gunn’s stylistic choices enhance these dualities, not just between good and evil, but between playful and serious, intimate and larger-than-life. It’s a superhero movie that trusts audiences to sit with complexity without losing the joy of its genre.
The contrast between Superman and Lex Luthor, the villain who Nicholas Hoult plays as eccentric and calculating, is as clear as it is compelling.
Luthor, always surrounded by people but emotionally vacant, manipulates those around him with surgical precision. Superman, surrounded by robots in his ice fortress and physically isolated, remains deeply connected to his humanity.
Gunn’s confident storytelling allows themes to surface naturally. Every thread introduced early on finds its way back into the plot, giving the movie a satisfying sense of completion and intention.
Nothing is left hanging.
Clark’s inner conflict isn’t just thematic, it’s symbolic. Corenswet gives the character a gentle dignity, portraying a hero who doesn’t strive to be worshipped, but understood.
His small gestures — a pause before helping, a moment of uncertainty — render him achingly human. These choices elevate the film’s emotional arc without slowing down its momentum.
What helps the narrative thrive is how Gunn leans into Superman’s mythos without making it feel dusty. Easter eggs nod to earlier iterations without distracting from the story, while new lore is threaded throughout with care.
It’s clear that Gunn respects the source material, but he’s also reimagining it for audiences who crave the depth only new content can provide.
Each character’s motives are clearly stated, leaving no room for murky interpretation. Superman is framed not as a savior above us, but as a man trying to live with integrity.
Lex despises him not for what he does but for what he represents — a symbol worshipped simply for existing with powers.
What stands out most is how “Superman” balances its tone. There’s a healthy dose of cheesiness woven into its heart, but it’s not indulgent.
The movie blends genuine emotional beats with just enough levity to keep things feeling fun without ever veering into parody. That blend pays off especially well in the dynamic between Clark and Lois Lane.
Rachel Brosnahan plays Lois with intelligence, strength, determination, and a certain softness, and her chemistry with Corenswet is unmistakably natural. Their scenes feel personal rather than performative, like moments between two people who truly know each other.
Krypto the Superdog deserves a shoutout, too, bringing consistent laughs.
The film’s visual effects overall seem to be well thought out too, used with purpose rather than as a crutch. Stylized battles and vibrant comic book aesthetics lend the movie a look that’s equal parts nostalgic and new.
The music also adds to the overall effect of the movie, providing solemn scenes, fun action-packed scenes akin to “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
One of the film’s quiet triumphs is its cast. While it boasts several household names, many roles are played by rising stars whose performances bring fresh energy to the screen.
It’s a mix that feels intentional, like the movie itself is passing the torch to a new generation, perhaps of heroes and audiences alike.
Even the ensemble cast, sometimes a pitfall for superhero films, is impressively well-handled. Characters like Mr. Terrific, Hawkgirl, Green Lantern, and Metamorpho aren’t tossed in for fan service. They feel like real players in the story, true to their comic book roots.
Mr. Terrific, in particular, stands out as a character who feels both adapted and authentic.
While many superhero films use end-credit scenes to tease a shared universe or sequel bait, “Superman” takes a refreshingly different approach. Its two end credit scenes offer up some comedy, yet leave viewers wondering if this entry is a standalone gem, or the opening note in a new symphony.
“Superman” doesn’t ask its viewers to deconstruct mythology or decipher ambiguous plotlines. It just asks them to feel something.
And in doing so, it becomes something rare: a superhero movie that’s not afraid to be sincere. In that sincerity, it finds something genuinely super.