Over the past few years, it feels like both audiences and filmmakers have hit a bit of superhero fatigue. The kind of excitement that once had people lining up outside theatres, eagerly waiting to see their favourite heroes on the big screen, has slowly faded out. What used to be pop culture gold started to feel stale, the same formula, recycled plots, and predictable endings. So when DC announced yet another Superman movie, it’s safe to say most of us were… sceptical. Sure, Zack Snyder’s Superman had his iconic moments, but let’s be real, we all watched the DCU slowly fall apart, especially with Justice League. But just when it seemed like the superhero era was on life support, James Gunn swoops in with his version of America’s most beloved hero. Superman, directed by James Gunn, starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult, just might be the breath of fresh air that the superhero genre needed, and oh, it’s comic book accurate this time! Read on to know what we thought about the film.
Plot Of Superman
Unlike most superhero debut films, James Gunn’s Superman skips the usual origin story. At this point, audiences know the basics: alien baby crash-lands on Earth, raised in Kansas, grows up to wear the cape and save the city. And for anyone who doesn’t, the film keeps things easy to follow without getting bogged down in backstory. We meet Superman already well into his heroic duties, loved by the public and seen as a global symbol of hope. Meanwhile, tech billionaire Lex Luthor has been quietly plotting, determined to bring down the man in the sky.
Journalist Lois Lane is already in on the secret, and the two have been circling each other in that classic will-they-won’t-they tension for a while now. But what really sets this film apart is the new kind of conflict it throws at its hero. After Superman intervenes to stop the fictional nation of Boravia from invading its neighbour Jarhanpur, he faces unexpected backlash. Instead of being praised, he’s caught in a political storm. Lex uses this to his advantage. He uncovers a hidden truth about Superman. For the first time, Superman isn’t just fighting a villain but wrestling with doubt, the very values he’s built his beliefs on.
Performances
David Corenswet as Superman
Stepping into the iconic role once held by Henry Cavil was never going to be easy. There was a fair amount of scepticism around whether David Corenswet could bring the same spark to Superman, but thankfully, he delivers, and then some. Corenswet is spectacular in the role, effortlessly balancing the magnificence of Superman with the awkward charm of Clark Kent. And he looks fantastic doing it. What truly sets his portrayal apart is the earnestness he brings to the character. Despite being an alien, Gunn’s Superman is deeply human, full of empathy and warmth, and Corenswet captures that beautifully.
Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane
Rachel Brosnahan lights up the screen as Lois Lane. This version of Lois is far more than just a romantic interest; she’s smart, fearless, and even ends up saving the day more than once. Rachel brings sharp wit to the role, making Lois both a capable journalist and a compelling presence every time she’s on screen.
Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor
Once you get past the initial surprise of seeing Hoult completely bald, everything starts to click. His take on Lex Luthor is a refreshing shift from the overly theatrical villains we’ve seen before. This Lex isn’t motivated by revenge or past trauma; he’s driven purely by envy, ego, and an insatiable hunger for power. He’s dangerous simply because he wants to be. Hoult plays him with a cold intensity, giving us a villain who’s unsettlingly real in his ambition.
Verdict- Gunn Redefines What It Means To Be A Superhero
James Gunn’s Superman is a breath of fresh air, brightly lit (a rarity in Hollywood these days), visually stunning, witty, and most importantly, deeply human. The film redefines what it means to be a superhero, moving past the usual tropes of flashy powers, cool gadgets, and untouchable egos. This Superman isn’t invincible in spirit; he doubts, he struggles, and he admits his flaws. Krypto the dog also deserves a very honourable mention for being a scene-stealer every time he’s on the screen.
In current times when the world feels dark and uncertain, Superman delivers the message audiences need: kindness and hope. Gunn’s direction keeps the story engaging from start to finish, sprinkled with humour, heart, and clever nods to classic Superman comic lore. The spin on the iconic theme songs adds just the right dose of nostalgia. The film’s political undertones feel incredibly relevant as well. That said, the movie isn’t without its flaws. The second half struggles a bit with pacing, and the sheer number of characters at times clutters the narrative. The Boravian conflict, introduced with intrigue, is wrapped up far too quickly and feels underdeveloped.
But even with these bumps, Superman succeeds where it matters most; it reminds us why the world fell in love with the superhero in the first place. Gunn’s take is fun, campy in the best way, and a treat for comic book fans. It serves as both a love letter to the hero’s legacy and a promising first step toward rebuilding the DCU.
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