Review: Superman

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s … Superman! A very different take on Superman by James Gunn. DC aimed to create something distinct from the “Snyderverse,” and they got what they paid for because there is no doubt that this is a James Gunn film.

The plot is intriguing and mainly focuses on the political aspects of being Superman, particularly regarding when and how he should intervene in various situations. Lex Luthor, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult, takes advantage of rising tensions and tries to manipulate public opinion about the Kryptonian.

Gunn chose to start this story with an established Superman who has faced defeat for the first time. The only issue with this approach is that it marks the first time we see David Corenswet donning the cape and red underwear. That would have been all well and good if it flashed back to show what happened, but you’re left with questions until the third act of the film. In fact, the Man of Steel gets beaten down so much that it starts to lose its “hero effect.” After the third time, it just felt boring. However, when those questions are answered, it is satisfying.

So much time is spent on the fighting, which prevents viewers from seeing Superman as Clark Kent. The scenes where David Corenswet portrays his alter ego are among the best, especially when he shares the screen with Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane. The chemistry between the two is electric, and Brosnahan’s tough and clever demeanor, is a standout performance.

The main characters and supporting roles received minimal development. It was also strange that more screen time was devoted to Edi Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific rather than Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl, especially since this is meant to be her introduction to the DC Universe as she continues her role in season 2 of Peacemaker.

The true highlight of this film is Superman’s best friend, Krypto the Superdog. The adorable dog steals the scenes and adds to the film’s charm. One thing is certain: moviegoers will leave the theater talking about Krypto and will be eager to see more of him in future projects.

Superman is an excellent starting point for DC’s rebranding of its cinematic universe, as it is one of the most comic-accurate adaptations to date. Although it fell short in characterization, it compensated with fantastic casting choices, exciting action sequences, a strong female lead, and a charming dog. It would have been great to see more of Corenswet as the adorkable Clark Kent, but he truly embodied the role of Superman and will take the character to new heights.