James Gunn’s latest Superman film is earning praise for making the iconic hero feel both incredibly powerful and refreshingly human, setting a hopeful tone for DC’s new cinematic universe.
A Human Touch for the Man of Steel
Audiences are connecting with this new portrayal of Superman almost immediately. In just the first few minutes, the film achieves something previous iterations often missed: showing this god-like alien as a relatable human being, complete with flaws, weaknesses, and a deep sense of determination.
David Corenswet embodies Superman with an overwhelming sense of hope, perfectly capturing why generations of children have donned red capes. James Gunn and Corenswet haven’t tried to reinvent the character; instead, they’ve masterfully told the timeless story of the man who watches over us all.
The film makes you feel like a child again, eager to be that hero on screen. Gunn successfully portrays a vulnerable Superman without always needing Clark Kent, a commendable feat. His inherent desire to save everyone, even a squirrel diving at supersonic speed, makes for a compelling argument that we never truly needed a shirtless Henry Cavill looking for clothes.
Elevating the Ensemble Cast
Gunn understands that Superman alone isn’t enough; the surrounding world must also shine. He elevates characters like Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, the Justice Gang, and the mad scientist Lex Luthor, ensuring they enhance Superman’s lore rather than detract from it.
These characters add layers and relatability to the story. Lex becomes the bedtime villain, Mister Terrific your school friend, and Lois the love of your life, transforming you into Clark Kent and Kal-El simultaneously, ready to take flight.
Edi Gathegi’s performance as Mister Terrific is particularly notable, bringing intelligence and confidence to the screen. Paired with Nathan Fillion’s perfectly self-important Guy Gardner, the supporting cast truly makes the film a richer experience.
Soundtrack and Pacing: A Comic Come to Life
The film’s gripping story, which flows effortlessly like turning comic book pages, is perfectly complemented by an amazing soundtrack. Gunn’s understanding of music’s power is evident, especially in the clever use of John Williams’ original Superman theme.
The score adapts to each scene, subtly changing its scale and instrumentation to fit the moment, creating a background score that truly enhances the narrative.
Acknowledging the Cracks in the System
While largely praised, the film does exhibit some classic superhero movie issues. The portrayal of Jarhanpur, a fictional country, with its “tattered clothes, crippling poverty, and trademark yellow tint,” feels problematic, even if it adheres to original comic literature.
Furthermore, Gunn’s choice not to reinvent the wheel, while true to the characters, makes the film feel predictable and linear. There are few twists, and the need to introduce several characters means some lack deep exploration.
- The film successfully portrays Superman as both powerful and deeply human.
- David Corenswet captures the essence of hope associated with the character.
- The supporting cast, especially Mister Terrific and Guy Gardner, elevates the overall narrative.
- The soundtrack effectively uses classic themes to enhance emotional impact.
- Some predictable plot points and potentially problematic cultural portrayals are present.
Despite these minor flaws, James Gunn’s Superman is an engaging watch and a promising start for DC’s new era. It delivers entertainment and offers a genuine attempt at bringing this iconic hero back to the big screen in a compelling way.
