Superman Review: James Gunn Isn’t Afraid of Comic Book Sensibilities, And I Love That

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Although James Gunn‘s past successes with lesser-known comic book adaptations like the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, Suicide Squad, Creature Commandos, and Peacemaker might not initially suggest he’d be a good fit for a big-name superhero like Superman, his unique style is evident from the start in the new film. It becomes clear that his storytelling abilities aren’t limited to lesser-known ensembles as Superman, bruised and battered, arrives in the Arctic with his superpowered dog Krypto. Throughout the movie, it’s apparent that Gunn has evolved as a filmmaker, tailoring his approach to suit Superman and this fresh universe. The signature elements that fans adore about James Gunn movies are showcased, and the new DCU starts off strong, even with a few early stumbles along the way.

In an unexpected twist for a fresh Superman film, the narrative unfolds mid-action, set in a universe where Superman has been a longstanding hero for years. The lore of metahumans in the DC Universe stretches back centuries, making it unremarkable when a kaiju attacks Metropolis or when a colossal green baseball bat materializes from a ring to vanquish a monster from another dimension. This approach underscores not only the filmmakers’ faith in their audience, but also the impact of decades worth of superhero films that allow for such grand world-building without a hint of an eyeroll.

As a fan, I found myself at odds with Lex Luthor, portrayed by David Corenswet with a charming, homespun charm and self-assuredness. Over the span of just a few days, our conflict unfolded on screen, with multiple perspectives and settings adding depth to the story. Despite the movie’s brisk pace, not a single moment felt wasted, as it skillfully navigated the narrative without compromise. Nicholas Hoult brilliantly brought Lex Luthor to life, channeling his unique brand of mischief into a cunning, calculating adversary for Superman. His performance was electrifying, instantly placing him in the running for iconic comic book movie villains. However, it must be said that a rather predictable twist in Luthor’s plan towards the end, a flaw I believe lies more with the script than Hoult’s acting, may leave longtime Superman film enthusiasts feeling a little underwhelmed.

Throughout the film, Corenswet is accompanied by different co-stars, depending on where his character is situated. At the Daily Planet, he regularly appears alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Wendell Pierce as Perry White, Beck Bennett as Steve Lombard, and Mikaela Hoover as Cat Grant. While each of them gets a chance to shine, it’s Gisondo who particularly stands out whenever he’s on screen, making the movie feel incomplete without him. The lean plot leaves little room for these secondary characters to make significant contributions. Pierce, playing the tough editor-in-chief, seems to have a somewhat limited role in the grand scheme of the film.

Unlike Corenswet’s character, the other superheroes in the Justice Gang – portrayed by Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl – significantly contribute to the broader universe-building. Each of them offers unique personalities that set them apart: Gathegi’s methodical Mister Terrific contrasts with Fillion’s boisterous Gardner, who in turn differs from the somewhat detached Hawkgirl. When these characters appear on screen, it seems as if they could easily star in a separate storyline. Corenswet’s presence helps to define not only his Kryptonian character but also the larger DC Universe.

In addition, Corenswet’s portrayal of Superman offers a personal perspective. We swiftly discover that Clark and Lois have been dating for a brief period, and their private moments are among Gunn’s finest work. Here, his narrative maturity shines the most, as the interaction between them mirrors the excitement and exploration of early relationships, pushing boundaries and questioning the reasons behind their involvement in this romance. This adds depth to the character of the Last Son of Krypton, while also providing the film with a sense of real-life weight and drama that is both captivating and authentic.

Across Superman’s private life reside his human parents, portrayed by Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell. Despite their limited screen time, they leave a significant impact distinctly. Vince’s character, Jonathan Kent, portrays a profound pride in his son, yet also conveys the gentle ramblings of an aging father who has always had a unique bond with him. On the contrary, Martha, played by Howell, teases her husband for being overly emotional, a playful habit born from decades of marriage, while simultaneously ensuring Superman’s boots are cleaned before he embarks on his adventures.

Krypto’s limitless energy, reminiscent of Gunn’s real-life dog, adds another impressive element to the movie. It’s interesting that this relationship between Superman and his dog is significant in the film, demonstrating both the wide range of elements from decades of DC comics that can be incorporated, and the success that results when these elements are handled well. In contrast to many other superhero movies that have dismissed or mocked comic book mechanics from the Golden and Silver Ages, this movie takes a different approach – one without mockery or detachment. Instead, it embraces these mechanics, making them a crucial part of the film’s overall appeal, and even its emotional core.

Gunn skillfully crafts thrilling action sequences in his films that challenge characters and propel the story beyond mere spectacle. For example, in Superman, he expertly focuses on key moments featuring Corenswet’s Superman, Gathegi’s Mister Terrific, or Anthony Carrigan’s Metamorpho (a character once thought improbable). However, at times the action can become overly complex, as seen in María Gabriela de Faría’s portrayal of The Engineer. This character, a human enhanced by nano-tech powers, is one of the film’s less effective aspects. This is partly due to her abilities being overly grand in scale and not always visually appealing, combined with a relatively static acting performance.

One unexpected aspect that might have turned out monotonous is the scenes where Luthor guides his formidable adversary, Ultraman, during his battles with Superman. Swapping between Luthor’s command center as he barks instructions, then watching those exact tactics unfold on screen could have been repetitive. However, in practice, Gunn skillfully injects an exciting dynamism and sharp finesse into the editing.

The success of Superman is similar to the acclaim earned by Gunn’s other adaptations: as a filmmaker, Gunn isn’t hesitant about incorporating the essential comic book aspects from the original source material. Unlike others, he doesn’t worry about whether something seems cool or will translate well onto the big screen, a concern that has often plagued other adaptations. Instead, Gunn trusts in the characters and the world, confident that audiences can appreciate elements not found in everyday life without questioning their realism or seeming contrived. Just like his previous films, James Gunn’s Superman boasts an exceptionally well-chosen cast, features stylish action sequences, and carries a gracefulness that DC fans have longed to see brought to life in live-action.

In a time when the excitement around superheroes seemed to wane, Superman has dropped like a breath of fresh air, reviving the reason we fell in love with this genre in the first place. This latest movie beautifully captures what fans have cherished about this character and universe, making it all feel tangible. I must admit, I thought James Gunn might be out of ideas for movies like this, considering it’s been over a decade since the debut of the first Guardians of the Galaxy. Yet, Superman has demonstrated that he continues to excel at crafting compelling superhero tales on mainstream platforms. If this is a sign of things to come for the DCU, they’re in capable hands indeed.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Superman lands in theaters on July 11th.

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2025-07-08 22:10