Superman Movie Review: James Gunn moves beyond the legend to craft a Superman you can actually feel

Superman review

‘Superman,’ directed by James Gunn, was released on 11th July in theatres and stars David Corenswet, Nicholas Hoult, Rachel Brosnahan, Maria Gabriela de Faria, and Edi Gathegi.

A hopeful new beginning

What stands out most about James Gunn’s take on Superman is how unafraid it is to embrace warmth. This is a film that knows the history, honours the legacy, and yet dares to bring something fresh. It’s not an origin story, nor is it another gritty, brooding reboot.

The film opens with a brisk, clever summary that tells us everything we need to know: three centuries ago, metahumans appeared on Earth; three decades ago, a baby from another planet was adopted by Kansas farmers; three years ago, he became Superman; three weeks ago, he stopped a war; and three minutes ago, he lost a battle for the first time.

That intro does more than just fill in gaps—it sets the tone. It’s hopeful but grounded, mythic yet human. And when we find Superman, bruised and broken in the Arctic, you instantly sense this isn’t the same Man of Steel we’ve known. Gunn has brought the hero down to Earth—literally and emotionally.

Rising tensions and inner conflicts

The story kicks off with Superman (David Corenswet) being beaten by Hammer of Boravia, a metahuman weapon unleashed by Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), now a cunning tech billionaire with influence that cuts across nations.

Clark Kent is rescued by his loyal dog, Krypto, and brought to the Fortress of Solitude, where he begins to heal. Meanwhile, back in Metropolis, he resumes work at the Daily Planet, chasing leads with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), as they investigate Luthor’s growing shadow over world affairs. Luthor, ever the puppet master, stokes tension between two nations—Boravia and Jarhanpur—to ignite a global crisis.

Superman tries to intervene but is thrown into battles against other metahuman creations like The Engineer. He’s not alone—Hawkgirl, Green Lantern, and Mister Terrific join him along the way—but it’s still very much Clark’s story.

There’s even a phase where he questions his place in the world, especially after being imprisoned and coming out of it physically healed but emotionally rattled.
Redefining the Man of Steel

This vulnerability is what makes the film feel so different. Gunn clearly wants to reshape the image of Superman for a new generation—less god, more man. And it works. Right from the first blow he takes, there’s a shift in tone. Superman isn’t infallible here. He’s new to the cape—just three years into his hero journey—and he’s still figuring it all out.

That uncertainty, that sincerity, is what David Corenswet brings to the role so well. His Superman is charming but unsure, strong but searching. There’s a boyish edge to his portrayal that makes the moments of strength all the more impactful.

Nicholas Hoult, as Luthor, is menacing in a calm, calculating manner. He’s not chewing scenery—he’s slicing through it with cold precision. His disdain for Superman feels rooted in ideology, not just villainy, which makes their conflict more than just punch-and-fly—it’s personal, philosophical.

Allies, action, and emotional beats

The supporting cast adds flavour without crowding the stage. Mister Terrific gets a couple of standout sequences, especially one where he obliterates metahumans with clinical precision. Green Lantern and Hawkgirl provide comic book thrills but never hijack the focus.

There are also lovely grace notes—Superman’s quiet moments with his adoptive parents, the silent awe in the Fortress of Solitude, the casual banter between Clark and Lois. And for fans, there’s a big wink near the end when Supergirl appears, clearly teeing up her own story.

The action is tight and well-executed, with two set pieces—Metropolis on the brink of destruction and a Mister Terrific vs Metahuman showdown—that really stand out. The effects are polished, the pacing crisp, and the tone balanced: serious without being dour, fun without being juvenile.

Not perfect but gives hope

This isn’t the most jaw-dropping superhero film, but it surely is different and has a soul. ‘Superman’ is a course correction, not a reinvention. It acknowledges past missteps while trying to build something honest and new.

Corenswet may not be the definitive Superman just yet, but he shows promise—and that’s what this film is about: promise. Gunn isn’t reinventing the wheel, but he’s made it roll smoother and with more soul. The film doesn’t sag or stall; there’s always something happening, and it’s nearly always something that matters.

It’s not about spectacle alone—though there’s plenty of it—it’s about reminding us why we ever cared about Superman in the first place. The most heartwarming part of ‘Superman’ is that it remembers its comic book roots and infuses the film with that same spirit—earnest, imaginative, and filled with hope. Gunn’s version is neither bleak nor bombastic. It’s confident and full of heart.

Rating: 3.5/5