Writer/Director: James Gunn
Starring: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult
‘A Captivating Blockbuster’
Few superheroes have gained a fan following as massive as Superman. Seeking the dawn of justice in his city of Metropolis, Superman has become an icon audiences cherish. On a personal level, I find the soaring superhero to be relatable. Several years ago, I developed strong relationships with a grandfather that loved the superhero. Attracted towards Lois Lane, he would often strive to explain why he loved the superhero with excitement he couldn’t contain. Fond of Kryptonite, his face would often light up with a bright smile whenever he got to see the iconic superhero take flight. A massive fan of Christopher Reeve, he admired a hero that made him believe any goal in the world was possible to achieve. When my grandmother was diagnosed with Cancer, he never lost love for the comic-book character. I always cherished the time I spent with a grandfather that adored Clark Kent. However, death brought his interest in heroes to a closure. After my grandmother passed away, he lost interest in a hero he once loved in every way. Mourning the death of his wife causing pain, he lost interests in Lois Lane. Stuck in an ordeal, he would no longer feel joy watching the man of steel. No longer interested in seeing superheroes soar, he lost admiration for icons he didn’t adore anymore. Facing regret, my grandfather would no longer get excited by the prospect of seeing the Daily Planet. Experiencing resentment, our bond became distant. Years later, Superman has become a sad reminder of a grandfather that I treasure.
As someone treasuring a grandfather that was a huge fan of Superman, I adored “Superman”. Released in 2025, James Gunn’s blockbuster honoured the comic-book character. Packed with breathtaking action, strong storytelling and strong acting, it’s one of the best movies of the year. At the centre of it all is David Corenswet, who embodies a superhero facing regret. Although “Superman” is a captivating comic-book movie, it isn’t a flawless film. Its unevenly paced, suffering from unnecessary romantic subplots that are a diversion. Nevertheless, it offers exhilarating entertainment that will definitely satisfy fans of the man of steel.
Set in Metropolis, “Superman” follows an iconic superhero with goals to accomplish. David Corenswet portrays Superman, a courageous superhero dedicated to protecting his city. Assisted by his longtime girlfriend Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), Superman has always strived to protect his city from villains causing pain. However, Superman’s efforts to be saviour are threatened when he encounters a new nemesis causing disaster. Facing sorrow, Superman questions whether it’s possible for him to any longer be a superhero.
James Gunn has always been fascinated with the stories of superheroes. A fantastic filmmaker, Gunn has often made engaging movies about superheroes facing grave danger. With “Superman”, however, Gunn created his first ever Superman movie. It’s the filmmaker’s first attempt to reimagine a soaring superhero with a strong legacy but he succeeds tremendously. Evoking Richard Donner’s “Superman”, Gunn effectively uses point-of-view shots to capture a superhero’s bond with a team. For instance, POV shots elevate the teamwork scene. During this unforgettable scene, Superman and the Justice gang engage in an intense fight against a monster threatening Metropolis. It reminded me about my strong bond with a grandfather that appreciated a superhero that’s celebrated. POV shots are tricky techniques. As Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” suggested, POV shots elevate horror movies about sharks. Nevertheless, it works well. Through breathtaking visuals, Gunn captures tensions that soaring superheroes with commemorated personalities are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Superman” that merits appreciation is the action. From a technical perspective, it’s the most impressive comic-book movie you’ll ever see. Evoking Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel”, Gunn effectively uses sound-design to capture superheroes that shine. For instance, sound-design elevates the raising flag scene. During this unforgettable scene, kids in a Boravia minefield raise a flag to showcase their support for Superman. Through stunning sound-design, Gunn honours a superhero with abilities to shine. It brought back fond memories of a grandfather that appreciated a superhero that he loved to discuss passionately. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. John Murphy’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that superheroes bear. Through gorgeous production, Gunn honoured an iconic superhero embarking on a commemorated mission.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Superman” is a comic-book film that’s compelling. Historically, women with strong personalities are seldom seen in Superman movies. Most Superman movies have often portrayed Lois Lane as a helpless damsel in distress without any positive qualities. For instance, Bryan Singer’s “Superman Returns” portrayed Lois Lane as a helpless damsel in distress relying on superheroes to heal her pain. Thankfully, however, “Superman” avoids these pitfalls. Evoking Patty Jenkins’ “Wonder Woman”, Gunn effectively uses silence to create a compelling female character with strong presence. For instance, silence enhances the argument scene. During this heartfelt scene, Lois gets into a fierce argument with Clark over his role as Superman causing tension. It reminded me of my broken relationship with my grandfather that lost interest in superheroes after his wife died leaving him devastated. Silence is a tricky technique. As Clint Eastwood’s “Juror #2” suggested, silence enhances courtroom dramas. Nevertheless, it works in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Gun celebrates a superhero today.
One appreciates outstanding performances.
David Corenswet delivers a star-making performance as Superman. Corenswet first achieved appreciation for playing tornado chasers in disaster blockbusters. With “Superman”, however, he took on his most emotional role. It isn’t easy to portray a legendary superhero with a lasting legacy but Corenswet succeeded. Evoking Tobey Maguire in Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man 2”, Corenswet portrays a compelling superhero seeking to make his dreams come true. With riveting expressions, he captures the bravery, courage and strong spirit of a legendary superhero. It’s an extraordinary performance from one of the most talented actors working today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for David Corenswet, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciation. Nicholas Hoult is fantastic, bringing an air of menace to a villainous billionaire seeking to destroy a doomed city facing despair. Rachel Brosnahan is remarkable, capturing the compassion of a female journalist that forms a romantic relationship with a superhero facing destruction. Lastly, Nathan Fillion merits appreciation. As a comedic superhero, he brings hilarious comical relief to the movie.
Despite is universal appeal, however, “Superman” doesn’t entirely do justice towards the legacy of the man of steel. If there’s a minor shortcoming to the movie, it lacks engaging pacing. Gunn’s decision to integrate romantic subplots involving journalists into the movie is bold but it hinders the pacing. Due to this faulty decision, scenes capturing Jimmy Olsen’s romance with a reckless selfie girl are less engaging than Superman’s journey to find his identity. Whereas this romantic subplot elevated Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man 3”, it clashes with the tone of this movie. At worst, it acts as a distracting diversion from the main storyline of Superman. Consequently, “Superman” can’t quite honour a superhero with the powerful abilities to soar that audiences adore.
Nevertheless, fans of the soaring superhero will definitely appreciate “Superman” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A captivating comic-book blockbuster, it honours the legacy of a legendary superhero character.
Nearly 90 years after a commemorated superhero born with the abilities to soar was introduced in comic-book lore, it’s a soaring reminder that Cinema is a powerful art-form that can honour a hero that comic-book fans have grown over time to adore.
As strong as Superman’s attraction to Kryptonite, it has motivated me to move on several years after ending relationships with a commemorated grandfather whose face would always light up with a bright smile at the sight of superheroes taking flight that gave me my lifelong passion for movie reviews I write on my website.
4.5/5 stars
The Film Buff 