James Gunn’s reboot of Superman delivers a bold, hyperactive, and visually dazzling start to the new DC Universe, but its political metaphors and chaotic world-building might leave some viewers conflicted.
Bringing in Gunn—known for his irreverent, character-driven storytelling in Guardians of the Galaxy—as both director and co-writer, DC signaled it was ready for a creative overhaul. And this Superman confirms that. David Corenswet debuts as the new Man of Steel, dimpled, charming, and grounded, while Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is a megalomaniac billionaire with a penchant for interdimensional chaos and nanotechnology—clearly inspired by a blend of Elon Musk and certain real-world political figures.
What Works:
- Gunn skips the origin story: Knowing everyone is familiar with Krypton and Smallville, Gunn wisely fast-forwards through the backstory and thrusts us right into the action.
- The Justice Gang: Featuring characters like Green Lantern, Mr. Terrific, Hawkgirl, and Metamorpho, their camaraderie and synergy harken back to the vibe of Guardians—one of the film’s most enjoyable aspects.
- Visuals: The 3D action sequences are stunning, and Krypto the Superdog steals scenes with heart and humor.
- Moral tension: Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), though underwhelming in charisma, delivers a cutting interview with Superman, questioning his right to unilateral power—a rare moment of thematic weight in a film otherwise obsessed with spectacle.
What Doesn’t:
- Too much, too fast: With black holes, anti-proton rivers, pocket universes, and countries at war (Bovaria vs Jahranpur), the plot is crammed to bursting. The emotional beats barely land before the next interdimensional threat arrives.
- Problematic allegory: The depiction of Jahranpur, a fictional Middle Eastern-like country reduced to brown-skinned, spear-wielding stereotypes, feels tone-deaf. For a film aiming to modernize Superman, this old-school, orientalist trope seems jarringly out of place.
- Missed character depth: While Corenswet brings a classic Superman charm, the emotional arc—centering on a mysterious message from his Kryptonian parents—lacks the depth it deserves, overshadowed by loud set-pieces.
Final Verdict:
Gunn’s Superman has the makings of an exciting franchise launch—funny, frenetic, and undeniably slick. But the film’s mishandling of its geopolitical subplot and the breakneck pacing leave it feeling more like a visual thrill ride than a story with staying power. As the DCU moves forward, here’s hoping it learns to slow down, dig deeper, and avoid simplistic world politics dressed up as superhero stakes.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Promising start, but needs more heart and thought.
