Superman
3½ stars (out of 4)
Director: James Gunn (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “The Suicide Squad”)
Starring: David Corenswet, Nicholaus Hoult, Rachel Brosnahan
Rated: PG-13 for violence, action and language
Available: In theaters
In case you somehow missed the trailers, product tie-ins and relentless social media promotion, I’m here to tell you that Superman is back in movie theaters. I’m also here to tell you, his return is timely and welcome.
Log onto Facebook (or other social media) and you can quickly find alternate takes. Because online communities are largely toxic, I’ve seen debates about which Superman is “correct.” There are Christopher Reeve holdouts, those who prefer the edgier Zack Snyder/Henry Cavill approach, and even those who bring television actors into the conversation. Yes, George Reeves, Dean Cain, Tom Welling, Tyler Hoechlin and animated voice actors all put their stamp on Big Blue. Mostly, I have enjoyed all that work, and I “get” that people become invested in their vision of a character. But past readings are irrelevant. Above all, a good movie requires distinct vision and quality execution. Writer-director James Gunn delivers both.
If you are looking for Reeves’ or Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, you won’t find him in the 2025 Superman. What you will discover is a fresh reading that honors the character’s core attributes while forging a new, exciting direction for DC’s cinematic universe. This Superman returns to the comic book roots without feeling overly schlocky or juvenile. In many respects, Gunn has achieved what George Lucas reportedly hoped for in his Star Wars prequels: a modernized version of Saturday afternoon movie serials. Many (including me) believe Lucas aimed too squarely at the preteen audience, alienating fans of his original trilogy. Gunn deftly walks the line between silly and serious, delivering a feature that works for children and adults alike.
To be sure, he makes questionable choices. There is one sequence where Green Lantern Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion) turns the tide of a military battle by repeatedly dropping giant, green middle fingers on troops. Dutiful parents may find it awkward explaining that sequence to their child, but no film works for everyone. To Gunn’s credit, Superman comes close.
Parents who are shocked by Gardner’s excess can rightly note that he is an antihero while Superman is the one they should aspire to be. Superman (beautifully portrayed by David Corenswet) is troubled when a superhero group known as the Justice Gang – Green Lantern, Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi) – kill a giant monster instead of relocating it. Unlike Henry Cavill in Man of Steel, Corenswet’s Superman does everything in his power to make sure nobody is injured during super fights. He even saves a squirrel.
Superman has long been my favorite superhero, a sometimes unpopular opinion because he is often viewed as too powerful to be interesting. I believe it’s that power – and Superman’s choices in wielding it – that are most fascinating. This is a character who could become invincible and immortal, yet he is imperiled in most great Superman stories because his weakness isn’t Kryptonite. It’s his inherent goodness. Gunn leans into this theme.
In one scene, Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) notes that her relationship with Clark Kent (Superman’s alter ego) may not work because she is “punk rock” and he approaches everyone as though they are inherently good. Clark cleverly notes that maybe his perspective is the “real” punk rock.
If this review seems short on plot, that’s by design. Gunn jumps into his story assuming viewers have an elementary understanding of Big Blue because …. well, who doesn’t? He notes, in title cards, that it is early in Superman’s career, but he doesn’t bother with the origin story, his initial meetings with Lois or even his developing friendship with the Justice Gang. Instead, viewers jump into Superman’s first major crisis. A previously adoring American citizenry has begun to lack faith in their hero because he singlehandedly stopped a war without government approval. Businessman and super baddie Lex Luthor (Nicholaus Hoult) views this as an opportunity.
Every actor in the film is ideally cast. Corenswet will face endless comparisons, most unfair, but he is ideal for James Gunn’s reading. Brosnahan will also be contrasted against great representations of Lois Lane offered by actresses ranging from Margot Kidder to Teri Hatcher. Her Lois is different, but quite likable. Hoult offers a similarly distinct-but-excellent portrayal of Luthor. Even background characters, like Daily Planet sportswriter Steve Lombard (Beck Bennett), are wonderfully spooled out.
As for action, there is plenty. Too often, summer blockbusters forget that action sequences are a means to an end -- not the point. Gunn understands that good storytelling relies on a connection to characters and that smart storytelling always trumps spectacle. He offers both, yet always tips the scales in the proper direction. His Superman is a true hero story, the tale of an all-powerful alien who came to Earth and chose to become a savior rather than oppressor.
At a time when America is politically divided and some leaders are pushing policies in stark contrast to the traditional “American way,” Gunn delivers a Superman who is incorruptible, virtuous and unquestionably kind. This reading encourages us to make the right choices even in the face of personal sacrifice. Summer blockbusters aren’t usually seen as “important,” but I dare anyone to suggest a more valuable message for today’s world.
Author Bio:
Forrest Hartman is Highbrow Magazine’s chief film critic.
For Highbrow Magazine