Superman

There’s a lot riding on James Gunn’s Superman. Not just because it’s the first brick in the newly rebooted DC Universe — a universe that’s already limping thanks to comic book fatigue and a series of mostly horrible Snyderverse films. The stakes are high. This isn’t just a movie hoping to jumpstart a franchise — it’s a statement of purpose. And thankfully, it’s a damn good one

Gunn’s take on the Man of Steel gives us a Superman that feels both timeless and timely. He’s not the grimdark alien god of the Snyder years, nor the squeaky-clean boy scout of the Donner era. He’s something more human, more conflicted, more now. He’s the immigrant raised by the Kents — good-hearted, decent, and flawed. He wants to do the right thing, even when he doesn’t always know what that is. In that way, Gunn brings Superman back to his roots: it’s cool to be kind. And in a world obsessed with sarcasm and self-interest, that’s downright revolutionary. The real punk rock is kindness.

The movie follows Clark Kent/Superman as he tries to live up to the impossible ideals that come with being a walking symbol. Along the way, he butts heads with a Lex Luthor clearly modeled on the worst of the modern political right. Nicolas Hoult’s Luthor is the bloated, entitled embodiment of authoritarian corruption. The film even dares to gesture at global conflicts like Palestine and Ukraine — on the nose, sure, but it takes a stance, and that alone is bold for a studio blockbuster. Naturally, this has already earned the film the, “Superman has gone woke” screech from people who’ve clearly never cracked a comic.

Tonally, it’s a tricky balance. The action is wonderful — dynamic and inventive without falling into the murky, CG-sludge look that plagues many superhero films. Gunn reinvents the language of comic book action scenes while keeping the focus on character. The movie has plenty of laugh out loud moments. And it is imbued with some depth in its hope for humanity.

That said, it’s a typical Gunn film, maximalist storytelling, overstuffed with ideas and too many characters. Hawkwoman is pretty useless, and why are we including Cat Grant or even ex-SNLer, Beck Bennett? Strangely, Clark is a bit short-shrifted in the character department, but this is really Superman’s movie. But hey, isn’t Clark the disguise and Superman the real guy? I like Gunn’s style, but if you don’t, your mileage on the film will vary.

One of the key points in the film is that Gunn has made Superman vulnerable, both emotionally and physically. He has doubts, flaws, and a sense of responsibility that feels earned. He als spends most of the movie getting his ass handed to him. But he always gets up to keep fighting for good. There’s one quick moment where he saves a squirrel, which is funny, but it also says a lot about his character. Every living thing matters to him.  And David Corenswet and his dimples soar in the role (Rachel Brosnahan as a tough, but conflicted Lois Lane is also excellent).

Some may complain about the portrayal of Ma and Pa Kent — they come off as being sort of hillbilly simpletons. But they are a metaphor for the true America, that took in an immigrant from outer space, loved him and raised him well. As with movies like Guardians of the Galaxy, some very emotional scenes breath light through the noise of all the action and chaos. I should also mention, after seeing the trailers, I wasn’t sure this Krypto thing was going to work. But I’m happy to report that the little scamp steals the movie.

It’s possible we had to slog through years of brooding, grim Superman to appreciate the value of a hopeful one. This is the hero we need in 2025 — not a power fantasy, but a moral one. A flawed, striving, fundamentally decent person trying to make the world better.

It is cool to be kind.

In the end, Superman feels like a Silver Age comic with a soul. Bright, bold, occasionally chaotic, but full of heart. Gunn has given us a Superman for our times, and in doing so, he may have finally cracked the code, finally solving the old problem of making this all-powerful hero interesting.