Superman review: James Gunn and David Corenswet bring hope back to the Man of Steel

It happens to us all. It is yet another Superman film, another vow that this time they will get it right. However, here is the thing: James Gunn comes through. His Superman not only crashes into theatres with a splash, but flies with the kind of joyous exuberance that we forgot was possible in superhero films.

In a landscape littered with grim-faced heroes wrestling with their demons, Gunn's film feels almost rebellious in its optimism. This isn't your typical Hollywood reboot designed by committee; it's a love letter to everything that makes the Man of Steel endure, wrapped in the kind of genuine heart that makes you remember why you fell in love with superheroes in the first place.

David Corenswet gives an impressively confident and confidently fitting jump in the legendary cape and gets a Superman who is both classical and invigoratingly new. In contrast to other versions that could not find a balance between the two versions of Clark Kent, Corenswet has a unified character: earnest, vulnerable, and hopeful indeed. His Superman doesn't brood about the burden of his powers; instead, he wrestles with finding his place in a world that desperately needs heroes but isn't sure it wants them.

The film wisely skips the tired origin story, dropping us into Superman's third year of heroism. When an international intervention goes sideways, our hero faces his first real crisis of confidence. It's a smart narrative choice that allows Gunn to explore what makes Superman compelling: not his invulnerability, but his humanity.

Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane is a revelation, sharp, fearless, and every bit Superman's equal. The chemistry between Corenswet and Brosnahan crackles with the wit and warmth that made the Christopher Reeve films so beloved. Their banter feels natural, their romance genuine, and their partnership essential to the story's emotional core.

Nicholas Hoult brings a calculating menace to Lex Luthor, crafting a villain who's both intellectually formidable and disturbingly petty. His Luthor doesn't just want to destroy Superman; he wants to prove that hope itself is a lie.

Gunn's signature style, vibrant colours, quirky humour, and genuine heart transform *Superman* into a living comic book. The film embraces its source material's inherent absurdity while never mocking it. From Krypto the Superdog's scene-stealing antics to the Justice Gang's eccentric heroics, every element feels purposeful rather than gratuitous.

The action sequences are spectacular, particularly a breathtaking single-take fight scene that showcases Superman's powers with genuine awe. John Murphy's soaring score pays homage to John Williams while establishing its own identity.

Superman occasionally stumbles under the weight of its ambitions. The film juggles numerous subplots and supporting characters, sometimes at the expense of deeper character development. Gunn's penchant for humour, while mostly successful, occasionally undercuts moments that could use more emotional weight.

What Superman accomplishes is remarkable: it makes the Man of Steel relevant again. In an era of cynicism, Gunn presents a hero who chooses hope not because it's easy, but because it's necessary. The film's optimism feels radical, its earnestness punk rock.

This isn't just a successful Superman film; it's a blueprint for how superhero movies can evolve beyond darkness into something more inspiring. With stellar performances, spectacular action, and a heart bigger than Metropolis, Superman proves that sometimes the world needs saving, and sometimes the movies do too.