For the first time in nearly 50 years, The Man of Steel has been truly done right again on the big screen.
For whatever reason, the character of Superman has been tough to crack on the big screen ever since Christopher Reeves’ Superman ignited the comic book movie genre nearly half a century ago. Different versions of Superman have appeared over time, alongside shifting public perceptions of his core identity. As a godlike figure on Earth, Superman isn’t a hero who speaks sparingly, a selective savior, or one prone to an identity crisis. He’s a superhero who is simply trying to do the right thing at the end of each day. James Gunn, director of the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, thankfully nails the hero’s simple mission in Superman, a vibrant new take, which overflows with the hero’s true essence: hope, humility, and grace. With its outstanding cast, sci-fi elements, and comedic relief, this is easily one of the freshest and best superhero films in recent memory.
Wasting no time introducing us to the current situation and without retelling the origin story, much like his other DC counterpart from a few years ago in The Batman, Superman drops us in a world where the characters already know each other. Superman (David Corenswet) has been around for three years, lives in a world where others have powers too, has been dating Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) for a short time, and supervillain Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) hates his guts. Within minutes of the film’s opening, we find the superhero having his work cut out for him, as he deals with a border crisis between two fictional nations while continuously fending off Lex Luthor and his minions.
The film hits the ground running and with a runtime just under two hours, some of the juggled plot points can initially feel overwhelming. In addition to this, there’s such a large supporting cast of characters surrounding Superman that it potentially could come off as overstuffing. Yet, James Gunn maintains a swift and entertaining pace, ensuring you’re never disengaged while also keeping the focal point on its titular character. Superman proudly leans into its earnest, quirky, and sometimes goofy character. On top of that, we’re introduced to a colorful world filled with sci-fi elements like robots and aliens. Some viewers might find certain elements of this film off-putting, especially given that the genre has largely conditioned audiences to expect dark, gritty films with an edge for its heroes. However, this Superman proudly wears its heart (and its universe) on its cape. So, if you’re not on board with a hero in trunks resembling a wrestler, accompanied by a caped, flying dog, then this movie might not be for you.
Despite minor issues with CGI overload in the third act—a common problem in comic book movies nowadays—the action and accompanying visual effects in this film are largely effective. Krypto the Superdog looks incredibly realistic in this film, to the point where you’d think he was a real dog (And yes, he’s a scene-stealer too). But where the film truly excels is in its quieter moments, such as when Lois Lane is interviewing Superman or Superman visits his parents in Smallville. While past iterations of Superman have had no problem delivering action, they’ve often missed the essential, heartfelt moments that define the character. And this cast, the film’s greatest strength, helps create those moments.
Primarily composed of lesser-known or veteran actors rather than major stars, the story of Superman has always revolved around its core trio: Superman/Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Lex Luthor. And for the first time, a film truly brings this trifecta to life, with each actor excelling in their portrayal of these iconic characters. David Corenswet’s boyish Superman/Clark Kent delivers the goods; it’s hard not to love this take on the hero and see that a star is born, much like when James Gunn cast Chris Pratt as Star-Lord in his Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy. Rachel Brosnahan is razor sharp as Lois Lane, and her chemistry with Corenswet’s Superman is dynamite; my only other minor gripe with this film is she’s so great here, yet it feels like we don’t get enough of her. Nicholas Hoult is cunningly evil as Lex Luthor and easily delivers the best on-screen interpretation of this bald-headed villain (Sorry, Gene Hackman). The supporting cast of Superman is equally good as the head trio, but a couple of characters really stand out here in the moments they’re given. Skyler Gisondo as Daily Planet photographer Jimmy Olsen is funny and pitch-perfect while playing a pivotal role in the central plot of the film while Nathan Fillion’s jerkish Green Lantern, Guy Gardner, gives us a good idea of what we might see in this newly created cinematic superhero universe. One supporting character, however, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, truly stands out, nearly stealing the show with his exceptional performance. He plays a pivotal role in the film’s plot and delivers the film’s most impressive action sequence. I’m hopeful we’ll see more of this character very soon.
James Gunn consistently emphasizes Superman’s core message of doing the right thing throughout the film, while also making him relatable. This Superman is empathetic, learning as he goes while making mistakes, and even being concerned about the whereabouts of his dog. Despite recent claims to the contrary, this iteration of Superman is far from “woke.” He’s simply a hero striving to do good—the same fundamental principle established by his creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster over 85 years ago. This timeless message is precisely what our world desperately needs right now, and it’s refreshing to see it so clearly championed in a superhero film that prioritizes kindness. That, to me, is truly “super” to witness in a blockbuster—especially one with so much riding on a newly formed cinematic universe its studio desperately needs to succeed. And I believe audiences, especially families, since this film is surprisingly family friendly, are ready to embrace this hero’s true essence—along with his other super friends.