:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/James-Gunn-David-Corenswet-Superman-070725-a0eb01ee179e498e8016d6f9d380c0ce.jpg "Superman review: 'Bursting with geeky weirdness'")
Superman’s latest cinematic adventure takes a bold but uneven step into the future of DC’s superhero universe, blending eccentric humor with high-stakes action in a film that feels both overstuffed and insubstantial. With David Corenswet stepping into the iconic role, the new film offers comic book fans a whirlwind of nostalgic references and outlandish sci-fi flourishes, though it risks alienating wider audiences with its frenzied pacing and lack of emotional grounding.
The film marks the debut of DC’s ambitious new cinematic universe following the conclusion of its previous iteration, which stumbled with a series of underwhelming releases in 2023. Helmed by James Gunn, known for his work on Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and DC’s The Suicide Squad, this new chapter aims to redefine the superhero genre within the DC franchise. Rather than cautiously laying the foundation for future stories, Gunn plunges headfirst into the action, delivering a spectacle that feels more like the continuation of an established saga than the beginning of a new era.
From the outset, viewers are thrust into a world where Superman has already become a familiar figure, protecting Metropolis for several years. He is romantically involved with the determined Lois Lane, portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan, and faces opposition from the villainous Lex Luthor, played with cold intensity by Nicholas Hoult. Interestingly, the film introduces several lesser-known superheroes alongside Superman, including Green Lantern, Mr. Terrific, and Hawkgirl, who form a morally ambiguous Justice Gang that both aids and complicates his mission.
This approach to skip the well-trodden origin story offers a refreshing change of pace. Audiences are spared the familiar tale of Krypton and Smallville, diving directly into the dynamic world of metahumans and epic battles. The inclusion of offbeat elements such as Krypto the Superdog and a team of robotic Superman helpers adds a whimsical touch rarely seen in previous adaptations of the character. These playful additions evoke a sense of comic book authenticity, appealing to longtime fans eager for a break from the somber tone of earlier films.
Nonetheless, this distinctly unusual vision brings its own set of challenges. Gunn’s choice to fill the story with a bewildering assortment of ideas—duplicates, parallel worlds, strange beings, and societal observations—results in an experience that appears chaotic and lacking direction. The movie rushes through important story elements without allowing much space for character depth or emotional connection. Significant happenings like city-wide devastation and cross-dimensional journeys occur so swiftly that they reduce their possible effect, leaving viewers with brief impressions instead of enduring memories.
The visual effects, while elaborate, contribute to the film’s ephemeral quality. Much of the action resembles a high-end video game, with scenes of destruction and cosmic mayhem that feel detached from reality. Despite nods to the grandeur of Richard Donner’s 1978 Superman, including the use of John Williams’ iconic score, the film struggles to evoke a similar sense of awe. The result is a spectacle that dazzles momentarily but lacks the emotional weight necessary to make viewers truly invest in the story.
In this iteration of Superman, David Corenswet takes on the lead role, introducing a timeless and genuine appeal to the character of Superman as well as his other identity, Clark Kent. However, the script doesn’t fully allow him to demonstrate the iconic kindness and empathy associated with the role. The portrayal tends to emphasize a hasty nature, as the Man of Steel frequently shows signs of irritation and mood swings, especially in scenes with Lois Lane. This approach diminishes the character’s usual portrayal as a steadfast symbol of optimism and ethical certainty, making it challenging for viewers to relate to him on a more profound level.
The film’s rapid pace and emphasis on eccentricity suggest a creative vision driven more by indulgence than careful storytelling. Gunn appears to have approached the project with the mindset of cramming as much as possible into a single film, possibly out of concern that this opportunity might be short-lived. The result is an uneven mix of inventive humor and superficial spectacle that may delight comic book enthusiasts but leave mainstream viewers indifferent.
While the film’s ambition and playful tone are commendable, the lack of narrative cohesion and emotional depth hampers its effectiveness as the cornerstone of a new cinematic universe. The inclusion of whimsical elements, while entertaining, feels insufficient to carry the weight of the film’s larger thematic aspirations. The absence of quieter moments to explore Superman’s humanity and the moral dilemmas of his role further diminishes the story’s impact.
Ultimately, this version of Superman represents both a daring attempt and an unfulfilled chance. It presents an imaginative, humor-filled universe that steers away from the somber tone of earlier installments but doesn’t manage to leave a powerful, enduring impact. The movie’s high-energy and packed storyline might attract loyal comic enthusiasts, yet its inability to create a grounded, accessible Superman might limit its appeal to a wider audience.
James Gunn’s distinct approach—eccentric, humorous, and boldly nerdy—is evident throughout the movie, presenting instances of real entertainment and unexpected twists. However, the lack of emotional investment and the nonstop speed lead to a movie experience that is amusing at the time but not memorable in the future. As DC undertakes this fresh cinematic path, there is hope that upcoming episodes will achieve a stronger harmony between visual grandeur and depth, guaranteeing that Superman not only remains a representation of strength but a protagonist with a significant narrative.
