A New Hope for Superman (Spoiler Free)

James Gunn’s Superman plunges into a world where Clark Kent (David Corenswet) is already an established hero, navigating global conflict, alien politics, and crisis of identity. The film introduces key roles: Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), and beloved side characters, including Krypto the Super-Dog and members of the Justice Gang like Mister Terrific and Hawkgirl. Gunn abandons the traditional origin tale—Superman isn't "discovering" his powers. Instead, the narrative centers on his responses to global threats and his struggle between Kryptonian expectations and human values. Corenswet offers a Clark Kent who is earnest and relatable, filled with internal conflict. He balances big heroics with small moments—like bonding with a street vendor—showcasing that Superman is grounded in humanity, not just powers. Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane isn’t a damsel—she’s a tenacious journalist and moral compass. A standout scene where Lois is grilling Superman during an interview plays like modern screwball magic, full of chemistry and moral depth.

Lex Luthor Reimagined

Nicholas Hoult brings brilliant menace and boiling envy to Lex. He’s a tech mogul turned mastermind, orchestrating clones and misinformation campaigns with chilling precision. Controlling and calculating, yet vulnerable: While often portraying a calm and stern demeanor, beneath the surface lies a short temper, petty cruelty, and a refusal to tolerate fools or failure. However, as the film progresses and his plans unravel, his carefully constructed facade begins to crack, revealing a deep-seated fear and even a moment of tearful humiliation. This Lex sees Superman’s power as a direct threat to human potential. He's his biggest Hater 

Comic Flair & World-Building

Gunn channels his Guardians of the Galaxy sensibilities with the Justice Gang—Mr. Terrific, Hawkgirl, Green Lantern, and even Krypto the Superdog. They add levity and comic-book whimsy while helping establish Gunn’s DCU. Gunn’s action scenes sparkle. Innovative flying sequences—shot with RED V‑Raptor cameras and bold lenses—make Superman’s aerial grace feel fresh. A big fight in a stadium, stylized like splash art come to life, stands out as pure comic-book spectacle. The film touches on identity, immigration, misinformation, and empathy. Superman’s foreign intervention and Luthor’s propaganda campaign echo today's geopolitical anxieties, without preaching.

With multiple villains, side characters, and worldbuilding mandates, the plot can feel cluttered. Mid- and third act pacing slows under the weight of setups and subplots, squeezing screen time from the core story. Gunn’s trademark humor is undeniable—sometimes too much. Playful elements, such as Krypto or Lex’s selfie-obsessed girlfriend, can undercut the emotional stakes, resulting in a mismatch between earnest drama and goofiness. While Superman, Lois, and Lex get satisfying arcs, many supporting players feel thin. The Justice Gang heroes flash in and out without fully resonating, and supporting cast such as the Kents are largely sidelined. (In retrospect, I think the Kents being used in short and sweet doses works beautifully.) Despite fresh action, blockbuster CGI blurs a few emotional climaxes. Some sequences feel too polished, almost sterile, and the climactic closure lacks the gravitas certain moments deserved. The storytelling reads like flipping through vintage Superman comic issues—capricious and episodic. That might thrill hardcore fans, but casual viewers may find the format disorienting.

KRYPTO: Grade A Good Boy!!

James Gunn’s Superman is an exhilarating blend of earnest emotion, self-aware humor, and colorful superhero spectacle. David Corenswet’s performance makes Superman feel grounded and hopeful. Brosnahan’s Lois is smart and strong, while Hoult’s Lex delivers venomous intelligence. Gunn’s world-building (complete with Justice Gang, robots, Krypto, and political intrigue) is ambitious and vibrant. His decision to start the story mid-hero avoids well-worn territory and instead asks: What if Superman made mistakes? What if he stirred conflict even while saving lives? Yet the film’s ambition occasionally betrays its own momentum. With too many secondary arcs, tonal shifts that disrupt emotional investment, and CGI that occasionally feels soulless, the movie sometimes feels more like a setup than a payoff. Gunn’s comedic instincts bring charm but can also deflate dramatic tension at inopportune moments. Still, the film’s heart lies with its emotional core: Superman questioning his worth, Lois challenging the world around them, and Lex believing he’s saving us from complacency. It’s a fresh start—fun, reflective, hopeful—built with clear affection and energy.

SUPERMAN LEGACY: A-