Superman Review: James Gunn’s Man of Steel Soars with Heart and Humor

Superman Review: James Gunn’s Superman is a vibrant, heartfelt reboot that brings the Man of Steel back to his roots with a modern twist.

Starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, this DC Universe kickoff blends comic-book charm, emotional depth, and Gunn’s signature humor.

Released on July 11, 2025, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s earning rave reviews for its fresh take. Let’s break down why this film is a must-see for superhero fans and casual viewers alike!A Joyful Return to Superman’s RootsGunn’s Superman doesn’t waste time rehashing Kal-El’s origin story.

Instead, it dives straight into a world where superheroes, or “metahumans,” are commonplace. We meet Clark Kent three years into his Superman gig, grappling with the fallout of intervening in a fictional war between Boravia and Jarhanpur.

This bold move sets the tone: this is a Superman who’s powerful yet vulnerable, idealistic yet questioned.David Corenswet shines as a Superman who’s both a gosh-golly hero and a man wrestling with his identity.

His Clark Kent is adorably awkward, cooking “breakfast for dinner” for Lois Lane in a scene that’s pure romantic comedy gold. Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois is whip-smart and fierce, with chemistry that crackles like a lightning bolt. Their banter and emotional connection are the film’s heart, making every scene they share a delight.

Highlights of Superman:

• Stellar Cast: David Corenswet’s earnest Superman and Rachel Brosnahan’s dynamic Lois Lane steal the show, with Nicholas Hoult’s sinister Lex Luthor as a perfect foil.

• Comic-Book Vibes: Gunn embraces Silver Age DC with colorful visuals, goofy logic, and a fast-paced plot that feels like a comic splash page.

• Emotional Core: The film explores Superman’s humanity and immigrant story, balancing action with heartfelt moments.

• Fun and Funny: From Krypto the Superdog’s chaotic heroics to quirky cameos, the humor lands without overshadowing the stakes.

• IMAX Spectacle: Shot for IMAX, the action scenes, like Superman battling a kaiju-sized monster, are visually stunning.

A World Packed with Action and Heart

SPOILER WARNING: Minor plot details ahead, but we’ll keep it light to preserve the magic! The story follows Superman as he faces Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), a tech-billionaire villain who’s equal parts Elon Musk and classic comic-book schemer.

Lex’s plan involves manipulating public opinion against Superman, using social media bots and a squad of powered-up minions like Ultraman and The Engineer. It’s a timely twist that grounds the film in our digital age.

Gunn’s script is a love letter to Superman’s Silver Age roots, complete with sci-fi tropes and a playful tone. The action is relentless, from city-smashing monster fights to high-flying heroics.

Yet, the quieter moments, like Clark’s chats with Lois or his adoptive father (Pruitt Taylor Vince), hit just as hard. The film’s not perfect, as some critics note it’s overstuffed with characters like Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), which can feel like setup for future DCU films. But Gunn’s passion for the source material keeps it cohesive.

Why It Works: Gunn Gets Superman

What makes this Superman soar? Gunn nails the hero’s core: selflessness, resolve, and a touch of corniness. Corenswet’s “Golly” muttering after a beatdown is peak Superman, which is earnest and endearing.

The film’s optimism is a breath of fresh air in a genre often bogged down by grit. It’s not about making Superman relatable like Spider-Man; it’s about making him inspirational, a beacon of hope in a cynical world.

The supporting cast, including Nathan Fillion’s bowl-cut Green Lantern and Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen, adds charm without stealing focus. John Murphy’s score, weaving in John Williams’ iconic theme, amps up the epic feel.

Fans on X are buzzing, with posts calling it “the best Superman movie to date” and praising Corenswet’s charisma. Sure, some CGI moments get flak for looking cartoonish, but the visuals mostly dazzle, especially in IMAX.

A Few Kryptonite Quibbles

No film is invincible. Some reviews, like a now-deleted Daily Beast piece, called it “overstuffed” and criticized the CGI’s occasional cartoonish vibe. Others felt the plot races too fast, juggling too many characters at the expense of Superman’s personal arc.

But with an 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 71/100 on Metacritic, the consensus is clear: this is the most fun Superman film since Christopher Reeve’s era.

Final Verdict: A Super Start for the DCUJames Gunn’s Superman is a delightful, high-flying romp that recaptures the Man of Steel’s magic. It’s not flawless, but its heart, humor, and stellar leads make it a winner.

Whether you’re a lifelong DC fan or just craving a fun blockbuster, this film delivers. Catch it in theaters, preferably IMAX, for a dose of hope and heroism.

Here’s to the DCU’s bright future; up, up, and away!