James Gunn’s reboot of Superman introduces a thoughtful yet action-packed take on the Man of Steel, blending emotional weight with intense storytelling. The film kicks off with a brief background on the emergence of metahumans, setting the tone for a world already brimming with chaos and superpowered threats.
Immediately, we find Superman in a vulnerable state—wounded, lying helplessly until he’s rescued by none other than Krypto, a loyal dog sporting a familiar red cape. He’s taken to the Fortress of Solitude, a shimmering crystalline haven where robotic caretakers nurse him back to health. While recuperating, Superman stumbles upon a damaged holographic message from his Kryptonian parents—his only lingering connection to his lost home.
A Super Conflict in Metropolis
Back in Metropolis, Superman faces a fierce, unknown opponent with similar abilities. The media quickly turns against him, portraying the confrontation as an unprovoked attack on national forces. Superman claims his actions were meant to prevent a devastating war in the impoverished nation of Jarhanpur. But with the Boravian President denying any government link to the mystery attacker, the question remains—who’s really behind this chaos?
The answer is revealed soon enough: Lex Luthor. Operating from his sleek LuthorCorp tower, he manipulates events to paint Superman as a global threat. As the film progresses, Luthor’s deeper motives become clearer, revealing a calculated plan to dismantle the world’s faith in their greatest hero.
Balancing Emotion and Action
Gunn’s Superman tries to walk the tightrope between explosive set pieces and introspective storytelling. The film’s strongest element is its consistent message of hope, peace, and friendship. Superman shines brightest during moments of global crisis, where his ideals of compassion and sacrifice take center stage. Emotional anchors like Krypto and his close allies bring out the human side of the godlike figure, grounding the story with warmth and empathy.
However, the film falters in its first half. Overloaded with subplots and unclear narrative threads, the opening act feels scattered. Extended scenes—such as the unclear holographic message from Krypton—raise questions without answers, leaving both Superman and the audience in the dark. This lack of focus weakens the early momentum and makes an otherwise promising beginning feel muddled.
Fortunately, the second half turns things around. The narrative tightens, emotional resolutions land well, and the pace becomes more coherent. It’s in this latter half that Gunn’s direction begins to truly shine.
Direction and Vision
James Gunn offers a unique yet respectful vision of Superman—one that maintains the character’s core values of justice, resilience, and hope. While his creative choices breathe new life into the franchise, the uneven pacing and unclear storytelling in parts of the film suggest that tighter editing and a more refined narrative could have elevated the experience further.
Performances That Soar
David Corenswet is a revelation as Superman. His portrayal strikes a balance between strength and vulnerability, embodying the duality that defines the character. He brings a quiet intensity and relatable humanity that makes his version of Superman memorable.
Rachel Brosnahan delivers a sharp and emotionally grounded Lois Lane, sharing excellent chemistry with Corenswet. Her performance adds depth and credibility to the emotional core of the film. Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor is another standout, exuding cold intelligence and cunning. He brings an intriguing menace to the role that complements the story’s darker undertones.
Final Thoughts
James Gunn’s Superman isn’t flawless, but it succeeds in reintroducing the character with heart and relevance. While the first act may leave audiences puzzled at times, the second half redeems itself with strong performances, emotional weight, and a powerful core message. Thanks to Corenswet’s compelling portrayal and Gunn’s ambitious vision, this reboot manages to carve a fresh path for the beloved superhero while staying true to his timeless legacy.
