James Gunn's Superman – hopeful, chaotic, and fun, but not without flaws
James Gunn’s Superman has finally arrived, marking the beginning of DC Studios’ new cinematic era. With Gunn at the helm, fans were expecting something different — and that’s exactly what we got. This film doesn’t play it safe, which is both its greatest strength and biggest weakness.
Let’s start with the good. Visually, Superman is a treat. The action sequences are fluid and inventive, with some genuinely jaw-dropping set pieces. Gunn’s knack for colourful, kinetic visuals is on full display here, and it serves the character well. Superman soaring through the sky, lasers flying, buildings crashing — it all looks as impressive as you'd hope from a modern superhero film. The cinematography captures both the grandeur of Metropolis and the warmth of Smallville with equal care.
The casting is another major win. David Corenswet brings a youthful, earnest charm to Clark Kent, giving us a Superman who feels more human than god. He’s hopeful, compassionate, and kind — exactly the sort of Superman we’ve been missing. Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is sharp, driven, and every bit the modern investigative journalist. Their chemistry works, and the supporting cast adds flavour to the world without stealing the spotlight.
Then there’s Krypto, Superman’s loyal superdog. Easily one of the highlights, Krypto is everything you want from a Gunn animal character — loyal, loveable, and just a little bit chaotic. He’s a typical dog, unaware of the damage he causes with his powers, and it’s genuinely funny. Scenes with him offer some levity and heart in a film that can otherwise feel a bit overwhelmed by its own ambition.
Tonally, Gunn swings hard for hope and optimism, and he mostly hits. This is a Superman who believes in people, who wants to do the right thing, and who isn’t constantly burdened by existential angst. If you’ve been craving a lighter-hearted, more emotionally accessible version of the character, this film delivers. It’s a sharp contrast to the more solemn Man of Steel, and it embraces its comic book roots with confidence.
That said, it’s not all smooth flying (Excuse the pun). The plot is messy. There’s a lot going on, perhaps too much, and it moves at a breakneck pace that might leave casual viewers scratching their heads. Gunn throws us right into the middle of Superman’s life, with the world already established and many characters already in play. For comic fans, this might be a dream come true — no need for another origin story — but for the uninitiated, it can feel disorienting. I personally would’ve liked to see Gunn’s take on Clark’s origins, if only to set the tone and ground the world more effectively.
The pacing, too, is frantic. The film rarely gives you time to breathe, and while that creates energy, it also means some key emotional moments don’t land as well as they should. A couple of scenes feel rushed or underdeveloped, and the narrative loses focus in the third act. There’s a twist that, without spoiling, feels out of place and oddly mean-spirited for a film so focused on hope. It left me wondering what message the film was really trying to send.
Lex Luthor, a core part of any Superman mythos, also disappoints. He’s serviceable, but lacks the menace or charisma of past portrayals. For a villain as iconic as Lex, I expected more — more depth, more cunning, more presence. Instead, he feels like just another piece of an already overstuffed puzzle.
That brings me to the film’s messaging. While the theme of hope and kindness is clearly intended, it occasionally gets muddled by tonal inconsistencies and sudden shifts in character dynamics. There’s a push-pull between cynicism and idealism that isn’t always resolved in a satisfying way. I appreciate Gunn trying to walk the line between comic book wackiness and emotional resonance, but it doesn’t always land cleanly.
Now, if you’re someone who loved Man of Steel and its darker, more serious take on Superman, this might not be the film for you. Personally, I still prefer Man of Steel overall — it had a clearer emotional arc and more grounded storytelling, even if it lacked some of the joy Gunn injects here. But I can’t deny the appeal of this new direction. It’s fun. It’s vibrant. And it finally gives us a Superman who smiles.
In the end, Gunn’s Superman is a slightly chaotic but undeniably heartfelt reimagining of the character. It won’t be for everyone, and its flaws are certainly there — from the clunky pacing to the scattershot plot — but there’s a sincerity at its core that makes it hard to dislike. It may not be the definitive Superman film, but it’s a welcome step in a more hopeful direction.
Final verdict: 7/10.
A bit better than average, full of charm and promise, but still finding its footing. If you’re after a hopeful, fun Superman with heart (and a very funny superdog), this one’s for you.
