The Snapshot: Modern politics and ideas meets the 'Man of Steel' in a bold reimagining from writer/director James Gunn, with two great performances from a great superhero and villain alike.
Superman
7 out of 10
PG, 2hrs 9mins. Fantasy Superhero Epic.
Written and directed by James Gunn.
Starring David Corenswet, Nicholas Hoult, Rachel Brosnahan, Edi Gathegi, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Beck Bennett and Anthony Carrigan.
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s…several alien superheroes!
Yes, it’s true that Superman is the appropriate star of his own movie, but this new Superman is much less about one Kryptonian as it’s about a community of Earthlings.
Thankfully, the commendable ensemble of heroes and villains battling for Earth’s morals and future come together in supporting Superman’s ambitious scale of entertainment. Most of the story should be taken at face value, but like a certain caped hero, this film has a handsome, trustworthy face.
This new version, speaking squarely to the cynicism and politics of 2025, is helmed by the terrific casting of new hero David Corenswet and popular writer and director James Gunn, new creative lead for film and TV from DC Comics properties.
Gunn has made a name for himself working on superhero projects for more than a decade now, leading Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and working with DC Comics last for 2021’s little seen but well-made The Suicide Squad.
Read more here: Say a prayer for The Suicide Squad - Movie Review
Many of Gunn’s projects have focused on lesser-known characters and how differing ensembles can come together and find unity for the common good. But Superman is very different: he’s arguably the most famous hero of all.
Gunn approaches Superman’s early work on Earth from two creative angles: first, the story begins after his origin story, allowing audiences to jump right into the action where Clark/Superman is working through a very bad day, beginning his fight with psychopathic billionaire and tech genius Lex Luthor.
Corenswet is a calm, vulnerable and determined hero - but the scene-stealing turn comes from Nicholas Hoult as the monstrous and wickedly smart Lex. Hoult’s calculated and emotionally gripping performance meets a standard for villains not seen since Heath Ledger’s Oscar-winning work in 2008’s The Dark Knight.
By sending the story directly to the main conflict and matching a great hero with a great villain, it’s easy for the audience to become deeply invested right away. Adding in great effects and set pieces make Superman greatly entertaining.
There are, however, some distracting side characters and heroes who all get too little screen time, meaning Superman rarely gets to be the commanding leader he deserves to be.
Separately, while I applaud the courage in having the interesting subplot between fake countries Borovia and Jarhanpur, having plot elements this politically charged in a somewhat goofy fantasy action film feels more accusatory than appropriately nuanced.
But don’t let those small details stop you: Superman is the most fun I’ve had watching an action movie this year, and Corenswet’s take on the hero is genuinely inspiring and hopeful for the pursuit of peace and truly respectful world brotherhood.
Like Clark’s Pa would say, “it is our choices and our actions - that’s what makes you who you are.” That big idea fuelling Superman’s moral compass is enough of a reason to see the man of steel on the big screen.