Film Review: ‘Superman’ is a Fun Energetic Romp

James Gunn had a lot riding on his Superman film. After a successful run with the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, he was handed the reins of DC Studios, and with it, the responsibility of reintroducing DC’s most iconic hero. With nearly ninety years of comics, Christopher Reeve’s legacy, and Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (which, despite mixed reviews, has a devoted fanbase), Gunn had big shoes to fill.

Fortunately, he was up to the challenge. Superman is a fun, energetic romp that strikes the right comic book tone without veering into cartoonish territory. It has plenty of heart, balanced nicely with hard-hitting, fast-paced action.

David Corenswet does an admirable job in his turn in the cape.  Comparisons to previous Supermen are inevitable, and even most Henry Cavill devotees would admit that no one is likely ever going to top Reeve’s portrayal of the Man of Steel, but Corenswet brings a modern-day sensibility to the character while still remaining true to his comic book roots.

Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane embodies all of the character’s famous comic book traits while staying very modern and relatable. We get a strong sense of her journalistic skills and integrity, and unlike some previous incarnations, she is no damsel in distress. As previously stated, the film leans heavily into its comic book sensibility, but Lois necessarily grounds the film.

Lex Luthor, as reimagined in the 1986 Man of Steel comic series, is finally done justice on screen. That version recast Lex as a brilliant, cold-hearted billionaire with a more calculated form of villainy. Gene Hackman’s and Kevin Spacey’s takes leaned on the earlier, more outlandish portrayal. Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex in the Snyderverse, meanwhile, was a significant departure. He was Lex in name only. Nicholas Hoult’s version is narcissistic, temperamental, and petty, but never too over-the-top. He flirts with camp but remains grounded enough to be a real threat.

While the leads carry the film well, it’s the supporting cast that adds real depth. Nathan Fillion is pitch perfect as the smug Guy Gardner. After this, his upcoming role in the Lanterns series on Max is even more promising. Edi Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific gets ample screen time and makes the most of it. He’s a standout, and DC would be smart to keep him in the mix. Isabela Merced, unfortunately, isn’t given much to do as Hawkgirl, but hopefully she’ll get more development in future appearances.

The film doesn’t focus a considerable amount of time on the employees of The Daily Planet (Clark included), which is a shame, because they all deserved more screen time. The crew, which includes Skyler Gisondo as photographer Jimmy Olsen, Wendell Pierce as Editor-in-Chief Perry White, Beck Bennett as reporter Steve Lombard, and Mikaela Hoover as columnist Cat Grant, was all delightful to watch. Hopefully, we’ll see more of them in the new DCU in the future.

As expected, the action bears Gunn’s signature style. One standout sequence featuring Mr. Terrific feels right out of Guardians. Superman has his share of battles, too, though he’s been slightly depowered (another change inspired by the Man of Steel comics). He takes some real hits, and since he’s only three years into his career, there’s a sense of vulnerability that raises the stakes

The film isn’t flawless. One significant change to Superman lore might ruffle feathers among die-hard fans. While it serves the story well (and has precedent in the comics), it’s still bound to be divisive. Another misstep is the redesigned Superman costume. Despite Corenswet bulking up for the role, the suit doesn’t show it. It looks ill-fitting, almost like something from a Halloween store, and robs the character of his usual imposing presence.

While the story includes some powerful emotional moments, the film tries to juggle a lot, which might overwhelm casual viewers not steeped in comic book storytelling. And though Krypto steals many of the scenes he’s , they do go to that well a few too many times.

Still, nitpicks aside, Superman is a well-made superhero film that confidently sets the tone for DC’s new cinematic universe. It’s a solid summer popcorn movie, which is exactly what a Superman film should be.