Superman Review: James Gunn’s seemingly simple and straighforward superhero flick about human kindness has a deep social undercurrent

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Plot

In a dedicated effort to shield the citizens of Jahranpur, I encountered my first defeat at the hands of the militaristic state of Boravia. This formidable foe was none other than the Hammer of Boravia, a creation of the brilliant yet ruthless Lex Luthor. It was disheartening to realize that he was manipulating this conflict for his own selfish purposes.

In this narrative, Lex accuses Superman of treachery, imprisoning the superhero in order to advance his plot for seizing Jahranpur with the aid of the Boravian leader. The tale centers on whether Superman can clear his name and rescue the citizens of Jahranpur.

What Works for Superman

In this interpretation, Superman remains authentic to his comic book origins as director James Gunn skillfully portrays the essence of the superhero and what he symbolizes. Despite the central focus on political themes, the fundamental elements of a classic Superman film are preserved. The narrative moves at an appropriate pace without prolonging the story unnecessarily. In simpler terms, it manages to deliver its message effectively without being overly lengthy.

The visuals in the film are breathtakingly beautiful, especially Metropolis. Each of Superman’s battles and soaring flights are captivating, making you eager to rewatch the movie just to catch more of the superhero’s amazing feats. James Gunn masterfully blends action, emotion, and humor, ensuring that the new Superman is enjoyable for viewers of all ages. Furthermore, this film could serve as an excellent introduction to the younger generation about the fascinating concept of a superhero like Superman.

What Doesn’t Work for Superman

Superman isn’t perfect; he has his imperfections. The political conflict between two nations is portrayed in an oversimplified manner, which lessens its impact somewhat. The potential consequences of global warfare don’t carry the gravity they ought to, due to cartoonish villains and overly simplistic solutions. This method makes the political issue seem more like a side event than a genuine threat.

In certain parts, the scenes seem awkwardly managed, especially during the middle portion where the shifts between action and emotional moments might cause discomfort. Additionally, Lex Luthor’s reasons for his actions appear rather thin. However, overall, Superman delivers as an engaging and entertaining superhero movie with a lot of heart, despite these minor issues.

Watch The Superman Promo

Performances in Superman  

David Corenswet impressively plays both Clark Kent and Superman, showcasing heartfelt sincerity and vulnerability as Superman. Rachel Brosnahan excels as Lois Lane, her connection with David Corenswet is captivating. Nicholas Hoult delivers a chilling portrayal of Lex Luthor, he’d certainly be an impressive lead in films. Edi Gathegi perfectly embodies Mr. Terrific; his character exudes intelligence, calm assurance, and subtle wit. Nathan Fillion is laugh-out-loud funny as Green Lantern, while Isabel Merced brings charm to Hawkgirl. Each supporting actor adds a unique touch to the script in their own special way.

Final Verdict of Superman

James Gunn’s version of Superman presents a moving, exhilarating reimagining that honors the original source material by intertwining it with a contemporary political theme. Throughout the film, it maintains focus on Superman’s core values of optimism, compassion, and fairness.

Despite some caricatured conflicts and a few awkward scenes that hinder it somewhat, this film shines due to its swift pace, breathtaking visuals, and lasting impactful scenes. It’s an entertaining, heartfelt movie that serves as a reminder of why Superman remains a timeless hero for all generations.

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2025-07-10 10:22