Review by Paul Bowler.

Superman kicks off James Gunn’s newly rebranded DC Universe with a bold confidence, warmth, and an unbridled sense of optimism. Written and directed by Gunn, this Superman reboot throws us right into the middle of the action, quite literally, while the familiar origin storylines of the Man of Steel that’ve been so prominently depicted in previous films end up being glossed over here in a couple of throwaway lines. Instead, Gunn throws us headlong into a vibrant world of metahumans, giant monsters and villains set three years after Superman (David Corensewt) has announced himself to the world. Superhero’s are considered just a part of everyday life for the people of Earth. Clark Kent has settled into his job at the Daily Planet, and he’s also dating Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) who already knows he’s Superman.

However, striking real world parallels hit home powerfully when Superman becomes involved in an attack from the nation of Boravia on Jarhanpur, that put the fledgling Man of Steel’s actions onto the world stage in a big way geopolitically – while also drawing the ire of his arch nemesis Lex Luthor (Nicholas Holt).

David Corensewt is superbly cast in the lead role. His portrayal is a somewhat more vulnerable version of the character than we’ve possibly seen before. There is no doubt to this Superman’s sense of duty he feel towards Earth, yet when Superman loses his first fight against the mysterious “Hammer of Boravia” he does suffer something of a crisis of confidence. Rachel Brosnahan is also excellent as Lois. Their relationship is very much at the heart of the movie, Brosnahan gives a spiky performance, and the scene where she interviews Clark as Superman is one of the many character highlights of the movie.

Nicholas Holt is also a blast as the baldy baddy Lex Luthor. The dynamic between him and Corensewt’s Last Son of Krypton is electric. Luthor is an evil genius supreme, all witty comebacks and megalomania, and set on sowing seeds of doubt about Superman’s presence of Earth.

While this Superman movie is packed with Gunn’s trademark bombastic action, zany spectacle, and killer soundtracks the cracks begin to show a bit after the first hour. At times the plot feels overstuffed and its huge cast of supporting characters wind up sidelined or simply underused to their full potential – especially Clark’s colleagues at the Daily Planet. There’s also a new team of DC superheroes, the Justice Gang, a group of heroes consisting of Green Lantern / Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), as well as Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, who are at least better served by Gunn’s script with some standout key moments. However, when Gunn dials back the volume a bit there are some genuinely emotional moments – especially where Clark’s adoptive father (Pruitt Taylor Vance) expressed the pride he has for his son.

Gunn has poured every ounce of his Guardians of the Galaxy box of tricks into Superman. For the most part it works. It’s brilliant fun and quite breathtaking at times. There are some nice nostalgic beats included along the way as well. However, it does feel like a film of two halves. One being all set up, the second being a chaotic race to the finish line and one with not wholly satisfying conclusion either. The films major saving grace though of course is Krypto the Superdog! Superman’s faithful four legged, although not always well behaved mind, friend truly saves the day and makes me forgive any of the small shortcomings of Gunn’s new take on Superman. Superman might not be quite the superhero movie we were expecting, or through we even really needed, but its still a joyous and confident step in the right direction that will take Gunn’s new DCU up, up, and away!

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook