‘Superman’ Review: A Beacon of Hope for a Better Tomorrow

When the DCEU stumbled to an unsatisfying conclusion, few fans had any confidence left in the DC brand from a movie-making perspective. Although there were a few quality films, such as Wonder Woman and Blue Beetle, the vast majority left viewers clamoring for more faithful adaptations of their favorite heroes. Thankfully, writer, director, and head of DC Studios, James Gunn, delivers exactly that and more with the first film in the DCU. Superman is not only a comic book brought to life, but also one of the best DC movies of the 21st century.

While David Corenswet certainly shines as the titular Superman, it is his performance as the Man of Steel’s alter ego, Clark Kent, where he truly excels. However, as impressive as Corenswet is in the lead role, his performance is matched and, at times, exceeded by Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The two ooze chemistry anytime they’re on-screen, and their relationship is one of the film’s primary highlights.

Despite strong performances from the entire cast, more time could have been spent developing the side characters, especially within The Daily Planet. While the plethora of characters introduced mostly play a pivotal role in the film’s plot, the sheer quantity waters down their arcs. The film falls just short of the upper echelon of all-time comic book movies, but Superman is still a ray of hope for a better future, especially in a time when it can feel like the world is crumbling down around us.

David Corenswet’s Super Performance Highlights Clark Kent’s Humanity

Even though he’s an alien with god-like powers, Clark Kent, at his core, is more humane than most people could ever aspire to be. While Corenswet certainly delivers a strong performance in the suit, his true shining moments come in plain clothes. The intimate moments with Lois and his parents act as a window into the hero’s humanity and compassion.

Superman’s unrelenting quest for justice thrusts him right into the middle of geopolitical conflict, pitting himself against power-hungry dictators and billionaires with hidden agendas. Sound familiar? Despite multiple super-powered threats, the actual danger comes from Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), who funds and orchestrates a war that puts innocent lives at risk. The storyline is incredibly on the nose to what’s currently going on in real life, as the United States government funnels American tax dollars toward Israel’s occupation of Palestine.

James Gunn chooses to write Lex as a bit of a jealous dweeb, as opposed to the intimidating force he’s often been depicted as throughout media. Luthor’s envy of Superman is a focal point in the story, and Hoult plays that role to perfection. He accurately represents the evil billionaires in the real world who actively exploit the public for their own parasitic desires. As great as Corenswet is at portraying Superman’s humanity, Hoult counterbalances it with an equally monstrous portrayal of Lex Luthor.

‘Superman’ Struggles to Balance Its Star-Studded Cast of Heroes

While Superman is at its best when focusing on Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Lex Luthor, the individual performances from the members of the Justice Gang and the Daily Planet knock it out of the park as well. Unfortunately, due to the large volume of characters, very few of them get their chance to shine. Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo), Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), and especially Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi) get a fair amount of screen time, and they each make the most of it. However, Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and most of the Daily Planet staff get left behind.

Ironically, as Superman‘s world struggles to balance meta-humans entangling with powerless people, the film also has the same issue. The exceptional individuals within the Justice Gang, outside Hawkgirl, take center stage throughout the film, often sidelining the Daily Planet staff. However, despite Perry White (Wendell Pierce), Cat Grant (Mikaela Hoover), and company having limited roles, the film does justice to the media outlet’s star journalist, Lois Lane.

Although she doesn’t have her boyfriend’s superpowers, Lane proves to be just as indispensable to the Planet as Superman. Rachel Brosnahan delivers a powerful performance, highlighting Lois Lane’s intelligence, courage, and unshakable moral compass. She’s incredible in her own right and works wonderfully in tandem with Corenswet throughout the film as well.

James Gunn’s ‘Superman’ Hits a Leadoff Home Run for the DCU

Above all else, Superman is just flat out fun. It may not break any box office records or win any trophies come award season, but it’s a delightfully enjoyable summer blockbuster. David Corenswet proves he’s ready to be the new face of the DCU, and the supporting cast is just as super as the star. Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult are unsurprisingly the stand-outs, while Krypto The Super Dog’s comedic relief and adorable antics as the world’s best bad dog round out the highlights.

Standing alone, Superman is an absolute success. However, it’s an even stronger beginning to a brand-new universe. The introduction of Mr. Terrific proves he deserves to be a focal point of the DCU’s future, and Isabela Merced deserves another crack at Hawkgirl with even more screen time. Even with its flaws, it’s still a must-see movie in theaters. Superman shines its light in a world growing darker and more devoid of hope, and it successfully launches a fresh start for a studio that needed a win.

Superman is now playing in theaters everywhere. Follow Agents of Fandom on socials for all the latest entertainment news and reviews. For more Superman coverage, check out the Agents of Fandom podcast!