Overall Impression 🌎✨
James Gunn’s Superman renews the “All-American hero” spirit that Christopher Reeve embodied, with a touch of George Reeves’ classic charm, while folding in sharp, modern commentary. It’s a reboot that blends earnest optimism with timely themes like occupation, annexation, and learning from the past. I saw it at our New Rochelle IMAX with my nephews visiting from the UK—die-hard Marvel fans who left the theater wide-eyed, declaring Superman their new favorite hero.
Audiences seem to feel the same way. The film currently boasts a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and high marks on IMDb, with many fans calling it the best Superman since Superman: The Movie (1978). Viewers praise Gunn for trusting audiences to already know the character, skipping tired origin beats and focusing on what he stands for.
Acting Depth & Evolution 🎭
David Corenswet (Superman / Clark Kent)
Trained at Juilliard, Corenswet gained early recognition in The Politician and Hollywood, showcasing charisma that blossomed into range on HBO’s We Own This City and A24’s Pearl Wikipedia+13Wikipedia+13IMDb+13. In Superman, he brings a rare blend of strength and tenderness, leaning into vulnerability as much as heroism. CinemaBlend noted he made even non-Superman fans “genuinely care about him,” and Entertainment Weekly praised him as a “worthy heir to Christopher Reeve,” calling his performance “classic Superman qualities with charm and earnestness” EW.com. Business Insider ranks him among top Superman actors, applauding his portrayal as “nuanced” and “imperfect” in a way that resonates IMDb+10Business Insider+10IMDb2+10. Some Reddit commentary, however, argues his humanity felt thin in places—showing the passion he inspires in conversation Reddit.
Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane)
An Emmy and Golden Globe–winning alum of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017–2023), hailed for her comedic timing and emotional range IMDb+1. As Lois Lane, she evolves into a feisty, modern reporter sharp, tenacious, and equal to Superman in every smart quip and emotional beat. Entertainment Weekly calls her performance a key spark, though it laments a somewhat underwritten arc IMDb2+4EW.com+4Wikipedia+4. Imdb fan buzz echoes praise for her “dynamic presence and chemistry” Cinemablend.
Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor)
Drawing from roles in The Favourite and The Great, Hoult gives us a Luthor fueled by scientific obsession. Critics acknowledge the complexity he brings, even if Tom’s Guide notes he’s sometimes overshadowed by the ensemble Tom’s GuidePitchfork.
Edi Gathegi (Mister Terrific)
With electrifying characters in House of Cards and The Harder They Fall, Gathegi grounds his hero with sharp intelligence and subtle wit. Fans on Reddit already clamor for more screen time he delivers with impact. And he killed it as Mister Terrific, a mix of Shaft meets Tony Stark, I think his acting and character truly blew us away.
Anthony Carrigan (Metamorpho)
Best known for Barry, Carrigan shifts from comedic vulnerability to superhero sincerity, infusing Metamorpho with the depth of someone navigating identity an arc that resonates personally given his real-life alopecia Wikipedia+1.
Nathan Fillion (Green Lantern)
A beloved presence from Firefly and Castle, Fillion brings swagger and humor his Gardner is irreverent, cliché‑challenging, and self‑aware. His insistence on the iconic bowl cut speaks to his love for the role’s comic roots Wikipedia.
Isabela Merced (Hawkgirl)
Transitioning from teen adventure threads to grounded drama (Madame Web), Merced channels strength, wit, and survivor complexity in her Hawkgirl—layered yet expressively light Wikipedia+1.
Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen)
Known for quirky roles (Santa Clarita Diet), he gives a Jimmy who is more than comic relief—warm, earnest, and a moral touchstone amid the chaos.
Wendell Pierce (Perry White)
A veteran from The Wire and Jack Ryan, Pierce brings every newsroom scene to life with authority, empathy, and simmering tension around Luthor’s betrayal of family Wikipedia.
Krypto (Super-Dog)
Polarizing yet unforgettable. A lighthearted spectacle to some, a CGI overload to others but undeniably memorable. I truly couldn’t figure out at times if he was real or CGI, incredible detail and work went into bringing him to life.
Direction, Music, Themes & Visuals
- Direction: Gunn’s ensemble wisdom and origin‑free entry keep the pace optimistic and emotionally tight—welcome in a genre often saturated by setup sequences. Critics agree the warm tone is a reinvigorating contrast to darker superhero fare PitchforkThe Times.
- Music: Murphy and Fleming’s score blends nostalgia and fresh electronic and orchestral flair—honoring Williams while modernizing tone.
- Themes & Story: Tackling political allegory, ethics, and media skepticism, the film remains heartfelt, if occasionally overstuffed—a remark echoed by multiple critics PitchforkWikipedia.
- Cinematography: IMAX visuals and Fortress set-pieces produce genuine awe—helping Snyder-era shades of dourness disappear.
Ratings Breakdown ⭐
Overall: ★★★★☆
Acting: ★★★★★
Story: ★★★★☆
Music: ★★★★☆
Directing: ★★★★★
Cinematography: ★★★★★
