James Gunn sets the tone for the new DCU in the best way possible with Superman. He truly delivers on all fronts—blending music, VFX, cinematography, humor, and heartfelt emotion into a light-hearted, family-friendly summer blockbuster that both longtime and new Superman fans can enjoy for years to come. The visuals, score, and camera work are especially impressive when viewed in IMAX. Every character gets a chance to shine, with Krypto stealing several scenes. David Corenswet excels as Clark Kent, seamlessly balancing the charm of an everyday nerd with the strength of a superhero.
The film immediately captures the audience with heart-pounding action, sharp humor, and stunning camerawork during its high-stakes sequences, arguably the most crucial element for a film of this scale. Seeing Superman in his current form was genuinely jaw-dropping. David Corenswet’s chemistry with characters like Lois Lane, Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, Mr. Terrific, Lex Luthor, and Krypto is both dynamic and entertaining. Now three years into the world knowing Superman, his relationships with both the people of Metropolis and the heroes around him have never felt more authentic. James Gunn does an outstanding job bringing Metropolis and The Daily Planet to life, making the entire world feel like it was pulled straight from the pages of a comic book.
Rachel Brosnahan delivers a strong performance as Lois Lane. While there are a few moments where her character feels slightly out of place, they don’t take away from her overall portrayal as a sharp and compelling journalist. The trio of Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, and Mr. Terrific brought great energy to the film, blending humor with standout displays of their unique powers when it mattered most. Lex Luthor, along with his team—The Engineer and Ultraman—was far more impactful than expected. None of them showed Superman any mercy, giving the audience a true sense of his strength and resilience in the face of real pain. Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Lex Luthor is particularly powerful. While he holds back physically, his mental warfare is relentless. He takes the idea of being overlooked for Superman personally, and it shows in every word and gesture. His presence, delivery, and intensity in each scene are captivating.
Compared to Man of Steel, Superman takes a much more light-hearted, family-friendly, and humorous approach. The visuals and camerawork are unmistakably James Gunn—if you’ve seen Guardians of the Galaxy, you’ll recognize his signature style instantly. From the dynamic angles to the inspiring way Superman is shown not only soaring through the skies but also making an impact around the world, the film feels fresh and uplifting. I especially loved the soundtrack, the creative shot composition in key scenes, and the overall tone. This version of Superman—and the DCU as a whole—feels like it’s made to be shared and enjoyed with friends and family. With this film, I truly believe James Gunn is steering the DCU in the right direction.
Overall, the film features solid writing, with Lex Luthor and the team he assembled leaving a strong impression, just like Lois Lane and the rest of The Daily Planet crew. While the visuals had standout moments, it’s the music, cinematography, and camera work that truly elevated the experience. If this is the level of spectacle James Gunn plans to bring to the DCU moving forward, then DC fans are in for an exciting and entertaining ride.