• Release year: 2025
• Director: James Gunn.
• Producers: James Gunn and Peter Safran.
• Screenplay by: James Gunn.
• Cinematography by: Henry Braham.
• Music by: David Fleming and John Murphy.

Shotgun Commentary: FINALLY a Superman movie worth watching since Reeve’s films.

Review

Superman is the latest feature of the famous comic superhero that came to Earth and dazzled humans with his super abilities. After years of nonsensically brooding and immature films where the cast tried his very best to deliver something worth watching despite the writing, the suffering has ended. They have finally put down that mistake for good and hired the right person to direct a Superman movie: James Gunn.

Superfresh start

Admittedly, the director has had his ups and downs in terms of superhero films, but he is always worth the chance, and what a delivery! Superman is thrilling, fun, colourful and utterly mesmerising from the very beginning. Gone are the pointless backgrounds and introductions that the audience already knows.

If you are watching the film, chances are, you already know who Superman (David Corenswet) is, and if you don’t, you can get the context over with in a few sentences, as proven by this film. This no-nonsense attitude is guaranteed to excite audiences, not to mention the fact that the movie is clearly directed by someone who loves the source material and isn’t afraid to show it. Audiences deserved the over-the-pants undies, and they will get them. Loud and proud, otherwise you’re just an alien Batman.

Supercompanions

Dog lovers will also be happy to learn that Krypto was not just trailer bait. He is actually a pretty relevant character in the story. In fact, the dog-owner side of Superman serves as the perfect way to make you fall in love with the character straight away. Let’s be honest, cute pets sell, and unruly adorable dogs with superpowers sell even better. Krypto and Superman have their fair share of moments together, offering with their dynamic the most tender but also the most hilarious moments of the film.

Speaking of which, Superman is not the only superhero featured, there are five more metahumans in the mix. On the side of the good guys, you will meet Michael Holt (Edi Gathegi), Shiera Sanders Hall (Isabela Merced), and Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion). Also known as: Mr. Terrific, Green Lantern, and Hawkgirl. The first has a stellar role, his charisma being above the charts despite, or perhaps because of, his nonchalant attitude. Not to mention, he does have a superb action scene that reminds suspiciously of Yondu’s Yaka Arrow scene (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, 2017), catchy theme included.

As for Guy, anyone who’s ever seen any of Fillion’s roles in superhero films, particularly TDK (The Suicide Squad, 2021), won’t be surprised with his portrayal. Green Lantern has long been the standing joke of the DCU, especially after Reynolds’ downright embarrassing portrayal (Green Lantern, 2011). Taking both of these facts into consideration, a fair amount of cringe was expected. Still, Guy also manages to show his superpowers in a way that is both amusing and impressive, making both the character and the actor finally gain a bit more relevance in the DCU.

Supercommandos

Speaking of which, all Creature Commandos (2024 –) fans will feel familiar with a couple of additions to the cast. Frank Grillo reprises his role as General Richard Flag Sr., this time in 3D flesh and blood. While the death of his son Colonel Rick Flag Jr. (Joel Kinnaman, The Suicide Squad), still stings, it is a great nod to the animation show. Don’t expect the cool hair or the mustard T-shirt, though.

As for the second addition, you’ll get Alan Tudyk in the mix. Not as Dr. Phosphorus, although one can only hope, nor as a Nazi-killing robot, but as a robot nonetheless. Tudyk plays Superman Robot #4, aka Gary, the sweetest robot since Jarvis (Iron Man, 2008), not to mention just similar enough to pull at your heartstrings.

Super ignored

It bears mentioning that, despite all this fantastic additions, there is a disappointing lack of relevant female characters. Surely, right now, you are thinking, but what about Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan)? Well, worry not, she is fantastic. A cutthroat journalist who is clearly with Superman more for the adrenaline than anything else, as she should be.

However, there is no major action that makes her specially likeable or inspiring. She is merely there, around men that actually fix things, save people, and get information. Even in the journalistic side of things, she only gets information because a coworker gets it for her. Overall, her main superpower is being in the right place, at the right time, and dating the right guy, which, to be fair, is a hassle you can easily respect, even if it doesn’t give her much depth at all.

As for the other three mildly relevant women in the film, evil metahuman The Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría) is a technological Venom of sorts whose powers are so flashy you won’t even care about how pointless she turns out to be. Hawkgirl is embarrassingly irrelevant, to the point where even Lex Luthor’s girlfriend Eve Teschmacher (Sara Sampaio) is more important, and she is only there to take selfies. Considering the great moments that both Green Lantern and Mr. Terrific get during the film, it is disappointing to see Hawkgirl get so shamelessly sidelined.

Super highlight

Still, to end on a positive note, you will finally get the Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) you’ve been wanting all along. Not an unhinged caricature made to make Superman look good, but the jealous genius he’s been all along. The signing of Hoult is one of the best choices made in a movie with a huge amount of wonderful choices. His undeniable talent comes through clearly as he plays the evil genius, giving him depth, cruelty, and charisma alike.

All in all, Superman is definitely a movie worth catching in the cinema. It will convert DC haters and shine light into a genre that seemed in decay, proving that you can still make good superhero movies that thrill the audiences if you put enough love and care into them.

Thanks to Warner for big-screen access! Superman will be released the 11th of July.

Advice to take from this movie:

• Cocky Superman is the best Superman, followed closely by frustrated Superman and John-Wick Superman. Never go for brooding Superman.
• Ultraman looks exactly the same as Black Noir (The Boys, 2019 –), did DC run out of outfits?
• Never get between a man and his dog.

What’s your take? Have you watched Superman? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message in my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀