(Written by Guest Reviewer, Ronnie (Dorian) Clements)
Superman may not be perfect, but it is wonderfully surreal. The real DC Universe has returned, the torch gets passed to a new Man of Steel (for the next generation) and all feels right again with the world. As predicted, Krypto steals the show. Decades ago, a 10-year-old boy in Australia, an only child, happily solitary and proudly “different”, found a friend in Superman. That boy was me. Superman wasn’t just a superhero. He was a symbol of kindness, humility, compassion, and unwavering goodness. I devoured the comics, eventually discovered George Reeves in the 50s series and (on DVD) witnessed the cinematic magic of 1978’s Superman and its sequel. For me, they became iconic benchmarks. Even 2006’s Superman Returns had its charm, but nothing truly recaptured that original spark… until now.
With Superman, James Gunn does not just reboot—he resurrects. The film is heartfelt, bold and visually striking. Gunn pays tribute to Donner’s 1978 masterpiece while crafting something fresh and electric. Snyder’s brooding gloom has all but gone; Gunn skips the origin tale, and plunges us straight into present-day Metropolis, where geopolitical tensions, metahuman drama, and Lex Luthor loom large. Another Supe vs. Luthor showdown certainly, but Gunn infuses this with fresh fire. A colourful ensemble of heroes and villains supercharges the action, which is as thrilling as it is emotionally resonant.
There are some hits and misses amongst the cast. David Corenswet’s Superman is vulnerable, bruised, battered, and beautifully human. His portrayal makes the Man of Steel relatable, fallible and real. Corenswet nails both personas: the confident hero and the awkward reporter. He channels the essence of Christopher Reeve with warmth and sincerity, carving out his own legacy. Routh pulled that off, Reeve embodied it, and let’s just say, Cavill never quite got there. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is sensational—a chilling, tech-savvy sociopath with an unforgettable vile streak, especially for dog lovers. His treatment of Krypto guarantees him cinematic infamy. Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane remains confident, sharp and assertive. While her strength cannot be denied, the subtle magnetism and sass that Margot Kidder brought in the original may be fondly missed. Brosnahan’s chemistry with Supe is fine, but it doesn’t crackle. As for Krypto the dog, he brings cape, chaos, and heart to the film. Yes, a flying dog in a cape somehow works. Krypto’s mischief, magic, and soul steals scenes and hearts alike. Two of my favourite shots in the entire movie feature him. He’s not just comic relief—he’s emotional gold.
Not everything lands perfectly. The structure is a bit uneven and some scenes, like the extended Lois/Clark interview, slow the momentum. Ultimately, Gunn’s comic-book-inspired visuals shine: each frame feels lifted from a paneled page. Vibrant, sweeping and often breathtaking, Gunn reminds us why the character matters and dares us to believe again. This isn’t just a new chapter for Superman, but a heartfelt revival. Whether you grew up with Supe or are discovering him for the first time, Superman asks us all to look up. Now my mission is clear: visit every dog shelter until I find a rescue that looks just like Krypto. The cape is ready and I’m hopeful!
Superman bursts from the pages of the Daily Planet and into theaters worldwide, now playing.
Reviewer Ronnie Clements runs a Facebook group called Screen Gems, with over 126k followers and growing. Don’t miss his valuable film knowledge and daily roulette of movie culture over at the site.