Let’s get one thing out of the way: James Gunn’s Superman is not perfect—but it’s exactly the Superman movie we needed.
And maybe more importantly, it’s the one we didn’t know we were waiting for.
This new take on the Man of Steel skips the Kryptonian origin story (finally), skips the angsty “do I belong here?” trope, and instead drops us into a story about Clark Kent, the people in his orbit, and what it means to choose goodness in a cynical world. And it’s all the better for it.
No Origin Story, No Problem
We’ve seen the spaceship crash. We’ve seen the Kents find the baby. Gunn wisely spares us the replay. Instead, he trusts the audience enough to start the story where it matters—with Clark already navigating the balancing act of reporter by day, superhero when the world needs him.
Skipping the origin lets the film focus on character. And this movie delivers: we get a real look at Clark and Lois—not just as archetypes, but as people. They argue, they flirt, they challenge each other, and they click. Their chemistry is the emotional engine of the film, and it hums.
A Cast That Gets It
The new Superman walks a fine line—he’s powerful but not distant, noble without being stiff, and carries himself with a kind of moral clarity that feels earned, not forced. He’s not trying to outdo Henry Cavill (who I’ve always admired in the role). He’s doing his own thing. And it works.
Lois Lane is a force. She’s smart, funny, and fearless—not just in her reporting, but in how she calls Clark out when he needs it. She’s not there to play second fiddle—she’s there to move the story forward.
And then there’s Lex Luthor. This version is something else. Not the campy businessman or the bald cartoon villain. He’s sharp, ruthless, and always one step ahead. This is a Lex you believe could outsmart Superman—and that makes him genuinely terrifying.
Oh, and Krypto? Worth the Wait.
Let’s talk about the real surprise MVP of the movie: Krypto the Superdog. Yes, Gunn brought him in, and yes—it absolutely works. Krypto isn’t just comic relief (though he’s hilarious). He’s woven into the story in a way that feels natural and, honestly, kind of emotional.
Seeing Krypto finally brought to life on the big screen, with real action scenes and actual character presence, was pure joy. He’s more than a mascot—he’s part of the family. And his moments of heroism? Crowd-pleasers, every single one.
A Note on Music — Because It Matters
I once told Zack Snyder, I thought Man of Steel had a beautiful score—but it didn’t stick. Snyder told me they wanted the music to be “humble.” That didn’t really make sense to me. Humble doesn’t always leave a mark. Not to mention, what’s humble about SUPERMAN?
James Gunn, on the other hand? He understood the assignment.
While we don’t get the full John Williams theme from the George Reeves/Christopher Reeve era, we do get its DNA—reimagined, reorchestrated, and packed with emotion. It’s the kind of music that gives you chills. When Superman takes flight, the score doesn’t just back him up—it lifts you out of your seat. It’s bold. It’s hopeful. It’s unforgettable.
Is It Perfect? No. But It Doesn’t Need to Be.
Sure, there are a few plot holes. A couple of story threads feel rushed. But here’s the thing: the heart is there. The film understands who Superman is, and more importantly, why he matters. It gives us a version of the character that isn’t bogged down by darkness but still carries emotional weight.
This isn’t about making Superman “cool” again. It’s about making him relevant. And Gunn pulls that off with warmth, spectacle, and surprising grace.
Superman is a movie that gets the big stuff right. It believes in heroes. It believes in people. It gave us Krypto on the big screen—and it made it feel right. That alone deserves applause.
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Four out of five green lights. A strong start for what could be a bright future for DC on screen.
Now excuse me while I go watch it again. Krypto deserves an encore.