SUPERMAN
Starring: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Wendell Pierce, Skyler Gisondo, María Gabriela de Faría, and Sara Sampaio
Director: James Gunn
QUENTIN
Superman features awe-inspiring sequences and a production design that harkens back to the Golden Age of Comics, with some scenes looking like they were ripped directly from the page. However, the story is thin, overstuffed, rushed, predictable, and trying too hard to be topical. While David Corenswet was a knockout choice for Supes (Edi Gathegi also is excellent as Mr. Terrific, the low-key MVP), Nicholas Hoult was a misfire, playing Lex Luthor as a whiny Gen-Zer rather than a diabolical genius. Then there’s Krypto – a sure-to-be fan favorite – but also a crutch leaned on far too often. Overall, Superman flies, but fails to soar because of the little things.
AMARÚ
Superman is weird as hell, making it the most interesting iteration of the superhero to date. Attuning the Man of Steel to director James Gunn’s freaky sensibilities finally gives Superman/Clark Kent (David Corenswet) some personality to chew on. The action is frenetic, the story is unafraid to embrace DC’s more mind-bending aspects, the actors fall full force into Gunn’s quirks, and all of it is wrapped in a heart that’s worn enthusiastically on its sleeve. The tone won’t work for everyone, and some emotional beats land softer than expected, but there’s no denying the hopeful essence that permeates throughout.
ADRIANO
For a cinematic universe starter, writer/director James Gunn mistakenly shoves us into this one as if it's a continuation. A universe that already has superheroes isn't a bad idea, but with Superman it felt bloated and messy. Yet somehow, it filled me with a joy I haven't felt from superheroes in a while. Gunn's earnestness shines through even the clunkiest parts, with a perfectly balanced corny tone that makes Superman (David Corenswet) feel like the hope-inspiring hero he's supposed to be. So while there are things that needed fixing, I'll admit this DC Universe is off to a good start.
ROBERT
It is quite a magic trick to bring classic sensibility to a popular character, thrust him into a contemporary landscape and not have it feel tonally awkward. I think James Gunn pulls this off with Superman, where the hopefulness of the character bleeds into his surrounding environment and into the future of the DCU. The castings of David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan as Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane end up more inspired than initially thought, and while there are wacky and ham-fisted aspects of Lex Luthor, Nicholas Hoult portrays his spitefulness ferociously. I didn’t think I would see a consequential Superman film in my lifetime, but I am happy to be proven wrong.
BODE
It seems jarring initially when writer-director James Gunn opens Superman in the middle of the action. No origin. No hand-holding whatsoever. It’s in that sense - and more, from its rapid tonal shifts, to its bevy of characters - that it feels like a random Golden Age issue come to life. It put a smile on my face almost immediately, and that feeling stayed throughout this modern iteration. It’s not without its faults, but it’s so unabashedly sincere, breathlessly energetic, and perfectly cast that I had a great time regardless. If the new DCU continues like this, sign me up.
KATIE
I didn’t expect to enjoy Superman as much as I did, and I was happily surprised by James Gunn’s sincere iteration of the hero. I’m personally glad it moves away from the forced grittiness and cynicism of recent superhero films, and is instead charming and hopeful, striking a great balance between silliness and seriousness. I was also moved by the rousing message, and although some characters were underwritten, it makes up for it with emotional moments and warm humour. It’s a simple narrative, but well-paced and driven by compelling performances, especially David Corenswet’s charming Superman, and some fantastic action sequences.
NICK
Although I like what Superman (David Corenswet) represents, he often comes across as slightly simple minded and kind of a dork (Man of Steel being the exception). That’s definitely present at times in director James Gunn’s adaptation, but that’s not all Supes is in this iteration. Corenswet gives a layered performance as he reintroduces the character, and although it doesn’t all work (it’s a messy film in general), he reaffirms that he was the right casting. I wish the story was a little more grounded, but the seeds have been planted for a new DC Universe, and I have… hope.
