In James Gunn’s Superman, the iconic hero trades stoic perfection for quirky humanity, and the result is a refreshingly offbeat take on the Man of Steel. Known for his eccentric superhero ensembles like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, Gunn brings the same playful weirdness to DC’s most mainstream character, injecting life into a franchise long plagued by seriousness and sameness.
David Corenswet plays Superman with effortless charm, skipping the traditional origin story and diving straight into a battle-weary Kal-El who’s already embedded in his role as Earth’s protector. From the snowy Fortress of Solitude to the bustling Daily Planet, Superman presents a hero in motion, both literally and emotionally.
Gunn populates this world with vibrant oddballs, none more striking than Anthony Carrigan’s Metamorpho, a disfigured, melancholic figure who represents Gunn’s love for the misfits. There’s also Krypto the Superdog, a recurring visual gag and emotional anchor, whose loyal presence softens even the film’s messiest moments.
Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane nearly steals the show, grounding the story with smart, witty exchanges and ethical challenges that make you wonder if Superman should’ve been titled Lois instead. Her chemistry with Corenswet gives the film its emotional pulse, and whenever she’s offscreen, that heartbeat noticeably fades.
Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor operates from a cold skyscraper HQ, directing chaos through headsets like a villainous Bingo caller. Meanwhile, new additions from the Justice Gang, including Nathan Fillion’s bumbling Green Lantern and Edi Gathegi’s dry-witted Mister Terrific, add comic texture to a film that thrives on character over spectacle.
But Superman isn’t without its stumbles. The movie’s pacing falters as it bounces between pocket universes, global crises, and cosmic rifts, sometimes feeling like too much packed into one narrative. Gunn’s juggling of tones can also be uneven, though his signature visual quirks, like a falling body cross-cut with an Alka-Seltzer fizz, offer moments of unexpected beauty and humor.
Most intriguing is Gunn’s framing of Superman as an alien outsider, a benevolent immigrant viewed with suspicion in a cynical world. It’s a relevant, if lightly handled, subtext that adds depth without dragging down the film’s buoyancy.
In an era of formulaic superhero films, Superman dares to be different, and that makes it a standout. It’s imperfect, yes, but it has a pulse, a personality, and most importantly, a soul. Gunn reminds us that sometimes, a weird Superman is far better than a boring one.
Rating: ★★★☆ (3 out of 4 stars)
Running time: 129 minutes
Rated PG for violence, action, and language.
Studio: Warner Bros.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
