Superman Review: A Fair "Justice" to the Superman "League"

RATING - ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 3/5*

Superman Review Movie Talkies:

James Gunn’s Superman offers a familiar ride with some refreshing upgrades. It’s the Superman most of us have grown up watching—but this time, with a mechanical twist. The integration of artificial intelligence into the narrative feels timely, even if it’s becoming a bit overused in superhero films lately. However, here it works fairly well. After all, Superman is a metahuman, and deploying an AI system to study or potentially counter him feels more logical than just relying on traditional machines. Much like Man of Steel, the final battle leans on the longer and cheesier side, but thankfully, it doesn't cross into headache-inducing territory. There are a few light-hearted moments—especially with Superman’s dog—that bring welcome comic relief. Some surprising cameos elevate the film as well. In the current landscape of post-pandemic DC films, Superman feels like a breath of fresh air. It may not fully win over fans of the original 1978 and 1980 Superman films, but for newer and younger fans, it promises two hours of fair entertainment.

Superman Story:

The film opens with an intriguing time-jump sequence—from 300 years ago to 30 years ago to 3 hours ago—all in under a minute. It sets the tone well, but we soon find Superman (David Corenswet) injured, lying on an icy surface. It’s not the most uplifting start—no fan wants to see their hero beaten down right away—but it sets up the classic and dated underdog arc. As expected, Superman rises again. His nemesis, Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), who has studied every move of the hero, proves a formidable foe. He lands every punch with precision and publicly labels Superman a tyrant. As expected, the world believes him. With plans to dethrone Superman and claim global control, Lex’s villainy hits a manipulative high. The big question becomes: Can Superman regain trust and prove his true worth?

20-year-old Sara Arjun, who played a schoolgirl in Salman Khan's Jai Ho, is romancing 40-year-old Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar –

Plot-wise, Superman doesn’t break new ground, but it keeps you engaged. Clark Kent’s love story with Lois Lane slows the pace at times, and the “hero must fall first” trope is a bit too familiar. Still, the film manages to stay afloat thanks to bursts of humor and crowd-pleasing cameos. The appearances of Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Mr. Terrific, and Metamorpho inject much-needed energy into the second half. However, the dated “defame the hero” subplot drags the film back a few decades in terms of storytelling freshness. Despite that, the film earns credit for maintaining viewer interest with a gripping screenplay and a few explosive and fast-paced action blocks—though we wish there were more of them.

Superman Cast:

David Corenswet, whose casting was initially met with skepticism, delivers a decent performance. He’s no Christopher Reeve, but by the end—especially during his final emotional speech—he wins over the audience. Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane is passable, though not particularly memorable. Nicholas Hoult shines as Lex, bringing menace and charisma to the role. Skyler Gisondo is your most handsome fella in the block, while Nathan Fillion offers a quirky, unexpectedly funny take on Green Lantern. Isabela Merced makes her mark as Hawkgirl, and Edi Gathegi is, fittingly, terrific as Mr. Terrific. Anthony Carrigan's Metamorpho is another fun surprise, and the rest of the ensemble does justice to their limited roles.

Superman Movie Review:

Technically, the film is fine I'd say—especially in terms of VFX and textures. The visuals are striking, but the cinematography goes overboard with brightness in several scenes. Even with 3D glasses on, the intense rays and vibrant hues were a bit hard on the eyes, especially in the IMAX 3D format I watched. This could be more noticeable due to the screen size and projection quality. On the flip side, the sound design is exceptional. The rumbling audio during destruction sequences literally shakes your seat, enhancing immersion in ways a regular 2D screening cannot replicate. Warner Bros. India PR team deserves credit for prioritizing premium screenings that enhance the experience. Edited by William Hoya and Craig Alpert, the film maintains a steady pace overall, though some action sequences feel unnecessarily stretched and underwhelming. Compared to James Gunn’s emotionally rich and thematically strong Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Superman may seem like a step back. Yet, within the boundaries of a formulaic superhero film, Gunn delivers what the audience wants—action, emotion, spectacle, and a sprinkle of humor. In final summary, Superman doesn’t reinvent the wheel but brings back the blue-suited icon with enough flair to satisfy fans. If you're a longtime follower or just looking for a fun blockbuster ride, this one's worth the trip to the theatre.