'Superman' Review: James Gunn Overcorrects for the Zack Snyder Era with a Man of Steel Movie Way Too Silly for Its Own Good
Briefly

James Gunn's version of Superman avoids traditional origin storytelling, beginning with Clark Kent already established. The film emphasizes his humanity and vulnerabilities, presenting a protagonist whose goodness appears alien in a cynical world. Rather than restarting narratives, the film seeks to redefine Superman's identity in contemporary contexts. This portrayal highlights the contrast between Kal-El's immense power and his profound moral integrity, setting the stage for a fresh interpretation of a beloved hero while addressing the failings of the past cinematic approach to the character.
Gunn's film races to reframe its namesake as a character whose god-like power runs a distant second to his very human vulnerability, and whose unwavering goodness often seems like the most alien thing about his presence on planet Earth.
This 'Superman' isn't about starting over; it's about retracing our footsteps to find a new path forward.
This slightly less swole Kal-El can still carry a skyscraper on his back and get brought to his knees by a hunk of exposed kryptonite, but his lack of cynicism is both his greatest strength and his greatest weakness alike.
The purity of his convictions is deeply foreign to a world so malformed by ulterior motives.
Read at IndieWire
[
|
]