James Gunn’s Superman: A Game-Changing Superhero Film or Brilliant Chaos?

Right, let’s address the Kryptonian in the room – James Gunn’s Superman is absolutely bonkers, and I mean that in the best possible way. Having just stumbled out of my third viewing (don’t judge), I’m still trying to wrap my head around how a film featuring existential space dread, genocidal holograms, and a surprising amount of Enya somehow works brilliantly.

The Superman We Never Knew We Needed

Remember when superhero films were all brooding darkness or Marvel-style quip-fests? Well, David Corenswet’s Superman is something else entirely. He’s basically a superpowered golden retriever who could accidentally destroy the universe while trying to help you with your Wi-Fi password. It’s refreshing, innit?

The film bins off both Snyder’s grimdark Jesus allegories and the Christopher Reeve era’s squeaky-clean boy scout routine. Instead, we’ve got a Superman who’s properly human – despite, you know, not being human at all. When was the last time you saw the Man of Steel having an identity crisis while Enya’s “Only Time” played in the background?

Space Dad Issues: A New Level of Family Drama

Let’s talk about that Jor-El hologram revelation, shall we? Bloody hell. Finding out your space dad was one bad day away from becoming Space Hitler is enough to send anyone into therapy. It’s like finding out your old man’s Facebook posts are a bit dodgy, except with planetary genocide.

The whole clone siblings subplot might seem mental on paper, but it works because it’s grounded in something universal – family drama. Just with more black holes and fewer passive-aggressive Christmas dinners.

When Superhero Films Go Weird

Gunn’s managed something properly special here – he’s made a superhero film that feels more like an indie sci-fi that accidentally got a $200 million budget. It’s as if Douglas Adams wrote a Superman story while having a existential crisis.

The black hole sequences are proper jaw-dropping, but it’s the smaller moments that stick with you. Like Superman stress-eating an entire cake while floating above Metropolis, or that bizarrely touching scene where he fixes an old lady’s router while having an philosophical debate about free will.

FAQ: Your Burning Superman Questions

Is this really a Superman film?

Yes, but not as we know it. It’s more like watching your mate who happens to have superpowers trying to sort out his life while dealing with cosmic horror. And somehow, that works better than traditional Superman stories.

Should I watch it if I’m not into superhero films?

Actually, yes. If anything, this might be more for people who are tired of traditional superhero fare. It’s closer to Everything Everywhere All at Once than Man of Steel.

What’s with all the Enya?

Without spoiling too much, let’s just say it plays a surprisingly crucial role in the third act. You’ll never hear “Orinoco Flow” the same way again.

The Verdict

James Gunn hasn’t just reinvented Superman – he’s taken the superhero genre, given it a proper good shake, and created something that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. It’s messy, weird, heartfelt, and exactly what superhero cinema needed in 2025.

Whether you’re a die-hard comics fan or someone who thinks they’ve seen every possible take on Superman, this film will surprise you. Just don’t expect to understand everything on your first watch – and maybe brush up on your Enya discography beforehand.

Share your thoughts below! And if anyone can explain that quantum mechanics joke in the post-credits scene, I’m all ears…