James Gunn’s Superman: A Proper British Take on the Man of Steel’s Identity Crisis

Right, let’s get something straight off the bat: if you’re expecting another moody Superman who broods atop skyscrapers while Hans Zimmer’s score reaches dangerous decibel levels, you’re in for a shock. James Gunn’s taken our boy in blue and turned him into something properly bizarre and I’m absolutely here for it.

The Superman We Never Knew We Wanted

Remember when superhero films were all about world-ending threats and muscle-bound blokes having cosmic punch-ups? Well, Gunn’s gone and thrown that rulebook straight into a black hole. David Corenswet’s Superman is more likely to help you with your IT problems than glower menacingly at Batman. And you know what? It’s bloody refreshing.

Having caught this at a packed screening in Leicester Square (where some bloke in a vintage Christopher Reeve costume nearly spilled his Tango all over my shoes), I couldn’t help but notice how the audience responded to this new take. When Superman paused mid-battle to fix some kid’s iPad complete with an Enya soundtrack the collective chuckle was genuine. When’s the last time a superhero film made you properly laugh?

Space Dad Issues: More Than Your Average Family Drama

Look, we’ve all got parent issues, but finding out your holographic space dad was one bad morning away from becoming Space Hitler? That’s proper therapy material, that is. Gunn tackles this heavyweight stuff with surprising nuance, making Jor-El less of a glowing space Jesus and more of a complicated father figure who might’ve been watching a bit too much “How to Be a Proper Dictator” on Kryptonian Netflix.

The Golden Retriever Energy We Deserve

David Corenswet brings something to Superman that we haven’t seen before: pure, unfiltered golden retriever energy. He’s like that mate who’s always asking if you’re alright while simultaneously saving the planet. It’s a far cry from Henry Cavill’s chiseled chin competitions with skyscrapers, and honestly? It works brilliantly.

FAQ: Your Burning Superman Questions Answered

Is this Superman reboot suitable for kids?

While it’s less dark than Snyder’s version, there’s still some heavy themes about genocide and identity. Plus, some of the black hole sequences might have your little ones asking awkward questions about quantum physics. Best for teens and up, I’d say.

How does David Corenswet compare to previous Supermen?

He’s carved his own niche. Less brooding than Cavill, more grounded than Reeve, with a dash of that Tom Holland Spider-Man charm. He’s the Superman who’d help you move house and then apologise for not bringing enough biscuits.

What’s with all the Enya references?

Gunn’s got form for unexpected musical choices (remember the Guardians soundtrack?). Here, Enya becomes a running gag that somehow works perfectly with Superman’s more contemplative moments. Who knew “Only Time” could work in a superhero film?

The Verdict: A Super Victory

James Gunn hasn’t just reinvented Superman he’s given us permission to love a superhero who’s more relatable than aspirational. This Man of Steel might struggle with his router settings and have complicated family drama, but that’s exactly why we’re rooting for him. It’s proper brilliant, innit?

Share your thoughts below! And if you spot Superman fixing any tech problems in your area, do let us know. Just don’t ask him to explain that clone subplot we’re still trying to wrap our heads around that one.