Superman Review: James Gunn’s Soulless Reboot Fails to Take Flight

Remember when superhero films made you feel something? When Christopher Reeve’s winning smile had you believing a man could fly? Well, grab your Kryptonite shield, because James Gunn’s Superman reboot might just make you wish you’d stayed in the Phantom Zone.

A Square-Jawed Snooze-fest

Let’s address the super-elephant in the room: David Corenswet’s Man of Steel. While he’s got the chiseled jaw that could’ve been 3D-printed from the comics, his performance has all the emotional depth of a Metropolis puddle. I found myself pining for Henry Cavill’s brooding charm and I never thought I’d say that.

Having sat through every Superman film since I queued round the block for Superman Returns in 2006 (yes, even that one), I can’t help but feel we’ve hit peak cape fatigue. This reboot feels less like a fresh start and more like a corporate PowerPoint presentation with a $200 million budget.

When Good Directors Go Bad

James Gunn, mate, what happened? After giving us the gloriously bonkers Guardians of the Galaxy, we expected better. The same director who made us cry over a talking tree has somehow managed to make Superman bloody Superman! boring. It’s like watching someone try to jazz up a Victoria sponge by removing all the jam.

Crisis of Confidence or Crisis of Content?

The film’s supposed “crisis of confidence” storyline hits about as hard as a feather duster. We’ve seen Superman question his place in the world before, but at least those versions had the decency to make us care. Here, it feels like AI wrote a superhero film after binge-watching every DC movie and spitting out the most generic bits.

FAQ: Your Superman Reboot Questions Answered

Is this Superman reboot connected to previous DC films?

Nope! This is a complete reset, though you might wish it weren’t. It’s as disconnected from previous films as my nan is from TikTok.

How does David Corenswet compare to previous Supermen?

While Corenswet looks the part, he lacks the charisma of Christopher Reeve or the gravitas of Henry Cavill. It’s like comparing a Waitrose Essential sandwich to a proper Sunday roast.

Is it suitable for kids?

Yes, though they might be more entertained by their cereal box. The film’s 12A rating feels generous for something so devoid of excitement.

The Final Verdict

Look, I wanted to love this. We all did. But instead of the triumphant return of the Man of Tomorrow, we’ve got the cinematic equivalent of a wet Wednesday in Woking. If you’re desperate for a superhero fix, maybe rewatch the 1978 original instead at least that one had heart.

Rating: (out of 5)

Share your thoughts below! Are you still planning to watch it, or has this review saved you 15 and two hours of your life? Let’s commiserate together in the comments.