Superman Soars Past Snyder’s Shadow, Bringing Heart, Humor, and Hope Back to the Big Screen

Let’s get this out of the way.

Snyder Bros are about to be highly upset with an emphasis on “highly” if and when they actually decide to watch this movie.

But honestly, that might not be such a bad thing.

Maybe, just maybe, this film will finally give them the sense of closure they’ve been avoiding. Maybe it’ll help them realize that the Snyderverse is dead, buried, and isn’t coming back.

It’s time to move on, folks. A new Superman has officially landed, and his name is David Corenswet.

Now look, I absolutely hate comparing Supermen. It’s one of those things where every actor brings their own vibe to the role. But let’s be real here, these comparisons are inevitable. And this movie makes it crystal clear why we needed a fresh start.

One of the biggest problems I’ve always had with the Snyderverse version of Superman is that he just didn’t feel like Superman. In that world, it never really seemed like the people of Earth actually rocked with him like that. And honestly, it didn’t seem like Superman rocked with them either.

Outside of his parents and Lois Lane, he didn’t really have any relationships with regular folks. He wasn’t approachable, he wasn’t friendly, and worst of all, he was gloomy. He always looked either pissed off or like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders (which, okay, he technically does, but still). He wasn’t out here connecting with humanity. There was no charm, no warmth, no scenes of him just…being human.

Where were the small, human moments? You know, Superman saving a cat from a tree, or helping an elderly woman cross the street, or dropping off someone’s lost groceries with a smile. Where were those iconic Superman gestures that made him beloved for decades? The Snyderverse threw all that out the window in favor of brooding and destruction.

But in Superman, all of that is back, and man, does it feel good.

This movie finally gives us that Superman again. The one who’s not just a god flying above us, but also a hero who walks among us.

Outside of maybe Superman I and Superman II, this is the first time in a long while that it truly feels like they ripped Superman straight from the comic book pages and dropped him onto the big screen. And it works.

The opening scene wastes no time pulling you right into this new DC world that James Gunn is crafting. It’s vibrant, it’s weird, it’s fun, and it’s got heart. Right from the jump, you can tell this is a whole new era for DC.

David Corenswet absolutely kills it as Superman. He’s got the look, the charm, the awkward-yet-sincere energy Clark Kent needs, and most importantly, he feels human. He shows that Superman can be strong without being cold, and hopeful without being cheesy. Corenswet nails the role, offering earnest charm without overdoing it.

Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois pops in with sharp wit. It’s a refreshing take on the character since this Lois was never a damsel in distress, and she handled her business when necessary. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor brings calculated menace. Supporting heroes like Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi) steal brief scenes and is another crowd-pleaser. Mr. Terrific deserves his own Blaxploitation-esque solo movie. In many ways, he was my favorite character.

Gunn fills the screen with humor. Krypto antics, donut jokes, and quirky editing beats. While some may call it messy, they’re purposeful flourishes that make the movie feel more human. Gunn also doesn’t shy away from politics. The film tackles war, refugee crises, xenophobia, and anti-immigration messaging.

There are a couple of nice twists in this film. One of the main twists, fans of Superman already saw coming. The other, involving his biological parents, not so much.

This ain’t the Snyderverse anymore, and honestly, that’s a good thing.