MOVIE REVIEW – James Gunn has finally delivered his signature brand of mischievous humor and quirky style to Superman, creating a film that both turns the superhero rulebook on its head and pays tribute to the classics. We saw the press screening on Wednesday morning at Etele Plaza—the venue was fine, but honestly, an IMAX screen would have made it even more spectacular. Gunn’s Superman isn’t trying to please everyone: he’s honest, colorful, and at times, more cheeky than what DC fans might be used to.

Gunn’s movies have always been filled with irreverent jokes and sudden tonal shifts, but underneath the chaos there’s a childlike sincerity—and a belief that even a lone outsider (or alien) can genuinely make the world better. That’s why it makes perfect sense for the Guardians of the Galaxy director to take on the alpha of superheroes, Superman, and stamp his own hallmarks on the caped icon. The film sometimes feels a bit overstuffed and scattered, but Gunn’s version of Superman is at times unusual, bold, and thought-provoking, blending the charm of the classic hero with the director’s easygoing flair.

The Capes Fly Again – The DC Universe Gets a Fresh Restart

Debuting in Budapest cinemas on July 11, Warner Bros’ latest blockbuster isn’t just another attempt to start over after 2013’s Man of Steel or 2006’s Superman Returns—this is the first chapter in a completely new DC Universe, guided by Gunn and Peter Safran. This time, the iconic suit hasn’t gone to a Hollywood A-lister, but to the relatively unknown David Corenswet (Twisters, Lady In The Lake), donning Krypton’s mantle for the first time.

The story is still set in Metropolis, where Superman has been saving the day for three years, though the outside world just sees him as Clark Kent, a mild-mannered reporter at the Daily Planet—while secretly he’s dating Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), who, of course, is the only one who truly knows his secret. This idyllic setup is quickly disrupted by Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult, once again just the right amount of arrogant), who will stop at nothing to convince the U.S. government that this alien is a threat that needs to be wiped off the face of the Earth.

Gunn’s Unorthodox Super Squad

With the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, Gunn already proved that outsiders, offbeat humor, and genuine emotion can all fit perfectly in a comic book movie. His 2021 film, The Suicide Squad, also brought a new flavor to the genre—loud, bloody, sometimes totally absurd, but always unmistakably Gunn.

Those same trademarks appear in Superman, but this time, not everything clicks into place. The story is overly complicated, with fictional nations (Boravia versus Jarhanpur) at war in the background, while Luthor works behind the scenes to turn everyone against Superman. Supporting characters like the smug Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion) and the sarcastic Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) at first seem to distract from the main plot, but by the end, they become key players in the central story.

Corenswet: A Superman Who’s Hard to Love, but Impossible to Forget

David Corenswet’s Superman is, at first, more reserved and less charismatic than Henry Cavill’s, but Gunn never set out to copy his predecessors. This Superman is more the embodiment of duty than charisma—so, in the eyes of the people of Metropolis, he’s “just another superhero,” at least until a series of trials in the film forces him to redefine himself.

Gunn also adds a major twist to the character’s backstory (no spoilers), which he introduces somewhat clumsily at first, but ultimately lands with real emotional impact. Gunn has always had a knack for losers and underdogs—this time, Superman’s more down-to-earth side comes to the forefront. The jokes sometimes miss (Superman’s hyperactive dog, Krypto, for example, is sure to get a mixed reaction), but Gunn’s creativity is felt throughout: strange, eye-catching creatures, bold colors, and alternate dimensions. Most importantly, at the heart of the story is still humanity—even if it takes the characters until the end of the film to fully realize it.

Busting the Myth or Creating a New Legend?

Christopher Reeve’s name will always be synonymous with Superman, but Corenswet is easily the most likeable Man of Steel of recent decades. The film is far from perfect, but Gunn and Corenswet succeed in making Superman more relatable—without completely overturning the old legend.

– Gergely Herpai “BadSector” –