Cert - 12

Run-time - 2 hours 9 minutes

Director - James Gunn

After stopping one country invading another, Superman (David Corenswet) becomes a figure of international controversy, something pushed by Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) to finally defeat him.

In a world of corporate-financed superhero teams and pocket universes, there's an image in the latter stages of James Gunn's Superman that made me feel genuinely emotional. The classic 1978 adaptation, because of which Christopher Reeve is still synonymous with the character, is a film full of hope; a patriotic tale of an American-based hero out to save the world and do good. It's nice to feel that sense of hope again.

The trailers for the first entry in Gunn and Peter Safran's relaunched DC Universe didn't give a great deal away about the plot, and instead hinted at a very busy affair. It's clear why this was the case as the plot itself follows Superman (David Corenswet) dealing with the consequences of stopping a war between two countries. Geopolitics isn't quite what you want to sell your big summer blockbuster on.

Leaning away from sci-fi romps such as Guardians Of The Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, although still with a couple of chuckles here and there, Gunn understands that tone doesn't really work for Superman. This is still a world with people in slightly-acknowledged silly costumes and flying dogs (Krypto is a source of joyous chaos throughout), but the air of things being taken seriously overpowers the ridiculousness.

As the hero deals with follow-on attacks from Ultraman, who may have links to Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult, really getting into the role of scheming, evil tech billionaire), the country of Boravia (led by Zlatko Buric, with an air of Ken Dodd about his looks, but quite the opposite in his attitudes) inches closer to invading neighbour Jarhanpur. Growing international tensions and a race against time.

From the opening scene there's a sign of a flawed figure, at least one without the upper-hand. We're told Superman has just lost his first battle in the three years since he announced himself to the world. Weaknesses come up a couple of times and there's an emotional nature to the character. David Corenswet steps into the cape with confidence to bring that sense of hope; a refreshing take after the DCEU'S grittier, fuelled-by-anger interpretation. I believed him as Superman.

Additionally, the relationships with Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane and his adoptive parents (Neva Howell and Pruitt Taylor Vince), all aware of his secret identity, hint that there's not as much of a performative nature to Clark Kent and that he is simply part of Superman this time around.

Amongst everything in Superman, the stakes and elements of geopolitics, there's a thoroughly entertaining film. One that doesn't feel weighed down by all it features, although could perhaps be cut down by ten minutes. Creating an enjoyable, colourful comic book adaptation that's unashamed of its fantastical elements. All while, for the first time in a long time, getting across the hope that Superman symbolises and strives for. Superman is once again a great time at the cinema.

Four stars