Corenswet and Brosnahan Bring Fresh Faces and Energy to Superman
If you want memorable superhero chemistry, this new Superman delivers. David Corenswet steps into the iconic suit with the sort of sincere charm you wish every Kryptonian brought to the table. He fits the role so naturally—he’s every bit the Kansas farm boy, modest but mighty, who’s trying to juggle being an alien, a reporter, and the planet’s favorite rescue hero. Corenswet’s Superman doesn’t just punch through walls—he earns our trust with small moments, like sheepishly grinning after saving the day, or sipping hot chocolate to calm his nerves. It’s not just brawn, it’s heart, and he’s got plenty of it.
Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane, on the other hand, is sharp, savvy, and never content to sit on the sidelines. She’s not there to get saved—she’s there to challenge and match Superman step for step, word for word. Their dynamic has genuine give-and-take. There’s a standout scene—Lois grilling Clark about why Superman gives the Daily Planet all his scoops—that really pops. You can feel the crackle between them, a mix of ambition and mutual respect that makes their partnership so fun to watch.
Strong Performances Undercut by Messy Script and Action
Nicholas Hoult is another big win here. His Lex Luthor isn’t the brooding businessman or cold tactician you might expect. Instead, Hoult plays Lex with manic energy, channeling a bit of mad scientist, a bit of overgrown fanboy obsessed with taking the Superman legend down a peg. Hoult’s take, inspired by All-Star Superman, adds color and chaos every time he’s on screen.
The Daily Planet crew—especially Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen—keep things grounded. They bring a warmth and energy that almost feels nostalgic. But as the cast list grows, some members of the so-called Justice Gang barely register. You’ll squint trying to remember who they are and why they showed up at all.
Now, here’s where things start to unravel. The film’s script just doesn’t know when to quit. Multiple villains, extra teams, and way too many subplots get jammed in so tight, there’s barely room to breathe. The action scenes? Instead of building tension, most feel like disconnected chaos—loud, crowded, and a little fake, leaving you wishing for the grounded impact you’d get from a simpler story.
Gunn’s direction tries to walk a tightrope: hopeful and earnest on one side, quirky and almost tongue-in-cheek on the other. There’s undeniable charm, yes, but sometimes it feels like he’s winking too hard at the audience. You get fun flourishes—like Superman taking a hot cocoa break—but when the emotional stakes should hit hardest, spectacle overpowers storytelling.
The real anchor, when the story threatens to drift, is that core dynamic between Superman and Lois. His unwavering faith in humanity clashing with her stubborn professionalism remains the beating heart of the movie. It’s just unfortunate that the film’s ambition trips over itself, leaving you with a movie that’s full of hopeful sparks—but never quite the super-powered punch you hoped for. Still, for fans and newcomers alike, watching Corenswet and Brosnahan try to soar is reason enough to keep one eye on the skies for what’s next in the DC Universe.
