Throughout the years, viewers have seen many adaptations of “Superman,” from the original comics and television series to animated shows and several live-action films. This summer brought another take on the iconic superhero, courtesy of writer-director James Gunn, a veteran of the superhero genre.

The latest version isn’t just a reboot of “Superman,” it also launched the new DC Universe, along with several new faces. The vast cast includes David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. With the large amount of characters, the film might seem overwhelming, however, each individual is given time to stand out in their own way. Performances are strong throughout the film, and I’d like to add a special mention of Alan Tudyk, who plays Robot #4 and the adorable, CGI dog Krypto. 

This adaptation takes a different approach from previous versions, and in the best possible way. Many versions of the film begin with Clark, as a baby, landing on Earth, or we see him starting at the Daily Planet, the news company where he works as a journalist. This version quickly moves through a timeline of major events before the story really even begins. It is a nice change of pace, and suggests that filmmakers trust the audience to know major plot points already, without needing to be spoon-fed. “Superman” starts in the middle of a battle, allowing viewers to focus on the action and story itself rather than Kent’s already well-known origins.

I also enjoy seeing Lane be a smart, headstrong reporter right off the bat. We get to skip the doe-eyed infatuation she has with Superman to her already knowing that Kent is Superman, which is so refreshing to see. We also get to see her and Jimmy Olson do actual journalistic reporting seriously and responsibly. Corenswet as the titular actor does a superb job of mastering Kent, a lovable klutz, and the confident, heroic Superman. He balances the weight of his powers and compassion to serve people so well. Hoult as Luthor is one of the strongest points of the movie. He plays the envious, yet self-aware villain in a way that makes him relatable to the audience. Yet, he was still truly callous, making him a great multidimensional character, not just another villain ruled by greed. 

Now, we’ll move on to other aspects of the film. You need three things to make a memorable superhero movie: a standout villain, a recognizable theme song and authentic costumes. The soundtrack was iconic; it reimagines Superman’s theme in clever ways, an impressive feat since the character has one of, if not the most recognizable themes of any superhero film. Viewers can’t listen to it without feeling inspired; it’s impossible. As for the costumes, Corenswet has said it took multiple tries to perfect his suit, but the end result is striking. Every character’s look feels identifiable and authentic, which in a movie with so many iconic characters is no easy task. The cinematography also deserves a standing ovation. The shots, colors and timing all work so well together.

Overall, “Superman” is an incredible movie and one of the strongest adaptations in years. This version clearly understands the source material while exploring areas that earlier films left untouched.