Kindness is a superpower in James Gunn's 'Superman'

James Gunn has a knack for turning sentimentality into an epic blockbuster, which is why the “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy is well-loved among superhero fans. Now that the CEO of DC Studios has performed his swan song from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he kicks off the rebooted DC Universe with his take on Superman.

- By JANUAR JUNIOR AGUJA

After a string of skeptical interpretations of the Man of Steel, including Zack Snyder's darker take a decade ago, a horror origin story through “Brightburn” (which Gunn produced), and a tyrannical parody through Homelander in “The Boys”, it’s refreshing for Gunn to deliver his version of why this alien in human form, wearing a blue jumpsuit with a big S on his chest, is such a pop culture icon in the first place, and a much-needed voice of reason in today's political climate.

Gunn doesn’t waste time rehashing Superman's origin story. It’s established that Clark Kent (David Corenswet) has already been living a double life as Superman, a household name in Metropolis and around the world, for three years, and that his coworker and love interest, Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), is well aware of his secret.

The film jumps right into the action as Superman finds himself at the center of a geopolitical crisis after preventing an invasion of Jarhanpur by Boravia, a U.S. ally. While he has saved lives, his intervention sparks mixed opinions among the public, and security officials on both sides view him as a huge threat.

But no one holds a grudge harder than war billionaire and arms dealer Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), who feels Superman is getting in the way of his company's partnership with Boravia, who is supplying them with weapons. In retaliation, he launches an effective smear campaign that distorts the public’s perception of the once-beloved superhero.

Sensing that Lex has an ulterior motive, Superman begins to investigate his true endgame, with help from Lois, Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), his foster dog Krypto, and a few unlikely allies along the way.