Why James Gunn's ‘Superman' soars: A hopeful reboot for a new era

Everyone knows Superman's story — or at least thinks they do: The baby from Krypton, the Kansas farm, the secret identity, the cape.

- By MAGRIRA Special to the AmNews

But what James Gunn's “Superman” does so well is remind us why this story still matters, and why we still need it.

Gunn, now co-head of DC Studios, takes the character back to his roots while making him feel urgent and relevant.

The film is packed with big, crowd-pleasing moments, but also small ones — a rescued dog, a saved squirrel — that show the Man of Steel’s heart. David Corenswet’s Superman is earnest, awkward, and deeply kind. He’s the kind of hero who inspires people to stand up for each other, not just wait for him to save the day.

What's remarkable about this reboot is how it honors Superman’s origins. Created in the 1930s by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, two Jewish comic book creators who saw the world growing darker and more dangerous, Superman was always more than just a strongman in tights. He was a champion for the vulnerable; a symbol of hope against corruption, cruelty, and despair.

Gunn's film doesn't forget that. In fact, it leans into it.