Did James Gunn Make Superman Too Sweet for Fans to Enjoy?

Ok folks, I know some of you will see James Gunn’s Superman differently, and maybe you’ll even be disappointed by this review. But honestly, the film left me completely let down.

At first, writing a review seemed impossible because of how frustrating it was. Getting even halfway through felt like a struggle. Just a warning — there are plenty of spoilers ahead. Here’s why.

James Gunn’s Superman Without Heat Vision

This was the first thing that infuriated me. James Gunn’s Superman doesn’t even use his signature heat vision spark.

I suppose Gunn wanted to make him "more human," but honestly — this is Superman. Stripping away such a defining part of him simply makes no sense.

Broken Bones, No Damage: Fight Logic Gone Wrong

Here’s another part I just couldn’t get past. At the beginning, Lex sends a metal man that counts all Superman’s movements and absolutely batters him — bones broken, body smashed.

Yet later, when Lex’s lab creature grows to skyscraper size and literally crushes him into the ground, Superman just climbs out as if nothing had happened. No damage at all. How does that work?

Why This Superman Feels Too Human

Yes, Superman is meant to stand for compassion and hope, but this version takes it to an irritating extreme. When he tries to save the giant monster’s life, it doesn’t feel noble — it feels pathetic.

Perhaps Gunn wanted us to be annoyed while underlining his human side. If that was the trick, then well done James Gunn, because it worked — I was irritated.

And that chipmunk rescue scene? Sweet, perhaps. But honestly, far too much.

The Polished and Naïve James Gunn’s Superman

When the metahumans finally kill the monster, Superman simply says, "Really? Wasn’t there another way?" Apparently, he hoped to capture the beast and ship it off to some intergalactic zoo.

For me, this only proved how overly polished and perfect Gunn made him — too trusting, too hopeful, almost naïve. That’s not inspiring; it’s dull.

Reckless Choices in Lex’s Pocket Universe

Another part that made me shake my head: when Superman blunders straight into Lex’s pocket universe (or prison, call it what you will) just to save Krypto. No plan, no strategy, despite already knowing Lex’s creatures had beaten him before. That’s not brave or human — it’s simply foolish.

The One Clever Scene With Monkeys and Internet Hate

I’ll give Gunn credit for one clever moment. In Lex’s pocket universe, monkeys had devices in their heads that let them post internet backlash about Superman. That was sharp, funny, and probably Gunn’s way of poking fun at the haters. Honestly, I loved that touch.

Why I Switched Off James Gunn’s Superman

But overall, the film lost all its momentum at some point, and I simply switched it off. Perhaps one day I’ll give it another chance, but certainly not any time soon.

James Gunn’s Superman was supposed to deliver a fresh, emotional version of the character. Instead, it felt inconsistent, sickly sweet, and at times just plain irritating.