James Gunn-directed ‘Superman’ a humorous, action-packed dose of much-needed goodness

The decadelong Extended DC Universe, which began with 2013’s far-too-serious “Man of Steel” and closed with 2023’s shockingly lackluster “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” was generally a dour, gritty affair. Less likely to make you cheer than wonder if all these characters needed trauma therapy, it wasn’t what you’d call a ray of sunshine. 

But that’s exactly how I would describe “Superman,” the latest iteration of the Man of Steel and the official start to the rebooted DC Universe. It’s a joyous, action-packed ode to the comic book character, stuffed with humor and charm and kindness and so much respect for its source material and audience. It’s a sometimes saccharine, often goofy and always gorgeous reminder of what comic book adaptations can be. 

Written and directed by James Gunn (best known for the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies) and based on the character created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster in 1938, “Superman” does away with the typical origin-story intro, smartly assuming you’ve heard about the Last Son of Krypton in the past nearly 90 years. In fact, it plays out as if you were dropped into the middle of a Superman movie — and it works. 

Read the full review at The Seattle Times.

Four “Eyes up here!” stars out of five, and a critic’s pick.

Photo caption: David Corenswet as Superman in a scene from “Superman.” (Warner Bros. Pictures)