Superman (2025)

REVIEW:

I’ve never been the biggest Superman fan — and I say that with all the respect in the world for the legacy of the character. As a kid growing up, Superman just didn’t click for me the way Batman did. The invincible boy scout persona, the near-omnipotent powers, and the often underwhelming rogues’ gallery left me cold. I gravitated toward brooding anti-heroes and darker mythologies. So when I sat down for James Gunn’s Superman (2025), I wasn’t expecting it to turn me into a believer. And while my personal allegiances haven’t changed — Batman still reigns supreme in my book — I have to admit: this is a very bright, energetic, and enjoyable superhero movie that I ended up liking far more than I expected.

Let’s talk about the cast, because Gunn assembled an excellent team here. David Corenswet steps into the cape with a quiet strength and gentle warmth that makes you believe he truly sees the best in people. He looks the part, moves with purpose, and feels genuinely Kryptonian. Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is sharp, charismatic, and perfectly balanced — you instantly buy her as both a top-tier journalist and Clark’s equal. But it’s Nicholas Hoult who steals the show. His Lex Luthor is less cartoon villain and more calculated menace. There’s a cold brilliance in his eyes, and his scenes simmer with tension. He feels dangerous — not because of his strength, but because of how smart he is. For the first time in a long while, Lex feels like a real threat.

I went in concerned after reading some early takes that claimed the story was overly convoluted. But I found the opposite to be true. It’s a fairly straightforward narrative — which I mean as a compliment. The plot doesn’t twist itself into knots or rely on multiversal chaos. It’s a clean, purposeful story with the right amount of heart, humour, and world-building. Gunn wisely avoids the pitfalls of overstuffing by keeping the focus on Superman and Lex, while still giving the side characters moments to shine. The pacing is tight, the stakes are clear, and the emotional beats work more often than not.

One of the movie’s most delightful surprises is Krypto the Superdog. He’s animated with so much personality that you can’t help but smile every time he’s on screen. James Gunn has always had a knack for anthropomorphic characters (see Rocket Raccoon), and Krypto is no exception. He’s cute without being overbearing and heroic without being cheesy. He also plays an integral part in the story — not just a cute mascot, but a character in his own right.

Visually, Superman looks fantastic. I had genuine concerns after the messy CGI-heavy disaster that was The Flash, but this film puts those fears to rest. The flying sequences are crisp, the environments feel tangible, and there’s a tactile quality to the visual effects that really grounds the more fantastical elements. Whether it’s Superman soaring through Metropolis or facing off against giant Kaiju, the action is clear, exciting, and polished.

Another major win? No origin story. We’re not dragging through Smallville again. We’re dropped into a world where Superman already exists, Lois and Clark are a couple, and metahumans are part of the everyday landscape. It makes the universe feel lived-in and alive, which is essential for launching a new cinematic universe. Side characters like Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi) get just enough screentime to intrigue without overwhelming the central plot. The balance is impressively handled — this could have felt bloated, but it doesn’t.

The score deserves praise too. While it doesn’t quite reach the emotional highs of Hans Zimmer’s unforgettable Man of Steel soundtrack, it still delivers. The new theme has a hopeful, heroic energy that suits this brighter take on Superman, and the musical cues during the final act are especially effective. It elevates the action and reinforces the emotional weight without overpowering the scenes.

My only gripe? The humour. James Gunn usually has a solid handle on witty banter, but the comedic beats in Superman fall flat — really flat. Not one joke landed in the screening I attended, and each one was met with uncomfortable silence. It’s not the worst thing in the world — the rest of the film carries itself well — but it was noticeable, and a bit jarring considering Gunn’s reputation. That said, for a movie that had so much riding on it — the first entry in the new DCU — Superman is a strong start. It hasn’t made me trade in my bat-symbol just yet, but it’s good enough to make me look forward to what comes next. James Gunn might just have a hit on his hands.