
Superman (2025) – A Hopeful Return That Almost Soars
James Gunn’s Superman (2025) marks a bold attempt to reintroduce the Man of Steel to a new generation—and while it doesn’t completely reinvent the wheel, it successfully reminds us why Superman matters in the first place.
David Corenswet steps into the iconic red-and-blue suit with a natural warmth and sincerity. His Clark Kent is a refreshing change of pace—less angsty than recent versions, more grounded in decency. He’s not trying to be cool or edgy; he’s just trying to do the right thing. That earnestness is exactly what this character needed after years of grim reboots.
The tone of the film is lighter, more colorful, and filled with a sense of wonder. From Superman’s first flight to his small, human interactions in Metropolis, the film captures the duality of a godlike alien trying to live as an ordinary man. It’s not just about fighting villains—it’s about identity, kindness, and responsibility.
Rachel Brosnahan is a standout as Lois Lane. She brings intelligence, charm, and grit to the role, delivering sharp banter and emotional resonance in equal measure. The chemistry between her and Corenswet’s Clark is believable and rooted in mutual respect. They feel like partners—both professionally and emotionally.
Nicholas Hoult plays Lex Luthor with icy precision. He’s less theatrical than previous versions, but far more chilling. His Luthor is a calculated, tech-savvy manipulator who views Superman not as a rival, but as a threat to human dominance. The ideological clash between them adds depth to the conflict, though at times it could’ve used more build-up.
Visually, the movie is striking. Gunn leans into classic comic-book imagery—bright skies, vivid suits, majestic cityscapes—without falling into camp. The action is energetic but not overwhelming. There’s one mid-film rescue sequence that captures the joy of being Superman better than anything we’ve seen in over a decade.
However, the film isn’t without flaws. It tries to introduce too many side characters too quickly. From Hawkgirl to Mister Terrific to Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern, the supporting cast sometimes clutters the narrative. These characters are interesting on their own, but their inclusion feels like setup for future films rather than essential parts of this story.
The humor is hit-or-miss. Some moments, especially involving Krypto the super-dog, are genuinely funny and heartfelt. Others feel forced or tonally out of place—especially in scenes that should’ve carried more emotional weight.
Despite these hiccups, Superman succeeds in what matters most: restoring hope to the character. It doesn’t rely on shock twists or gritty deconstruction. Instead, it focuses on heart, optimism, and the idea that doing the right thing—even when it’s hard—is what makes someone super.
Final Verdict:
Superman (2025) is an earnest, uplifting reboot that honors the legacy of the character while setting the stage for a new DC era. It may stumble in its world-building, but it soars when it lets Superman be Superman. Not perfect, but heartfelt—and sometimes, that’s more powerful than perfection.
Rating: 7.5/10 – A hopeful leap forward.