Superman
Directed by James Gunn
★★★★½
FILM NAME SUPERMANFILE NAME: SPMN-TRL1-011.tifFILESIZE: JPEG: 1.98 MB,TIF: 43.61 MBUSAGE: General Use PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Warner Bros. PicturesCAPTION: DAVID CORENSWET as Superman in DC Studios’ and Warner Bros. Pictures’ “SUPERMAN,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.COPYRIGHT: © 2025 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved. TM & © DC
A Superhero Film That Strives—and Often Soars—to Be One of the Year’s Best
Under the direction of James Gunn and a screenplay he co-wrote, Superman delivers what feels like a new dawn for the DC Universe. David Corenswet plays Clark Kent/Superman with an earnest optimism and boy-scout charm that he infuses with real emotional depth. Rachel Brosnahan brings Lois Lane to life as sharp, driven, and thoroughly modern—and the chemistry between them crackles with real heat. Seriously, these two look and feel like they belong together, making this not just a good superhero movie, but a damn good movie overall—possibly the best of the year so far.
Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of Lex Luthor is unlike anything I’ve seen before. He gives Lex a hyper-masculine, man‑child energy that’s both unsettling and oddly compelling. Hoult’s Lex is obsessive, brilliant, and dangerous—but not cartoonish. There’s a gravitas to him that grounds the rivalry in real menace.
Secondary characters are far from filler: Skyler Gisondo nails the role of Jimmy Olsen, giving the film just the right amount of snark and lightheartedness. Sara Sampaio as Eve Tessmacher offers a cheeky contrast to the austerity. Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell embody Jonathan and Martha Kent with unwavering authenticity—genuine Kansas people whose love and quiet moral counsel give Clark his foundation. Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho brings unexpected layers; his transformation feels emotionally symbolic, not just flashy.
Yes, this is a blockbuster about an alien with superpowers, giant CGI setpieces, and city-smashing spectacles—but it’s also intentionally tender and grounded. Gunn resists covering everything with jokes; instead, he allows Superman’s optimism, his sense of responsibility, and moral dilemmas to carry weight. There's humor here, but it never undercuts depth.
Visually, the film is breathtaking. Colors pop with a comic-book palette—vibrant reds and blues clash beautifully with the silver grandeur of Superman’s Fortress of Solitude. Flying sequences feel immersive and full-bodied, and the fortress itself, built with crystalline architecture and tangible presence, is a standout. Even the most ambitious set-pieces feel intentional and emotionally tethered to the characters.
The tone strikes a rare balance: heartfelt without being cloying, dramatic without dragging, and fun without feeling frivolous. Humor is used sparingly and strategically. When Superman cracks a joke, it doesn’t feel like script padding—it emerges naturally, often relieving tension rather than undercutting importance.
What the film really captures is identity. Clark Kent’s struggles as an alien raised on Earth, questioning his place in a world that both needs and fears him, form the film’s emotional spine. Lois is an active partner in that conversation—not simply hero support, but asking tough questions, challenging his assumptions, and refusing to be sidelined. Their relationship frames much of the conflict and resolution. Their chemistry is honest and sexy in a mature, grounded way—their intimacy feels earned and real.
Lex Luthor’s manipulations and public distrust arc moves at a calculated pace; it’s not sudden paranoia for the sake of plot but a believable erosion of trust shaped by Cobbled public fears and Luthor’s influence. Hoult’s intensity makes Lex feel more layered than usual, both arrogant and terrified of Superman’s existence.
This film is what the DCU needs—a story-centered spectacle anchored by performance and humanity, not just effects. Corenswet proves he is the ideal Superman for this era; Brosnahan is more than just Lois—she’s pairwise brilliance. Hoult redefines Lex for a new generation, and supporting players give life to secondary plots without crowding the screen.
Superman (2025) isn’t just a serviceable caped crusader movie—it’s a film with heart, wit, and depth. It sets the tone for the new DCU: hopeful, bold, emotionally intelligent, and visually stunning. Marvel, take notes.
