SUPERMAN
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
Directed by: James Gunn
Starring: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult
Release Date: July 11, 2025
Platform: Theatrical
Rating: 3.5/5
“It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel; it’s just trying to steer it back on course.”
I’ll be honest, I walked into SUPERMAN with my guard up. After years of uneven portrayals and attempts to “modernize” the character, I wasn’t expecting much. But something about this one got through to me. It’s not perfect, and it definitely has its flaws, but it feels like it understands the assignment. It’s the kind of movie that believes in what Superman stands for and dares to say something sincere in a genre that’s often too cool to care.
At its core, SUPERMAN is about idealism—what it costs, how it’s perceived, and why it still matters. The film’s biggest strength is its tone. There’s action, yes, and plenty of it. But what sticks with you isn’t the spectacle, it’s the feeling. The movie makes space for hope, for reflection, for vulnerability. It’s not trying to outdo Man of Steel in terms of scale, but it comes surprisingly close in visual impact. Some sequences are just gorgeous. They are thoughtfully shot, emotionally charged, and worthy of the icon they’re built around.
That said, the film isn’t flawless. The CGI has a few shaky moments, and the score sometimes undercuts what should be heavy emotional beats. There’s also a frustrating tendency to jump in with a joke just when a moment needs silence. It’s like the film doesn’t trust the audience to just sit in discomfort. These tonal shifts aren’t deal-breakers, but they do soften the emotional punch.
Krypto and the Justice Gang bring a fun, fresh energy into the mix. Krypto’s a scene-stealer, and the film wisely gives him room to shine. Mr. Terrific, in particular, shows real promise, and in the time he’s given, there’s something magnetic about how he operates. Still, it’s hard to really shake the feeling that this crew needed a bit more time. They’re introduced with purpose, but not much payoff. What we get is cool, but it feels like an appetizer for a meal that never fully arrives.
The dynamic between Lois and Clark feels lived-in, full of trust and quiet affection. Their overall chemistry works. You believe in their relationship. But since we’re dropped into the middle of it, rather than watching it fully develop from the start, the emotional tension the film tries to build between them doesn’t always hit with the intended weight. There are moments that feel like they should land harder, but the groundwork just isn’t fully there.
One of the most compelling angles in this film is its exploration of power. Superman isn’t just flying around saving the day; he’s navigating the fallout of being a global force without borders or oversight. The film isn’t subtle about its political subtext, and that’s honestly a good thing. It asks fundamental questions: What happens when someone acts on moral conviction without permission? Is doing good enough if it bypasses the systems built to contain power?
There’s a tension here that’s deeply timely. The movie doesn’t always stick with those questions long enough, but the ambition is genuinely there. It juggles a lot, sometimes too much, and the throughline can get a bit blurry. Still, it’s really refreshing to see a superhero film that wants to say something more than “good guy beats bad guy.”
The antagonist is one of the film’s most significant wins. He’s not some mustache-twirling cartoon. He’s calculated, media-savvy, and deeply insecure. His issue with Superman isn’t just about power, it’s about control. He can’t handle a world where someone operates outside the system he’s mastered. That ego, weaponized through fear and manipulation, becomes more dangerous than any supervillain punch. It’s a slow-burning performance, but one that lingers.
What really makes this version of SUPERMAN sing is David Corenswet. He doesn’t just look the part; he gets it. There’s a sincerity in his performance that feels earned. He brings warmth, doubt, humility, and strength to the role in an incredibly grounded way. You believe this Superman wants to help, not out of obligation, but out of a genuine desire to improve things. And that earnestness is what gives the film its soul.
SUPERMAN isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel; it’s just trying to steer it back on course. And for the most part, it succeeds. It’s not flawless, but it’s heartfelt, thoughtful, and visually engaging. It reminds you that comic book stories can still carry meaning without losing the fun. If DC keeps leaning into a more grounded, character-driven tone, they’ve got a shot at turning things around.
