Review of Superman (2025) – A Triumphant Rebirth for the Man of Steel

 

Superman (2025) is a wonderfully entertaining, heartfelt cinematic reset for the Man of Steel and a fantastic fresh start for the DC Universe on the big screen.

David Corenswet is a natural, benevolent Superman, Nicholas Hoult's egomaniacal Lex Luthor serves as his perfect foil, and within the first two minutes, you’ll be ready to burn a thousand Kryptons if it means saving Supes’ chaotic, good-boy companion, Krypto the Superdog. Director and DCU architect James Gunn throws a lot at the audience here, trusting that decades of superhero movie experience will carry viewers through any narrative shortcuts he takes to keep the pace brisk and the fun overflowing. It’s a dense, sometimes overwhelming adventure—but it feels like the right one for this moment.

A Superman for a New Era

Superman is one of pop culture’s most enduring icons—a mythic symbol of truth, justice, and the "American way," without whom the very concept of a superhero wouldn’t exist. James Gunn’s new take on the character questions what place such an idealistic hero has in our complex modern world and how those timeless values fit into a blockbuster that also has to launch an entire cinematic universe. Unsurprisingly, the man who turned Marvel’s obscure Guardians of the Galaxy into A-list superstars has figured out how to make Superman soar again.

Gunn doesn’t waste time retelling Kal-El’s origin—instead, a brief opening text sets the stage before plunging us into the action. Superman assumes audiences are already familiar with superhero lore, allowing the film to focus on character dynamics and spectacle.

David Corenswet – The Perfect Superman

Corenswet is a revelation. His Superman exudes confidence but retains an old-school charm—replacing curses with exclamations like "gosh darn it!" or "what the heck?"—showcasing Clark’s humble upbringing. The line between Clark Kent and Superman is blurred here, especially since Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) already knows his secret from the start. Their relationship is a highlight, particularly in an early interview scene that quickly escalates into a verbal sparring match, crackling with chemistry.

Gunn avoids over-explaining Superman’s world, instead emphasizing small but meaningful moments that highlight why he’s a hero of the people. Whether calming a terrified civilian or rescuing a squirrel, Corenswet makes Superman feel both godlike and deeply human.

Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor – A Perfect Villain

Hoult plays Lex Luthor as a man who is both brilliant and pathetically vain. His jealousy of Superman is palpable, and his outbursts—often punctuated by petty, self-amused remarks—are among the film’s best moments.

Krypto – The Best Superdog in the Galaxy

If you thought you’d seen it all, wait until Krypto wreaks havoc in the Fortress of Solitude. This cosmic canine isn’t just comic relief—his untamed power mirrors Clark’s struggle with responsibility.

Action, Worldbuilding, and Music

Gunn delivers spectacular action but grounds it in human perspective. The camera races alongside Superman, making every punch feel visceral. The guitar-driven score (with nods to John Williams’ classic theme) elevates both the spectacle and emotional beats.

Flaws? A Few Chaotic Moments

The second half gets slightly convoluted as global conflicts and Luthor’s schemes unfold. Some subplots (like Jimmy Olsen’s role) could’ve been fleshed out more.

Verdict: 9/10 – A Hopeful New Beginning

Superman (2025) blends everything we love about the hero—hope, humor, heart, and spectacle. Corenswet and Hoult are perfectly matched, and Gunn proves he can breathe new life into even the most familiar stories. It’s not flawless, but it’s the best Superman movie in years—and a thrilling launch for DC’s new era.