“Superman”(2025) review

A hopeful start to the DCU

Out with the old, in with the new. The first official release of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DC Cinematic Universe has arrived. Moving away from Zack Snyder’s darker vision, many will be wondering, does Superman stick its landing? Other than a few bumps, it mostly does. 

What’s important to note right away is that this is not an origin story. Gunn smartly decided not to rehash Superman’s same old origin, instead quickly catching the viewer up with a few lines of text in the first scene, while also explaining where the hero is currently. The story follows Superman a few years into being, well, Superman, and his popularity has never been higher. However, there are a few conflicts going on. There is a war escalating between two foreign countries (sound familiar?), and we learn that somehow the villainous Lex Luthor is involved. Lex, played very well by Nicholas Hoult, has it out for Superman and is determined to bring him down by any means necessary. It’s a basic premise that has more layers than meets the eye. 

Where the film shines most is when it comes to its casting. The two leads, David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, as Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane, respectively, knock it out of the park. Corenswet embodies the look and qualities of the title character, which leans more into the classic Christopher Reeve version that we all know and love. Brosnahan brings her own take to Lois Lane that feels fresh but also stays true to the character. It also helps that they have excellent chemistry, and many of the film’s best parts are when these two share the screen. I really wish we got more interaction between them, but unfortunately the film has to make room for other characters, and this is where things get a bit messy. It is established early on that there are other “metahumans” in this world, namely Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mr. Terrific. Naturally, all three must be given some time to shine, and they do, but the issue is that it takes away the focus on Superman. This is his movie after all, and it would have been better if these characters were saved for the sequel instead. It’s not that these characters are in it a lot, but they are in it just enough to make the movie feel unfocused at times. 

Another issue with this film is that it is ultimately sort of forgettable. There are some cool action scenes, but none that are memorable or stand out. Some of the film’s more interesting dynamics, like Lois and Clark’s relationship, don’t get enough spotlight. There are some interesting themes and ideas that are explored, notably the idea of Superman being an immigrant and trying to fit in. It’s a timely subject matter, but in the end it doesn’t get explored enough. Perhaps this is all just the nature of a popcorn action flick, where there’s more flash than substance. 

All in all, Superman is a superhero film that, despite a few bumps along the way, delivers a solid start to Gunn and Safran’s DC regime. For many, it’s a welcome departure from the previous few movies featuring Superman and falls more in line with his classic interpretation. While I wished the movie was more focused and memorable, I left the theater hopeful and eager to see more of this universe. 

Rating: 3.5/5