Superman - Movie Review

Superman is the first installment of the new DC Universe, it was written and directed by James Gunn and features a cast that includes David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Alan Tudyk and Bradley Cooper. In Superman, Superman must reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent. As the embodiment of truth, justice, and the human way he soon finds himself in a world that views these values as old-fashioned.

Superman was my most anticipated comic book movie of the year for two reasons: it promised to bring Superman back to his roots, being a symbol of hope and the good in humanity and bringing back the lighthearted tone rather than being dark and and gritty, and that James Gunn was at the helm. James Gunn has made some of the best comic book films in the past decade, including the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and The Suicide Squad. So when it was announced that James Gunn was behind it I was thrilled! Did the movie live up to my expectations? It exceeded them! I absolutely loved this film!

This film is an exhilarating blend of entertainment, charm, and delight, featuring breathtaking action sequences, stunning visual effects, and memorable character interactions. From start to finish, it maintains a rapid pace, ensuring that the audience is consistently engaged and captivated. The brilliance of James Gunn shines through in his choice to bypass the familiar origin story, allowing audiences to dive straight into the heart of the adventure, creating an immediate connection with the thrilling narrative. Every moment is filled with excitement, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience!

The performances in the film are outstanding! David Corenswet portrays Superman with the charisma and charm we expect, completely embodying the heroic aspects of the character during the action sequences. I particularly loved how this version of Superman feels more relatable than in previous films. The movie reveals a more human side to Superman, making him much more compelling—an achievement credited not only to Corenswet but also to the screenplay by James Gunn.

Rachel Brosnahan is also impressive as Lois Lane, bringing more character and personality to the role than Amy Adams did in the Snyderverse. She has excellent chemistry with Corenswet, which enhances their on-screen dynamic.

However, the real standout in the acting department is Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor! He is fantastic in this role; you can tell he is having the time of his life with every scene he’s in. In my opinion, he perfectly nails the villain role!

The action sequences in this film are absolutely exhilarating! It was a breathtaking experience to watch Superman save civilians from impending danger, effortlessly demonstrating his strength and courage as he tackled formidable villains and monsters. Each scene was packed with intense moments that kept me glued to my seat, heart racing with anticipation.

What truly elevates these thrilling sequences is the stunning cinematography paired with dazzling visual effects. The cinematographer masterfully frames each shot, capturing the brilliance and intricacies of the action while immersing the audience in a vibrant and dynamic world. The special effects team has truly excelled, creating a visual spectacle that brings the supernatural elements to life in a way that’s both astonishing and believable.

With such a remarkable display of artistry and creativity, I firmly believe this film deserves a nomination for Best Visual Effects at the Academy Awards. If it fails to receive the recognition it so richly deserves, I will be genuinely pissed!

The story, although somewhat overloaded, remains consistently engaging. It features emotional stakes that enhance the narrative. One significant plot point is that it explores Superman's struggle to come to terms with being an alien living in a human world. I found this aspect compelling and appreciated how it was addressed in a heartfelt manner. While the film primarily focuses on spectacle, elements like this elevate it beyond mere entertainment.

I do have a couple of very small issues with Superman, nothing that really compromises my enjoyment of the film but I do have to address them. The movie is a bit overcrowded with characters. It introduces a lot of them, such as Green Lantern, Mister Terrific, Hawkgirl and Supergirl. I believe that if Superman were the sole focus 100% of the time, the movie would have had a bit more time to breathe. There were also scenes where the humor slightly undermined more serious scenes. While it doesn't happen frequently or anywhere near as severely as something like Thor: Love and Thunder, there are scenes where I think the humor could have been toned down.

So in the end, Superman is a delightful superhero film that perfectly captures the spirit of the character. It's fast-paced, filled with great character moments, and features tons of exhilarating action sequences. This film shows us a bright future for DC, and I'm sure what James Gunn has cooking in the future will be just as great and fun as this was!

GRADE:  A

Movie Details

Director:  James Gunn 

Release date:  July 11th, 2025

Run time:  129 minutes

Studio:  Warner Bros. Pictures 

MPAA rating:  PG-13 (for violence, action and language)