Review: Superman (2025)

It's a bird! It's a plane! Oh no! It's Jay Davies reviewing James Gunn's newest entry into the Superman legacy.

Maybe if we were all a little kinder, we wouldn't need a Superman. (Image: Warner Bros. Discovery)

Since the wrapping up of the critically acclaimed Dark Knight trilogy back in 2012, Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment have had quite the tumultuous time bringing their caped characters to the silver screen. While the occasional success has graced audiences here and there throughout the years since, a clear lack of planning or overall structure has been apparent to those in the loop. 

Compounding this lack of enthusiasm for the brand is the unimaginative and brutally dull state of the comic book film industry in recent years. With a multitude of generic blockbusters bombarding audiences into a sense of fatigue with the sub-genre, the stage has been set for something new to shake things up. Something bold. Something hopeful to reignite a sense of wonder and awe in the theatre-going public. 

Enter James Gunn’s Superman! The first entry in a brand new DC universe starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult, a film that brings the goofier side of its source material to the forefront, when competitors might shy away.

Supes and Lois Lane sharing a victorious smooch. (Photo: Warner Bros. Discovery)

Taking a somewhat different approach to its contemporaries, Gunn’s film begins in a world already firmly established in a history and culture of gods and monsters. We follow a relatively green Superman, having only recently fully revealed himself to the public, navigating the trials and tribulations of a time where simply being kind is considered “old-fashioned.” 

The first word that comes to mind when evaluating Gunn’s direction here is: confident. With years of comic book filmmaking under his belt, it feels as if Gunn has struck an incredible rhythm in translating these larger-than-life archetypes into palatable and visually exhilarating protagonists for the average viewer. The film manages to balance its wackier comic book concepts with emotionally resonant characters and thematics while rarely ever stumbling on either side (except for one element, which I will discuss later). 

The cast here shines. Not a single weak link in the chain. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was discovered in the weeks to come that David Corenswet was genetically crafted in a top-secret lab underneath the Warner Bros. Water Tower – this man was simply born to play Superman. His unadulterated kindness carries the film from scene to scene and triumphantly returns the modern sensibilities of a cinematic superhero to being a public servant with the sole responsibility of helping those around them. 

Rachel Brosnahan’s brash Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Lois Lane (and the entirety of the Daily Planet staff for that matter) brings a grounded sense of realism to the film to help aid the truly fantastical nature of the antics occurring throughout via its contrast. Whether it be aliens, robots, gods, or monsters, the real folks in danger are the civilians on the ground. What point would there even be in a Superman if not for making sure the everyday person is ok?

And the villain? Oh boy, the villain. In a world where the oppressive nature of billionaire tech nerds infiltrates our every sense of being through their interferences in government, to even the dumb shit they post to social media, there's never been a better time for Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor. Luthor's narrow worldview leaves you frustrated and disgusted, topped off by Hoult's brilliant holier-than-thou performance of the iconic OG hater. A villain who’s actually hateable with very few redeeming features caps off Superman perfectly, making you want Superman to win.

Supes’ babysitting antics. (Photo: Warner Bros. Discovery)

My largest critique with the film, however, is a result of its corny tone that I love so much. Superman wades into issues that are happening in our real world, which conflicts with its humorous and lighthearted vibe. Without delving too heavily into spoilers of course, the film takes aim at the ongoing conflict in Palestine. It even incorporates a very satirical take on the genocidal prime minister of Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu. And to be frank, it does come across as rather juvenile at times. 

While, of course, I agree with the overall take the film is presenting, I can’t help but feel as if the characters and tone of the film just aren't fully equipped to tackle the issue in strides. Do I respect the attempt in a modern film industry that is inherently afraid to use this art medium to actually convey experiences and themes? Yes, of course. But commending the attempt isn’t certifying its quality, and a similar reaction to mine could be very easily conjured by any other viewer savvy to the ongoing conflict.

But all in all, I’d consider the film an extremely successful blockbuster. While its unabashed commitment to a colourful campy tone may come across as dated or unappealing to those on the fence, the film earns its praises in using that tone for more than merely set dressing. It’s designed around returning the audience to a place of optimistic joy. A love letter to the films and comics before it, Superman feels less like a gritty Man of Steel, and more of a hopeful Man of Tomorrow. 

RATING: 7/10