Superman (2025) Review

 





Superman (2025), written and directed by James Gunn, has finally hit theaters. Prophesied and marketed as a fresh start for Warner Bros.' superhero films, this movie had a lot riding on its success. Is the film the return to form superhero movie fans have been yearning for from DC? 

Yes, with a few caveats.

Superman (2025): Too Much and Too Little?

Superman bloodied and lying down in the snow


 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Coming in at 2 hours and 9 minutes, Superman has a lot of ground to cover. Unfortunately, the movie suffered from what I could only describe as objective bloat, trying too much with not enough time. The film strived to achieve two goals:

 

1. Be a Superman movie
2. Kick off the new DC cinematic universe


The movie achieves both, but it sometimes felt more invested in worldbuilding than telling a Superman story. The Justice Gang and the heroic world we glimpse were fun, but often at the expense of Superman himself.


What we did see of Superman (David Cornswet) was fantastic. They showed Clark as a true paragon of justice and a kinder world. Flawed but good personified. His romance with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) was a shocking standout. The two share incredible chemistry that weaves perfectly into Lex Luthor’s (Nicholas Hoult) machinations, which, while convoluted, were entertaining. The movie also achieved something that the very idea of the Man of Steel has been missing in films: a sense of hope. Superman shines as a down-to-earth icon of humanity and, despite his flaws, never wavers in his conviction to do what’s right no matter the pressure.


Another sticking point is that the movie takes a different approach to the standard “origin story.” The movie thrusts the viewer into an already well-established world with a Superman with years of experience, a fortress of solitude, and even a dog! It is a bold choice, relying on trust in its viewers to get into the narrative it sets out. Does the risk pay off? Kind of.


The story and conflict are engaging, with fleshed-out personal stakes and lots of drama to chew on. However, it leaves little room for individual exploration for Superman. Clark’s personal growth feels more in place for a second or third film than his first. The story is not about how Clark Kent became Superman, but what defines Superman as Clark Kent. However, some viewers may find the origin left unexplored more worthy of the spotlight, and unfortunately, that spotlight will likely never shine on it.

Superman (2025): How Much "Gunn" Is In It?



Superman is James Gunn-coded to the bone—his signature stylistic choices (good and bad) bubble to the surface throughout the film. A vibrant color palette, well-placed use of music in action set pieces, and overall love of comics burn bright throughout Superman’s screentime. The use of humor, however, can feel inappropriate, with a shocking amount of profanity and quips to undercut serious scenes. The large cast also leaves much to be desired, often taking the spotlight away from the film's real stars.


As a fan of James Gunn's style and cinematography, I found the film to be rewarding stylistically. Those who do not gel with his style may not leave the movie as enthralled as I was.

Superman (2025): All-Star Cast and Visuals 

A close up of Lex Luthor, angry and about to cry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance-wise, not one actor gave a bad performance; everyone perfectly played the balancing act of Gunn’s serious to comedic style. David Cornswet truly outside himself, embodying Superman’s humanity and altruism, reaffirming him as our new Man of Steel. Nicholas Holt as Lex Luthor does just as well, if not better, presenting the petty, envious technocrat in all his horrid glory that you love to hate! Rachel Bronsnahan gives the best modern depiction of Lois Lane I have ever seen, encapsulating the cynical but sharp and fearless woman who completes Superman’s world. A special shout-out to Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, giving a paradoxically comedic but badass portrayal that leaves me wanting to see the character much more in the future!


In terms of overall quality, Superman (2025) effectively avoids the poor visuals of some contemporary superhero movies. Every action setpiece is a feast for the senses, from brawls in the city to battles in pocket universes. Every moment oozes color and, depending on a viewer's preferences, may be put off by, but fits the optimistic core of this film perfectly. The aesthetic and props may seem cheesy at times, but in a way that feels comic-book coded and ideally suited for the film.

Superman (2025): Overall Thoughts


Superman (2025) is a flawed masterpiece. It provides a smorgasbord of superheroic action, drama, and comedy that any fan of James Gunn's previous work will enjoy. The film sometimes buckles under the weight of establishing a new cinematic universe and an uneven cast. Yet, it understands Superman, Lois Lane, and Lex Luthor as characters at a foundational level, leaving the viewer wanting more. A brilliant cast and stunning artistic vision bring all this to life. All of these say that I am confident the DCEU is in good hands.

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