This weeks’ new movie release had me returning to the realm of superheroes to see Superman (2025). For me going to see this one was more out of curiosity to see what new CEO of DC Studios James Gunn came up with in his first outing than a deep seeded interest in the actual film. The last few DC movies under the previous head left me underwhelmed to put it kindly. In order to keep myself open-minded for this one I made a concerted effort to avoid everything related going in except for a gander at the first couple of trailers.
As always, I preface the following review with my standard non-comic book reader disclaimer. My Superman knowledge/experience is limited to my exposure to Saturday morning cartoons, Christopher Reeves’ films and beyond, Smallville, sans the final season (one of these days I’ve gotta finish that series), and what’s included in Superman (2025). I’m well aware that I’m missing some major context as a result, so my take is going to probably differ vastly from that of someone like my comic book guru Ruben. Sorry buddy, but you’re gonna have to educate me on the error of my ways, yet again.
Anywho, I went in with the bar set pretty low as far as expectations. Namely that Nick Hoult to slay as Lex Luthor and not to be totally pissed I ventured out in 110+ degree heat to watch this on the big screen.
Down to the proverbial tacks of brass, while there are some things I personally have issues with (too nitpicky perhaps) when all was said and done, I really enjoyed Superman (2025). It’s easily the best and most entertaining DC film to come out the chute for a while. Admittedly that’s been a pretty low bar for me and it’s early in the process, but Gunn has raised it exponentially. Delivering not only a solid film but a solid foundation to build upon for DC moving forward under his leadership.
Superman (2025) is ambitious and doesn’t mess around. Foregoing the standard origin story, this 2-hour 9-minute ride (complete with 2 end credit scenes which honestly you can take or leave depending on how your bladder holds up) pops off with minimal preamble and never looks back. While nice to get things moving, and largely paying off, having more context/development of where we are in the overall story would’ve served this reboot well. The presumption that we are familiar with this version of the characters/story I don’t completely love it, but I don’t completely hate either. You're joining in mid conversation.
Doing things this way also undercuts the development of a number of characters and the seeds being sown for not only this film but future projects across the DCU as well. There’s A LOT packed in here and the feeling of being underdeveloped carried some frustration with me, especially with the cast.
So many great actors, Wendell Pierce, Skyler Gisondo, Frank Grillo, Nathan Fillion (bad rug aside), Maria Gabriele de Faria, and Isabela Merced (the screaming got old really quick) did what they could but there were just too many characters and not enough time to devote to fleshing them out as much as I’d like. Edi Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific being a rarer exception. Loved every moment of screen time he got, had me wanting even more, and I wouldn’t be upset to have a spinoff. Definitely want to see and learn more about his character.
The casting of David Corenswet as the new Superman is a solid choice though honestly, I really had no idea who he was going in. Apparently, I saw him in Twisters but it ain’t ringing no bells. Whatever. I bought him as Clark/Superman and he and Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois have good chemistry and play off each other well. I can stand a bit more “fire” from her Lois, but again, I’m being nitpicky. Corenswet’s portrayal is easily one of the most human depictions of Superman. It’s a shift that won’t appeal to everyone as all the weaknesses and vulnerabilities are on full display, but it works.
Nick Hoult absolutely slays and doesn't disappoint. Yas! His manipulative, dangerous, and terrifyingly intelligent take on Lex Luthor is everything I hoped for and more. If I’m honest between Hoult and Gathegi I’m good and everyone else is a welcome but just an added bonus. Great casting all around. Bonus surprise cameos both physically and vocally.
Superman (2025) has good pacing, direction, a solid script that reflects the current times without being overly heavy handed with the messaging so you can still enjoy the film. Lots of action, wit, heart, and charm. Heavy CGI, which is to be expected, but it’s largely well done and visually stunning. I only experienced a couple of eye-rolling induced moments, but they were few and far between. There are some subtle nods to Donner’s ‘78 Superman including one William Reeve (Christopher’s son) making an appearance.
Vibrant and alive, falling between the hopeful/optimistic and the darker versions sits Gunn’s Superman (2025). It’s scope and ambition soars on many levels while coming up short on others. Still overall the world building for this franchise in particular and the DCU in general looks promising. When all was said and done and I’d mulled over everything, I can’t deny I was pleasantly surprised how entertaining and how much fun I had watching Superman (2025). It’s familiar yet new, predictable, yet surprising. I left the theater feeling satisfied and wasn’t pissed I left the house in extreme heat to see it in the theater.
Superman (2025) gets an 8.5 from me.
#superman2025
