Superman Movie Review

Released: 11th July 2025 (UK and US)

Length: 129 Minutes

Certificate: 12A

Director: James Gunn

Starring: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Nathan Fillion, Isabella Merced and Edi Gathehi

For so long, Superman fans have been waiting with bated breath for an adaptation that reaches its full potential. When the DC Extended Universe fizzled out in the early 2020s, a soft reboot was on the cards. James Gunn was chosen to revitalise the most iconic superheroes, beginning with the Man of Steel. It finds a place in-between the original classics and the darker direction of the Snyderverse.

Three years after he first arrived on Earth, Superman (David Corenswet) falls in battle for the first time and his dog Krypto takes him to the Fortress of Solitude to regenerate. When Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) finds a hidden message from Krypton, he orchestrates an elaborate plot to turn the world against Superman for his own nefarious ends. This involves a one-sided invasion between Boravia and the desperate citizens of Jahanpur. With multiple threats emerging, Superman must reveal the truth with the help of Daily Planet journalist Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and other Meta-Humans on Earth. Superman doesn’t get bogged down with origin stories or flashbacks; audiences know who the main protagonist is and it charges straight into the action. It features plenty of high-flying battles and authentic interactions between the characters; audiences new and old will latch on to this new story. With Gunn at the head of this new DC Universe, there are some light references to other properties, but they never become overbearing. This reboot is intent on building up gradually and we also have many satisfying payoffs thanks to a tight script. However, many of the plot threads are very on the nose, tying in with modern technological trends and real-world conflicts. The director could have made this commentary more subtle.

David Corenswet does as a solid job in the red and blue outfit; his persona is humble and light-hearted, a perfect match with what the character stands for. There’s a great focus on Superman saving those in danger and getting back up again after taking hits, making him more relatable. Rachel Brosnaham is also good as Lois Lane; she brings back the character’s persistence and feisty qualities. Her scenes with David have worthy chemistry and her participation in the action is handled well. It’s Nicholas Hoult who makes the biggest impact. The film creates a Lex Luthor you love to hate, this time for all the right reasons. The constant sneer on his face, relentless manipulation and horrible treatment of everyone around him are delivered brilliantly. He’s also incredibly devious, having found ways to counter his nemesis in combat. There are quite a few side characters to keep track of and some are more memorable than others. Nathan Fillion presents the new Green Lantern effortlessly and Mr Terrific is very engaging with a precise performance from Edi Gathegi. Hawkgirl (Isabella Merced) has less material to work with and while Jonathan (Pruitt Taylor Vance) and Martha Kent (Neva Howell) are performed well, they needed some extra screen-time for a stronger bond with Clark.

In a far cry from previous renditions, Superman pops with colour. Metropolis, alternate dimensions and other locations all feel visually distinctive. Great lighting is paired with large-scale destruction that doesn’t reach apocalyptic levels, falling in line with the film’s more upbeat tone. One moment involves an escape from a black hole with some dazzling imagery and the special effects are on top-form, especially for Krypto and all his mischievous antics. There’s no doubt that this production makes full use of its budget, though some of the director’s previous work creeps in from time to time. A sequence with Mr Terrific combined with a classic rock track is very reminiscent of Guardians of the Galaxy. All of these set-pieces are well executed, but Superman needed to take some steps away from this style to form a more distinct identity. The soundtrack also lacks the heft needed for the titular hero; the most powerful being in comics should leave the audience awe-struck, but I didn’t get that feeling while watching. The trailers were somewhat deceiving in this regard.

Superman is an enjoyable return that reaches for the stars, but lands on top of the world. The main characters are filled with potential, the tone is on-point and the film has lots of personality. Gunn’s directorial style does slightly diminish the heart and grandeur; as the DCU grows, it will need to deliver a stronger feeling.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars (Good)