Superman 2025 Review – James Gunn Saves The Man of Steel

Let’s just address the obvious, I’m late. with my my Superman 2025 review Not “Clark Kent stuck in traffic” late. We’re talking “Lex Luthor monologued for half the movie and I still showed up after him” kind of late. But listen: when you’re processing the return of Superman in a way that actually works? You take your time.

Because what James Gunn delivered here isn’t just another Superman movie, it’s a reset button for the entire DC Universe. And yeah… it kinda rocks.

Here’s The Good and The Bad.

The Good

David Corenswet IS Superman

Let’s talk about the man in the suit. David Corenswet steps into some of the biggest boots in superhero history, and makes them feel tailor-made.

What works about Corenswet’s performance is how natural he feels as both Clark and Superman. He’s not playing two separate characters; he’s blending them. His Clark isn’t just a bumbling disguise, and his Superman isn’t some untouchable icon. Instead, we get a version of the character who genuinely feels like a Kansas farm boy who wants to help.

There’s a warmth to him that comes through even in the smallest moments. Whether it’s his slightly awkward banter with Lois, his quiet scenes with Ma Kent, or the way he instinctively smiles before lifting a crumbling bridge, this Superman radiates kindness without needing to say it.

One of the best examples? The scene in Lois’ apartment. Clark’s cooking breakfast for dinner, claiming it’s her favorite meal. Lois calls him out gently… it’s actually his. And just like that, Corenswet humanizes Clark in a way that feels effortlessly honest. Of course a Kansas farm boy would love pancakes at night. Little details like that remind you Clark Kent isn’t a persona. He’s a person.

But what really sells it are the micro-movements. In that same scene, watch how Corenswet shifts posture ever so slightly when he drops his guard with Lois. The soft smile. The brief pause. It’s subtle, but it’s there, a level of physical nuance we honestly haven’t seen since Christopher Reeve.

And visually? Corenswet’s Superman looks right. The classic red, blue, and yellow are bold without feeling overly stylized. The suit’s design honors the comics without trying too hard to modernize. The cape flows. The S-shield shines. But none of it outshines Corenswet himself.

This isn’t a Superman who needs to tell you he’s human. He shows you.

Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane – The Future Is Here

Now let’s talk about the ace in the Daily Planet deck: Rachel Brosnahan. Her Lois Lane is fearless, funny, and smarter than half the people in Metropolis. From her first scene, Brosnahan commands attention without ever needing Superman to validate her. Rachel Brosnahan IS Lois Lane for a new generation.

She’s not the damsel. She’s the driver.

I’ve seen Margot Kidder, Amy Adams, and even Kate Bosworth take a shot. Brosnahan? She owns this role. Her chemistry with Corenswet gives this film heart without the melodrama.

Lex Luthor – A New Kind of Evil

Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor? Silicon Valley menace wrapped in a billionaire’s skin. No wigs, no goofy schemes. Just a ruthless tech mogul who feels like he’d sue the Justice League for patent infringement.

He’s calculating, modern, and honestly terrifying in how plausible he feels. Hoult’s Luthor doesn’t need Kryptonite. He uses PR strategies and AI algorithms to dismantle Superman.

Krypto – The Real Scene-Stealer

Look, I didn’t think James Gunn could make me care about Krypto the Superdog or dedicate a whole section to the canine in my Superman 2025 review.

I was wrong.

Krypto isn’t just a gag, he’s a loyal companion with attitude. Whether he’s brawling with alien tech or just chilling in the Fortress of Solitude, Krypto earns his screen time. Kids are gonna love him, and adults are gonna leave the theater googling “adoptable white dogs.” Krypto’s about to be everybody’s favorite superdog.

The Supporting Cast Shines

The Daily Planet squad deserves a shoutout. Jimmy Olsen’s played straight but loveable. Perry White has some standout grumpy editor energy. And Cat Grant adds flavor without feeling forced.

But the biggest surprise? Those super robots in the Fortress of Solitude. Straight out of Silver Age comics, redesigned with a modern, almost eerie aesthetic. They’re guardians, guides, and a clever nod to deep-cut Superman lore. Gunn uses them sparingly, but they make the Fortress feel alive, like a piece of Krypton preserved in ice.

Mister Terrific Steps Up

Mister Terrific is a low-key highlight. Gunn integrates him smoothly without overplaying his importance. He’s competent, tech-savvy, and adds fresh energy to the supporting ensemble. Comic fans will smile seeing him in action, and it’s clear Gunn has bigger plans ahead. He has an entire moment dedicated to him in the movie that is a standout moment. Edi Gathegi delivers a character that is cool, confident, and not afraid to bend the rules. Also, the look? iconic. This is going to be a heavily cosplayed character at this years Comic Con thanks to the smart writing, memorable moments, and endearing interactions with Corenswet all throughout the movie. He has a bigger role than I expected and became a highlight to write about in my Superman 2025 review.

Visuals and Presentation

Let’s talk color. Gunn said “no more sad Superman,” and it shows. Metropolis is bright, but not cartoony. The Fortress is icy and majestic. Action sequences are staged clearly, you can actually see Superman punch something without needing night vision.

The movie’s tone balances hope and humanity. The score is uplifting without being cheesy, blending classic superhero themes with a fresh sound.

Story – Hope Restored

The plot itself isn’t reinventing the wheel. Superman arrives. Luthor manipulates the public. Battles are fought. But the execution? That’s where Gunn shines. It’s a story about belonging, legacy, and finding strength in vulnerability. James Gunn restored Superman’s soul.

The Bad

Let’s not pretend it’s perfect.

The movie’s biggest issue? The overloaded third act. Superman takes on so many villains by the end that the story loses its focus. Is Luthor the big threat? Or someone else? The film shifts between showdowns fast enough that you start to lose track of the central conflict. It’s not chaotic, but it is cluttered. A more streamlined climax would have helped the narrative breathe.

And then there’s the Daily Planet. For a movie that understands Clark Kent so well, it’s a letdown how little time we actually spend with him as Clark. He shows up to work, sporting that perfect Daily Planet hair, and then – he’s gone. Brosnahan’s Lois and the Planet crew are so well cast that it feels like a wasted opportunity not to spend more time inside that newsroom. Seeing Clark interact, joke, and live among his human coworkers is where the “human” side of Superman shines. This movie nails the Superman – but shortchanges the Kent.

Final Verdict

James Gunn didn’t just reboot Superman – he revitalized him. This isn’t the Superman from your childhood, nor is it a gritty revision. It’s something braver: a hopeful hero who smiles, saves people, and reminds the world that compassion is strength.

In short? Superman’s back. And it feels good.