Film Review: Superman (2025)
“Hope never really left. We just stopped looking for it.”
I’ll be honest — I’ve never been a Superman person. I’ve always leaned more toward Batman — darker, moodier, more complex. Superman always felt too clean-cut, too good, too… perfect. But this film? It made me get it. It made me see what Superman’s always been meant to offer, and why — especially now — we need him.
From the opening minutes, Superman (2025) makes it clear this isn’t just another reboot. This is a reminder of what Superman is — not just a superhero, but a symbol. Not some invincible god, but someone who shows up with kindness, empathy, and real love for the people he’s trying to protect. In a time that feels genuinely dark, this movie doesn’t just bring back the light — it feels like light.
James Gunn understands Superman in a way that feels personal. There’s sincerity in every scene. He’s not trying to make him edgy or ironic — he lets him be good. And David Corenswet? He is Superman. He brings so much warmth and vulnerability, you can’t help but root for him. He’s the kind of hero who makes you feel safe just by existing.
“Even when the world is breaking apart,” he says, “you don’t stop showing up. You don’t stop being kind. Not ever.”
It’s such a simple line, but it says everything.
And the film doesn’t tiptoe around what’s happening in the world, either. There are clear references to Gaza, and it handles them with care and urgency. Watching Superman engage in that kind of real-world conflict — not with violence, but with compassion and clarity — felt powerful. It says something not many blockbusters are willing to say.
“Neutrality isn’t peace,” he says. “It’s comfort dressed as justice.”
That line lingered.
This version of Superman isn’t “apolitical” or watered down. He’s exactly what he always was — a character created to stand with the vulnerable, to speak up when others stay quiet. It doesn’t feel performative. It feels like a character reconnecting with his roots, and it’s kind of emotional to see.
And as much as Gunn is known for his needle-drop soundtracks, this time he leans into a gorgeous, sweeping score — and it absolutely works. There aren’t a ton of songs, but the music carries every emotional beat perfectly. It’s cinematic and mythic without being overdone. You feel it in your chest.
The cast? Honestly perfect. Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is quick, bold, and actually gets to do things. She’s more than just a love interest — she’s his equal. Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific is charming and layered, and the supporting characters all feel like real people with their own weight in the story.
And okay — one of the best parts of this whole experience has been watching the cast off-screen. The behind-the-scenes TikToks, the goofy interviews, the way they all seem like actual friends? It’s so wholesome. You can feel that chemistry on-screen too. It makes the whole thing even more fun to love.
Now, about Corenswet again — he really fixes everything that went wrong with Cavill’s Superman. Nothing against Cavill as an actor, but his version always felt distant, like we were looking at Superman instead of connecting with him. Corenswet brings back the heart. He lets Superman be vulnerable, thoughtful, even awkward sometimes. And somehow, that’s what makes him feel stronger. He’s not cool because he’s brooding — he’s cool because he genuinely gives a damn.
And here’s the wild part: this movie made me realize that in today’s world, maybe it’s actually punk rock to be nice. To be hopeful. To believe in people. Superman’s not cheesy — he’s radical. He’s the hero who chooses empathy over ego, every single time.
“I don’t do this because I can. I do it because I must.”
That line kind of broke me, in the best way.
I didn’t expect to walk away from this movie feeling emotional. I definitely didn’t expect to want more Superman stories. But here we are. This film reminded me of being a kid again — of believing that good people can actually make a difference. And that’s what Superman’s always been about.
★★★★★
“He doesn’t just save the world — he makes you believe it’s still worth saving.”
And yeah, maybe I’m still Team Batman… but now I get why Superman matters just as much.
