The Wasteland Reviewer

Superman (2025) Written Review

Are audiences ready for a new beacon of hope to shine on the big screen? It has been years since Christopher Reeve inspired so many with his warm, charming, and authentic performance as the Man of Steel. But in a time when the world is swirling in perpetual negativity, people could really use a hero on the big screen that gives them hope again. James Gunn has taken the reins on DC Comics properties and will be the one to bring them to the big screen with a fresh and nuanced take. There was only one place to start for a brand-new DCEU, and it was their most powerful and inspiring hero.

Does Gunn bring the right story to life in this first cinematic entry of the new DCEU? First off, there is A LOT going on in this film. The opening text gives some perspective on where in Superman’s career Superman takes place. This is a Superman who has been doing his thing for years at this point and the DCEU world is fully realized. Gunn treats Superman like a comic book with a healthy stream of characters coming in and out of the story with a complex web of dynamics and connections between this giant ensemble of characters. On one hand, it is exciting to see such a vibrant and rich comic book world in action. On the other hand, it is an overstuffed cinematic experience that will certainly confuse some audience members and leverages a lot of shorthand and hopes the audience will keep up. Gunn must rely on a lot of expositional dialogue to even set up this world and characters which leaves a good chunk of the early dialogue being clunky and obvious. Once the narrative gets going, all these threads start to come together in a more cohesive and poignant way. But Gunn is too talented as a writer to leave audiences too disappointed with his words. There are way more curse words than you might expect out of a Superman movie, but Gunn is able to deliver plenty of funny moments with his sharp, witty dialogue. The actual story centers around an overly complex and layered scheme by Lex Luthor to take out Superman (which is certainly expected out of Luthor).

What are the thematic elements that anchor down this big, bold, and weird comic book film? Gunn injects a larger political context around immigration, conflicting countries in the Middle East. and oversight that all ring true and feel organic to Superman’s own journey. Superman is an alien and his purpose on Earth (as dictated by his birth parents) becomes such a large part of the film’s conflict. But Superman’s commitment to his self-given purpose to protect Earth is poignant and impactful. In a time where negativity and hate swirls around immigration policy, Superman offers up a refreshing reminder of just how important immigrants are to their new homes. Gunn dabbles in espionage, conspiracy, and geo-political strife through Luthor and much of the conflict in Superman also feels quite timely. But Gunn delivers some powerful feelings through the lens of Superman. Superman feels like a film with a heart from a bygone era and it feels so beautiful to see. Superman is good, kind, and just. We are treated to a beautiful connection between him and Lois Lane. We see the nuanced and nefarious motivations of Luthor, who represent so many powerful people of today who would rather use their skills, intelligence, and resources for self-satisfaction instead of rising the tides for all of us. There are so many good bits of story and themes sprinkled throughout this film (with so many different characters) but naturally many of them get short changed when you only have 130 minutes to tell your big, sprawling story.

Does Gunn bring the goods from behind the camera as well? You can tell there is a special cinematic voice behind Superman, and it gives the film a unique feeling. There is a brightness to this film that is rich, illuminating, and powerful. This visual presentation feels like it reinforces the thematic focus of hope and light. Sometimes the film can feel a bit artificial but in general, this feels like a rich cinematic experience. The special effects at times are quite impressive (including the giant dragon type beast that Superman is forced to fight). There are other places where the special effects get unruly and don’t quite reach the standard of realism (especially in the effects heavy finale of the film where things go completely crazy). The action in the film is impactful, bold, and exciting. When you are dealing with Superman and many of his villains, you will see tons of flying, throwing, and rag-dolling of characters. But Gunn finds some action sequences to really show off with including a fresh and unique sequence featuring Lois taking in a fight being won by Mr. Terrific. This is a thrilling experience for sure. Gunn does find space for emotionally resonant moments (most involving Lois or the Kents) while still balancing plenty of humor and some serious stakes. Gunn finds a good balance between his brash attitude as a filmmaker and the earnestness of old school Superman. This film feels like a fully realized vision that is unabashedly weird and strange…so be prepared for that. The music from David Fleming and John Murphy dabbles in John Williams’ iconic theme and delivers its own voice and impact that can be felt throughout the film. There are plenty of moments that feel epic and valiant in no small part due to Fleming & Murphy’s resonant score.

How does the cast fit into this big, weird blockbuster? David Corenswet IS Superman. He embodies this character so deeply and effectively. This is still a young man who is naive to Earth and to human beings, so we see him frustrated and struggling. But the earnestness and joy that he brings to Superman shines through and you know that he will stand up for good. There is an authenticity that is electric. Rachel Brosnahan embodies the intelligence, drive, fighting spirit, and charm of Lois like a few actors would have been able to. She was the perfect casting for this role and her chemistry with Corenswet sells every bit of tension, connection, and love between these iconic characters. Luthor is treated as a young tech billionaire this time around and Nicholas Hoult channels a neuroticism, insecurity, and brashness that makes for the perfect embodiment of what Luthor is meant to represent in this DCEU. His verbal sparring with Corenswet delivers so well. He might not be an actor (human or animal) but Kryto was one of the best elements of the film. Adorable, dangerous, and a wild card for sure. There are a few standout supporting turns throughout the film (and plenty more talented performers who are just there for a few lines here or there). Edi Gathegi is a real standout as Mr. Terrific as he has a cool demeanor and presence, delivers plenty of great one-liners, and offers up a fresh take on a superhero. Nathan Fillion is fun as the prickish Guy Gardner with his horrible hair, over-confidence, and general smugness. Anthony Carrigan (Barry breakout star) is Metamorpho and gives this potentially nothing character so much empathy. Skylar Gisondo brings a fun energy to Jimmy Olsen for sure. There are plenty of other actors who only get fleeting moments of spotlight, but Gunn put together such a rich and fully realized world for Superman.

Is this the Superman movie we have been waiting for? This is not perfect…but this is perfect blockbuster fun. There are elements that add some real depth from its Lois/Clark relationship to its geopolitical elements to its wild world-building. Gunn leans on short too often for Superman to feel like one of his top tier efforts. But Superman will be a great launching point for the DCEU and Corenswet is truly our new Superman.