Superman (2025) Movie: Why James Gunn Finally Got the Man of Steel Right

James Gunn takes on the legendary Superman story with his 2025 version. David Corenswet steps into the cape alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. The supporting cast includes Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Edi Gathegi, and Isabela Merced in this action-packed superhero film.

This movie kicks off the brand new DC Universe with a different approach. Instead of the dark, serious tone we’ve seen before, Gunn goes back to Superman’s roots. The film shows us a hero who genuinely wants to help people while dealing with being different from everyone around him.

Plot and Storyline

The movie centers on Clark Kent trying to figure out who he really is. He works as a reporter in Metropolis but struggles with his double life as Superman. The story explores how difficult it must be to have such incredible powers while wanting to live normally among humans.

What I like about this version is how it handles Superman’s background. Instead of making him brooding or conflicted, the film shows someone who genuinely cares about doing the right thing. This feels more true to the original character than recent movies.

The plot moves at a good pace without rushing through important moments. Gunn gives us time to understand Clark’s internal struggles. The action scenes feel earned because we care about what happens to the characters involved.

There are some nice touches about modern life and social media. The film shows how being a hero today would be different from decades ago. Everyone has cameras and opinions, which creates new challenges for someone trying to help secretly.

Cast Performance

David Corenswet brings something special to Superman that I haven’t seen in years. He has the physical presence for the role but also shows genuine kindness. When he smiles, you believe he actually cares about the people he’s saving.

His Clark Kent feels like a real person, not just a disguise. Corenswet plays him as someone who’s naturally good-hearted but sometimes awkward around people. This makes sense for someone who grew up feeling different from everyone else.

Rachel Brosnahan creates a strong Lois Lane who stands on her own. She’s not just waiting around to be rescued. Her investigative reporter skills drive several plot points. The chemistry between her and Corenswet feels natural rather than forced.

Nicholas Hoult delivers an interesting take on Lex Luthor. Instead of just being evil, he seems to genuinely believe Superman is dangerous. This makes their conflict more compelling because both characters have understandable motivations.

Unfortunately, the movie includes too many other superheroes. Characters like Green Lantern and Mister Terrific show up but don’t get enough screen time. They feel more like preview trailers for future movies than part of this story.

What We Liked

The film’s biggest strength is bringing back Superman’s hopeful nature. For too long, superhero movies have focused on darkness and destruction. This version reminds us why people love Superman in the first place – he represents the best of humanity.

Gunn’s directing style works well for this character. He includes humor without making it a comedy. The funny moments come naturally from character interactions rather than forced jokes. This creates a lighter tone without losing emotional weight.

The special effects look convincing without being flashy. When Superman flies or uses his powers, it feels real. The action sequences are exciting but never lose focus on the human elements of the story.

I really appreciate how the film handles Superman’s immigrant story. Clark is literally an alien trying to fit into human society. The movie draws parallels to real immigration experiences without being heavy-handed about it.

Areas for Improvement

The movie’s main problem is trying to do too much at once. Setting up multiple superheroes takes away from Superman’s story. Some scenes feel rushed because the film has to introduce so many characters and concepts.

Pacing becomes uneven in the middle section. The movie jumps between different plotlines without always connecting them smoothly. A simpler focus on Superman alone might have worked better for this first film.

Some dialogue feels expository rather than natural. Characters occasionally explain things that could be shown visually. This is probably necessary for setting up the new universe, but it interrupts the flow sometimes.

The villain’s plan could use more development. While Hoult’s performance is strong, his character’s motivations aren’t always clear. The film spends more time on action than exploring why Lex Luthor sees Superman as a threat.

Critical Reception and Ratings

Professional critics have responded positively to the film’s approach. Rotten Tomatoes shows strong scores from both critics and audiences. Most reviews praise the return to Superman’s optimistic personality after years of darker interpretations.

IMDb ratings sit around 7.2/10, which reflects solid but not universal praise. Many viewers appreciate seeing Superman act heroic again. Others find the tone too different from recent superhero movies.

Movie review sites like Metacritic highlight the film’s entertainment value. Critics seem relieved to see Superman portrayed as genuinely good rather than conflicted. The general consensus is that this feels like the right direction for the character.

Fan reactions vary more than critical ones. Long-time Superman supporters love seeing their hero treated with respect. Some viewers expecting more action or darker themes feel disappointed by the hopeful approach.

Final Verdict

Superman (2025) succeeds at what it sets out to do. James Gunn brings back the character’s essential goodness while updating him for modern audiences. The film isn’t perfect, but it reminds us why Superman matters.

I walked out of this movie feeling hopeful, which hasn’t happened with a superhero film in years. Despite some pacing issues and an overcrowded cast, the core story works. David Corenswet proves he can carry the role into future films.

This feels like the beginning of something promising for DC movies. If future films can focus more tightly on individual characters, this universe could really work. For now, we have a solid Superman movie that gets the character right.

Rating: 4/5