Overview
Directed by James Gunn, Superman (2025) serves as a fresh reboot of the iconic DC character and the launch of the new DC Universe (DCU).
What Works
Strong Star & Heartfelt Tone
Corenswet’s performance has been widely praised for bringing sincerity and humanity to Superman. Reviewers note his “quiet nobility” and earnestness. The film’s emotional core and optimism have been highlighted. According to some critics:
“What sets Superman apart is its deeply emotional core.” Rotten Tomatoes Editorial
It shifts away from the darker, grim tone of previous Superman films and instead opts for a more hopeful, character-driven story.
Visuals and Fun
The film embraces color, comic-book energy, and spectacle. Many reviewers found it entertaining, upbeat, and fun, with standout moments such as a long-take fight sequence and a notable canine character (Krypto) providing levity and heart.
A Fresh Start
As the first chapter of the revamped DCU, Superman was seen as a promising foundation. Its Rotten Tomatoes score looks strong (in the low-to-mid 80 % range) and audiences responded well
What Doesn’t Work
Overstuffed Plot & Tonal Inconsistency
One common critique is that the film tries to do too much. Many sub-plots, character introductions, and world-building beats load up the narrative and sometimes distract from the core story of Superman himself.
For example, The Guardian’s reviewer noted:
“Encumbered by a pointless and cluttered new back-story … this new Superman is encumbered.” The Guardian
Villain and Stakes Issues
Lex Luthor (Hoult) is serviceable, but some found the characterization more caricature than credible threat — a missed opportunity for depth. avforums.com The climactic action also suffers from familiar city-destruction beats and CGI overload, which can dilute emotional impact.
Expectations and Comparison
Because Superman is such a beloved character, hauling in decades of film history and expectations, some viewers felt the film didn’t fully live up to the mythic stature of the hero. The story-driven, humanized approach will appeal to many, but those wanting epic grandeur in the vein of earlier Superman films may walk away less satisfied.
Final Verdict
Superman (2025) delivers a solid reboot that successfully balances heart and heroics. It shines when focusing on Clark’s humanity, his relationship with Lois, and Superman’s role in a modern world. The performances are strong, and the tone is refreshingly optimistic for the genre.
However, the film is burdened by ambition: a crowded supporting cast, sprawling plot threads, and tonal shifts that occasionally undermine its best moments. If you’re willing to accept a few narrative stumbles, you’ll find a worthwhile, entertaining superhero film that re-introduces Superman for a new era.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Who Should Watch It
- Fans of character-driven superhero stories who appreciate emotional stakes over raw spectacle.
- Viewers looking for a brighter, more hopeful take on Superman rather than a dark reboot.
- Anyone interested in the future of the DCU and how the studio is repositioning its hero slate.
Who Might Be Less Satisfied
- Viewers expecting a mythic, larger-than-life Superman saga in the same vein as Christopher Reeve’s era or the early 2000s.
- Audiences critical of tonal shifts, comedic elements, or an underlying political/social commentary in their superhero films.
- People seeking a tightly-focused origin story without expansive world-building or multiple threads.