A Resilient Return That Rarely Surprises
James Gunn’s Superman (2025) arrives with the confidence of a franchise reboot and the heartfelt essence of a love letter to its mythos.
However, in a superhero landscape that often feels oversaturated, the film ultimately comes off as a polished echo of a formula that has grown thin.
The challenge for any new entry is not only to be good but also to justify its existence and resonate with an audience that may be weary of the genre.
One of the film’s most striking aspects is its cinematography, which is absolutely top-notch and visually stunning.
Gunn’s direction seamlessly captures the sweeping Kansas skies and otherworldly technology with finesse.
The cinematography is vibrant, warm, and alive, a notable and welcome departure from the colder palettes of previous Superman films.
This visual polish remains consistently high, from grand vistas to intense action sequences, ensuring that even familiar narrative beats are presented with undeniable flair and technical excellence, contributing significantly to the immersive feel of Superman’s world.
David Corenswet steps into the role of Superman with earnest charm, embodying a Clark Kent who is both mighty and genuinely conflicted, and importantly, old-fashioned yet emotionally accessible.
Rachel Brosnahan shines as Lois Lane, bringing sharp wit and emotional depth to every scene she commands, making her a standout character.
Their chemistry is strong and believable, grounded without veering into melodrama. Nicholas Hoult delivers a chillingly nuanced performance as Lex Luthor.
The ensemble cast, which includes standout performances from Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific and Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, brings vibrant energy, especially during the lighter, character-driven moments.
Yet, for all its polish, Superman plays it safe. This contributes to the feeling that the core superhero formula is reaching its saturation point for some viewers.
The narrative ambitiously attempts to be everything at once: part origin story, part modern reboot, part ensemble setup for future DCU installments.
While Superman cleverly avoids rehashing the origin story by jumping straight into the life of an established hero grappling with his dual heritage amid global conflict, it often juggles a crowded cast, featuring characters like Lex Luthor, Mister Terrific, and Metamorpho. And in doing so, risks losing the intimacy that makes Superman’s stories truly resonate.
The inherent tropes of powerful beings, world-threatening villains, and heroic rescues are deeply ingrained.
This familiarity, no matter how well executed, can hinder a groundbreaking experience for some viewers. There are moments of brilliance, particularly in Hoult’s unpredictable Lex and brief instances of genuine heart.
Still, these moments can be overshadowed by tonal shifts, exposition-heavy dialogue, and a bloated middle act.
Despite Gunn’s efforts to breathe new life into the genre by focusing on sincerity rather than snark, even sincerity can feel rehearsed when the structural formula, introduction, emotional rupture, explosive third act, remains so familiar.
It’s a beautiful retelling, but one we have heard many times before.
That said, Superman isn’t bad, far from it. It’s crafted with care, reverence, and a clear desire to inspire.
With its high production quality, strong performances, and James Gunn’s hopeful, character-driven vision, it presents a solid superhero film.
While the overarching genre might feel overused, Superman distinguishes itself through its technical brilliance and heartfelt approach, reminding us why we enjoyed these heroes in the first place.
However, it may not soar enough for those seeking something bold, unexpected, or truly transformative.
Score: 8/10
Ultimately, it’s a respectful revival wrapped in a familiar cape. Hopeful, heartfelt, but still tethered to familiar skies.
