Truth, Justice, and a Damn Good Time: Superman (2025) Soars

David Corenswet doesn’t just don the cape he embodies every panel-perfect detail of Clark Kent, blending farm-boy sincerity with planet-shaking swagger. From his first gee-whiz grin to a mid-air haymaker that rattles the popcorn machine, you never catch a hint of cosplay; it’s pure Kal-El come to life. James Gunn wisely keeps the snark on a leash and leans into hope, letting a subtle “invading nation” subplot sit in the background while the real story follows Clark’s fight for self-acceptance.

Yes, pundits will map the conflict onto today’s headlines, but the movie never pauses to preach its heart beats in the big blue boy scout’s chest.

Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane hits every line like she’s chasing a Pulitzer, though the script keeps her in the bullpen more than she deserves. Ditto for Jimmy Olsen, Cat Grant, and Steve Lombard, who breeze through with charm yet feel like a whole subplot got kryptonited in the edit bay.

Meanwhile, Mr. Terrific steals nearly every scene he’s in. (someone fire up an HBO Max pitch for a Mister Terrific Show! already).

Villain duty lands on a three-pack.. Lex Luthor channels pure corporate ruthlessness, the Engineer dazzles with sleek bio-tech menace, and Ultraman shows up as a kryptonian-grade heavy bag. Only Lex feels fully seasoned, but the trio gets the job done.

When the punches fly, Gunn goes full “comic-book nonsense” in the best way possible. The score by David Fleming and John Murphy swells appropriately but won’t stick in your head like John Williams’ anthem… It’s functional, not iconic. What will stick is the world building with this movie fully establishing this is a DC Universe like none we’ve seen before.

Is it the definitive Superman movie? Character-wise, absolutely! Corenswet nails the role harder than Reeve’s first rooftop save.

Story-wise, the pacing hiccups and the supporting cast could use a protein shake of development.

Still, Superman (2025) captures the character’s soul better than any live action outing to date.. and I will say this is going to be a total crowd pleaser for kids, families, and anyone tired of grim and dark capes.

Up, up, and book those IMAX seats.

Slav

Just a guy making his way through the Universe

Next
Next

Pop-Culture Prophets: 5 Predictions That’ll Age Like Fine Wine—or Sour Milk