SUPERMAN - Movie Review: An Astonishing Bold Inspiration For Generations!

Written by John Darius

Having first been published in 1937, DC Comics originally known for the title of Detective Comics, has widely established itself over the years into becoming one of the most prominent American comic-book companies in the world. Throughout the decades, DC has given readers a collection of some of the most impactful, and engaging stories ever put on paper. Introducing to us, characters that not only have won over the hearts of many, but also has had a major positive influence amongst thousands of fans throughout the media.

One character in particular has had an immense impact on people across the globe, and the superhero genre as a whole. That being none other than arguably the most popular hero ever made in comics. Known to the public by the name of Superman!

Created on April 18th 1938 by writer Jerry Siegel, and artist Joe Shuster, came a foreign alien by the name of Kal-El. Originally born on a dying planet called Krypton. Sent away to Earth by his late parents with a dying wish in hopes of his survival, and ultimately becoming an inspiration for humanity. In 1978, director Richard Donner bought upon to the world what is now cemented in history as probably the most influential superhero film ever shown on screen in: Superman: The Movie. Led by the late legendary actor Christopher Reeve. It is a story that has gradually become an overall archetype, & profound inspiration for countless creators stepping into the industry today. Largely affecting the way we as audiences have consumed these larger than life characters, and comic-books in general.

Now in 2025, comes a new re-imagined vision for the modern era. This time played by up-and-comer rising star David Corenswet, who brings a much needed fresh portrayal not yet seen before by past iterations. Directed by storyteller, and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn, comes forth a film that marks the beginning of a new start to the DC Universe known in short as the DCU. One of the main reasons why Gunn initially chose Superman to be the first film within this newly crafted world, was in desire of exploring the core values that are compassion, kindness, and finally hope. All of which in full help define who Clark Kent is at heart.

Talking with Subculture Entertainment, James Gunn expressed his aspiration in wanting to initially delve into the human side of Kal-El:

"I think that is all that this movie is about. This movie is all about Clark Kent’s humanity. Yes, he is an alien from another planet who is super powerful but he is also deeply, deeply human. He has emotions and every day he wakes up and tries to make the best choices that he can and sometimes he fails – and that is what this movie is about. This movie is about a complex character and I think that is something that audiences are going to be really surprised by. You can’t really see it in this trailer but there are complex relationships between Clark and Lois and Lex Luthor and Clark.

They interact and all have different values and we look at how they stregenthen each other and how they make each other weaker."

Superman serves as both a journey of self-discovery, and a challenge for audiences to a look a bit deeper within themselves in understanding the coolness of what it means to be inherently good. While also grasping with the effects our actions can have on others no matter how small that action may be. It is an incredibly well-made modern approach that brings a much welcomed yet unexpected twist to the Kryptonian mythology. A direction I may add, is sure to have both younger, and older fans talking for years to come.

Corenswet brings a new level of humanity within the character Clark Kent that emphasizes on screen the longing he has in wanting to be normal amongst the rest of us. While also coming to an understanding that he will always be different due to his foreign heritage. Generally separating him from the rest of the world. Lastly, more than anything, it is the choices Clark makes in wanting to save people that truly delineates why he is indeed the hero many look towards in need of help. This is unquestionably Corenswet's best performance throughout his career thus far. Acting as a wonderful nod to the humbleness that Christopher Reeve showcased in 1978.

In an interview with USA Today, Corenswet speaks a bit on his performance, and why he wholeheartedly resonated with the Kryptonian hero:

“Superman has a wonderful innocence about him, especially in this film. He's a little earlier in his career. He's not a grown man yet. He doesn't have kids yet. He has some stuff to learn about that,”

“Both Superman and me, we share the thing of wanting to be someone that people come to in their darker moments, not just in their moments of celebration. We can be a force for calm and reassurance and centeredness even in the most tumultuous times in life.”

Many actors in films have reconceptualized iconic figures in characters such as Marvel's Spider-Man, Wolverine or even Iron Man. All of which have strongly had an incredible connection with children and adults alike. Corenswet is no different, and now stands within that same league. While giving to us what maybe the best version of Superman, we as an audience have ever gotten before on camera.

Following his lead on screen is love interest Lois Lane. Played by the beautifully talented co-star Rachel Brosnahan. Best known as stand-up comedian Miriam Maisel in Amazon's prime popular series: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Immediately I'll just say: Brosnahan's interpretation of fan-favorite pulitzer prize-winning reporter is just outright OUTSTANDING! Her performance throughout this film is flawlessly executed, and adds so much needed personality to a character that honestly has been underutilized in previous depictions. Within this narrative Lois acts as a genuine stand-out amongst the cast. Showcased as someone who believes in true journalism, and is willing to put her life on the line in conveying to the people stories that fundamentally matter. Bringing a needed change in how we view ourselves as individuals throughout our daily lives.

Speaking with CBS News, Brosnahan talks more on her approach to the character, and the poor misconception of her being a damsel in distress stating:

"Lois is somebody who has very strong beliefs about ethics in journalism, her own journalistic integrity and she's unwilling to compromise it even for somebody that she loves," Brosnahan said. "I think it's part of what earns her that title of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist."

"We take that to mean inactive or not capable of taking care of yourself and that's never been Lois Lane in any iteration really of the movies or the comics … She's somebody who's completely capable, she can rely on her own smarts and instinct, but sometimes you need someone to help you, whether it's a Superman or someone else and that doesn't make you less strong or any less capable. We all need that sometimes."

The chemistry Brosnahan, and Corenswet share is unequivocally magnetic! Truly redefining the love these two characters are known to hold throughout the comics. It is pure magic on screen, and easily surpasses any previous portrayals we've come to see in the past.

Every hero is only as good as their villain... A message that is for sure defined in regards to the infamous billionaire, and world genius Lex Luthor. Played by Mad Max: Fury Road's Nicholas Hoult. Throughout generations, there have been many variations of Luthor done within the comics, television, and cinema. Each take holding a similar sentiment to the other. That being of course, Luthor's deep-rooted hate for the Kryptonian alien. While most may view Superman as a figure of hope for society, Luthor sees the exact opposite. Believing him to be nothing more, but a nuisance, and inevitable threat to humankind.

Lex Luthor in a variety of ways acts as more of a realist. Pushing himself into becoming what he considers to be, the best mankind has to offer. While heavily standing on the belief that humanity must save themselves. It is both his immediate drive, and passion in wanting to be the smartest man in the world by any means necessary, that completely signifies who he is at his core. Hoult perfectly captures these exact traits on film. Doing an amazing job giving to us viewers a villain that is not only cold, and calculated through his actions, but overall remaining as a solidified foe to the Man Of Tomorrow himself.

Speaking with CinemaBlend, Hoult also expresses more on what he loves most about his version of Lex Luthor, and the true motives he holds within this new story:

"They are aware of each other, but I don't think they have necessarily met in person. But Lex… one of the things I really love about this version of Lex is that all his beliefs and fears are what drive him, but in some ways, that drive is real. And what he is weary of with what Superman represents is something that could be a real danger and threat to humanity. So in some ways, that was something that I really liked. … It’s his beliefs, and almost his love of humanity, and protection, and a belief in this idea that they should be masters of their own fate and destiny is important to him. The rest of society has fallen into this path of trusting Superman, believing in Superman, and giving him what Lex would view as all power and freedom. So it's like, ‘Where does jurisdiction and law and protection of humanity come into that process?"

It is a brilliant performance done by Hoult that honestly outclasses anything we've seen from Richard Donner's films or to that of even the adored television series in Smallville. An exceptional rendition that redefines yet again why we've come to love Luthor as an adversary within the DC Comics for so many years.

The supporting cast in names like Nathan Fillion, Sara Sampaio, Skylar Gisondo, and Anthony Carrigan have also done a great job within this new iteration as well. Never once feeling too out of place or insignificant to the overall narrative as a whole. My favorite of the bunch of course being Mr. Terrific played by another supporting member in actor Edi Gathegi. A character who much like Luthor I may add, is highly known for his incredible intellect, but instead chooses to utilize his mind along with his technology in helping bridge peace for humanity, and those he holds most dear.

Now of course, there are a few more surprising cameos people may not expect to see. Each one feeling utmost earned for genuinely hardcore fans! Especially by the climax... Which if anything, should have you immensely excited for what DC's CEO collaborators in James Gunn, and Peter Safran have planned for the foreseeable future.

The action set pieces are fantastic! The comedy elements all hit incredibly well, and as a whole the visuals alone are truly a delight to watch. Wonderfully well-put together, and just a ton of fun for everyone!

Overall, James Gunn has done a remarkable job directing, writing, and producing this fresh phenomenal take on such an adored character whom is sure to continue in serving as an astonishing bold inspiration for generations lying ahead!

I for one am beyond excited to see what comes next within the new DCU, and can only hope the rest of the world feels the same way!

Thanks for reading!

GRADE: A

SUPERMAN (2025) TRAILER:

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