Superman – REVIEW

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In 2025, the superhero classic Superman returns with David Corenswet portraying the iconic Man of Steel, under the direction of writer-director James Gunn and producer Peter Safran. Thankfully, we avoid a retelling of the origin story, instead receiving brief on-screen text that outlines the 300-year history of metahumans, lasting approximately three minutes before the film starts. The opening scene shows a wounded Superman falling to Earth, seemingly at his last breath. This happens because he intervened in the conflict between the people of Jarhanpur and Boravia’s wicked armies – a clear parallel to Russia and Ukraine. However, it is later revealed that Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) orchestrated this entire situation as part of his plan to tarnish and eliminate his age-old adversary for personal gain.

In this newest movie, Clark Kent, the superhero persona, is already employed at the Daily Planet and happens to be the sole journalist granted interviews with Superman. Moreover, he’s been in a romantic relationship with Lois Lane, portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan, for about three months. However, as a superhero, he faces challenges not only from Luthor but also grapples with his own internal struggles due to the revelation of his parents’ plans for him upon arriving on Earth.

Into the fray, we have Mister Terrific (played brilliantly by Edi Gathegi), Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion exuding casual charm), and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced not fully exploited yet). They’re at their best when bickering, forming an entertaining group I’d dub The Justice Squad. And let’s not forget Krypto, the super dog who’s as well-trained as a house pet since Meghan Markle joined the Royal family.

Following the acclaim of his Guardians of the Galaxy series (Marvel’s well-regarded trilogy), James Gunn was an appropriate selection for this modern Superman movie, but it’s a film that could divide spectators. For diehard fans, they might find it too comical in style, yet this same tone may appeal to more casual viewers. However, the film has its challenges – some fans may desire a grander climax where Superman showcases all his abilities (his power vision is only briefly shown), and among numerous actors who have portrayed the superhero, Corenswet falls short compared to Christopher Reeve in the role (it should be noted that Henry Cavill also struggles in this aspect). Additionally, Wendell Pierce as Perry White is regrettably underutilized, with limited lines that barely fit on a postage stamp. Furthermore, we’ve witnessed the cityscape of skyscrapers collapsing like dominoes one too many times.

This production offers ample material to captivate viewers, and Krypto turns out to be endearing rather than bothersome. The characters of Superman’s Earth parents, skillfully portrayed by Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell, lend the movie emotional depth amidst its action-packed sequences. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, who appears frequently throughout the film, competes well with legendary actors like Gene Hackman and Kevin Spacey in their roles. His girlfriend Eve, played by Sara Sampaio, is adorably foolish. The movie offers a refreshing and creative experience for two hours, but the question remains whether another Superman film so soon after Zack Snyder’s Justice League in 2021 will successfully revive DC films, which have had an unpredictable history, ultimately rests with fate.

Here’s the Superman trailer…..

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2025-07-09 11:23