Superman (2025) Review: James Gunn’s Hopeful, Flawed Reboot

 Published: July 12, 2025 | Category: Film Reviews | Tags: Superman 2025, DCU, James Gunn, David Corenswet, Superhero Movies

Introduction

James Gunn’s Superman (2025) has finally landed in theaters, marking the official launch of DC Studios’ revamped DC Universe (DCU). With David Corenswet donning the cape and Nicholas Hoult as a tech-bro Lex Luthor, the film promises a fresh, hopeful take on the Man of Steel—but does it soar or stumble? Here’s our spoiler-free breakdown.

The Verdict: A Fun but Uneven Reboot

Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)

Gunn’s Superman is a mixed bag—bursting with comic-book energy, heartfelt moments, and Gunn’s trademark humor, but also weighed down by cluttered storytelling and underdeveloped side characters.

The Good

✔ A Return to Hope & Corny Charm

Corenswet’s Superman is sincere, idealistic, and refreshingly corny—muttering “golly” after a brutal fight and defending his love for radio-friendly pop-punk.

Unlike Zack Snyder’s brooding take, this version embraces Superman’s altruism, with scenes of him rescuing civilians (and even a squirrel) that make you want to cheer.

✔ Strong Lead Performances

Corenswet nails Clark’s awkward warmth and Superman’s unshakable resolve, though he lacks Christopher Reeve’s effortless star power.

Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is a standout—sharp, skeptical, and brimming with chemistry in her scenes with Clark.

✔ Krypto Steals the Show

The superpowered, poorly trained dog is the film’s secret weapon, delivering laugh-out-loud chaos and unexpected emotional beats.

The Bad

✖ Overstuffed & Rushed

The film crams in too many characters (Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Mr. Terrific) who feel like setup for future DCU projects rather than essential to this story.

Lex Luthor’s villainy is undercooked—Hoult plays him as a jealous tech billionaire, but his plan lacks menace .

✖ Tonal Whiplash

Gunn juggles goofy humor (Krypto antics), brutal violence (Superman’s bloody beatdowns), and heavy political commentary (war profiteering, social media smears) without always balancing them smoothly.

✖ Generic Third Act

The climax devolves into CGI skyscraper destruction and a predictable showdown, undercutting the film’s earlier emotional stakes.

Best Superman Since Reeve? Close, but not quite. Corenswet’s earnest performance is a highlight, though the script doesn’t always let him shine.

DCU’s Future? Promising, but Gunn needs to streamline the universe-building. The Justice Gang (especially Nathan Fillion’s Green Lantern) hints at fun spinoffs.

Worth Watching? Yes, if you’re craving a lighter, comic-accurate Superman—but temper expectations for depth or originality.

Final Thoughts

Superman (2025) is flawed but fun, a course correction from the DCEU’s grimness that sometimes trips over its own ambition. It won’t dethrone Superman: The Movie (1978), but it’s a solid foundation for Gunn’s DCU—packed with heart, humor, and just enough spectacle to justify the IMAX ticket.

Should you see it?

For fans: A must-watch, warts and all.

For casual viewers: Wait for streaming unless you love superhero bombast.

Post-credits scene? Yes—stay for a tease of Supergirl (Milly Alcock)

Sources: [NPR] | [The Guardian] | [Forbes] | [Variety] | [IGN]