Superman Review: Corenswet's Hopeful Hero vs. a Crowded Script

This Superman review starts with a simple point: James Gunn's take on the Man of Steel wants you to smile. After years of grim, brooding comic-book epics, it is a bright, sincere and often funny reboot that kicks off the new DCU. It is not flawless, but it has plenty of heart.

Superman Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Superman plot follows Clark Kent, a reporter in Metropolis who is still figuring out how his alien roots fit with the farm-raised values that shaped him. As Superman, he stands for truth, justice and kindness. The world around him, however, is getting more cynical.

Gunn, who also wrote the script, drops us into a world where heroes already exist. That choice keeps the film moving and spares us another origin story. It also means the film asks you to keep up with a lot of characters quickly.

The tagline, "Look up," sums up the tone well. This is an action and adventure film built around optimism rather than gloom.

What Works in Superman

The biggest strength is the film's attitude. Gunn treats Superman's decency as a strength, not a joke and not a burden. That gives the movie a classic comic-book feel that is far from the darker, apocalyptic mood of earlier DC films.

• Tone: Light, warm and playful without turning into parody.

• Humor: Most of the jokes land, and they come from character rather than gags.

• Action: The set pieces are energetic and easy to follow.

• Krypto: Yes, there is a dog, and audiences have been delighted by him.

The film also has a clear sense of purpose as a launchpad. It sets up the central ideas of the new universe while still giving Superman himself room to be the emotional anchor.

Superman Cast and Performances

The Superman cast is a big part of why the film works. David Corenswet plays the title hero with a gentle, convincing sincerity. His Clark is likeable and his Superman is believable as someone who acts out of conviction rather than swagger.

Rachel Brosnahan is Lois Lane, and her chemistry with Corenswet is a highlight. Many viewers point to the pair, and to the newsroom scenes around them, as the film's emotional core. Nicholas Hoult plays Lex Luthor with a nervy, manic energy. Some fans love that take, while others miss a colder, more calculating villain.

The supporting players add colour:

• Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific

• Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner

• Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl

They get varying amounts of screen time, but each adds personality to the world.

Where Superman Stumbles

The main problem is crowding. With so many characters and so much setup for future stories, the pacing wobbles. Some stretches feel rushed, while others drag.

The writing can also feel scattered. A few narrative solutions are clunky, and not every emotional beat lands as strongly as it should. Audience reactions are split on this point: some find the story disjointed and the characters thin, while others forgive it for the film's charm.

Luthor will also divide viewers. If you prefer a calm, scheming villain, Hoult's twitchier version may not fully work for you.

Is Superman Worth Watching?

Yes, Superman is worth watching, especially if you want a superhero film that feels hopeful and fun. It is a good-but-not-great reboot, and its best qualities are strong enough to outweigh its messy moments.

Audience reception has been largely positive, with a TMDB score of 7.3 out of 10 from more than 5,600 votes. The film runs 130 minutes and has a PG-13 rating. It came out on July 9, 2025, and if you can, the big screen suits its scale. For more films in this vein, browse our action movie reviews.

For background on the cast and production, see the Superman page on IMDb.

Who Will Enjoy Superman

• Fans of classic, optimistic superhero stories who want a break from dark, gritty takes.

• Viewers curious about the start of the new DCU and James Gunn's vision.

• Anyone who likes a charming lead duo, a few big laughs and a very good dog.