Superman (2025)

This is not the Reeve Superman of Superman the Movie. As much as many will try to connect it to Christopher Reeve's version, in the way that Superman Returns attempted to connect, writer/director Gunn has set out on his own path. This is also not Man of Steel. James Gunn has crafted a completely new (for film) take.  For comic fans, the best way I can describe it is "Silver Age". This is the Superman of the comic books and all that implies. While 1978's legendary film attempted to make us believe a man could fly and Man of Steel tried to ground Kal-El in the real world, Superman is about bringing the world of comic books to life, and it jumps off the screen like the books jumped off the page. 

Filled with comic accurate characters (including costumes and haircuts) and the pulpy sci-fi elements that defined the character for decades in the comics (Superman robots, and of coarse, as everyone is aware, Krypto) the film isn't afraid to lean into its comic bookish leanings. It boldly embraces its roots, even structuring its story in the way comics are written, like how it starts with the action already in play. 

Corenswet nails the role, both embodying the stereotypical look and presence of the Man of Tomorrow, while also carrying himself with a natural kindness and jovial energy that makes him feel like Superman. Brosnahan has incredible chemistry with him and balances a bit of the Kidder goofiness and Adams intrepidness. Gunn's writing shines most in the scenes of them together, crafting his signature snappy dialogue into an almost Sorkinesque banter than helps build the characters but also help us feel their love. Hoult was deliciously evil in what was the most obvious source nod. He plays Lex as a comic book villain through and through and it was infectious seeing him have that much fun. 

But who are we kidding? The real star of the show was Krypto!

Some of Gunn's personality comes through. The level of humour isn't as sophomoric as the Guardians films, but there is an inherent silliness to the writing that works better sometimes than others. There are times the characters seem to be explaining themselves, their powers, their motivations in ways that feel a bit forced. Perhaps this fits with the comic book feel. Also the themes, while moving (I'm getting to that), are a bit on the thin side. Gunn hands them to us on a platter in some moments and there aren't a lot of nuances. 

But for me Gunn nails a big part of what makes Superman Superman and that means the film worked wonders for me. Sure it was just a damn entertaining film that barely stops to allow any downtime. But it also captures what makes Superman so meaningful for me. I know it's cool to think Batman is the best superhero and supposedly Superman is unrelatable. But I've never related to a billionaire orphan trust fund detective. I've related to the adopted kid who feels different. Superman finally, more than any of the live action films before, gets what it means to be Clark Kent and be raised as he was. The ending for me had me tearing up. There is good stuff about Lex's xenophobia, the immigrant struggle, and Clark's ultimate humanity playing into this story too but it was the way he captures who Clark is that truly resonated for me. 

So this is a Superman film that leans into the fun, perhaps touches on silly, embraces its nostalgia, and yet still nails the pathos. It was a truly fun time at the movies. 

Superman

Starring: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Wendell Pierce, Skyler Gisondo, Beck Bennett, Mikaela Hoover, Frank Grillo, María Gabriela de Faría, Milly Alcock, Sean Gunn, Alan Tudyk, Michael Rooker, Grace Chan, Pom Klementieff, Bradley Cooper, Angela Sarafyan, Michael Rosenbaum, Will Reeve

Writer/Director: James Gunn