Superman (2025) - Film Review

      Superman, 2025.

      Written and Directed by James Gunn.

      Featuring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, María Gabriela de Faría, Sara Sampaio, Skyler Gisondo, Terence Rosemore, Wendell Pierce, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Neva Howell, Beck Bennett, Mikaela Hoover, Christopher McDonald, Paige Mobley, Frank Grillo, Stephen Blackehart, Will Reeve, Alan Tudyk, Michael Rooker, Grace Chan, Pom Klementieff, Michael Rosenbaum, Bradley Cooper, Angela Sarafyan, Milly Alcock, and Jennifer Holland.

      **SYNOPSIS:**

      Superman struggles to balance his Kryptonian heritage with his upbringing as reporter Clark Kent. As the symbol of truth, justice, and humanity, he soon encounters a world that perceives these ideals as outdated.

      DC's film adaptations have faced challenges in recent years, especially concerning their flagship hero, Superman. As the official initiation of DC Studios' cinematic universe, James Gunn, the studio head, writer, and director, has successfully brought Superman to life, portraying the character's heroic nature with an excellent cast and a heartfelt narrative.

      One of the standout elements of Gunn’s Superman is the casting of David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult as Superman, Lois Lane, and Lex Luthor respectively. Their portrayals embody the essential aspects of these iconic characters, with Corenswet distinctly shining as the hero. He presents a Superman filled with sincerity, eager to do good and optimistic about humanity, despite some characters finding his idealism naïve. He possesses the charm expected from a Superman actor while also showcasing an unconstrained side of the character when necessary. A minor critique would be the desire for more focus on his Clark Kent side at the Daily Planet, but Corenswet effectively captures the essence of Superman in his performance.

      Brosnahan excels as Lois Lane, and her chemistry with Corenswet forms one of the most compelling Superman and Lois pairings in film and television. Her portrayal reveals why Superman would be drawn to her and vice versa, highlighting their contrasting traits that complement each other. Brosnahan effectively demonstrates Lois's sharp wit, compassion, and commitment to journalistic integrity, establishing her as a hero in her own right. Meanwhile, Hoult is convincingly despicable as Lex Luthor, embodying a villain you love to hate, with his self-centered nature yet undeniable charm allowing him to dominate scenes. The dynamic between Superman and Luthor is well-developed, with Corenswet and Hoult providing excellent interplay.

      Then there's Krypto, who deserves special mention for stealing many scenes and proving to be an exemplary companion for a superhero. Krypto combines humor, extreme cuteness, and fierce loyalty throughout the film. While Krypto appeals to children and dog enthusiasts alike, Gunn's execution of the character surpasses expectations, especially compared to 2022's Krypto-focused DC League of Super-Pets.

      Gunn swiftly dives into the story, foregoing the traditional origin sequence, as Superman's backstory is widely recognized in popular culture. The pacing is well-crafted, with a careful balance of humor, narrative, and character development, ensuring everything flows seamlessly. What sets this Superman apart is its more fantastical elements compared to earlier films, including the classic Christopher Reeve series, with the introduction of other superheroes, monsters, and alternate dimensions. It fully embraces the comic book movie genre in the best possible way, offering a lighter take on Superman while still conveying serious and emotional themes that resonate powerfully, especially through the performances.

      The supporting cast is commendable, and for those concerned about the number of superheroes, the film keeps the primary focus on Superman and his journey. Edi Gathegi, Isabela Merced, and Nathan Fillion provide humorous exchanges, particularly Fillion as Green Lantern Guy Gardner, while Gathegi’s Mr. Terrific plays a more central role. Pruitt Taylor Vince brings warmth and wisdom to Jonathan Kent, while Neva Howell’s Martha Kent is slightly more eccentric than usual, but her love for Clark is palpable whenever she appears.

      Among the Daily Planet staff, Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen receives the most screen time and capitalizes on it with his comedic delivery. Lex's henchmen consist of several notable characters, but among his main enforcers, María Gabriela de Faría and Sara Sampaio as The Engineer and Eve Teschmacher serve as effective contrasts to Lex, although there could have been more depth for The Engineer regarding her backstory and motivations. However, Sampaio's portrayal of Eve adds depth and comedic nuance, steering clear of the typical airheaded trope.

      For those craving action in a superhero movie, Superman delivers with set pieces