SUPERMAN (2025) Review
Directed by James Gunn
It’s a rocky start. But James Gunn’s adaptation of ‘Superman’ feels like a well-realized story in a well-realized universe. It’s just that, as an audience unfamiliar with the lore of Superman in the comic books, it’s going to be difficult to follow the story because the film isn’t an origin story. You can’t fully enjoy its story because at the back of your head, you’re creating the backstory of each of the characters and why they became who they are in the present. It goes like that for a time, but as soon as you get a grasp of the world they’ve built, you start to fully enjoy the story.
When you see David Corenswet as either Clark Kent or Superman, you would think that he’s born to play the role. From his looks, to his voice and his chemistry with not just Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois but also with the film’s antagonist Lex Luthor, there’s no denying that giving him the role was the perfect decision.
The best part of the film? A vicious villain in the form of Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor. They say that a story is only as good as its villain and in Superman’s case, Hoult devoured his character. From being menacing to perfectly showing how a powerful narcissist does a hissy fit. It’s as if Nicholas is enjoying being demented.
It’s action-packed. This is probably the most action-packed Superman movie I’ve seen. But the film’s strength is not limited to its action scenes. How the film managed to get its message across, behind all the spectacle, is amazing. Superman isn’t just a superhero movie with lots of action scenes, it’s also about love, about family and about caring for someone or something bigger than yourself.
It’s a promising start for the new era of DC Studios. It’s like you can feel that there’s more to expect from its universe. A mix of fun and a little drama that pushes hope as its main theme. Hope for people to be more understanding and hope for people to be good.
3.5 OUT OF 5 STARS
‘Superman’ is now showing in cinemas nationwide from DC Studios, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures Philippines, also available in IMAX 3D and 3D/4Dx. Rated PG by the MTRCB.