Superman (2025)
Directed by James Gunn
[Rated PG-13] 2hr 9min
★★★★½
Superman is a sci-fi action adventure superhero film that follows the title character as he tries to do good for the world while those in power attempt to eliminate him by any means necessary. After Superman becomes involved in an international conflict by preventing a US ally from invading another country, billionaire Lex Luthor does everything he can to ensure the demise of the celebrated hero by manipulating the population and working with the US government to have him killed.
This is an incredible film that injects new life into the superhero genre. Where Thunderbolts* returns to the basic elements of the genre, Superman takes it a step further and utilizes that foundation to build something entirely new. This movie jumps right into a fully fleshed out world that doesn’t require multiple films of setup or backstory. It simply tells a compelling story using the strengths of the genre and doesn’t hold back on anything. The film even has direct parallels to current events such as the Palestinian genocide, demonization of immigrants, and influence of billionaires on the government. It truly is refreshing to see a superhero movie that actually embraces its politics rather than completely diluting them like Captain America: Brave New World from earlier this year. As a result, Superman has a strong focus on the importance of kindness, empathy, and hope, and it emphasizes the hero’s desire to actively save humans and animals alike. It’s elements like these that are exactly what the superhero genre needs to reinvigorate its waning popularity. This movie is a pure joy to experience, and it proves that superhero films still have more to offer as long as they continue to evolve and break away from the conventions of the past.
I highly recommend Superman to anyone who enjoys superhero movies and fun blockbusters. It’s visually vibrant and campy just like the source material while also being infused with James Gunn’s own unique and charming style. The excellent story and strong themes at its core make the narrative so compelling that any shortcomings barely have an effect on the overall experience. This is, without a doubt, the best blockbuster of the summer and should definitely be seen on the big screen.
Superman is now playing in theaters. Click here to watch the Official Trailer.
– Review by Will Hopper