Superman Movie Review: Alright, let me be honest with you—I walked into this movie with mixed expectations. After everything we’ve seen from DC in recent years, I didn’t know what to expect. But the idea of James Gunn rebooting Superman? That had me curious, maybe even a little worried.
Would it be quirky and emotionally disconnected like some of his past work? Or would it deliver that larger-than-life Superman magic we’ve all been missing? Let’s just say, it had its moments… both good and frustrating.
Rating: (3.0/5)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Superman: Legacy |
| Director | James Gunn |
| Lead Actor | David Corenswet |
| Release Year | 2025 |
| Genre | Superhero, Action, Sci-Fi |
| Runtime | ~2 hours |
| Rating | PG-13 |
| Verdict | Enjoyable, but flawed |
Overview of the Film
- Release and Direction
This movie officially kicks off James Gunn’s new DC Universe, and you can feel it. It’s trying to set a new tone, one that blends old-school superhero vibes with Gunn’s signature offbeat style.
- The Plot Without Spoilers
No origin story here—thank God. Superman is already established, and we’re dropped into a world that feels like it’s been living with him for a while. There’s political tension, metahumans, advanced tech, and media manipulation. Superman’s caught in the middle of it all.
- Setting the Stage for the New DC Universe
One thing that’s clear: this film isn’t just about Superman. It’s about laying the groundwork for everything that’s coming next. Justice Gang? Check. Universe-building? Absolutely. But does it get too crowded in the process? Sometimes.
David Corenswet as Superman
- The Pressure of the Cape
Let’s give credit where it’s due—David Corenswet steps into the red cape with confidence. At first, I wasn’t sure he’d be able to carry the weight of the role. But surprisingly, he brought a grounded, emotionally layered take that worked more often than not.
- How He Holds Up to Christopher Reeve’s Legacy
Look, Christopher Reeve will always be my Superman. That charm, that grace—untouchable. Corenswet doesn’t try to copy him, and that’s a smart move. He brings a more conflicted, modern version of Superman that hits differently. It’s not better or worse—it’s just…new.
- A More Relatable Superman?
Sometimes I found him too relatable. Like when his dogs go missing and he flips a desk in rage—I get it, I’d be furious too. But it made him feel less like a symbol of hope and more like a really strong guy having a rough day. Not always a bad thing, but it did blur the line between god and man a bit too much for me.
Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane
- Smart Casting
From the moment Rachel Brosnahan was announced, I thought, “Yeah, that makes sense.” And she did not disappoint. She brings just the right mix of fire and focus to Lois.
- Journalism with Integrity
In a world where media often feels like clickbait, this Lois Lane is a breath of fresh air. She’s a reporter who digs for truth, not headlines. And honestly? That was more unbelievable than the flying alien with heat vision—but in a good way.
Krypto the Superdog Steals the Show
I’m not even kidding—Krypto might be the best part of the movie. I didn’t expect to fall for a crusty, CGI-rendered dog, but here we are. Whether he’s growling at villains or just being a sarcastic good boy, he brings heart and humor without ever feeling forced.
Lex Luthor: Mixed Feelings
Nicholas Hoult gives it his all. He brings that smug, calculated energy Lex needs. But the script? It didn’t do him many favors.
Instead of letting us understand Lex through action, the movie just has him talk. A lot. Then, just when things get intense, Gunn tosses in a joke that kills the vibe. It’s frustrating because Hoult could have been a top-tier Lex if the film just gave him the space.
The Justice Gang Cameos: Fun, but Shallow
Absolute gold. Guy Gardner is loud, ridiculous, and cocky—and Fillion nails it. The humor actually works here because the character is the joke.
They look cool. They fight well. But I couldn’t tell you much about them beyond that. They’re there to fill out the roster, not to be remembered.
James Gunn’s Humor: When It Works (And When It Doesn’t)
Some scenes had me laughing out loud. The Justice Gang banter? On point. Krypto’s timing? Perfect.
But here’s the thing—there are moments where the story could have hit hard, emotionally. And just when I was starting to feel it… BAM, here comes a goofy line that ruins the mood. Gunn’s afraid of silence, of seriousness, and it hurts the film in spots that could’ve been great.
Visuals and CGI
There are shots in this film that gave me chills—Superman hovering above Earth, that classic cape fluttering. Feels like comic panels come to life.
But not all of it works. Some action scenes look rubbery and rushed. One scene had Lex walking through chaos like he was bulletproof, but it felt more like bad CGI than badassery.
Where’s Clark Kent?
I missed Clark. I really did. Superman just walks around in glasses and a goofy haircut, but there’s no attempt to be Clark Kent. No duality. Just Superman pretending he’s not Superman. And that’s a huge loss for me. The contrast between Clark and Superman has always been what made the character so rich.
The Tech Problem: Plot Convenience Over Logic
There’s super-advanced tech in this movie that feels like it popped out of nowhere, only to serve a single plot point in the third act. It screams MacGuffin, and I wish they’d taken the time to actually explain or ground it better.
Real-World Themes & Social Commentary
The movie tries to say something about media manipulation, international conflict, and public perception. Sometimes it lands, but most of the time it feels like background noise compared to the action and jokes.
Feels Familiar? That’s Because It Is
Some scenes felt ripped straight out of Smallville or older Superman flicks. If you’ve watched any Superman content in the last 20 years, you’ll recognize a lot of beats here. Not necessarily bad—but not very fresh, either.
Final Verdict: Worth Watching, But Temper Expectations
Would I recommend it? Yeah—especially if you’re curious about where the DCU is headed. It’s not the Superman movie I dreamed of, but it’s a decent restart. Corenswet shows promise. Krypto is a star. And while Gunn’s tone doesn’t always land, it’s still a movie I enjoyed… mostly.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| David Corenswet is a solid Superman | Lex Luthor’s motivations are underwhelming |
| Krypto is genuinely fun | Forced humor kills emotional momentum |
| Lois Lane casting is perfect | No real Clark Kent presence |
| Great comic-style visuals | Uneven CGI and weird tone shifts |
| Justice Gang adds universe depth | Side characters are underdeveloped |
Conclusion
This movie doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does give us a new Superman who feels like he has the potential to grow into the role. There’s heart here. There’s humor. There’s a universe waiting to be explored. I just hope James Gunn learns when to let a moment breathe. If you’re a Superman fan like me, you’ll probably walk out smiling… but also thinking, “Man, it could’ve been even better.”
FAQs
1. Is this connected to previous Superman films?
Nope—it’s a clean reboot under James Gunn’s new DC Universe.
2. Is it kid-friendly?
Yes. It’s PG-13 and mostly family-safe with a few intense scenes.
3. Any post-credit scenes?
Yes, and you’ll want to stay. It hints at what’s coming next.
4. How was the soundtrack?
Honestly? Pretty forgettable. Nothing iconic like Zimmer’s theme.
5. Is it better than Man of Steel?
Depends on what you value—visual style or emotional connection. I personally still lean toward Man of Steel for its weight.
