Superman (2025) is Super Fun!

July 30, 2025

By Bessy ADUT

My Praises:

This was my favorite Superman film since the ones I grew up with as a kid. Christopher Reeve was my first crush, and none of the Supermen since ever truly captured that same magic for me. I felt like something was missing. Like many fantasy films in recent years, they often became too dark, taking themselves too seriously.

But this Superman brings back the childlike spirit and injects just the right amount of humor. I think Krypto, Superman’s dog, was a brilliant addition. It made Superman feel more likable and emotionally accessible. His girlfriend Lois, his friends, and even Lex Luthor, along with his ditzy girlfriend and evil crew, were all portrayed effectively. The film is packed with action, drama, and humor—there was never a dull moment. The romantic moment where Superman defends his actions with “People were going to die!” was incredibly powerful.

I also appreciated the timely marketing strategy, especially the angle of portraying Superman as an immigrant; something I had never considered before. The fact that he surrenders himself to save his dog, and even has a scene where he rescues a squirrel, makes him incredibly endearing. Apparently, there was debate about the squirrel scene behind the scenes, but the director decided to keep it, and I’m so glad they did. A truly good person would care about both humans and animals equally, and I applaud that message.

Superman (2025)

My Critique:

As for the downsides, I don’t understand why these types of movies keep changing things that were already established. Superman’s father was supposed to be dead—yet in this movie, he's alive. That rewrites his personal history. Also, his girlfriend still doesn’t know his true identity. It feels like we’ve seen these elements rehashed too many times before.

Personally, I’d prefer sequels that move the story forward instead of constantly rewriting the past. That way, older audiences like me can enjoy the story evolving, rather than watching the same plots recycled again and again. I understand when an actor retires or passes away, changes need to be made, but rewriting entire storylines can feel confusing and unnecessary.

Interestingly, Clark is already Superman in this movie, so they could have just picked up where the story left off. I also have mixed feelings about the new friends introduced. It feels like a strategy to compete with ensemble superhero films, but in most versions I’ve seen, Superman was more of a lone cowboy. Still, the addition of allies is nicely executed. My favorite new addition? Definitely Krypto.

Superman - Krypto

I really liked how the film ended with Supergirl stepping in and asking for her dog; great hook for the next chapter. I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing their take on Supergirl.

The tone of the movie combines comic book vibrancy with emotional realism and humor. Superman is flawed and expressive, not a stoic icon, and that’s always who he was. He’s always had his soft spots.

Some reviews argue the film tries to do too much without going deep enough. I partially agree, but I also feel the inclusion of themes like politics, war, and immigration added important layers.

Superman (2025) cast

Written and directed by James Gunn, this is the first film in the new DC Universe (DCU) and a reboot of the Superman film series. David Corenswet stars as Clark Kent/Superman, alongside Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced.

In the film, Superman faces unintended consequences after intervening in an international conflict orchestrated by billionaire Lex Luthor (Hoult). He must work to win back public support with help from his reporter girlfriend and new superhero allies.

It was also fascinating to witness how quickly people can turn on a public figure when manipulated; a sadly familiar dynamic.

The scene where children wait for Superman in a war zone and his friends show up to help was especially heartwarming.

Overall, the film is a success. It has grossed $490 million worldwide, becoming the eighth-highest-grossing film of 2025. It received mostly positive reviews for being fun, colorful, and sincere. Some critics found it “overstuffed,” but performances by Corenswet, Brosnahan, and Hoult were widely praised, and I completely agree on both points. Good superhero films tend to perform well because deep down, we all keep hoping a hero will come and save us.

Superman (2025)

Plot Summary (Spoiler Alert!)

After preventing the nation of Boravia from invading its neighbor, Jarhanpur, Superman warns Boravian President Vasil Ghurkos to stand down. Soon after, Superman is shockingly defeated in Metropolis by a powerful metahuman known as the "Hammer of Boravia" and retreats to his Fortress of Solitude in Antarctica with help from his loyal superdog, Krypto. There, he is cared for by robotic attendants and receives a fragmented message from his Kryptonian parents, Jor-El and Lara, explaining why they sent him to Earth.

People who know me know that I have a soft spot for Antarctica, as I would love to start filming my "Searching for Goodness" documentary there. I was very glad to see the movie both start and end in Antarctica.

Superman returns to confront the Hammer again but is defeated, unaware that the metahuman is actually Ultraman, a clone created by Lex Luthor. As Superman is interviewed by Lois Lane, their discussion stirs conflict about the ethics of his global involvement. Meanwhile, Luthor unleashes a kaiju on Metropolis while he, Ultraman, and the Engineer infiltrate the Fortress, capture Krypto, and restore the full Kryptonian message. To Superman’s horror, the message reveals that he was sent to Earth not just to survive but to conquer and repopulate Krypton.

Superman (2025)

Public opinion turns against him. He surrenders to the U.S. government and is handed over to Luthor, who imprisons him in a pocket universe with other captives, including the shapeshifting Metamorpho. Luthor uses Metamorpho’s infant son as leverage, forcing him to weaken Superman with Kryptonite. After Luthor kills an innocent, Metamorpho rebels and helps Superman escape. With aid from Lois, Mister Terrific, and others, Superman reunites with his human parents, who remind him that identity is defined by actions, not origins.

Meanwhile, Luthor’s girlfriend Eve Teschmacher exposes his alliance with Boravia. He locks her away and opens a rift between Metropolis and the pocket universe. Superman rallies his team—Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Metamorpho to stop another Boravian invasion. Hawkgirl kills Ghurkos, and Green Lantern invites Metamorpho to join their ranks.

Back in Metropolis, Superman defeats the Engineer and battles Ultraman, who is eventually pulled into a black hole with help from Krypto. Luthor is finally exposed and subdued. Lois and Jimmy Olsen publish the truth, clearing Superman’s name. At the Fortress, Superman reflects on his journey when Kara Zor-El stumbles in, slightly tipsy, looking for her dog. A fun and unexpected closing moment.

Superman (2025)

Another funny and well-loved scene involved Superman arguing with Lois while a massive battle takes place in the sky behind them classic superhero comedy. The audience at my screening was laughing, and moments like these are so needed in movies today. Comic relief!

So far, Superman was nominated for Most Anticipated Film at the 8th Astra Midseason Movie Awards. The trailer “Fight” was nominated for Best Summer 2025 Blockbuster Trailer at the 2025 Golden Trailer Awards deservedly so!

In June 2025, James Gunn announced he was already writing a follow-up, not a direct sequel. So there’s definitely more to come!

Conclusion

These days, we often debate which films are worth seeing in theaters and which to stream at home. Superman (2025) is one that gives you your money’s worth. Go and enjoy it on the big screen. Nothing compares to hearing live audience reactions and the laughter; it just makes everything more fun!

Superman (2025)

About the Author: Bessy Adut is a filmmaker, writer, and cultural journalist. She is the host of the podcast “Searching for Goodness” and a contributor to Şalom Newspaper, where she shares her perspective on film, art, and humanity.

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Superman (2025) is Super Fun!

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