‘Superman’ review: Heart, hope and humanity delivered by James Gunn

James Gunn's Superman has finally premiered in theatres after much anticipation, and it delivers a powerful message of heart, hope, and humanity.

Gunn has successfully created a modern yet timeless superhero film that is sure to be cherished for years to come, thanks to its soul and sincerity.

Film News Blitz’s Heidi Hardman-Welsh shares her review.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

A change in tone

For many, Gunn’s Superman (2025) seems like a deliberate departure from the tone set by Zack Snyder’s DC films.

Where Snyder’s vision leaned heavily into visual intensity, moral ambiguity, and mythological grandeur, Gunn’s approach feels warmer, more grounded, and emotionally accessible.

In Man of Steel (2013), Snyder’s Superman (played by Henry Cavill) was often burdened by godhood and existential weight; Gunn’s Superman is about decency, kindness, and hope for its own sake.

It’s not a rejection of Snyder’s work, but rather a tonal pivot, by making a Superman that isn’t about being above humanity but standing firmly within it.

Superman (2025) can be compared in many ways to the original Superman (1978) starring Christopher Reeve, through its bright, stylised, and comic-inspired appearance.

Here, Gunn has made a colourful film that manages to avoid the pitfall of feeling overly tailored for children.

Instead, it resonates with viewers of all ages, delivering poignant messages that linger long after the credits roll.

At the heart of this cinematic iteration of Superman is a simple yet powerful motivation: he strives to save everyone, driven solely by a genuine desire to help.

There’s no hidden agenda or personal gain in his actions; he saves for the sake of saving, embodying an unabashed heroism that emphasises what the character of Superman has always been about.

A new era for a classic hero

David Corenswet delivers a standout performance as Superman in this film.

As a relatively unknown actor, he takes the classic character and makes it his own, while staying true to the nature of the superhero.

Not only does he have the perfect Superman look with the chiselled jaw and striking smile, but Corenswet’s portrayal also radiates strength, compassion, and vulnerability without tipping into comic exaggeration.

He’s charmingly charismatic when playing Superman, but he’s also able to pull off the kind and selfless Clark Kent in a way that doesn’t make the character feel overly awkward or clumsy.

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However, it would have been nice to see more of Clark, as Superman takes centre stage for the majority of the film, and a better balance might have improved the film’s overall rhythm.

But the most significant change to the character is that this version of Superman bleeds, and it matters.

For the first time, there’s real tension in the action sequences because the character is no longer invincible.

He’s a symbol of hope who can suddenly fall, and that’s precisely what makes this Superman film carry so much more weight, because out of nowhere, the Man of Steel isn’t winning every fight.

Consequently, you become more emotionally invested in everything that happens than ever before.

A villain like no other

And for the villain of the story, Nicholas Hoult plays the perfect Lex Luthor.

He’s chilling, manipulative, and strangely charismatic because you hate him, and yet you’re riveted every time he's on screen.

He’s less your stereotypical villain and more a brilliant man twisted by fear and control, who truly believes he is saving the world from Superman.

And through this character, the film explores the fragility of public perception, showing how quickly the media can turn admiration into fear with just a twist of narrative, centring around a global conflict.

It’s a pointed commentary that feels painfully relevant in today’s world.

Character highlights

One of the emotional anchors of the film is the chemistry between Superman/Clark Kent and Lois Lane, played by the shining Rachel Brosnahan.

Their dynamic is refreshingly adult, full of mutual respect, trust, and warmth.

Lois isn’t a side character or damsel; she’s sharp, grounded, and completely believable as someone who both challenges and supports Clark.

There’s an ease in their connection that makes their moments together feel lived-in and authentic, never forced.

Moreover, the ensemble cast added incredible richness, but Mister Terrific (played by Edi Gathegi) stands out, in particular, as the grounded intellectual of the story.

This character balances Superman’s pure-hearted simplicity with sharp insight and prowess.

And then there's Krypto the dog. He’s simply a dog—and that’s what makes him perfect.

No anthropomorphism, no exaggerated antics—just a loyal, silly companion whose presence adds joy and warmth throughout.

What makes it so good?

For a superhero film, it didn’t feel overly reliant on CGI. The effects were seamless, always serving the story rather than distracting from it.

Gunn’s use of practical effects and real locations enhanced the film’s visual quality and made the universe he created feel even more real.  

Additionally, Gunn doesn’t try too hard to be funny, yet the film is full of subtle comedy.

It’s never bogged down by forced gags or overused quips; instead, the humour arises naturally from character and circumstance.

But above all, it was the idea that Superman can’t do it all alone that resonated so deeply; he needed help, and he found it. 

This conveys the important message that even if you’re the most powerful person in the world, we all need others sometimes.

Moreover, by establishing a world where superheroes, and Superman himself, have been around long-term, Gunn dispenses with origin movie baggage and instead launches into his new DC cinematic universe with an unrelenting pace.

The verdict

Ultimately, Superman (2025) is about the quiet power of doing good for the sake of it.

It reminds us that hope isn’t naive—it’s necessary.

And in a time where so much feels cynical or performative, this film dares to be sincere.

It’s a love letter to decency, to community, and to the idea that no matter how dark things get, someone will always try to help.

In a world where kindness is old-fashioned, Superman makes kindness punk rock.

Like many people, after watching Superman, I walked out of the cinema with a genuine smile on my face and a spring in my step.

It is undeniable that from start to finish, this film was pure, unbridled joy that sets expectations high for where Gunn intends to take DC next.

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