Superman - 2025

James Gunn’s Superman is exactly what the DC Universe needed; a bright, bold reset with actual heart. From the very first frame, this thing radiates hope. And no shade to Cavill (who did his best in a grimdark era), but this? This is Superman done right.

David Corenswet is Superman. Not just the costume, the spirit. There are moments when the camera lingers on his face and, no joke, you feel the hope in his eyes. He embodies that iconic optimism that’s been missing for years. Gunn clearly gets that Superman isn’t just a god in tights, he’s who we aspire to be. A good man trying to do the right thing in a world built to favor the powerful and corrupt. And when he stumbles, he stumbles human.

Then there’s Lois Lane and holy hell, Rachel Brosnahan owns the role. She might be the best part of the entire film (yes, even in a Superman movie). Sharp, grounded, fearless, every scene with her elevates the movie. Her chemistry with Corenswet is perfect, and she brings this subtle strength that makes you go, “Give me a Daily Planet spin-off. Now.”

Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor? Ice cold brilliance. Not cartoonish, not overcooked, just smart, menacing, and always five steps ahead.

Gunn’s real magic, though, is how he plays with expectations. He plants these little “uh-oh” moments throughout the story, just seconds long, that flip your gut and make you think, wait, is this really gonna happen? It’s signature Gunn: tight storytelling, tiny emotional gut punches, and a reminder that even in a world of gods and aliens, the stakes can still feel personal.

There are some nitpicks. The John Williams theme remix? Beautiful, but way overused. And like half of Hollywood these days, the CGI’s shaky in places. Some fights feel too synthetic when a bit more practical choreography would’ve hit harder (take notes from the recent Matt Reeves, The Batman).

But overall? This is a statement. It’s not just a Superman movie, it’s the Superman movie we’ve been waiting for. It made me, a self-proclaimed Marvel kid, actually care about the DCU. There’s hope. And his name is James Gunn.