Superman Review: Story: Three centuries have passed since the arrival of the Metahumans on Earth, thirty years have passed since the arrival of the Kryptonian prince Kal-El, and three since David Corenswet made his public debut as Superman. Nicholas Hoult portrays Lex Luthor, who has been monitoring the Kryptonian savior's every action and has developed a scheme to vanquish him and conquer the globe. But Superman can't allow it to happen. He becomes embroiled in a political dispute when he steps in to prevent a conflict between Jahanpur and Boravia. Will the beacon of hope be able to maintain peace in the world or will it give in to the desire that wants him off the planet?

A Review of Superman:

When I ask you to name five superheroes, what is the first one that comes to mind? It's quite likely that it will be Superman. You are familiar with Kal-El and the famous red underpants he wears with pride over blue leggings, even if you don't follow superhero culture. Thus, Man of Steel appeared to be an obvious choice when the first film under the new DCU administration was revealed. James Gunn, a filmmaker renowned for his unconventional and disrespectful approach, is now in charge of the most straightforward superhero, which was not evident. However, the first signs of a lively and realistic perspective appeared at that moment. The promise was audacious, and I'm pleased to say that the wait was well worth it.

Globally, the superhero genre is on the verge of collapse. The collective memory of what made these tales important has begun to fade. The genre's once groundbreaking grammar has become predictable and, in certain instances, even monotonous. Regardless of whether it's the DCU (previously DCEU) or the MCU, the decrease has been hard to ignore. However, there was renewed optimism when Gunn and Peter Safran took over the reboot's leadership. He was the one who created Guardians of the Galaxy and brought The Suicide Squad back to life. Thus, there were great hopes, and rightly so.

Who is Superman? An unwavering ambassador of peace, a beacon of hope. Nothing less, nothing more. The thread is that. Gunn holds on tight. His Clark Kent, Kal-El, and Superman are not three separate people; rather, they are one individual who is struggling with his sense of self. The urgency to hide himself as Clark, the desire to belong as Kal-El, and the weight of Superman's responsibilities are all exquisitely intertwined. The traditional origin narrative is avoided by Gunn. Stop the exploding planets and VFX-heavy pods. Fortunately, we're not given another summary of Krypton's demise. Gunn, on the other hand, delves into what follows. What does it mean to be Superman today?

This explains why Superman (2025) has a distinct vibe. On his worst day—broken, bleeding, and reeling from defeat—we encounter Kal-El. He has been overpowered for the first time ever. His dread is clear. Even if he is still the most powerful being on the planet, mortality is now a constant presence. The strain is growing as he approaches the third year of his public life. Yes, Gunn is true to the comics, but he is also speaking to us, the cynical and worn-out readers, urging us to experience our emotions once more. James Gunn respects the comic book enthusiasts, the movie buffs, and every person who is paying for that ticket.

After the teaser/trailer footage appears for the first 20 minutes, Gunn completely unveils his vision. The aim here is not just to resurrect Superman, but also to restore the audience's faith in superheroes. Politics, media attention, and the blurred boundaries of authority gradually enter the real world. Do you recall Iron Man (2008) flirting with actual military politics? Gunn continues. Superman doesn't just battle monsters or aliens; he also engages in international politics, breaks up wars, and receives criticism for choosing to care. It's storytelling with high stakes and real-world effects.

The story includes elements of media manipulation, nationalism, and consumerism. Not only is Lex Luthor a bad guy, but he's also a shrewd and wealthy businessman who manipulates public opinion. Gunn strides it out with assurance, even though the line between hero and danger is quite thin. Additionally, there is a distinct meta-narrative that reflects on how mythology is created and destroyed in the modern world, as well as on fan expectations and the evolution of the genre. Superman's every action is covered by a media frenzy that is frighteningly similar to how we treat celebrities in the modern world.

Gunn also signals what the DCU’s future holds. It’s not just Superman and Batman anymore. Lesser-known characters get their moments. I won’t spoil them, but the cameos and supporting players shine. Gunn is building a world — not just a movie. And it’s worth investing in.

David Corenswet is not Henry Cavill, and that’s precisely why it works. He brings a different physicality — gentler, yet resilient. His Clark is humble and bright-eyed; his Superman commands presence with empathy, not brute force. His vocal transitions between personas are subtle but brilliant. There’s an endearing awkwardness to his Clark Kent that contrasts beautifully with his confidence as Superman. With Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane, the chemistry crackles. She’s smart, sharp-tongued, and emotionally present. This Lois doesn’t need saving — in fact, she saves him. And in doing so, she becomes just as important to the narrative arc as Superman himself.

Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor is cold, restrained, and quietly terrifying. While a bit more screen time could have deepened his arc, Hoult plays him with intelligent menace. His Lex isn’t maniacal — he’s disturbingly logical. He sees Superman not just as a threat, but a challenge to human autonomy. It’s a layered performance that refuses to reduce Luthor to a mere antagonist — he is a man with beliefs, however twisted they may be.

The images are stunning. Metropolis seems alive and complicated rather than simply made of glass and steel. The unexpected joy of Krypto, the Superdog, is that he is chaotic, faithful, and incredibly amusing. There's a cause for his recklessness, and no, you're not prepared for it. The "Pocket Universe" storyline, despite its underuse, hints at intriguing possibilities for the future. The overall production design embraces a retro-futuristic style that honors Superman's origins while also feeling refreshingly contemporary.

Yet, the movie is far from flawless. In some areas, it droops. There are a few scenes that linger longer than necessary, and the screenplay wanders a bit. However, they are little flaws in an otherwise exceptional experience. When to go big and when to retreat is something that Gunn knows. He has faith in the audience. He appreciates the source. And, most crucially, he returns Superman's heart. This movie opts for honesty in a time of over-the-top superhero flicks.

Superman Review: The Last Word

At last, a superhero film that the world deserves—look up! The movie, starring David Corenswet and directed by James Gunn, restores Superman's essence: hope. This is a resurrection of myth, meaning, and a genre that still has something to express. It serves as a reminder that even men who are like gods can bleed and yet decide to rescue.

Superman hits the big screen on July 11, 2025. Stay tuned to OTTplay for more reviews like this and everything else from the world of streaming and films.
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