Superman (2025) Movie Review: A Fun, Thoughtful, and Surprisingly Emotional Take on the Man of Steel
I recently had the chance to watch the 2025 Superman movie in IMAX—and I have to say, it was a far better experience than I expected. From the excited fans wearing Superman shirts to the collectible popcorn buckets, the atmosphere was electric. As someone who was skeptical based on early trailers, I’m happy to report that this film delivered a mix of humor, action, heart, and a fresh direction for the beloved character.
Let’s dive into the plot and highlights—spoiler alert ahead!
🦸♂️ Not Another Origin Story—And That’s a Good Thing
One of the most refreshing aspects of this film is that it isn’t a traditional origin story. The movie opens with a brief narrative recap of Superman’s history—perfect for new viewers—and quickly shifts to the present day, where Superman (played by David Corenswet) has already been active for about three years.
While he’s powerful, the film makes it clear that he’s still learning. He hasn’t reached veteran superhero status yet, which makes his struggles and growth feel relatable.
🐶 Crypto the Superdog Steals the Show
A standout performance? Crypto the Superdog. As someone who watched the animated Krypto the Superdog series as a child, I was thrilled by how this version stayed true to the fun and loyalty of the character. Crypto is both hilarious and helpful—especially during his climactic fight with Lex Luthor. His loyalty and comic relief were much-needed and well-executed.
📰 A Journalism-Focused Plot That Actually Works
The story is told partially through the lens of The Daily Planet, where Lois Lane (portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan) and Jimmy Olsen dig into the truth behind a mysterious international conflict. The investigation leads them to uncover the complex ties between Superman, the government, and billionaire genius Lex Luthor (played by Nicholas Hoult).
This journalism-centered plot added depth and realism, grounding the superhuman battles with real-world stakes and ethical dilemmas. The dialogue was sharp, and the pacing mostly strong, especially in the second act.
🧠 Lex Luthor’s Mind Games Hit Hard
Hoult’s Luthor is cold, calculating, and disturbingly persuasive. Early in the film, he seems to have the upper hand—undermining Superman through public distrust and personal manipulation. But as the movie progresses, we see Superman begin to learn how to outthink his enemies—not just outpunch them.
🦸🏿♂️ Mister Terrific Brings Quiet Power
Another highlight was the appearance of Mister Terrific (Michael Holt), played by Edi Gathegi. He brings a calm, intelligent, and commanding presence to the screen without ever needing to shout or dominate a scene. His subtle heroism and emotional intelligence shine through, and I’m excited to see how DC develops his character going forward.
🛡️ Supergirl’s Controversial Portrayal: A Trauma Survivor’s Journey
One choice that will likely spark debate is the portrayal of Supergirl (Kara Zor-El, played by Milena Rivero). She’s introduced as emotionally unstable and even visibly intoxicated in some scenes—a bold and unexpected take.
However, the film gives context: Kara witnessed the destruction of Krypton and the death of her parents firsthand. Her struggles are portrayed not as weakness, but as symptoms of unresolved trauma. While some may have preferred a more traditionally heroic depiction, I found this to be a raw and powerful portrayal of grief, loss, and recovery.
🌎 Themes and Final Thoughts
At its core, this movie asks: What makes Superman human? We see him wrestle with public perception, learn from his failures, and ultimately inspire others—not through brute strength, but through compassion, humility, and perseverance.
Yes, there were a few comedic moments that felt a little over the top, and the tone could have been more consistent in places. But overall, the acting was solid, the color palette visually pleasing, and the messages about hope and humanity landed well.
🎬 Final Verdict
Is this the best Superman movie ever made? Maybe not—but it’s definitely one of the most watchable and heartfelt.
Does it respect the character’s legacy while updating him for a new generation? Yes.
Would I recommend seeing it in theaters? Absolutely.
⭐️ Rating: 8/10
A fun, well-acted, emotionally resonant Superman reboot with enough fresh takes to stand on its own.
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Java Bean: “Ayyy, well of course Superdog steals the show! Who would expect anything else?”
Charlee: “Hmph! What about Supercat?”
Oona: “Supercat is probably a ninja and worked behind the scenes with no one noticing. That is how Oona would do it.”