YNOT at the Movies

In a superhero landscape crowded with cynics, antiheroes, and multiverse chaos, "Superman" (USA 2025 | 129 min.) brings back the original icon with a straight face and a full heart. Director James Gunn's reboot poses a timely question: can sincerity still matter? It answers with a resounding, visually dazzling yes, even if the story doesn't venture far from familiar territory.

The film begins with Superman (David Corenswet), bloodied and alone in a frozen wilderness, only to be rescued by his unruly superdog, Krypto. That early moment sets the tone for a movie that mixes earnestness with mischief. Superman is already an established hero on the global stage, but when his interventions in international conflicts draw criticism, old fears resurface. Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) seizes the moment to question Superman's role in the world and orchestrate his downfall. Meanwhile, the Daily Planet's top reporter Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) isn't afraid to call out the contradictions between Superman's ideals and his choices, even as their relationship deepens.

As the story unfolds, the film hits all the expected beats: hero in crisis, villain with a grand plan, clashes with other metahumans, and a finale that saves the day while preserving the status quo. The inclusion of the Justice Gang—Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion)—adds fun, although their impact on the story feels cosmetic.

While the plot may feel predictable, the casting is a major win. David Corenswet is thoroughly likable as Superman, bringing a quiet confidence and emotional sincerity to the role. His Clark Kent is endearing, his Superman noble without being stiff. He doesn't reinvent the character, but he embodies him in a way that feels fresh and natural. Nicholas Hoult plays Luthor with a chilling calm and intensity, portraying the villain not with theatrical malice but with a logic so persuasive it flirts with credibility, until it doesn't.

"Superman" is a visual feast. From the crystalline Fortress of Solitude to the dynamic flight sequences inspired by fighter jets, the film is filled with cinematic spectacle. James Gunn's team brings a comic-book world to life without losing a sense of grounded emotion. Krypto, modeled after Gunn's own out-of-control rescue dog, adds a few chaotic laughs along the way and ends up stealing more than one scene.

Even though the film plays it safe in its story, "Superman" is a confident and enjoyable reintroduction to one of pop culture's most enduring heroes. Familiar in structure but rich in spirit, it soars on dazzling visuals, a sharp supporting cast, and David Corenswet's warm, winning debut as the Man of Steel—a satisfying summer blockbuster that reminds us why we still believe in heroes.

"Superman" opens in theaters on Friday, July 11, 2025.