I had high hopes for the latest Superman film. I was looking forward to the kind of hopefulness and warm feeling Christopher Reeve’s Superman films represented and inspired. A Superman whose admirable qualities and, specifically, words about what humanity meant to him read as true rather than contrived.
Director James Gunn’s version of the Superman story is not a terrible film, because I did enjoy the special effects and Lex Luthor’s wardrobe. However, I cringed more than I expected to at moments that were supposed to be moving. For example, that all-important speech when Superman speaks about ‘being human,’ I honestly don’t recall the last time I heard something that sounded that forced.
I did not buy the Lois Lane and Clark Kent romantic pairing. It felt off to me. The necessary chemistry seemed to be missing. And, as wonderful an actor as Rachel Brosnahan is, she’s unfortunately, simply not ‘my Lois.’
David Corenswet was okay as Superman. Nevertheless, I’m starting to believe that no Superman will ever come close to Christopher Reeve, the first one I ever watched. Similar to how Christian Bale is my Forever Batman.
As for Nicholas Hoult as Luthor, he didn’t do badly. Yet, it still wasn’t the stand-out performance I’d hoped for. I mean, I do have high expectations. Perhaps the script is to blame, or my high expectations.
James Gunn brought a kind of silliness to Superman that I don’t feel it needed, and that silliness includes Superman’s ‘teammates’, who, I may or may not have eventually warmed to, just a little by the end.’
Also, I could have sworn I saw the Game of Thrones Night King/Whitewalker character show up, which threw me.
Watch Superman if you haven’t already and are curious enough. Many people seemed to have had a good time. I had more Fun with F1 – THE Movie (2025) and Jurassic World – Rebirth (2025).
Have you seen Superman yet? Perhaps you liked it more than I did.
Happy Film loving,
G
The Movie My Life 
I loved this movie. After so many years, I finally saw the Superman I fell in love with again: a people’s superhero, very human and kind, who simply wants to save others and, above all, who considers everyone worthy of being saved. For me, it was a great film, not without its flaws (for example, some characters are underwhelmed and could have been handled better), but the story is courageous, it even addresses some terribly (and sadly) timely war issues, and it features a perfect Lex Luthor.
In that case I’m very happy for you. 🤓🥂 For me, I understand and appreciate Superman/Clark Kent’s heart. I just wish that the delivery of the message left me more satisfied. A satisfaction which, this summer blockbuster season, was delivered by F1: The Movie.
I felt the cringe too at the dialogue🫣 But had a good time overall. Am KICKING myself for not seeing F1 a month ago, especially after recently hearing Hanz Zimmer’s music score😎
Glad you enjoyed it. Dialogue is tricky, that’s why great screenplay writers deserve the big bucks. 😁
It’s true, the music in F1 is a major plus. I have a feeling that because the film is such a cinematic experience, at some point in the not-too-distant future, it will be re-leased on the big screen. 🤞🤞
Someone described this movie as neither a disaster nor a triumph, and I’m inclined to agree even more so because of the cringe factor.
That sounds pretty damn accurate to me, honestly.
Thanks for this helpful review Gia. I was in two minds whether to see this film but now I won’t. I agree with everything you say about Christopher Reeve’s original Superman so I think I would feel the same about this one as you do 😀
You’re super welcome. 🤓🥂
I’ll have to wait for streaming unfortunately. Family obligations don’t leave me many opportunities to go to the cinema these days. But I can’t wait to see it!
That’s understandable, Uri. I hope you have a great time when you see it.🤓
I have to agree with your assessment. I think once the hype dies down, a lot more people will temper their reactions. This was no better than anything Snyder did. It was the complete opposite and equally as excessive. I like Superman independently of any movie universe, and by extension, Lois is one of my favourite characters. Like you, I didn’t really care for her in this. If I think about it, none of the female characters were done justice. It’s a shame because the actress did a decent job, she just didn’t feel like the Lois Lane.
You may be right about people thinking about this movie a little differently after a while.
Also, maybe Gunn will aim to address the imbalances in a follow-up, which we can bet is on the way. We live in hope and delusion. 🤓😁
I totally agree with your very thorough and well explained review of the new Superman.
I think Nicholas Hoult is too young to be a believable evil genius, I preferred Michael Cudlitz’s version of Lex Luthor in the TV series Superman and Lois, as a man consumed with the destruction of Superman.
For whatever reason, perhaps the lack of a DC version of Stan Lee of Marvel comics,
DC comics still fall short of converting DC superheros to film legends.
Best Wishes
Kevin 🙂
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Kevin, and for the kind compliment.
Marvel definitely has an advantage over DC. They continue to do it better. We’ll see how things continue over the years. It will be interesting.
I had really low expectations so I’m glad it wasn’t terrible. I agree about the cringe factor. Better writers would have helped the cast a whole lot.
I have a few friends who with the same expectations as you. Based on the trailers alone, some chose not to watch it at all. 😁
We can only hope that better writers are brought in for the next one. However, considering how successful the film has been at the box office without it, they may choose to stick to the current formula. Let’s hope not. 🤞🤞