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