Superman
The brief
James Gunn strips away the grimdark nonsense and delivers a Superman that actually feels hopeful without being naive, anchored by David Corenswet's earnest Clark Kent who somehow makes the boy scout thing work in 2025. The film moves at a confident pace, balancing intimate character moments with spectacle that feels grounded despite all the flying and laser eyes. Rachel Brosnahan brings sharp wit to Lois Lane, while the whole thing has this warm, lived-in quality that makes Metropolis feel like a real place worth saving. Perfect for anyone who missed when superhero movies could be fun and optimistic, or anyone who thought the Donner films had the right idea but needed a modern update.
The verdict
If you've been craving a genuinely hopeful superhero movie that remembers these stories can be fun and uplifting, this is exactly the Superman comeback you've been waiting for. If you prefer your comic book films darker and grittier with more psychological complexity, Gunn's earnest optimism might feel too straightforward for your taste.
Watch with
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect for families and superhero fans
- 👫 Great date movie for comic book couples
- ⚠️ Younger kids might find some action intense
Heads up
- Superhero violence and destruction (moderate)
- Some intense action sequences (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- James Gunn
- Cast
- David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, María Gabriela de Faría
Official synopsis
Superman, a journalist in Metropolis, embarks on a journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Akira (1988)
Both feature powerful beings discovering their identity while navigating destructive abilities.
Total runtime: 2h 10m + 2h 4m = 4h 14m
