Superman soars in this must-see summer film
FILM REVIEW
Superman
3 1/2 out of 4 stars
Rudy Segovia
Headliner Chicago
Superman
3 1/2 out of 4 stars
Rudy Segovia
Headliner Chicago
photo courtesy of Warner Bros
One of the summer’s biggest franchises came to play --
and Superman absolutely delivers.
James Gunn’s Superman (2025) is a bold, emotionally rich reset that balances action, heart, and relevance. This new adventure brings familiar faces, timely storylines, and a reborn energy for the timeless superhero played by David Corenswet, who wears the red boots like he was born for this role.
From the moment he appears on screen, Corenswet channels the gravitas of Christopher Reeve while bringing a vulnerability all his own. His Superman is powerful, yes, but human—torn between ideals and reality in a world that doesn’t always want saving. It’s a performance that anchors the film with surprising emotional weight.
Nicholas Hoult, meanwhile, is terrifyingly effective as Lex Luthor. Cold, brilliant, and ideologically driven, he’s not just a supervillain—he’s a manipulative disruptor, battling Superman in both the public arena and the personal. It’s a career-defining turn, shedding any memory of his child actor days with Hugh Grant in About a Boy.
Highland Park’s own Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane is equally strong, a whip-smart, fearless journalist who matches Clark beat for beat. She’s not just a love interest—she’s his moral anchor and equal, helping ground the film’s more cosmic and existential themes. At times, she’s the one driving the film, and we are excited to see our hometown star become a part of this franchise.
photo courtesy of Warner Bros
Director James Gunn uses Superman’s alien heritage as a metaphor for the immigrant experience—his search for belonging and purpose plays out against themes of public trust, media scrutiny, and political manipulation. It's a Superman story tuned perfectly for our times. No spoilers on the plot, but it’s a classic Superman versus Lex Luthor adventure, with modern day twists, Easter Eggs for hardcore fans, and cameos from heroes like Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, and even Krypto the Superdog.
The visuals pop with color and energy—Metropolis is vibrant, and the action sequences are clear and story-driven. Gunn resists mindless CGI spectacle, opting instead for emotionally charged set pieces that serve the plot, with some of the best special effects we’ve seen this summer.
However, the film’s biggest stumble lies with the Daily Planet crew. Talented performers like Beck Bennett, Skyler Gisondo, and Mikaela Hoover are reduced to blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments for the most part. There’s real potential for a strong ensemble here, but they’re mostly window dressing, and wish there was time to develop more with this talented cast.
Final Verdict:
James Gunn’s Superman is not just another superhero film—it’s a deeply human story about ideals, identity, and resilience that reenergizes legacy fans as well as newcomers to the DC Universe This film redefines the Man of Steel for a new generation without losing the heart of what made him iconic. So yes--fly to the theater. This Superman is worth the trip.
The visuals pop with color and energy—Metropolis is vibrant, and the action sequences are clear and story-driven. Gunn resists mindless CGI spectacle, opting instead for emotionally charged set pieces that serve the plot, with some of the best special effects we’ve seen this summer.
However, the film’s biggest stumble lies with the Daily Planet crew. Talented performers like Beck Bennett, Skyler Gisondo, and Mikaela Hoover are reduced to blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments for the most part. There’s real potential for a strong ensemble here, but they’re mostly window dressing, and wish there was time to develop more with this talented cast.
Final Verdict:
James Gunn’s Superman is not just another superhero film—it’s a deeply human story about ideals, identity, and resilience that reenergizes legacy fans as well as newcomers to the DC Universe This film redefines the Man of Steel for a new generation without losing the heart of what made him iconic. So yes--fly to the theater. This Superman is worth the trip.
Superman
opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, July 11
opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, July 11