I have enjoyed all iterations of Superman from Christopher Reeve to Henry Cavill. Everybody that's portrayed him has brought a memorable performance that helps to define and, in some cases, redefine what this character is all about helping the character to evolve, while also preserving the core values of what makes Superman timeless. However, it's the outstanding performance of David Corenswet that makes you believe he IS Superman. Corenswet's Superman is inherently good to his core. He portrays a truly humanistic approach that grounds the character, while also portraying his Kryptonian nature simultaneously. He is strong and vulnerable at the same time allowing the audience to connect with him in a completely authentic manner. Corenswet's Superman is a definitive babyface (pro-wrestling terminology for good guy). He cares about everybody and everything around him. He legitimately wants to make the world a better place. He may have come from Krypton and is undoubtedly, the most powerful being in this world, but it's who he is at his core that makes him as likable as he is. He identifies with his humanity. Connecting with people of multiple cultures, races and walks of life makes him the hero we all want and need. His speech in the third act about humanity shows how much he cares, and how much he's evolved over the course of the whole movie. Corenswet not only physically resembles what Superman looks like, but he fully embraces the ideologies of what makes Superman whole! Corenswet is the Superman we want and need, and he absolutely delivered in every aspect of what makes Superman the character we root for every time we flip through a comic or watch him in some form of media, be it movies or television.
One of the best aspects of the movie is Superman's connection with Lois Lane. It's always been an important element to anything Superman related, and in this movie, you feel that emotional connection through the screen. Rachel Brosnahan is remarkable as Lois. She's inquisitive, intelligent and the one that always helps to ground Superman and balance him out, allowing his humanity to come through as Clark Kent. She's fearless in many ways here as well, utilizing her journalistic integrity and overall infallible efforts to gain the real stories of what's going on, protecting the good and innocent of the world, much like Clark, but in her own way. Lois just has a style of getting things done, and Brosnahan makes her an absolute bad ass at every corner of this movie. I'd like to say I'm somebody that likes a lot of sugar in my coffee as well as a side note. The sweetness drowns out the bitterness so well, and the symbolism of that is seen through every effort of exposing the true monsters and enemies that threaten us. Superman is the sugar, while the world around us is the bitter. Helping the world to realize that Superman is inherently good and the one that can protect us from all the bad is the mission. Lois is a hero in her own right, even if she doesn't have super powers and that was exemplified brilliantly by Brosnahan. Her chemistry with Corenswet was impeccable, and, through their performances I felt their believability as a couple. It's one of the best Clark Kent/Lois Lane relationship stories you'll find.
Every great hero needs a perfect villain. For Superman, that villain has always been Lex Luthor. From Gene Hackman to my personal favorite, Michael Rosenbaum, every one of these actors has brought an imposing presence that threatens the security of the world, and a looming darkness hoping to blot out the hope and light of the world. While all of these performances are impressive, it's Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor that is the best villainous performance I've seen. I've been a fan of Hoult's work since Skins, and while some may have been hesitant on his casting, I was excited, because I know Hoult can tap into a great villainous persona. Without a doubt, Hoult's Luthor is one of, if not, the greatest heels (pro-wrestling terminology for bad guy) in comic book movie history. He's the definitive opposite of everything Superman is. He's manipulative, cruel, cunning, domineering and displays arrogance in such a vindictive and dangerous manner. He doesn't care about anybody or anything. It's Hoult's performance as Luthor that allows Corenswet's Superman to become even more likable as an overall character. The immense hatred, envy and overall greed that Hoult's Luthor projects makes him such a detestable figure. While we absolutely loathe him, we also have to recognize Hoult's august presence in every frame he's in. His cerebral approach to everything makes him one of the biggest threats in the history of comic book movies. His stranglehold over everything has him controlling the geo-political landscape, Metropolis and every single person at his disposal. His blind hatred for Superman illuminates his true thoughts about humanity, and his actions show just how much of a grandiose despot he is. Hoult's scenes with Corenswet demonstrate the perfect symbiosis between the yin and yang of their rivalry through the years. The true balance between good and evil is captured through their words, their actions and their core personality traits. Hoult's Luthor is what a movie villain is supposed to be. You're supposed to root against the bad guy, and, in this case Hoult makes sure we do, and it's almost effortless at how good he is at making Luthor the biggest villain you'll ever find.
This movie does a great job of opening up the new era of DC as a whole through Mr. Terrific (standout performance by Edi Gathegi coming across as one of the coolest characters ever), Hawkgirl (a mysterious character who is actually one of the biggest difference makers in the entire movie portrayed by the awesome Isabela Merced, who fits so well into a comic book movie universe), and Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion's arrogant, yet comedic approach may not have been overall heroic to it's core, but he understands the importance of protecting humanity). Allowing different characters from DC Comics shows there is a vision and focus for this new era, which has me excited. I loved the previous iteration of the DCEU a great deal, but it's always a good idea to give a jolt to freshen things up, and these new characters and approach should be great to watch unfold.
Speaking of comic books, this movie feels like the action sequences are lifted straight out of the pages with vibrant colors and impressive visuals. The battle sequences are gritty, while also showcasing astounding metahuman power. The use of color helps each scene pop out of the screen for the audience to become fully immersed in everything going on. The visuals of the Fortress of Solitude, the Daily Planet and the impressive presentation of the pocket universes are all fantastic, and the scenes in each of these settings allows the story and characters to develop vividly throughout the movie. The soundtrack is absolutely astonishing throughout this movie, especially when utilized during these stunning action scenes. The soundtrack becomes a living, breathing heartbeat of the movie, which brings the emotional aspects out even more. This is most evident watching Clark reconnect with the catharsis of who he is at his core and using that to rise above and defeat the diabolical obstacles in front of him.
Through impressive performances led by David Corenswet's magnificent performance as Superman/Clark Kent, meticulous storytelling, grandiose characters, brilliant character development, wondrous world building, somehow helping people understand the true essence of what punk rock is, a scintillating soundtrack, exciting action, and of course, Krypto, Superman 2025 marks the beginning of a new, exciting era for DC. For me, it's one of the best movies of 2025, and without a doubt, one of the greatest comic book movies ever made. James Gunn delivered on all levels for the audience, and I feel we're in for a wild ride that should be exhilarating for audiences both young and old to appreciate.
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