Review: 🎬 Superman (2025)

Superman (2025) is a heartfelt revival of the Man of Steel, a film that honors the 1978 version while reminding us of the enduring power of hope. 

 4 out of 5

There is a certain timelessness to Superman where he is played straight, without irony or cynicism. The 2025 Superman film embraces that tradition wholeheartedly, echoing the spirit of the Christopher Reeve era with a sincerity that feels almost radical in today's landscape of brooding heroes, fractured universes and failed reboots. This is a film that believes in Superman as an ideal, the way he was originally written with hope and values to be proud of.

Clark Kent here is portrayed with a kind of naïve innocence and unwavering integrity that blinds him to danger. He walks into traps that any seasoned hero would sidestep, but the beauty of the performance is that we never doubt him. His trust in humanity, his refusal to compromise his values, is not a flaw, it is the essence of what makes him Superman. The actor inhabits this ideal with conviction, delivering a portrayal that feels true to the character and to the version of Superman we hope exists somewhere beyond the screen.

Lex Luthor, meanwhile, is brilliantly realized. The performance captures the intellect, arrogance, and menace that have always defined the character. He is not a caricature but a formidable adversary, a man whose schemes are as chilling as they are plausible. His presence sharpens the film's tension, reminding us that Superman's greatest battles are often fought not with fists but within the schemes of others.

Lois Lane is played with fire and wit, a strong and feisty character who refuses to be overshadowed by the men around her. She is not simply a love interest but a partner in truth, a journalist whose courage and sharp tongue make her indispensable to the story. Her chemistry with Clark is tortured, electric, and grounded in respect, even as the film soars into impossible depths and dangers.

What broadens the film's scope is its willingness to gesture toward a larger DC universe. Appearances from Green Lantern, Hawk Girl, Mr. Terrific, Supergirl and even Krypto the Superdog enrich the narrative without overwhelming it. These cameos undoubtedly signal promises of adventures yet to come, weaving Superman's story into a wider tapestry of heroes. Rather than distracting, they add texture, reminding us that Superman is both a singular symbol and part of a grander mythos.

The film's greatest achievement is its tone. It does not attempt to reinvent Superman but to remind us why he matters. In an age of cynicism, it dares to be earnest. It dares to believe in a hero who saves not because of trauma or vengeance, but because he cannot imagine doing otherwise. That spirit, so reminiscent of Christopher Reeve's Superman, makes this film feel like a welcome re-telling of something familiar and pure.