Spoiler-Free Superman Review: Corenswet Shines as the Man of Steel
CinemaBums was honored to attend an early screening of DC’s newest installment, Superman. Read our spoiler-free review below.
James Gunn’s Superman (2025) soars as a vibrant, heartfelt love letter to the Man of Steel, delivering on Gunn’s promise of a hopeful, optimistic hero who embodies the best of humanity. From its opening frames, the film feels like a comic book ripped straight from the pages of DC, bursting with color and adding to the nostalgic value of a more old-fashioned Clark Kent. Anchored by stellar performances from David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, this film reintroduces the iconic hero in a way that feels both fresh and timeless.
The film kicks off with a brisk first act, as director James Gunn opts to bypass the familiar beats of Superman’s origin story. Drawing inspiration from films like The Batman (2022) and Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), the film introduces Clark Kent as an established hero, trusting audiences to be familiar with his Kryptonian heritage. This choice immerses viewers in a vibrant, lived-in world where Superman is a beloved figure navigating fresh challenges and relationships. By skipping the oft-repeated origin, Gunn carves out room for a dynamic, engaging plot, though it occasionally feels cluttered due to its ambitious scope.
James Gunn’s vision shines most vividly in his portrayal of Superman as a beacon of hope. David Corenswet’s Clark Kent/Superman is earnest, compassionate, and steadfastly virtuous, striking an amazing balance between godlike power and human vulnerability. His performance captures the essence of a Superman who inspires through kindness and resolve rather than fear or dominance. Whether saving a citizen or sharing a moment with Lois, Corenswet’s Superman exudes warmth and conviction. While some fans may favor Henry Cavill’s darker version of Superman in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (2013), Corenswet delivers the most “pure-hearted” version of the hero since Christopher Reeve’s iconic original portrayal.
Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is captivating, infusing the role with sharp intelligence, quick wit, and profound emotional depth. Her chemistry with David Corenswet’s Superman sparks with authenticity, anchoring the film’s fantastical elements in a relationship that feels genuine and lived-in. Their dynamic elevates every shared scene, making their romance a vital heartbeat of the story. Meanwhile, Nicholas Hoult delivers a standout performance as Lex Luthor, portraying a charismatic, calculating genius whose vendetta against Superman feels deeply personal and compelling. Hoult’s magnetic presence transforms Lex into a formidable foil, challenging Superman’s ideals while maintaining a delicate balance that never overshadows the hero’s radiance.
The film’s comic-book aesthetic is a triumph of style and substance. Gunn, known for his bold visual flair, infuses every frame with vibrant colors, dynamic action, and a sense of wonder that feels ripped from the panels of classic Superman comics. From Metropolis’s gleaming skyscrapers to the cosmic scope of its action sequences, the film captures the larger-than-life spirit of the source material while remaining accessible to newcomers. The score, visuals, and pacing all work in harmony to create a cinematic experience that feels like flipping through a graphic novel come to life.
While the film isn’t without flaws—some supporting characters could use more development, there are brief moments of poor special effects, and the pacing occasionally stumbles under the weight of its ambitious world-building—it’s a success that fans will be happy with. Superman is a bold, hopeful, and thoroughly entertaining reinvention that honors the character’s legacy. James Gunn has delivered not just a great Superman movie but a promising start to the DCU. This is a film that flies high and leaves you believing a man can not only fly but inspire us all to be better.