"Superman" (2025) Brings Heart, High Stakes, and Surprising Twists
[SPOILER-FILLED REVIEW]
Posted on July 27, 2025 by Neil Cole
The highly anticipated "Superman" (2025) premiered theatrically on July 12. With the film now in release for several weeks, this review offers an in-depth analysis and includes several MAJOR SPOILERS. Readers who have not yet seen the movie are advised to proceed with caution.
From the opening sequence, it's clear that this isn't just another standard superhero outing. The movie wastes no time in placing Superman (David Corenswet) at the center of an international crisis as he stops Boravia from invading Jarhanpur, immediately establishing both the scale of his power and the complexity of his choices. It's a bold start that sets up a film focused not only on action but also on the consequences of being Earth's most powerful figure.
What makes Superman stand out is how it allows Clark to be vulnerable. For the first time on screen, Superman faces an opponent he cannot immediately overcome: the Hammer of Boravia. His defeat forces him to retreat to the Fortress of Solitude, where he struggles to heal physically and emotionally. These quieter moments, especially those with Krypto - the loyal super-dog who adds both humor and heart - give the story real depth.
The Kryptonian message subplot adds an unexpected layer to the film. Initially, it seems like a touching reminder of his heritage, but once Lex Luthor's (Nicholas Hoult) team restores the missing half, the tone shifts dramatically. The revelation that Jor-El (Bradley Cooper) and Lara Lor-Van (Angela Sarafyan) anted him to conquer Earth and rebuild Krypton challenges Superman's sense of identity and purpose in a way that feels meaningful rather than contrived.
Lois Lane's (Rachel Brosnahan) role is another strong element. She isn't just a bystander or romantic partner - she's an investigative journalist who openly questions Clark's decisions, particularly his intervention in Boravia. Their conversations about morality and responsibility give the movie an emotional core that balances the larger action sequences.
Speaking of action, the film delivers plenty. The battles are visually striking and varied, from Superman's initial clashes with Ultraman to the Justice Gang - consisting of Guy Gardner / Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Michael Holt / Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), and Kendra Saunders / Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) - engaging in a chaotic fight against a massive kaiju in Metropolis. Yet even in these moments, the film doesn't lose sight of character development. Superman's insistence on trying to save the creature instead of killing it - even when others disagree - reinforces the themes of compassion and restraint.
The second half of the movie raises the stakes when public opinion turns against Superman after Luthor broadcasts the full Kryptonian message. Suddenly, the hero the world once trusted becomes a figure of suspicion. This tension adds a sense of urgency and makes Superman's internal struggle even more compelling. His eventual surrender to the U.S. government, and later his imprisonment in Luthor' s artificial pocket universe, push the character into situations we've rarely seen on screen.
The pocket universe storyline is creative and brings in Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan), whose alliance with Superman adds humor, tension, and heart. Their escape sequence - and the eventual rescue led by Lois and Mister Terrific - keeps the pace moving while deepening the themes of teamwork and trust.
The film's climax ties everything together with action, emotion, and surprising character beats. Luthor's obsession literally tears Metropolis apart as an unstable rift threatens to destroy the city. Superman's battle against Ultraman, revealed to be his own clone, is thrilling but also symbolic - he's not just fighting an enemy but confronting a darker reflection of himself. The resolution feels earned: Superman defeats Ultraman, saves the city, and still offers Luthor a chance to embrace his own humanity.
The final scenes bring the story back to its emotional roots. Lois and Jimmy clear Superman's name, his parents remind him that his choices - not his Kryptonian heritage - define him, and a brief appearance by Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock) adds humor while hinting at what's next. The closing moments, with the Fortress robots showing footage of Clark's childhood, give the film a poignant and hopeful ending.
Overall, "Superman" (2025) is a smart, action-packed, and emotionally rich take on the character. It respects the legacy while expanding it in new directions. If you're looking for a superhero movie that combines big spectacle with meaningful storytelling, this one is worth seeing - and discussing - long after you leave the theater.
×
×
English (US) · 