Whenever a superhero movie really excites me, I make sure I catch it on day one. I did that with Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man, the entire Avengers quadrilogy, Deadpool & Wolverine, and now Superman (2025) by James Gunn. Every single one of those films ended up being a massive success, and I’m genuinely hoping the same for this one. Why? Because this movie didn’t just give Superman a new face, it pulled superhero movies out of the burnout phase they’ve been stuck in. And, thankfully, that revival happened right in DC’s own backyard.

Let’s talk David Corenswet. Every actor who’s worn the cape brought something distinct to the role: Reeves was stoic and iconic, Routh was respectful and soft-spoken, Cavill had gravitas and power, and Hoechlin was warm and charming.

But Corenswet? He’s something else entirely. His Superman feels human. Grounded. There’s a quiet emotional core in his performance that radiates not just hope, but empathy. And when the film hints at flashes of Injustice Superman, those tiny moments when his anger almost takes over, it’s chilling in the best way. He doesn’t need to shout or punch his way through a scene to make you feel the stakes. He just is. And that makes all the difference.

Then there’s Krypto. Krypto doesn’t just add comic relief; he’s part of what humanizes Superman even more. Seeing how Clark cares for Krypto deepens his emotional layers. It’s a touch that sounds silly on paper, but on screen, it works like magic.

What James Gunn pulled off with this movie is impressive. Since 2013, Superman has mostly been portrayed through a gritty, grounded lens. That’s fine—it had its time. But Gunn’s Superman is unapologetically comic-booky. The colors pop. Metahumans are everywhere. Giant monsters roam city blocks like it’s a Tuesday. The whole world is vibrant, exaggerated, and strangely believable because of how committed the film is to its tone.

Yet despite the comic-book visuals, this isn’t a hollow spectacle. There are real emotional stakes here, especially when it comes to identity, parenthood, and the burden of being different. Superman, in this version, isn’t just fighting villains, he’s navigating the meaning of legacy. What does it mean to be a hero raised by two worlds? How much of our purpose comes from the people who raised us, and how much do we have to figure out on our own?

There’s a particularly striking theme in the movie about parental guidance and its limitations. Superman’s Kryptonian parents had hopes and intentions for him, but they weren’t spelled out. His Earth parents did their best, but even they couldn’t map out every step. The film argues that even the best intentions can’t replace self-discovery. And when that self-discovery is backed by powers that could flatten a city? It hits differently.

James Gunn said in a recent interview that he wanted Superman to exude optimism, not a hollow, blind cheerfulness, but real, hard-earned optimism. The kind that’s tested. And you can feel that in every scene. This version of Superman doesn’t just inspire; he struggles. He questions. He fails. But he chooses to believe anyway. That’s the kind of Superman we need right now.

And visually? This movie is stunning. The cinematography feels like it was ripped from the pages of a vintage DC comic. There are frames where Superman’s logo is center-stage mid-battle, or Lex Luthor’s sinister smirk gets a full dramatic zoom. It’s aura-farming in the best way.

The action scenes? Next level. The camera doesn’t just follow the fights; it dances with them. When Superman flies, the camera swoops and soars like it’s riding shotgun. Explosions, crumbling buildings, heat vision strikes, it all unfolds in such a fluid, immersive way that you feel like you’re in the scene, not just watching it.

One of my favorite scenes has Superman soaring through golden sunlight, Lois Lane in his arms. It’s not just romantic. It’s iconic. That shot alone felt like a comic panel brought to life, and I don’t say that lightly. There’s a warmth to the lighting, a deliberate glow that makes the movie feel like comfort food for anyone who’s ever loved superhero stories.

Now let’s talk casting. James Gunn didn’t just get the casting right; he nailed it with laser precision. Corenswet, as I mentioned, was born for this role. But Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner? That was pure chaotic brilliance. Loud, egotistical, emotionally reckless, he’s the perfect contrast to Superman’s calm. And yes, the bowl cut makes it to the screen, and somehow, it works. Every performance feels like the character stepped straight out of the comics. It’s clear that this wasn’t just casting for the sake of names, this was casting with love.

So, is Superman (2025) worth watching? Absolutely.

The film is a reset, a refresh, a reminder of why we fell in love with superheroes in the first place. It’s bold enough to be different, smart enough to be emotional, and fun enough to not take itself too seriously. It’s got action, heart, a flying super-dog, and a Superman who finally feels like he’s from Earth… and beyond.

If your idea of Superman is locked into a specific actor or era, maybe it’s time to ask yourself: are you a fan of Superman, or just a fan of that Superman? Because what Gunn and Corenswet bring to the table here deserves a chance to shine.

Look up. It’s time to believe again.