‘Superman’: What the Critics Are Saying

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Superman officially hits theaters this Friday, but the reviews are already pouring in.

The movie, helmed by DC Studios’ co-CEO James Gunn, launches the latest version of the DC Universe featuring Superman. In this iteration, David Corenswet (known for his roles in ‘Twisters’ and ‘Pearl’) steps into the title role as well as that of Clark Kent, a Daily Planet journalist. Previously, this character was portrayed by actors like Christopher Reeve, Henry Cavill, Brandon Routh, and Tyler Hoechlin.

This new DC Universe movie directed by James Gunn from DC Studios introduces Superman. In it, David Corenswet plays both the superhero and Clark Kent, a Daily Planet reporter. Previously, this character was played by several actors including Christopher Reeve, Henry Cavill, Brandon Routh, and Tyler Hoechlin.

As a fervent admirer, I’d like to highlight an intriguing cast development: Rachel Brosnahan, known for her roles in ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’ and ‘House of Cards’, will be bringing my beloved character Lois Lane to life. On the other hand, Nicholas Hoult, recognized from ‘Nosferatu’ and ‘Juror #2’, is set to embody the menacing Lex Luthor.

During the Los Angeles premiere of the movie on Monday, Gunn expressed his intentions for depicting a unique take on this particular superhero.

Gunn expressed a desire to depict Superman in an expansive DC universe, a fantastical realm reminiscent of comic books. He wanted to introduce this setting as he had experienced it growing up – with Superman, super-powered companions, colossal robots, Kaiju, and more. However, his goal was not only to bring that to life but also delve deeper into Superman’s character. He aimed to explore his personality, understand his relationship with Lois, examine his beliefs, uncover his strengths, and reveal his weaknesses.

On Wednesdays, Superman‘s movie currently holds a 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Here’s a glimpse into what film critics have to say about it.

In his review for The Hollywood Reporter, the chief film critic David Rooney commends the acting skills of both David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan. He finds that Corenswet delivers a remarkable portrayal of Superman/Clark Kent, filled with self-aware irony, charisma, and touching vulnerability as he grapples with questions about whether his mission to help humanity is founded on deceit. Rooney also appreciates the playful, feisty chemistry between Corenswet’s character and Brosnahan’s Lois Lane, which he considers one of the sharpest and most captivating interpretations of the Daily Planet reporter since Margot Kidder. According to him, every scene featuring these two characters is a joy to watch. As for the movie as a whole, Rooney states that Gunn’s Superman can be overwhelming at times and may even become confusing, but it remains consistently entertaining. He suggests that one of its greatest assets is its ability to avoid the revisionist darkness that has characterized superheroes on screen in recent years, instead returning to a magical sense of childlike wonder.

In her review for the New York Times, film critic Alissa Wilkinson praises director James Gunn’s unique interpretation of the Superman legend as an engaging and even charming tale that won over a typically superhero-fatigued critic. She describes it as a heartfelt yet humorous movie with clever twists on the classic mythology and timely comedic relief provided by new characters. Later in her review, Wilkinson highlights Rachel Brosnahan’s portrayal of Lois Lane, who is self-reliant, unflappable in high-pressure situations, and skilled at interrogating sources, making this version of Superman feel more grounded in reality.

The senior editor at Collider, Ross Bonaime, penned that “Superman” is a remarkable achievement, a movie that breathes new life into the Man of Steel in an extraordinary way, offering a fresh perspective on the hero that is sharp, intelligent, and captivating. Gunn skillfully honors the past while also carving out a distinct path for this universe’s future, creating an origin story for the DCU that leaves viewers eager to discover where this world is headed next. It’s not often that superhero films evoke a sense of wonder and remind us of the beauty these movies can possess when done right. However, Gunn has injected optimism, hope, and compassion back into Superman. As a result, it stands out as one of the best DC films in recent years and one of the standout movies of the summer. This cinematic universe shows promise, and Gunn could be the guiding light for where the DCU might take us.

USA Today’s film critic Brian Truitt expressed that “Gunn infuses his Superman with a generous amount of action, from the title character’s thrilling flight sequences to Superman engaging in combat with a colossal kaiju. However, it’s the heartwarming qualities of the movie and Superman himself that truly endear us – he approaches every challenge with compassion and authenticity.” In his review, Truitt added, “It’s worth noting that there are no discordant notes or unnecessary efforts in crafting this refreshed DC universe, setting it apart from the gloomy previous DCU and the witty, polished Marvel films. Compared to Gunn’s Guardians movies, or even his DC projects The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, Superman is more traditional. Yet, Gunn successfully transfers the unconventional, eccentric fun from those films into this movie. Although Gunn doesn’t overemphasize political undertones, messages, or characters, he effectively communicates that kindness should be our everyday superpower.

In her critique, Sophie Butcher from Empire found issues with the script. She praised Tyler Hoechlin’s portrayal of Luther, noting his delivery of witty quips, intense outbursts, and moments of genuine emotion. However, she pointed out that Luthor is not fully fleshed out in the writing. He appears as a one-dimensional abusive sociopath who hates Superman for no other reason than spite, and engages in dangerous science that could potentially destroy the world. The Superman character, on the other hand, comes close to being the ideal hero, reminiscent of the version portrayed by Richard Donner and Christopher Reeve. Yet, some awkward dialogue and a slightly arrogant demeanor prevent him from fully living up to expectations.

In his review, Associated Press’ film critic and writer Jake Coyle stated that “The mileage on Gunn’s unique style may differ for some viewers. He has a knack for being both outrageous and endearing at the same time. In an unexpected move, he might place a donut in a conversation between metahumans, or transition from a character falling through the air to an Alka-Seltzer tablet dissolving in water. To some, these moments may seem flippant, which is not entirely untrue of Gunn’s work. However, I would argue that they make this somewhat flawed ‘Superman’ movie something quite extraordinary in today’s superhero film industry: relatable and human.

As a gaming enthusiast diving headfirst into the world of “Superman,” I wholeheartedly concur with Tom Jorgensen’s review. This film offers an enthralling, emotionally resonant reboot for the Steel Man, laying a solid foundation for the DC universe on the silver screen. David Corenswet portrays Superman with authenticity and kindness, while Nicholas Hoult brings a delightfully egocentric Lex Luthor to life, creating an ideal contrast. By minute two, I found myself ready to sacrifice a thousand Kryptons just to safeguard our beloved canine sidekick, Krypto the Superdog. Director James Gunn, a seasoned DCU mastermind, presents us with an action-packed extravaganza, relying on our years of superhero movie-watching experience to navigate any narrative shortcuts he’s taken in favor of maintaining a fast pace and maximizing fun. Despite its denseness and occasional overpowering nature, this adventure feels fitting for the present moment.

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2025-07-10 00:25