Superman (2025), PG-13, 2 hr 9 min
Critical Review
The new Superman movie is a great throwback to the Christopher Reeve days, bringing back that classic, hopeful vibe that made Superman so inspiring. It’s a nice break from the darker, more serious versions we’ve seen lately. This one reminds us why Superman stands for truth and justice.
One cool thing about this movie is how it shows Superman as more human. He’s still pretty new to being a hero—only about three years in—so he has doubts and struggles figuring things out. That makes him feel real and relatable. Even with those challenges, he rises to the occasion, which makes his victories feel well-earned.
The movie nails Superman’s kindness and the way he tries to balance his huge powers with humility and compassion. The visuals are bright and fun without feeling outdated, and the story focuses on character as much as action.
My biggest disappointment was how they portrayed Superman’s Kryptonian parents, Jor-El and Lara. In past versions, they’ve always been shown as kind, loving, and hoping he would use his gifts to help the world. But in this movie, they send him to Earth with a message—revealed later—that he should rule as a benevolent dictator. That’s a big change from the Superman I know and love. Thankfully, Superman rejects that and stays the protector and helper of Earth.
The movie doesn’t do justice to Jonathan and Martha Kent, either. They were the kindly Kansas couple who adopted Kal-El when he landed on Earth. In the movie, they come off as country bumpkins, which feels like a miss. In the comics and earlier movies, they’re the heart of Superman’s humanity—teaching him to love life and stay positive. Their role in the movie should have been stronger.
Another flop is how they handle Supergirl. Instead of showing her as a serious hero who cares about people like Superman, she’s portrayed more like a party girl. That’s a bummer because it takes away from her power and importance.
Lex Luthor is mostly great, though. The actor plays him perfectly—smart, arrogant, dangerous—but he looks too young to be the same age as Superman, which is a little distracting.
Overall, the movie leans on nostalgia a bit too much and some side characters could’ve been better developed. But it’s a solid, fun movie that honors the classic Superman and brings a fresh, hopeful energy.
Family Friendliness
The movie is rated PG-13 for violence, action, and some strong language. There are some intense fight scenes and monster battles, plus a few mild swear words. There’s also some adult content like kissing between Lois Lane and Superman. It’s best for older kids and teens—parents should decide if it’s right for their younger kids.
My Rating: 8 out of 10
Other Critics Ratings
Dove Foundation: 4/5
IMDb: 7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 74%
Metacritic: 68/100
Comments
Post a Comment