Superman, 2025, PG-13, 2 hr 9 min

Superman

Runtime: 129 minutes

Age Rating: PG-13

Release Date: July 11, 2025

Studio: DC Studios

Franchise: DC Universe (DCU)

Franchise Position: 1

"Look up."

Ratings:

My Rating: 7.5/10

The Dove Foundation: PG

IMDb: 7.4/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 83% (Critics), 91% (Audience)

Metacritic: 64/100

Plot Summary:

Superman (2025) follows Clark Kent (David Corenswet), a reporter in Metropolis, as he grapples with his Kryptonian heritage and his role as Earth's protector. When tech billionaire Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) manipulates global conflicts to undermine Superman's reputation, Clark must restore public trust with the help of Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and his loyal companion, Krypto the Superdog. The film explores themes of identity, justice, and the challenges of heroism in a complex world.

Personal 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 The visuals are bright and fun without feeling outdated, and the story focuses on character as much as action.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.

Critics Review:

The film has been praised for its optimistic tone and strong performances, particularly from Corenswet and Brosnahan. Critics have noted the film's blend of humor and heart, successfully reintroducing Superman as a symbol of hope. However, some reviews mention that the narrative occasionally feels overstuffed, with too many characters and subplots competing for attention.

Christian Perspective:

Superman embodies virtues such as truth, justice, and compassion, aligning with Christian values. The character's commitment to doing what is right, even when faced with public scrutiny, reflects a Christ-like dedication to moral integrity. The film's emphasis on redemption and standing up for the oppressed resonates with Christian teachings.

Family Friendliness:

Rated PG-13 for action sequences and thematic elements, the film is suitable for older children and adults. It promotes positive messages about responsibility, empathy, and the importance of standing up for what's right. The inclusion of Krypto adds a lighthearted touch, making it an enjoyable watch for families.

Notable Songs:

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