Superman

Review

The opening text makes it clear we’re not watching the start of Superman again, which I appreciated because I’ve seen it enough. Instead, the film focuses on the early years of being the hero after he’s already stepped into the role — and already taken his first real ass-kicking about three minutes in.

We also get the dog — more like pup — and his lair is already set up and ready to run. The authentic feel hits immediately. The colors, sets, and costume design all feel natural, not forced or overdesigned. The DP and the colorist did their jobs and did them right.

One thing that felt off early on were the robots that handle the medical side and act almost like butlers. That leaned more toward something you’d expect in a Batman movie than a Superman one. Superman’s healing is usually about time and soaking up sunlight. That idea is still there, but the presentation felt more Batman-style to me.

Characters & Story

The story keeps Superman front and center as he tries to find balance in a world with too many opinions on right and wrong — not just as a hero, but morally and emotionally. He’s trying to find middle ground so people can coexist in a functioning society.

Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, is one of the strongest parts of the film. There are moments where you can understand his logic. Superman is an alien, and from a human perspective, maybe he is a potential threat. That moral tension makes Lex more interesting even before he crosses clear lines.

Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion) was simply not the right Green Lantern for this story. His behavior undermines Superman rather than strengthening him. This story needed a Green Lantern who could stand beside Superman with restraint and clarity, not ego and constant humor.

Behind the Camera

The opening shot of Superman crashing into the snow was beautiful. Landscape shots paired with warm sunrise yellows and cool blues wrapping around nearly 360 degrees stood out immediately. Strong leading lines guide your attention exactly where it needs to go, and the composition stays solid from start to finish.

James Gunn leaned on handheld camera work, but it’s clear stabilization rigs were used heavily. The camera stays smooth and controlled. Nothing felt disorienting or distracting, which is exactly what we want for a film like this.

Robot 4 — also known as Gary — wasn’t fully CGI. A physical suit and performer were used on set, with CGI layered on afterward to enhance detail. The restraint and movement came from a human performance, which helped the quieter Fortress of Solitude moments land.

Lighting & Color

Lighting and color are some of the film’s strongest elements. Darker emotional moments lean into blues and muted tones, while hopeful scenes use warmer, brighter colors.

In Lex Luthor’s lair, sunlight feels almost blinding. It borders on overdone but feels intentional — a reminder that no matter how powerful Lex believes he is, Superman will always overshadow him.

A great example of contrast is the apartment scene between Superman and Lois while the Justice Gang fights a brightly colored monster in the background. The foreground stays grounded, letting the contrast do the work.

“Oh Sh*t” Moments (Spoiler-Light)

Finding out who Jimmy’s source really was caught me completely off guard. I assumed she was just a dumb young gold digger. Turns out she was smart — and Lex Luthor’s Achilles’ heel.

Another major moment was Lex playing Russian roulette to force Superman to talk. When the bullet fired, Lex was shocked and irritated because now he had to find another victim. That scene made it clear he’d crossed the point of no return.

Themes & Meaning

The film’s central theme is not trusting things at face value. Media is portrayed as quick to judge and careless about the damage it causes.

It pushes ideas about treating people as humans first, questioning narratives, and trying to do the right thing even when it’s difficult.

Verdict

Final Thoughts

Overall, I enjoyed Superman (2025). I didn’t go in with huge expectations, and I ended up enjoying my time in Metropolis.

David Corenswet did good as Superman. Comparisons to Henry Cavill were inevitable, but this version feels more grounded in comic-book source material, and that worked for this universe. I will alwyas prefer Henry Cavil and Zack Snyders Superman. It was mor my style.

Superman represents what we all want to be — uncorruptible, strong, caring, and always trying to do the right thing — even when it’s hard.

Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor was fantastic. In my opinion, he’s the best Lex Luthor we’ve gotten in a Superman film. You can see the logic behind his thinking even when he goes too far.

Isabella Merced as Hawkgirl stood out immediately. She was stricking on screen. She was hot and I’d love to see a standalone movie with her in the role. DC — don’t change the casting. She looks grat and feels right for the role.

My biggest issue is the overuse of comedic relief. Most of it should have stayed with the super dog. Those moments always worked.

If you haven’t seen it, go watch it. Don’t let online chatter scare you away, and stop comparing it to Zack Snyder’s Superman. Different takes can coexist.

What Worked

• Colors and lighting
• Strong cast performances
• Lex Luthor as a real villain

What Didn’t

• Too much comedic relief
• Some emotional moments undercut by humor
• Green Lantern’s portrayal

Audience Feedback

I’d love to hear your feedback and thoughts. Email me at daniel@nobodycritics.com.