Director: James Gunn
Cast: David Corenswet, Rachael Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult
Rating: PG-13│Genre(s): Action, Sci-Fi │Run Time: 2h 10min
DOES JUSTICE ON SUPERMAN’S HUMANITY BUT FALLS SHORT ON CHEESY LINE DELIVERY
“Superman (2025) introduces audiences to a hero with more empathy – reflective of his upbringing by human parents.”
Superman (David Corenswet) also known as Clark Kent, is faced with a moral dilemma after discovering his original purpose of being sent to Earth does not align with his personal values of serving humanity. As his internal battle rages on, political tensions are building up between two countries as they near the brink of war.
DC’s latest installment of the popular superhero takes a unique but brilliant turn, giving the alien character more humanity. Unlike the initial installments which portrays the hero as stereotypically apathetic with exceptions of romantic feelings, Superman’s display of empathy, and accepting his shortcomings powerfully reflects the influences of earth and being raised by flawed human beings.
The impact of social media in society is utilized in building public perception of Superman. This is demonstrated through the usage of online interactions on smartphones. Lex Luther uses social media as a tool to build a fake audience against the hero thus manipulating public response stats, which even affects the news. With every rage bait, every troll response, it influences how the public can view Superman, even if it’s inaccurate.
A common shortfall in most superhero movies is line delivery during climactic scenes where the hero must declare his unwavering stance in being humanity’s protector or something similar – Superman is no different. David Corenswet gave his best but ultimately fell into the category of his predecessors – giving a cringe delivery of Superman’s defining dialogue despite it being brilliantly written:
“I’m as human as anyone; I love, I –I get scared – I wake up every morning, and despite not knowing what to do, I put one foot in front of the other and try to make the best choices I can. I screw up all the time and that is being human. And that’s my greatest strength.”
It sounded as though it came from a children’s show about self-acceptance.
Final Verdict:
However, the film’s shortfalls pale in comparison to its strengths. DC studios took a huge risk in delivering a powerful extraterrestrial superhero that embraces their humanity – something most audiences aren’t used to, which paid off.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (8/10)
Best suited for: DC fans and older teens.