“Superman” (2025), released July 8, was directed and written by James Gunn, head of the new DC studios. “Superman” is the first movie of the latest DC Universe (DCU), kickstarting the new cinematic universe. “Superman” was the perfect start to the universe, introducing a vast number of ideas and characters. The movie starred David Corenswet as Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. It was clear that each actor did their research, and they all truly embodied their respective characters. “Superman” got an IMDb rating of 7.5/10, and an 83% on the Rotten Tomatoes “Tomatometer.”
Spoiler-Free Review:
In my opinion, “Superman” is the greatest solo superhero movie of all time behind “The Batman.” Before watching the film, I was never a Superman fan. I thought the Man of Steel was just a bland and generic character. This movie made me realize the utter excellence and influence of Superman. He is an idea that makes us all hope for a better tomorrow. The Man of Steel represents hope, peace, justice, kindness and doing what is right. When I walked out of the theater after watching Gunn’s “Superman” for the first time, I wanted to be a better person. I wanted to help people and make tomorrow a brighter day. This is what Superman really represents. Gunn’s writing, combined with Corenswet’s ability to embody what Superman represents on the big screen, truly created the perfect Superman movie. The movie was so good that when I left the theater after watching Superman for the first time, the first thing I did was buy a ticket to see it again the next day. I also saw it again a month later.
The movie also had several cameos throughout it. Mainly, the new “Justice Gang” was introduced; The gang consisted of Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and, at the end of the movie, Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan) joined. The interactions between these characters and Superman were both touching and hilarious, providing a great dynamic. This new Justice Gang, which is funded by billionaire Maxwell Lord (Sean Gunn), also provides the foundation for the “Justice League,” the league of superheroes featured in most of the comics.
Comic Book Inspiration
The movie follows a Superman representing hope and protection. Corenswet’s Man of Tomorrow in the film takes inspiration from several comics, but the most obvious comic influence is Grant Morrison’s “All-Star Superman” run. Corenswet’s rendition perfectly embodies All-Star Superman, shown by how the movie made a point of showing him saving several people individually during fights. “Superman” is certainly the most comic accurate version of the Man of Steel on the big screen since Christopher Reeve’s iconic performances in the red and blue suit.
Relation to Current Events
“Superman” features two fictional countries, “Jarhanpur” and “Boravia.” These two countries are a main part of the plot, but on the surface, Boravia wants to invade Jarhanpur to free it from malicious rule. It is apparent that the Jarhanpur-Boravia war is an allegory to the Israel-Palestine conflict going on right now. Boravia could be said to represent Israel, and Jarhanpur represents Palestine in the film. Even in light of this, people who are sensitive about this conflict should have no trouble watching the movie. The movie does not t pick a side, as both countries are entirely fictional and their actions are heavily exaggerated for entertainment.
Although the conflict in the movie shares similarities to the current conflicts in the Middle East, Gunn has completely denied the connection.
“When I wrote this, the Middle Eastern conflict wasn’t happening. So I tried to do little things to move it away from that, but it doesn’t have anything to do with the Middle East,” Gunn said.
With this, it is easy to understand that the movie is not a commentary on current events, and it does not take a side. However, unintended messages are still messages. The movie was not a direct commentary on the war, but it shared ideas that hold serious weight in real-life conversations about the Israel-Palestine conflict. The point is, interpret it how you want.
