In a film that redefines what it means to be a hero, Superman is back, but this time even brighter and bolder than ever.

When James Gunn announced he would be directing Superman as the first chapter of DC’s cinematic rebirth, I could not have been more excited. After countless years of DC Studios operating in an identity crisis, I was not the only one who wondered whether the Man of Steel could truly fly again. Spoiler: He SOARED.

For me, Superman has always been something bigger than strength and speed; he’s courage and hope. He represents the idea that even in the darkest of times, there will always be someone willing to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. His strength is not just in his superpowers, but in the choices he makes. Superman chooses kindness over cruelty and justice over fear. The man literally saves a squirrel. That clarity of what makes Superman stand out from other heroes has been missing from recent superhero films, and is exactly what Gunn and his cast restored to the big screens.

David Corenswet’s Superman embodies this vision down to the red trunks. From his charming smile to the changes between his Clark Kent and Superman voice, Corenswet channels the best of Christopher Reeve’s iconic performance while making the role entirely his own. His Superman is not at all daunting, but a ray of hope who genuinely loves people. Corenswet’s Clark Kent does not even feel like a disguise. It feels so fresh, and you can tell that Clark is just a humble man whose presence as a journalist reminds us that truth still matters.

Rachel Brosnahan was incredible as Lois Lane. She brought wit and fire to a role that often gets overlooked by her Kryptonian partner. Much like Margot Kidder from years before her, Brosnahan’s Lois is fearless, sharp, and committed to the truth.

One element I appreciated was that Lois and Clark’s relationship was already established from the start. Their connection felt lived-in, and despite how much I love them both, we did not have to sit through yet another story of how they met or another iteration of Superman’s origin story. Instead, the movie skipped the basics and jumped right into showing us what makes their dynamic so special.

Back to the cast, Nicholas Hoult gives us a Lex Luthor that finally feels menacing. His Luthor is driven by pure evil and envy, making him a genuine threat to Corenswet’s Superman. One thing I noticed, and cannot stop thinking about, is how confident Luthor was. Unlike Gene Hackman’s Luthor from way back when, Hoult’s Lex Luthor did not need to hide his insecurities behind a toupee. He was secure in himself and knew exactly what Superman’s weaknesses were. This performance of Lex Luthor is easily the best I have seen so far.

Visually, Superman is fun, vibrant, and absolutely epic. Cinematographer Henry Braham, who faced criticism for visuals that were often chaotic and inconsistent during The Flash, now delivered a film that is outstandingly bright and colorful. For too long, specifically under the direction and vision of Zach Snyder, DC films have leaned towards muted color palettes and gloomy cities. It was refreshing to see Metropolis as a place of light. The effects are polished and breathtaking without overwhelming the story’s plot.

Without a doubt, Gunn’s most meaningful choice is allowing Superman to fail. He gets knocked down, bruised, and beaten. By showing us a Superman who struggles, doubts, and is vulnerable, we see the character’s greatest strength. Superman is not relevant because he is invincible, but because he always rises again despite setbacks.

If I had to point out one potential drawback, it is the number of characters introduced. I have to say, it felt like every part of the DC Universe made an appearance, and I can see how that would overwhelm viewers unfamiliar with the comics and past adaptations. For me, it was manageable and fun because I already had a general idea of who these characters were. Actually, I especially loved seeing a glimpse of a young Cat Grant before her CatCo days, and all the cameos were a treat. Bradley Cooper as Jor-El, John Cena back as Peacemaker, Sean Gunn as Max Lord, Will Reeve delivering the news, and even a brief introduction of the new Supergirl, Milly Alcock. To me, these appearances were not distracting, but made the DC Universe finally feel cohesive  in a way it has not before.

As a huge fan of previous Superman movies, seeing the character on the big screen for the first time was genuinely a moving experience. I laughed, I cried, and I found myself smiling like a child. This film put into perspective why Superman has mattered for generations; not as a savior, but as a reminder that hope is so reachable.

Superman (2025) is more than a reboot. It is a declaration of what the character has always stood for and what superhero movies have been missing. I feel so lucky to witness this cultural moment shaped by Gunn and his cast. They deliver the entirely radical, yet so important, message that kindness, truth, and courage are values worth believing in. For that, Superman is not just a major win for DC Studios, it is a win for all of us.