What’s It About

Follows the titular superhero as he reconciles his heritage with his human upbringing. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the human way in a world that views this as old-fashioned.

MOVIESinMO REVIEW

James Gunn’s new Superman movie dropped at the perfect time. As a Black critic watching this film in 2025, I can’t ignore how it speaks directly to what’s happening in America right now. With the current administration rolling back civil rights and targeting communities of color, this isn’t just another superhero movie. It’s a mirror showing us exactly where we are as a country. The film starts with something we rarely see – Superman getting his butt kicked. David Corenswet’s Clark Kent opens the story bloodied and beaten, which feels right for these times. When you’re fighting for what’s right in today’s world, you’re going to take some hits. Gunn skips the typical origin story and throws us right into the action, trusting that we already know who Superman is and what he stands for. What makes this version special is how it treats Superman as an immigrant story. When Clark intervenes to stop the fictional nation of Boravia from invading Jarhanpuria, using American weapons sold by Lex Luthor’s company, the backlash feels painfully familiar. Here’s an outsider trying to do good, but because he won’t stay in his lane and follow orders, suddenly he’s seen as dangerous. Sound familiar? That’s the immigrant experience in America – you’re welcome when you’re serving others, but the moment you show agency or speak up against injustice, you become a threat. The film’s portrayal of media manipulation hits hard, too. Lex Luthor, played brilliantly by Nicholas Hoult, uses social media armies to turn public opinion against Superman. People who once cheered for the hero now call him an “alien” who doesn’t belong. The word choice isn’t accidental – “alien” carries the same weight as calling someone an “outsider” or “foreigner.” It’s the same language used against immigrants, Muslims, and anyone who doesn’t fit the narrow definition of “real American.” Hoult’s Lex Luthor is the best villain the character has ever had on screen. He’s not just a mad scientist – he’s a tech billionaire who uses his wealth and government connections to push his agenda. He runs private prisons, manipulates media narratives, and even talks about taking over invaded territories to build his own paradise. The parallels to real-world figures are impossible to miss. When Luthor talks about the danger of “alien genes” spreading, it’s white supremacist rhetoric dressed up in sci-fi language. The supporting characters feel real and grounded. Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is a journalist who actually does her job – she investigates, asks tough questions, and holds people accountable. In a world where the media often serves corporate interests, seeing the Daily Planet portrayed as a place where truth matters feels almost revolutionary. Perry White actually discusses stories with his reporters and checks sources. Imagine that. Corenswet brings a boyish charm to Superman that works well against Brosnahan’s tougher, more skeptical Lois. Their chemistry develops naturally through conversations about journalism ethics and their shared commitment to helping people. The romance doesn’t feel forced – it grows from mutual respect and shared values. The film’s politics aren’t subtle, and they shouldn’t be. When Superman stops a highly militarized nation from invading its neighbor, we’re clearly looking at real-world conflicts. The invaded country’s people are dark-skinned and living in conditions that look like refugee camps. The message is clear – Superman stands with the oppressed, not the oppressors, regardless of political alliances. What frustrated me is how the film doesn’t dig deeper into these themes. Gunn raises important questions about immigration, media manipulation, and corporate power, but he doesn’t explore them fully. It’s like posting a meaningful quote on social media without doing the real work needed for change. The movie knows it’s a comic book film first, and sometimes that limits how far it’s willing to push its political commentary. The action sequences are solid, especially one featuring Mr. Terrific that’s perfectly synced to the soundtrack. The Justice Gang members – Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, and Mr. Terrific – each get moments to shine without feeling like advertisements for future movies. Even Jimmy Olsen gets actual character development instead of just being comic relief. And then there’s Krypto, the superdog, who steals every scene he’s in. The CGI dog has personality and energy that never become annoying. He’s playful and disobedient in the best way, bringing lightness to heavy moments. This Superman feels vulnerable in ways we haven’t seen before. He thanks machines for their service, cares about monsters attacking the city, and genuinely grieves when strangers die. He’s not the invincible god we’re used to – he’s someone trying to do right in a world that punishes kindness. For viewers who see this film as “too woke,” I have to ask – what exactly bothers you? Is it Superman caring about all life, including the smallest creatures? Is it his refusal to let children be murdered in wars? Or is it that he sees value in everyone, regardless of where they come from? The film’s visual style captures the feel of classic DC comics with its color palette and lighting. Gunn and cinematographer Henry Braham create images that look like comic book panels come to life. The movie respects its source material while updating it for modern audiences. Superman works because it understands that being a hero isn’t about having powers – it’s about choosing to help others even when it’s difficult. In times when empathy is seen as weakness and compassion is called naive, this Superman reminds us that caring about humanity is the most powerful thing we can do. The film isn’t perfect. It plays things safe when it could push harder on its social commentary. But as summer entertainment that also has something meaningful to say, it succeeds. This Superman gives us hope that heroes can still make a difference, even when the world seems determined to tear them down. In 2025, we need heroes who stand up for the vulnerable, who fight against injustice, and who refuse to be silent when people are suffering. This Superman does all of that. Maybe that’s why some people find him threatening – real heroes always make the powerful uncomfortable.

OUR RATING – A HEROIC 8

MEDIA

• Genre – Action
• Street date
• Digital –July 15, 2025
• 4K/Blu-Ray/DVD – September 23, 2025
• Video – 1080p
• Screen size – 1.90:1
• Sound – English: Dolby Atmos, English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1, English: Dolby Digital 5.1, French: Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1, Audio descriptive
• Subtitles – English, English SDH, Spanish

Extras

• DOLBY VISION/HDR PRESENTATION OF THE FILM
• DOLBY ATMOS AUDIO TRACK
• Krypto Saves the Day!: School Bus Scuffle – (5:32)
• Adventures in Making Superman Featurette (60:00)
• Icons Forever: Superman’s Enduring Legacy – Featurette (6:05)
• Lex Luthor: The Mind of a Master Villain – Featurette (5:18)
• Kryptunes: The Music of Superman – Featurette (6:31)
• Paws to Pixels: Krypto is Born – Featurette (5:54)
• Breaking News: The Daily Planet Returns – Featurette (5:23)
• The Ultimate Villain – Featurette (5:30)
• The Justice Gang – Featurette (10:37)
• A New Era: DC Takes Off – Featurette (4:53)
• Optional English SDH, Canadian French, Parisian French, and Latin Spanish subtitles for the main feature