Superman - Guest Review

For the first time on George At The Movies, I'm featuring a guest review. It's from our great friend and fellow movie fan Ronnie at Screen Gems in Australia. His site is packed with current & vintage movie knowledge, reviews and daily industry news.

We love his take and know you will too!

Not perfect, but wonderfully surreal. The real DC Universe has returned, the torch is passed to a new Man of Steel (for a new generation) and all feels right again with the World. As predicted, Krypto steals the show!

A Personal Reflection … Decades ago, a 10-year-old boy in Australia, an only child, happily solitary and proudly “different”, found a “friend” in Superman. That boy was me. Superman wasn’t just a superhero. He was a symbol of kindness, humility, compassion and unwavering goodness. I devoured the comics, eventually discovered George Reeves in the 50’s tv series and (on DVD) witnessed the cinematic magic of Superman (1978) and its sequel. For me, they became iconic benchmarks. Even Superman Returns (2006) had its charm, but nothing truly recaptured that original spark … until now.

James Gunn’s Vision … With Superman (2025), James Gunn doesn’t just reboot, he resurrects. The film is heartfelt, bold and visually striking. Gunn pays tribute to Donner’s 1978 masterpiece while crafting something fresh and electric. Gone is Snyder’s brooding gloom; Gunn skips the origin tale and plunges us straight into present-day Metropolis, where geopolitical tensions, metahuman drama and Lex Luthor loom large. Yes, it’s another Supe vs. Luthor showdown, but Gunn infuses it with fresh fire. A colourful ensemble of heroes and villains supercharges the action, which is as thrilling as it is emotionally resonant. David Corenswet’s Superman is vulnerable, bruised, battered … and beautifully human. His portrayal makes the Man of Steel relatable, fallible and real.

The Cast: Hits and Misses … Corenswet nails both personas: the confident hero and the awkward reporter. He channels the essence of Christopher Reeve with warmth and sincerity, carving out his own legacy. Routh pulled that off, Reeve embodied it, and let’s just say … Cavill never quite got there. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor? Sensational. A chilling, tech-savvy sociopath with a vile streak that’s unforgettable, especially for dog lovers. His treatment of Krypto guarantees him cinematic infamy. Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane is confident, sharp and assertive. But while she’s undeniably strong, I miss the subtle magnetism and sass that Margot Kidder brought in the 1978 OG. Brosnahan’s chemistry with Supe is fine but it doesn’t crackle. Krypto: Cape, Chaos, Heart … Yes, a flying dog in a cape. Yes, it works. Krypto brings mischief, magic and soul, stealing scenes and hearts alike. Two of my favourite shots in the entire film feature him. He’s not just comic relief, he’s emotional gold.

Structure, Style and Storytelling … Not everything lands perfectly. The structure is a bit uneven and some scenes, like the extended Lois-Clark interview, slow the momentum. But Gunn’s comic-book-inspired visuals shine: each frame feels lifted from a paneled page. It’s vibrant, sweeping and often breathtaking.

Final Thoughts … This isn’t just a new chapter for Superman, it’s a heartfelt revival. Gunn reminds us why the character matters and dares us to believe again. Whether you grew up with Supe or are discovering him for the first time, Superman (2025) asks us all to look up. And now? My mission is clear: visit every dog shelter I can until I find a rescue that looks just like Krypto. The cape is ready and I’m hopeful!

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