MOVIE REVIEW | Superman – Let’s be honest: when news first broke about yet another Superman reboot, many of us sighed. After all, how many times can DC retell the story of the last son of Krypton before it feels like we’re flying in circles?
But credit where it’s due—James Gunn’s “Superman” is better than expected, and in many ways, refreshingly different.
This first official feature in the newly imagined DC universe doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel completely, but it does shift the tone. Gunn brings his signature blend of action, humor, and heart, creating a version of Superman that’s grounded not in power, but in compassion and an unwavering belief in humanity’s goodness. It’s a sincere take that adds emotional depth to the character in a way we haven’t seen in years.
David Corenswet steps into the iconic cape and boots with impressive confidence. His Superman is sincere, likable, and just vulnerable enough to feel real. It’s a big suit to fill—literally and figuratively—but Corenswet proves he’s up to the task. Rachel Brosnahan brings sharpness and wit to Lois Lane, while Nicholas Hoult delivers a chillingly cerebral and intimidating Lex Luthor.
Visually, the film is stunning. The special effects are out of this world—on par with or even exceeding anything we’ve seen in superhero cinema this year. From aerial battles to city-smashing showdowns, the VFX team clearly brought their A-game.
That said, not everything soars. One aspect that may divide audiences is how often Superman finds himself on the losing end of a fight. For much of the movie, he’s outshone and outmatched by Luthor and his schemes—beaten down both physically and emotionally. While this adds unpredictability and tension (a welcome shift from overly clean superhero wins), it might feel off to fans who see Superman as the ultimate symbol of strength and victory. It’s a risky move, and whether it pays off depends on how you like your heroes—flawed or flawless.
Still, this isn’t the same old Superman. It’s a braver, more nuanced version of the character and the world he inhabits. Gunn’s creative vision, supported by a stellar cast and production team, offers a Superman film that feels big without feeling bloated, and heartfelt without being cheesy
#Superman
@UniversalPicsAU.
Rating
Aaron: 7.5 / 10 ““Superman” may not be the version everyone expected, but it’s likely the one DC fans needed.”
Zak: 8 / 10 “I came in with low expectations but came away satisfied.”
Cinema Experience:
Catching Superman at Hoyts Karrinyup in the VMAX theatre was, in short, a fantastic night out. For a movie packed with grand, explosive special effects, this was the perfect venue. The sound quality was absolutely spot-on—loud, rich, and immersive without ever being overwhelming. Exactly what you want for a superhero blockbuster of this scale.
The automatic recliner seating was incredibly comfortable, offering a relaxed, spacious setup with a great view. No one directly in front of you, plenty of legroom, and a big, open gap that made the space feel private and premium.
A fun bonus? Free slushies (in classic Superman blue or red) and free hot dogs—which we’re guessing were a deliberate nod to Superman’s color scheme with red sausage and bright yellow mustard. A nice, playful touch that added to the overall experience.
The staff were friendly and professional, keeping the night running smoothly. Hoyts knows how to make a movie night feel like a bit of an event.
The only downside? The sealed phone bags policy. While understandable in theory—protecting the film from piracy—the execution feels a bit over the top. In reality, someone filming the movie for two hours straight from their seat seems highly unlikely (and easily spotted by security). On the flip side, people do genuinely need their phones for parenting check-ins, emergency messages, or even quick popcorn runs. Not to mention the fact that the bags can be easily opened once you’re seated anyway. It feels like a policy that needs some rethinking.
Final thoughts:
An excellent cinema experience overall—great sound, stunning screen, comfy seats, fun extras, and helpful staff. Hoyts delivers again, even if the phone policy is a little much.
Link to Universal HERE
TV Central Movie Reviews HERE
MOVIE REVIEW | Superman
About the Movie
Superman,” DC Studios’ first feature film to hit the big screen, is set to soar into theaters worldwide this July from Warner Bros. Pictures. In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humor and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind.
DC Studios heads Peter Safran and Gunn are producing the film, which Gunn directs from his own screenplay, based on characters from DC, Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.
The film stars David Corenswet (“Twisters,” “Hollywood”) in the dual role of Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult (the “X-Men” movies, “Juror #2”) as Lex Luthor. The film also stars Edi Gathegi (“For All Mankind”), Anthony Carrigan (“Barry,” “Gotham”), Nathan Fillion (the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, “The Suicide Squad”), Isabela Merced (“Alien Romulus”), Skyler Gisondo (“Licorice Pizza,” “Booksmart”), Sara Sampaio (“At Midnight”), María Gabriela de Faría (“The Moodys”), Wendell Pierce (“Selma,” “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”), Alan Tudyk (“Andor”), Pruitt Taylor Vince (“Bird Box”) and Neva Howell (“Greedy People”).
“Superman” is executive produced by Nikolas Korda, Chantal Nong Vo and Lars Winther.
Behind the camera, Gunn is joined by frequent collaborators, including director of photography Henry Braham, production designer Beth Mickle, costume designer Judianna Makovsky and composer John Murphy, along with composer David Fleming (“The Last of Us”) and editors William Hoy (“The Batman”) and Craig Alpert (“Deadpool 2,” “Blue Beetle”).
DC Studios Presents a Troll Court Entertainment/The Safran Company Production, A James Gunn Film, “Superman,” releasing in Australian cinemas on July 10, 2025, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
