Superman has been a prominent character for many years, featuring in numerous theatrical reboots. With the new film directed by the popular James Gunn and starring David Corenswet, the question arises: will it live up to the hype we’ve seen over the past year? My viewing of the early release will hopefully answer some of these questions. Additionally, how will it compare to current hits like “Jurassic World Revisited” and “F1 The Movie“?
Superman was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, who initially aimed to create a “Super Jew” superhero. Eventually, they recognized that Superman embodied Messiah and Savior concepts that paralleled the story of Jesus Christ. Over the years, this concept has led to a myriad of Messiah characters in movies, few of which surpass Superman himself.
In this retelling, we see Lex Luthor gaining more power, crafting evil inventions to destroy Superman in every possible way. The public begins to turn against Superman following the release of information believed to reveal his original purpose for coming to Earth. While the implications of original evil desires from his parents leave much to the imagination, what truly matters is the heart of Superman and his willingness to protect his friends, Earth, and the innocent. Throughout the story, we witness his determination to combat evil, even at the cost of his own life.
There are some character rewrites and personality changes that I didn’t particularly like. At times, the story felt clumsy, but thankfully, it ultimately comes together in an exciting, action-packed conclusion. We also see the early development of what will eventually become The Justice League. With evil on the rise, the Earth needs a savior, and there is hope that Superman can reclaim his power and glory after the truth is revealed. The importance of teamwork and the impact of a poor little boy’s faithful prayers are also highlighted.
A refreshing aspect of this Superman is the appearance of his dog, Krypto (actually Supergirl‘s dog). This little white terrier provides comic relief but is also a source of support for others when needed. Not only are dogs man’s best friend, but Krypto is also Superman’s best friend. He reminds me of my terrier, Bruno, and my friend Bob’s dog, Misty, which made his presence in the film enjoyable.
The movie touches on various themes, including the need for friendship, the unique talents and abilities each of us possesses—whether we are meta gods or ordinary humans—and the idea that we don’t have to conform to others’ expectations. Each individual can discover their own talents, abilities, and desires, particularly when collaborating with those around them.
While Superman is not a perfect movie—and there are adaptations of the Superman story that I prefer—it still offers a lot of fun and valuable messages. I found “F1 The Movie” much more enjoyable, but *Superman 2025* was better than “Jurassic World Revisited”. At least here, there’s a fresh take on the characters, allowing us to witness the struggle between pure good and pure evil. Sometimes, that battle occurs within ourselves, often without our realization.
This film could inspire a series of reviews focusing on its various components, but I wanted to share some basic thoughts. I would be interested to hear your perspectives as well.
