Movie Man Darian Watching All Night Long

Superman (2025)

This film is everything I wanted it to be and so much more! Now I have so much I want to discuss about this film but first off I want to say this will be one of the most talked about, celebrated and successful superhero films we have seen in a long time all due to the sheer love passion and respect the creative team had for the title character and it’s assumable of characters that surround him. David Corenswet is Superman he perfectly embodies the glee, respect, love and happiness that has been absent from this character for many decades I would go as far as saying it is the best version of the character we have seen maybe ever he is that good. Rachel Brosnahan gives a focused in take on the reporter that wants to prove she is always on the search for the truth and giving people the story that does not misinform the public but tell them what they need to hear and that fire in her heart is shown greatly onscreen by Rachel In what may be the best take on Louis Lane we have seen. Then their is Nicholas Hoult who gives a sensational turn as Lex Luthor and their are bits of Gene Hackman you can see in his performance along with other versions of actors he has studied to place into his performance onscreen he is mesmerizing giving a great take on this complex and diabolical villain we love to hate. James Gunn has crafted a film that fans of the comic will leap out of their seat in glee with the feeling knowing that DC has finally cracked it on getting the representation of this beloved character right and sure their is still much to see from Superman but this film puts DC in a bright direction that gives me hope that is is in the right hands creatively. 

Firstly, Their is so much I wanna say about the tone of this film and the writing and how it tackles it’s characters and the way the story is shaped. Now before I dive into that I will say in a time where things have been divided and being kind to one another becomes more of a foreign concept more and more each day having Superman land on our screen’s at this time we are in I think was perfect timing to teach and show the audience that being a decent person who is filled with love and respect is lessons not just for young ones to learn from but everyone frankly should take away from this film. Superman is a man that just wants the best for people and to ensure their safety their is no divine reward he is chasing after and many call that corny but the character has always been that way and if being kind is corny then call me corny as I think we could use a lot more of Superman’s view of how to treat others right now more then ever. That is another thing people have gone out of their way to say this film is cheesy and done poorly in the tone due to it spreading it’s message of kindness but once again that is who the character is he is a pure soul that was the way he was written back in 1938 and who he remains to be today none of that has changed if you are a fan a true fan of the comics and what the character represents then you know this is an accurate representation of the character and not one that is cheesy but one that is true to the text. Seeing this tone of just colourful joy and it looks and feels like a comic sprung to life and I love the colour scheme they used for this film it has such rich vibrant colours that just bounce off the frame. The 2013 as entertaining as the film was to some people it is not a rightful presentation of who the character is supposed to be the damage Zack Snyder brought to the image of the caped crusader was huge as tons of people walk around with the notion that the character is supposed to be this big god like being that the people are supposed to bow down to. Now this film has such an inspiring outlook on the character that has been missing for a long long time that finally DC gets right in terms of character execution. What I love about the tone of the film is it borrows things from the Christopher Reeve films and even the depth of Smallville to present a version of the character that for audiences finally feels relatable that he hasn’t been since the 70’s and also make the Frame feel like a comic sprung to life in terms of how the action is presented along with the way the film tackles it’s story as it is not an origin story It already tells the audience we they are living in a world where Superman exists their is no need to have to go over a story we have seen covered a million times already it hits the ground running and I love that addition to the plot line. The way James Gunn and the entire team involved crafted a film with the visual flare of something that looks like it was ripped straight out of the comics and had the great vision to finally give Superman the ability to be seen as he was written was amazing. It felt like all of what we have come to love of the character all wrapped into this film in a celebration of the character and if this is how the DCU is going to continue sign me up as it seems creatively they are in the best hands by giving the keys to James Gunn as he knows how to tell a great story and this film is a damn good first impression that brings DCU out of the depths and into the light. The way the film tackles themes of respect, kindness and hate is greatly executed and I cannot wait to see this universe expand and be explored in greater detail the way this film looks was terrifically done.

Secondly, The performances from the whole cast are splendid! Now I think the whole main 3 cast members knocked it out of the park as I have already mentioned. Rachel Brosnahan gives a great turn as Lois Lane the reporter who will stop at nothing until she cracks the truth on a story. Now we have seen different takes on the character from Amy Adams, Margot Kidder and now Rachel what I like about her portrayal of the character is she gives the most comic accrete or closest to the original outline of the character we have seen probably ever. As much as I like Margot Kidder’s take and she is the classic representation of the character on the silver screen she gave a very warm and loving approach to the role no doubt that defined that generation that grew up watching the Christopher Reeve films. This Lois tho is able to still be as stern and passionate about her line of her work while still being the great love interest of Clark Kent and she is able to not just play the character as a one note damsel but is able to hold her own and really capture the magic of who Lois Lane is. I think her take on the character was spot on and I cannot wait to see what more evolves in terms of her character growth throughout this new DCU Rachel Brosnahan gave a sensational turn that may be the best of all time. Then you have the always charismatic and incredibly talented Nicholas Hoult who springs Lex Luthor to life in a presentation of the character that sprinkles in the charm of Gene Hackman the depth of Michael Rosenbaum and then makes the rest his own you can clearly see him paying homage to past takes on the character through this current performance but he does make it his own and it is one of the greatest supervillain  performances we have seen from DC I would say since Tom Hardy in Dark Knight Rises. As you can see the simmering resentment build up in his eyes and eventually spills out in the third act where he delivers monologue after monologue of searing hate for Superman and the sheer passion Hoult brings to the role was truly outstanding and one of the greatest parts of this film is the amazing ability he had at exploring the complexities of this great antagonist. Then you have David Corensweat who is so perfect as this character I cannot stress that enough I will talk in more detail of what made his performance so special but I will say this if we needed a positive, hopeful look on the character that perfectly embodies the hopeful nature of who the character represents since the comics he was so perfectly casted to bring this character to the screen as not only does he play the role incredibly well he understands at the core of it of why Superman is so beloved and he brought such amazing commitment to the role and this actor will be this generation’s Superman and I am so glad it is David as he is so perfect as the Alien Superhero we have come to love. Everyone in this cast was greatly cast and all brought their A game there is no weak link in the cast! 

Lastly, Superman comes out at a time where we need him more then ever and makes people believe want to believe in the good in people and to show people it is very cool to treat others with respect and to be gentle and use kindness wherever you go and I think that is vital at a time like this and the way James Gunn paid homage to the past versions of the caped character while also letting this be a spin in the style he is known for was just great. As you can see the amazing colours and vibrant feel to the frame that makes it feel so much like a comic book unfolding in front of your eyes all the while having this episodic feel to the story that makes it feel like one of the Saturday morning cartoons we grew up watching. Superman brought out the child in me watching this and I am so happy to say the DC universe is in great hands and with the great creative people working behind the scenes I think we are in for so many great stories to come ahead for this new universe full of great characters and I also am so eager to see what other places they can bring the character as the possibilities are endless. James Gunn understood the love and sheer passion the people have for this character and gave exactly what we wanted and so much more Superman will have you soaring on an absolute high of joy when watching this film and reminding you why you fell in love with Superhero films in the first place this is one of the best comic book films of the year and an absolute treat. I recommend everyone go see this on the biggest screen you can with the best sound system to get the full scope of this film. 

This film centres on Superman trying to take Down Lex Luthor as Lex is plotted to prove that Superman is not needed in modern society 

Rated PG - 13 : Language|Action|Violence 

David Corenswet : David is the Superman we have always dreamed of and wow is he truly awe inspiring in his take on the iconic character! For many years since the screen presence of Christopher Reeves DC has been constantly trying to recapture the magic of that set of films with whoever they cast in the role of Clarke Kent? Superman and we have had a few people dawn the cape from Brandon Routh, Tom Welling, Henry Cavill and Now David their have been many versions and all of them giving their own version of who they think Clarke Kent is like now I will say as a lifelong fan of the character this version in James Gunn’s vision is the most comic accurate we have seen of the character ever captured on film. David Corenswet understood what to bring to this character to make him unlike anything we had seem before in terms of comic accuracy. We see him already known with Lois as Superman and Clarke and their is a world that feels strongly about him but their are still doubters that feel his participation in the world shouldn’t be allowed due to him not being studied to a full extent of what he could do with society. Clark Kent is very much a guy that keeps his head down and works when needed but still is friendly among co workers and a great addition to the role I loved was David switched his tone of voice between Clark and Superman a small detail that has been missing from the films since the Christopher Reeve pictures. It is a small detail sure but it makes a big difference and shows how seriously he takes this role and knows how much it means to millions of people around the world. The version of Clark he represents is one that at the office is yes a nerdy guy with curly hair that is a wholesome bumbling guy that just passes by in the office but at home when he is with Lois that whole performance he puts on at work comes off and he can be more of who he really is which was amazing. There is a scene in the beginning of the film where he feels he has to justify his actions of why he got involved in a situation many felt could have been handled by the government without his help. The sheer amount of passion and the way he gets so defensive about how he only intervened because he was concerned people were going to die and how he just wanted to do good but that is not the headline people looked at they just saw a guy that positioned himself into a situation without the governments say so and to him their is no reason if people need saving why should he feel the need to ask. That entire monologue is beautifully written but more so it is excellently performed by David you can see the sheer frustration in his tone of he feels so upset that people are misreading  his stance on what he stands for as he just wants to spread kindness and be a good person and that raw emotion pierces through the screen with his tremendous line delivery. We also see him struggle to commit to his romantic life as Lois Loves him clearly but he is having a tough time communicating his true feelings for her and exploring that I think was great which shows that he is not this perfect person he is flawed but he does the best he can and that is such a touching characteristic that is greatly shown through the course of this film. Then when we see him as Superman flying through the city and in these amazing set pieces you are feeling like a kid again as he just embodies the sheer image of who the character is supposed to be and when he is Superman in that iconic outfit you can see his posture is more straight his tone is more sharper he is far more direct and David has such a crackling screen presence of the Superhero that sends chills down your spine. Yes the scenes of him as Superman are amazing but the exploration of his heart when he is out of the costume makes those actions scenes even better as the focus on him as a person being so vital is what made this version far more superior then previous versions. David Corenswet after many versions of the character embodies kindness, respect, love and spreading positivity and it radiates through Clark and Superman and he is able to be soft spoken, loving and a friend he is not a god like character but someone who can lift you up when your down and David understood that and gives a hopeful take on the character that genuinely moved me and their couldn’t be a better person to dawn the cape but him as he poured so much passion and hard work into this character to make sure he got him right and boy did he ever. David Cornswet is a revelation as Superman and gives truly one of the best leading Superhero performances I have seen in years from DC! 

Nicolas Hoult : Oh Nicolas did a tremendous job with his take on the billionaire villain that is Lex Luthor! Hoult has had a great run of films recently with Juror 2, The Order, Nosferatu and now Superman he is on quite the role of films and I am so happy to see it as he is one of the best talents of his generation that always turns in terrific performances and to see him get a big break to take on this massive Villain role of the DCU makes me so happy to see. He has had bit parts in comic films before like Beast in the prequel X-Men films and he had a supporting role in Mad Max but here he is literally top billing with David at being the big antagonist he goes against and we get to see him bring his version of the complex genius to the big screen. He plays the character with such a intense amount of hate for what Superman is and what he represents as he does not see the uplifting message he tries to spread in his mind he sees this reckless alien that could wipe everyone away if he one day decided too and see’s him as a national risk to the people of the city that should be put away behind bars. Nicolas Hoult understood the amount of resentment that was needed to channel the sinister side of Lex at the same time you to a degree can understand his logic of why he would see Superman as a threat but the scary reality is when he does these terrifying actions that put people in danger he believes they deserve it because they put their trust in the wrong person so they should suffer the consequences. He makes it so easy to dislike him and that is what you want from a villain someone that creates great obstacles that get in the way of the protagonist and to constantly challenge him and that he does do many times over. The great arc about Lex in this film is his exploration into insanity as you see him trying to go by the rule of the government to get their permission and their support to help lift Lex’s vision to reality and then when they decline he goes to drastic measures to make Superman look like a threat to the people by showing what makes him different from humans and then exploit that on a massive scale and get people scared then he pushes it even further by showing how dangerous he can be if he decided to act on anger one day instead of peace. That dial of his brain just goes further and further as the film progresses and we see him become more and more unpredictable in his actions which makes him that more scary as you have not any idea what course of action he will take next to bring down Superman. What matters to him is making an impact with his decisions but also his image is everything as if he does not have that he would be supported by political leaders and his credibility is out the window. You can see the jealously he has for how adored Superman is and even tho he refuses to admit it you can see it as when he is in the same room with Superman he has this spewing hate in his eyes and it consumes his thinking and how he operates on a day to day basis. Nicolas Hoult brings this character to the screen with such a strong aura to him and you want to know what made him become so disliked with Superman but at the same time he is able to explore the brain of this person and that he is not a one note villain but has many layers and sides to him and the way he delivers his lines with such fierce emotional believability that feels like it is coming from his soul was incredible. Nicolas Hoult I cannot wait to see where he brings this character next he delivers one of the best antagonist roles we have seen from the DC universe in a very long time. 

James Gunn : Gunn gives An amazing bright future for what DC. Holds! Now when I heard James Gunn was brought in to take creative control of the Cinematic universe of the DC landscape I was so eager to see how he was going to start this from the ground up and using their most iconic character with Superman I think was such a smart way to get DC off to a fresh start in order to rebrand the company. As it is no secret the studio has been in a bit of slump in recent memory with misfire after misfire and they finically couldn’t not afford another badly received film both in terms of box office and in critical reviews. James Gunn brings Superman into a place we have not seen from the DC brand in decades as they went the route of making him dark and gritty after the massive success of the Dark Knight trilogy which I thought was a massive mistake as Superman has never represented the dark he has always been a hopeful uplifting figure that prays and hopes for a better tomorrow. The amount of pressure riding on him to make this film work was overwhelming as if this film did not connect with audiences the entire brand of DC would no longer be a company that could crank out good content in terms of Superhero films and I cannot fathom the sheer stress he was under to make this film as good as he could and he succeeded in making a film that makes DC a reliable source of good comic content as the film felt like a comic book sprung to life the way that it was done. Now he does not do an origin story again as we have seen that time and time again their is no reason to have to repeat that same plot line instead it throws it’s viewers into a world where Superman has been around for a while which I thought was far more compelling then if they just made it another film from the very start of who he is. The film has a lot of characters some may say that it feels overstuffed with the amount we are introduced too but I feel it works and the reason it works so well is Gunn was able to balance all of it’s characters in a way where all of them had a moment to shine none of them felt demented to being just a side character that does not get much to do all of them serve a purpose to the over arching story we are thrust into. Then the messages and themes of the film he gives is about being a kind person and letting positivity be the thing to carry with yourself and not let people shame you for wanting to be a better person and also not letting your past define your future and all of that is shown in such an inspiring view that I thought was so well tackled. It is anchored by great performances most notably David Cornswet who gives in my opinion the finest take on the character James Gunn gives great action sequences and yes sets up the world of what is to come but he also let once again the main focus be on the characters and their growth and that is why his films stand out the way they do is due to his great amount of attention to character work and here we see the heart of who Clark Kent is and learning all of that first makes the Superman scenes far more satisfying after establishing the soul of the man and not just his powers. James Gunn has crafted one of the best comic book films in recent memory and at the same time brought DC out of a 4 year slump and has course corrected them in a place where people are eager to see what comes next I know I am and in the hands of James Gunn I am excited to see what comes next he did a great job at bringing this story to the screen.