Superman (2025) Christian Review: Heroism, Identity & Hope in the New DC Era

Superman (2025) follows Clark Kent / Kal-El as he grapples with the tensions between his Kryptonian heritage and human upbringing. When his actions become politically and publicly scrutinized, Lex Luthor capitalizes on controversy to undermine him. Alongside Lois Lane and allies, Superman must reaffirm his role as protector amid evolving threats and shifting public trust.

Superman is a figure of sacrificial love, moral clarity, and hope. In this reboot, the film tries to navigate the tension between power and humility: when Superman uses his strength, he bears responsibility—not just for victory, but for how his actions affect the vulnerable. The controversy the movie introduces gives space to reflect: is a hero’s greatest strength his might, or his willingness to carry burdens for others? Yet the film often holds back from fully exploring these deeper spiritual undercurrents. It gestures at themes of trust, legacy, and redemption, but mixes them with spectacle so heavily that many of the moral questions feel under-addressed.

The movie aspires high, but struggles under the weight of too many threads. Director James Gunn infuses it with color, energy, and a fresh aesthetic, but the tonal shifts—from earnest heroism to political drama to comic relief—sometimes jar. The ambition to expand the world (introduce multiple metahumans, government intrigue, public opinion arcs) means core emotional beats often get crowded out. The pacing is uneven: some action setpieces drag, and quieter moments are too sparse.

Corenswet delivers a serviceable Superman, competent and earnest, though he lacks a magnetic presence to pull weaker writing into resonance. Brosnahan’s Lois brings warmth but struggles with limited depth in her role. Hoult’s Lex is suitably charismatic, though his motivations occasionally feel murky. The supporting cast adds texture, but many characters feel like cameos rather than fully formed players. The dog (Krypto) is fun in theory but often distracts with forced comic beats.

Rated PG-13, so it’s safer for teens and families than R-rated fare, but there is violence, conflict, and occasional strong language. Younger children may struggle with the complexity and tonal shifts. It’s more suitable for older teens and adults who can grapple with moral ambiguity and narrative messiness.