Rent Superman (2025)

Corenswet & Hoult are great but this film is just a big, loud, dumb mess - Superman review by Timmy B

Although I have seen a couple of the Superman films over the years, I never was a huge fan of the character. I happily watched the Dean Cain-starring TV series as a small child, but usually just because that's what was on at the time. And whilst I also enjoyed Man of Steel, it was only as a film-watching experience, not as a fan. So when my best friend asked me to go with him to see the new Superman, I was fairly indifferent but interested to see what the take would be.

The reason I have included this in my review is because it is important for me to say that I have no idea about the mythology & background story of Superman, so some of the film will be lost on me. However, I also believe that when watching an origin story, there should be enough for people who don't know the lore to enjoy themselves. But this is just a big loud dumb mess, and not the fun kind.

Whilst there are some good elements story-wise, most of the jokes and humour don't land, or come across as laugh-hunting. Most of the best moments are the small, intimate ones between Clark & Lois, really breathing life into what could have been a one-dimensional plot device. But the rest of it was either not well written or just schlocky exposition alongside the explosions.

Corenswet however is brilliant, as is Hoult, who originally auditioned for Supes. They really understand & get what sort of film they are in, their chemistry working well. The others are a mixed bag, although there was a big roar of laughter in the cinema when a certain character makes a cameo.

At the end of the day, I can see why this film attracted both great & terrible reviews. Ultimately, if you like big, loud fun with a profound message, along with decent CGI & battles, you will find everything you want and more. But equally, if you like those things but want a good script/story for them to sit alongside, you will be disappointed.

Truth, Justice, and a Bit of a Jumble - Superman review by griggs

I was pleasantly surprised by Superman. My only real reference point is the 1978 film, so the whole “Justice Gang” and multiple metahumans caught me off guard. The film assumes lots of prior knowledge, which felt a bit much.

That said, Rachel Brosnahan does a cracking job channeling Margot Kidder—she is Lois Lane. Corenswet isn’t Christopher Reeves (who is?), but he more than holds his own.

Nicholas Hoult is solid as Lex Luthor, but not nearly dastardly enough for my tasst—just another slick comic-book baddie. The flying dog baffled me, and Lois already knowing Clark’s identity took some of the fun out of it for me.

The flying scenes genuinely soar, but much of the rest feels slapped together. The CGI is patchy—impressive when Superman flies, ropey when he’s not. The editing is awkward on, with scenes cutting off mid-flow, especially during fight sequences, as if someone panicked about the run time.

There’s a better film trying to get out. It never quite takes off-but it’s still fun, messy and very daft.

Makes quest for peace look good - Superman review by Lord

Complete with a messy script, awful fish eye lense flight sequences and a superman who feels like Brendan Fraser role from The Mummy. This is one film to avoid and a thoroughly disappointing start to Gunn’s take on superman.