# Superman (2025) - Angry Movie Review

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S__WrVJiZs
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/1S__WrVJiZs
Generated: 2025-07-11T02:12:53.821+00:00

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## Quick Overview

James Gunn's "Superman (2025)" is a serviceable but ultimately disappointing film for many Superman fans, despite some positive elements like the chemistry between Lois Lane and Clark Kent. Reviewers found the movie overstuffed with characters, featuring a weak soundtrack, poorly filmed action, and a mischaracterized Lex Luthor, leading to a lack of depth and cultural impact.

**Key Points:**
- Reviewers rated "Superman (2025)" as a 6/10 and 7/10, calling it "serviceable" and a "waste of opportunity" rather than the "great" film they hoped for.
- The chemistry between David Corenswet (Superman/Clark Kent) and Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane) was a major highlight, described as "amazing," but reviewers lamented its underutilization, wishing for "more" focus on their relationship.
- The film is criticized for being "over stuffed" with too many minor characters and subplots, such as Jimmy Olsen's social media girlfriend, which detracted from the main narrative and core characters.
- Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor was widely disliked, portrayed as a "bratty shitty" "cartoon villain" rather than the genius and menacing foil Superman needs, with one reviewer stating, "I don't want my Lex to be annoying. I want my Lex to be a genius."
- The soundtrack was heavily criticized as "really really weak" and "terrible," with poor song choices that felt "out of place," particularly the "punk rock Superman" theme, which one reviewer "hate[d]."
- Action scenes were deemed poorly filmed, with "violent" camera movements and a "fisheye lens" that made them look "goofy" and "too processed," lacking the visual impact and "aura farming" of previous Superman films.
- Superman's characterization is vulnerable and human, but he "needs constant help" from the "Justice Gang," leading to a feeling that he was sidelined in his own movie, with Mr. Terrific often stealing the show.

**Context:** This video features an "angry movie review" of James Gunn's "Superman (2025)," the introduction to the new DCU, following an early showing. The review is conducted by multiple male reviewers, including the main host who admits to a tendency to interrupt when passionate, and two others who offer their initial impressions. The discussion highlights the tension between a fan's desire for a great Superman film and a critic's objective assessment, with reviewers expressing disappointment despite their love for the character and the source material.

## Detailed Analysis

The early showing of James Gunn's "Superman (2025)" received a mixed to disappointed reception from the reviewers, who are long-time Superman fans. While acknowledging it's not a "bad" movie and general audiences might find it "pretty good" as a summer blockbuster, they felt it barely "sniff[ed] greatness." A major highlight was the "amazing chemistry" between David Corenswet's Superman/Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane, particularly a 15-minute vulnerable sequence, but this was severely underutilized. The film is heavily criticized for being "over stuffed" with too many minor characters and subplots, which detracted from focusing on core relationships and main characters like Lex Luthor, who was portrayed as a "bratty shitty" "cartoon villain" rather than a genius menace. The soundtrack was deemed "really really weak" and "terrible," with poor song choices, especially the "punk rock Superman" theme, which one reviewer disliked intensely. Action scenes, while present, were criticized for being poorly filmed with a "fisheye lens" and "violent" camera movements, lacking the visual impact of previous Superman films. Superman himself is depicted as vulnerable and human, often needing help from the "Justice Gang," which some felt made him seem more like Superboy. The film's pacing felt "jumbled," lacking moments for quiet reflection or deeper emotional exploration. Post-credit scenes were described as "nothing burgers," failing to build anticipation for the DCU's future. Ultimately, the film is seen as a "waste of opportunity" that is merely "serviceable" rather than the impactful Superman story fans desired, with one reviewer giving it a 6/10 and another a 7/10.

### Overall Reception

- The film is considered "pretty good" and a "serviceable" summer blockbuster for general audiences, but deeply disappointing for passionate Superman fans who expected "greatness"
- Reviewers noted a lack of audience applause at the end, indicating a muted reception despite initial excitement.

### Character Portrayals

- David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan exhibit "amazing chemistry" as Clark Kent and Lois Lane, but their relationship is underutilized
- Superman is depicted as vulnerable and human, often needing help, which some felt made him seem like "Super Boy"
- Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor is criticized as a "cartoon villain," "bratty," and "annoying," lacking the genius and menace expected
- Mr. Terrific is praised as "amazing" and "the star of the show," overshadowing Superman
- Guy Gardner is "done very well" and accurately portrays his comic counterpart
- Hawk Girl and Engineer are criticized as poorly written and uninteresting, with Engineer serving as a "Miss McGuffin."

### Narrative & Pacing

- The film is "over stuffed" with too many characters and subplots, diverting focus from core elements
- Pacing feels "jumbled" and fast, lacking "genuine moments" and "quiet reflection"
- Subplots like Jimmy Olsen's social media girlfriend storyline are deemed "weird," "convenient," and "ridiculous," taking away from Lois Lane's investigative role
- The film's themes, such as "corporate heroes versus genuine heroes," are present but "dialed to three" instead of being fully explored.

### Technical Aspects

- The music and soundtrack are heavily criticized as "weak," "terrible," and "out of place," with poor song choices that detract from scenes
- Action sequences are described as poorly filmed, with a "fisheye lens" and "violent" camera movements that make them look "goofy" and "too processed"
- The film lacks "aura farming" and iconic shots, unlike previous Superman adaptations
- The Kaiju's design is deemed "stupid."

### Missed Opportunities & Criticisms

- James Gunn's creative choices, particularly the "punk rock Superman" concept, are disliked by reviewers who prefer a "kind" Superman
- The film fails to deepen emotional moments, remaining "surface level" despite good execution at that level
- Post-credit scenes are described as "nothing burgers" that offer no hints for future DCU projects, disappointing audiences expecting Marvel-style teasers
- The film makes "big big changes" to established Superman canon that reviewers found problematic for future stories.

### Final Verdicts

- Reviewers give the film scores of 6/10 and 7/10, emphasizing that while it's not bad, it's a "waste of opportunity" for a Superman film
- They express a desire for future DCU projects to focus more on core characters and allow other creatives to lead, even while acknowledging James Gunn's passion for the character.