Superman (2025) – A Superhero with a Human Heart (Movie Diary #19)
Hey everyone, welcome back to my movie diary! Today, I’m diving into Superman (2025), directed by James Gunn. This movie grabbed my attention from the very first moment with its action-packed opening, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride that blends superhero spectacle with a surprisingly human touch. Here’s my take on it, plus some details on the plot and what critics and audiences are saying.
Superman (2025): Why This Movie Stood Out
Right from the start, Superman (2025) hooks you with intense action. But what I loved most is how it shows Superman, aka Clark Kent, as a human at heart. Sure, he’s a “metahuman” with incredible powers—super strength, flight, all that jazz—but the movie doesn’t shy away from his flaws and struggles. He’s not just a perfect hero; he fails, he gets sad, and he even messes up in his relationship with his journalist girlfriend, Lois Lane. Early in the movie, we see Clark and Lois dealing with some tension, and it’s refreshing to know that being Superman doesn’t make his personal life “super” easy.
This theme of humanity runs deep. Superman even talks about it with his arch-enemy, Lex Luthor, pointing out that despite his powers, he’s still human where it counts—his emotions, his choices, his heart. The movie starts with Superman getting beaten and losing, which is not something we always see. It shows he’s not invincible, and he needs help from other heroes like Green Lantern, Mister Terrific, and Hawkgirl. This vulnerability makes him relatable and grounded, even when he’s flying through the sky.
The Plot
The story kicks off with a glimpse into Superman’s origins: 30 years ago, his biological parents, Jor-El and Lara, send baby Kal-El to Earth to escape a war-torn Krypton. Raised as Clark Kent by his adoptive parents, Jonathan and Martha, in Smallville, he gains powers from the sun and becomes Superman, dedicated to helping people. Fast forward to the present, Clark works as a reporter at the Daily Planet alongside Lois Lane (his girlfriend) and friend Jimmy Olsen.
The main conflict arises when Superman stops an invasion by Boravia, which makes the U.S. government nervous about his powers. Enter Lex Luthor, a tech billionaire who despises Superman for making him feel insignificant. Lex uses a weapon called the Hammer of Boravia and a character called the Engineer to challenge Superman, even breaking into his Fortress of Solitude to steal a message from his Kryptonian parents and kidnap his super-powered dog, Krypto. Superman, with help from other heroes, fights back against Lex’s kaiju (yep, a giant monster!) while Lex uncovers a hidden part of the Kryptonian message. This message reveals a shocking twist: Superman’s parents urged him to rule Earth as a king, suggesting a darker path for their son. But Clark chooses to reject this idea, proving his commitment to humanity over power.
IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes Ratings
So, how’s the movie doing with critics and audiences? On IMDb, Superman (2025) has a solid 7.3/10 based on 271,000 user votes, making it a fan favorite. On Rotten Tomatoes, it’s Certified Fresh with an 86% Tomatometer score (based on 151 critic reviews) and an impressive 96% audience score, earning it the “Verified Hot” badge. Critics praise its bright, human-centered storytelling and the chemistry between David Corenswet (Superman) and Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane). Some call it “a love letter to Superman fans” and “a fun comic book movie with old-school charm,” though a few note it’s “overstuffed” with characters and ideas.
What I Loved (and a Nod to Krypto!)
I really enjoyed this movie and give it an 8/10. One of my favorite parts is how it shows an alternative side to Superman’s story. That video message from his biological parents was a game-changer—it made me think, “Whoa, what if Superman decided to rule the world?” We’ve never seen this angle in previous Superman films, where he’s usually just the ultimate good guy. The idea that even a super being could be tempted by power but chooses not to is powerful. It makes Superman’s goodness feel like a choice, not just a given, and that’s what keeps him human.
And can we talk about Krypto the Super-Dog? Adding him to the movie was pure genius! He brings so much fun and laughter, especially for dog lovers like me. Every scene with Krypto stealing the spotlight had me grinning—it’s like he’s the four-legged heart of the film. Critics agree, with some calling him a “scene-stealer we can all rally behind.”
Critical Thoughts I Might’ve Missed
One thing I didn’t touch on earlier is how the movie balances its colorful, comic-book vibe with deeper themes. Critics note that James Gunn’s direction brings a “metamodern” approach—neither overly romantic nor deconstructing Superman, but finding new ways to explore his role in a hyper-connected, modern world. The sci-fi setting, with its focus on surveillance and social media, feels fresh and relevant. However, some critics, like The Guardian, argue the film falls into the usual superhero trap of a “CGI-heavy faux-apocalypse” at the end, which can feel repetitive. I get that, but the emotional core and Krypto’s antics kept me hooked.
Final Thoughts
Superman (2025) is a blast—a mix of heart, action, and a fresh take on a classic hero. It’s not perfect, but it’s a bold start to the new DC Universe. If you’re a Superman fan, a dog lover, or just want a fun superhero flick with a human touch, this one’s for you. I’d love to hear your thoughts—did Krypto steal the show for you too? Drop a comment below!
See also: F1: The Movie – A Thrilling Ride Beyond the Racetrack (Movie Watch Diary #18)
What’s next in my movie diary? Stay tuned for more!
