Superman (2025)
Verdict: A bright, fun reset that lets hope fly again. ★★★★★
At a glance
Rating: PG‑13 (violence, action, language).
Runtime: ~2h 9–10m (listed variously as 2:09 and 130 minutes).
Release: July 11, 2025 (U.S. theatrical).
Now on digital: Available VOD since Aug. 15, 2025; disc Sept. 23, 2025.
Director: James Gunn. Cast: David Corenswet (Clark/Superman), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor).
The vibe
James Gunn’s Superman plays like a deep breath after a long sprint—optimistic, colorful, and unafraid to be earnest. David Corenswet gives us a Clark Kent who believes the best of people without feeling naïve, and Rachel Brosnahan’s quick‑witted Lois keeps the whole film moving with newsroom‑screwball energy. The tone is lighter than recent big‑blue outings, but there’s enough steel in the set pieces to remind you he’s still the Man of Tomorrow.
The surprise MVP: a Super‑Dog
Yes, Krypto is here—and he’s not just a wink. Gunn’s team treats him like a real character with personality and timing, and the movie gets some of its biggest laughs (and a couple of “whoa” moments) from the canine chaos. Krypto’s inclusion isn’t rumor; he’s been openly discussed by the filmmakers and even spun off into new shorts for the home release.
Green Lantern, but not the one you’re picturing
If your mental image of Green Lantern comes from the Justice League cartoon’s stoic John Stewart, this movie deliberately swerves: Gunn brings in Guy Gardner (played with cocky charm by Nathan Fillion). The haircut, the attitude—it’s a different vibe entirely, and it works as a spicy contrast to Superman’s calm center without hijacking the story. The cameo also tees up DCU plans for Lanterns.
A Lex who loves the microphone
Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor feels like a tech‑era mogul who can weaponize a press conference as easily as a satellite—slick, funny, and menacing when the mask slips. It’s a distinct take that still reads “Lex” from space. (Hoult’s casting has been front‑and‑center since marketing began.)
What works
A fresh, human Superman. Corenswet’s Clark is compassionate first, powerful second—exactly the reset this character needed.
Lois is a co‑lead, not a plot device. Brosnahan’s Lois has agency and punchlines, and her chemistry with Clark lands.
World‑building without homework. Cameos (Krypto, Guy Gardner) flavor the world rather than turning it into a checklist.
Family / content notes
PG‑13 for superhero action and language; violence is stylized rather than graphic. If your crew handled other big‑tent PG‑13 comic‑book movies, this sits in the same comfort zone.
The Rule Mobile take
This is a great, fresh watch—a big‑screen reminder that sincerity can still thrill. The headline additions (a scene‑stealing Super‑Dog, a swaggering Green Lantern with a very different look than the animated Justice League fan‑favorite, and a media‑savvy Lex Luthor) make the DCU’s new starting gun feel lively instead of heavy. Fly in for the optimism, stay for the newsroom banter, and don’t be shocked when Krypto walks away with your heart (and a few action beats).
Rule Mobile Score: 9.1/10 — Up, up, and refreshing.
