By: “DragonKingKarl” Karl Stern (Patreon / Facebook / Email)

Webmaster & Writer - When It Was Cool

Podcast Host - Wrestling Observer, When It Was Cool

Superman (2025) Movie is not a Woke Nightmare: It is a Wild, Crazy, and Largely Very Good Comic Book Superhero Movie

Let’s just rip the band-aid off right now—I’ve never been shy about my disdain for the Zack Snyder era of DC movies. His so-called “Snyder-verse” was a cinematic emo mixtape: grim, gray, and grimy. It was like watching a Justice League that hadn’t smiled since Y2K. Everyone looked like they needed a hug... or at least a sunny day.

Credit where it’s due: Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel was probably the best of the bunch. But the reboot? Oh, buddy. That’s where things get interesting.

The “Woke” Panic That Wasn’t

Before this film even saw daylight, the usual internet echo chambers were ablaze with hot takes about how James Gunn’s Superman would be “too woke,” “overly political,” or some other buzzword of the week. And sure, if you squint hard enough and really want to be offended, you might find something to grumble about. But here’s the truth: the film does have political undertones, but they’re not delivered with a sledgehammer. It’s story-first, message-second—which is exactly how it should be.

Good, Not Great—But Definitely Fun

Now, is this the greatest superhero film ever made? Nope. But compared to the joyless slog of DC’s previous cinematic output, this one’s practically a party. James Gunn brings color, charm, and—gasp!—humor. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely fun, and that’s a win in my book.

Guest Star Overload (But Make It Work)

One of my biggest superhero movie pet peeves? The ol’ “cram in every character from the comic encyclopedia” trick. And Superman (2025) flirts with this mistake. The Justice League Lite shows up to lend a hand—including:

  • Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, with a haircut that deserves its own villain arc)

  • Hawkgirl (played by Isabella Merced, not to be confused with the Black Adam version)

  • Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi steals the show here—give him his own spinoff already!)

  • Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan nails this bizarre but fascinating character)

It’s an oddball roster, sure. But surprisingly? It works. They never overstay their welcome, and Mr. Terrific in particular shines. I can’t review this movie without mentioning the dog. Krypto the Superdog is said by many to be the show stealer in this film… and he may very well come close. Krypto shone brightly in every scene he was in.

Black Holes and Plot Holes

Not everything soars. The black hole subplot—cooked up by our favorite megalomaniac, Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult)—felt like a late-game boss level that didn’t need to exist. It muddied the plot a bit, though it did give Mr. Terrific a chance to flex some scientific muscle.

A Superman with a Heart (Finally!)

Let’s talk Superman himself: David Corenswet. If you were worried about anyone replacing Cavill in the cape, rest easy. Corenswet nails it. Where Cavill’s Superman simmered with stoic danger, Corenswet’s Kal-El is pure heart—a throwback to the classic comics with a smile that feels like it could power the Fortress of Solitude.

And yes, Superman finally feels… well, human again.

Power Levels, Patterns, and Pants

Superman is powerful, but not invincible, which makes the action sequences feel genuinely suspenseful for once. But let’s talk about the costume. Look, I want to like it. The red trunks are back (cue nostalgic applause), but the weird techno-lines and overwrought textures are still clinging on from the Snyder era. It’s better, sure—but we’re still not there yet. Somewhere, Christopher Reeve is raising a single eyebrow.

Lex Luthor: A Villain Done Right

Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is, without question, the best live-action version we’ve seen. He’s calculated, charismatic, and, most importantly, not doing a bad Mark Zuckerberg impression. This Lex actually feels like he stepped out of the comic panels and into a sharp suit. Gunn knocked this one out of the park.

Lois, Jimmy, and the Supporting MVPs

Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is smart, capable, and—thank Krypton—not a damsel in distress. The love story hits just the right notes without overpowering the plot. And then there’s Jimmy Olsen, played with endearing awkwardness by Skyler Gisondo (The Righteous Gemstones). Easily the best Jimmy we’ve had on screen.

Final Verdict: Hope Is Back in Style

James Gunn’s Superman (2025) is the fresh start we desperately needed. It’s got laughs, heart, and a genuine love for the source material—whether you're a Silver Age superfan or just someone who knows Metropolis is not in Kansas.

When It Was Cool Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars)

If you’ve been waiting for DC to finally get its act together, this is the movie you’ve been hoping for. Up, up, and away—let’s see where Gunn’s new DC universe takes us next.

Be sure to check out our free podcast review of Superman (2025) from When It Was Cool!

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