Superman (2025) Review: James Gunn's DC Movie - Best Tak?

He's back! The Man of Steel has returned to the big screen, and the hype in Malaysia is real. With James Gunn, the man behind Guardians of the Galaxy, writing and directing, everyone’s asking the same question: Is this the Superman movie that will finally get the DC Universe right?

Before we dive in, this is a 100% spoiler-free review. You can read this before you book your tickets at GSC or TGV without any worries.

The Modern Malaysian Cinema Experience

Speaking of the theatrical experience, we're lucky here in Malaysia. Forget just a seat and a screen; watching a wayang is a full-on event. Whether you’re booking a plush seat at GSC’s Aurum Theatre for a personalized dining experience or grabbing the latest combo deal at TGV Cinemas, the experience is everything. You get your popcorn (caramel, of course), settle in, and pray no one starts playing with their phone. This new Superman movie is exactly the kind of blockbuster made for that big-screen escape. The question is, does it deliver?

David Corenswet as the New Superman

Let's get to the main event: David Corenswet as Superman/Clark Kent. I’m happy to report that he is great in the role. For many of us, Christopher Reeve is the definitive Superman, a symbol of pure, unwavering hope. Corenswet brings a more modern, relatable energy.

You understand his frustration when he’s dealing with red tape and politics while people's lives are on the line. He's not just an untouchable god; he's a hero struggling to do the right thing in a complicated world. While some might feel he's too relatable (I mean, he’s Superman!), his performance grounds the character in a way that feels fresh and necessary for this new universe.

Lois Lane & Lex Luthor: The Good and The Disappointing

• Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane: No surprise here, she is fantastic. From the moment her casting was announced, it just made sense. She perfectly portrays Lois as a sharp, tenacious reporter who digs for the truth and doesn't trust easily. In a movie full of aliens and superhumans, the most unbelievable thing might be a journalist with her level of integrity working in mainstream media!

• Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor: This is where things get a bit disappointing. Nicholas Hoult is a phenomenal actor and does his best with the material, but the script fails him. He has moments of being a genuinely menacing, puppeteering villain. However, these scenes are often undercut by the film's biggest problem...

The James Gunn Humor: A Double-Edged Sword

If you love James Gunn’s work, you know his signature style: quirky, out-of-place humour mixed with heartfelt moments. In Superman, this becomes a major issue.

Time and time again, a powerful, emotional scene is building, only to be immediately deflated by a joke. It feels like Gunn is afraid to let the audience sit with a serious emotion for more than a few seconds. The humour works perfectly for characters like Guy Gardner (played brilliantly by Nathan Fillion), who is essentially the comic relief. But when every character, including Lex Luthor, is cracking wise, it compromises the tone of a Superman story.

The Visuals: Comic Book Panel or Messy CGI?

The visuals are a mixed bag.

• The Good: There are shots in this film that look like they were ripped straight from a comic book panel. They are stunning, epic, and capture the pure essence of Superman.

• The Bad: In some of the fast-paced action sequences, the CGI looks jittery and fake. When debris is flying past Lex Luthor's head and he doesn't even flinch, it doesn't look badass—it looks like a green screen.

Final Verdict: Should Malaysians Watch Superman?

So, is this movie worth booking a ticket for? The answer is... it depends on what you expect.

You will probably LIKE this movie if:

• You are a huge fan of James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy and want to see that same energy applied to DC.

• You want a more modern, relatable, and less god-like Superman.

• You're looking for a fun, action-packed blockbuster for a night out.

You might be DISAPPOINTED if:

• You prefer a more serious, epic tone for Superman stories (like Man of Steel).

• You get easily annoyed by humour that undercuts emotional moments.

• You expect deep, well-developed supporting characters (most feel one-dimensional here).

Ultimately, Superman is a predictable but enjoyable film. It doesn't hide what it is: a James Gunn movie through and through. It’s cluttered and tonally confused at times, but David Corenswet shines as the Man of Steel, offering hope for the future of the DCU.

What do you think? Are you excited to see the new Superman? Where will you be watching it – GSC, TGV, or your local cinema? Jom, share your thoughts in the comments below!