Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Reboot mixes action violence, charming comic book energy.
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Superman
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 51 parent reviews
Parents say that the latest Superman film has received mixed reviews, with some praising its fresh take on the character and its well-cast actors, while others criticize its excessive violence, mature themes, and inconsistent characterizations. Many parents feel it is inappropriate for younger children due to intense scenes, strong language, and a perceived lack of depth in the story and supporting characters.
- excessive violence
- inappropriate for kids
- mixed characterizations
- fresh take
- mature themes
Summarized with AI
Based on 47 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is enjoyable and features a mix of humor and action, but it contains more violence and swearing than expected for its rating, with some scenes deemed too intense for younger viewers. Many appreciate the positive messages and character development, while others criticize aspects like the inclusiveness of violence and inappropriate humor for a child-friendly superhero film.
- enjoyable movie
- violent scenes
- positive messages
- character development
- mixed reviews
- inappropriate content
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
SUPERMAN jumps right into the story of Clark Kent (David Corenswet), a Metropolis reporter who's secretly balancing life as Superman, the Krypton-born, Earth-raised alien who's become the world's most powerful protector. As tensions rise between global superpowers and the role of metahumans is debated, Superman works with intrepid journalist Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and a team of heroes that includes Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion). They must face threats both from within and beyond Earth, including the manipulations of tech billionaire (and Superman hater) Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult). Luthor uses his considerable resources to convince U.S. government officials, the media, and the general American public to question, disavow, and fear Superman's true intentions on Earth. As public trust in Superman crumbles, the Man of Steel must decide what kind of superhero he wants to be: one shaped by his Kryptonian legacy, or one who's inspired by the values of his human upbringing.
Is It Any Good?
Writer-director James Gunn brings his signature style to reboot DC's iconic superhero as a more charming, optimistic, and earnest Man of Steel. Gunn blends classic comic book action with contemporary world-building and screwball comedy banter in this take on Superman. The movie throws viewers into an established Clark/Superman-and-Lois relationship that benefits from Corenswet and Brosnahan's strong chemistry. Brosnahan is one of the best movie Loises: She's smart, funny, and fearless without being completely jaded, giving Lois a lived-in confidence that balances Clark's sincerity. (Plus, it's refreshing to watch a movie in which newspaper journalists help save the day.) Corenswet, who looks like a mix of all the other dark-haired, azure-eyed, lantern-jawed actors who've played the Man of Steel, makes the Kryptonian his own. And Hoult is an all-too-believable version of Luthor, who's part visionary tech billionaire, part amoral egotist.
The movie embraces Superman's comic book roots with its colorful lineup of supporting heroes, including super-dog Krypto, who's likely to become a fan favorite. Both the humor-filled interactions among the so-called "Justice Gang" and the dynamic action sequences feel lifted straight from the pages of a Justice League comic. These ensemble moments radiate a fun, throwback energy that's more Saturday morning cartoon than Zack Snyder brooding. In parallel, Gunn also makes the most of close-up peril, with one particularly distressing death landing with far more emotional weight than the many implied casualties that precede it. And in the end, the film champions themes of teamwork, sacrifice, and generosity. In an era dominated by heavy headlines, this just might be the Superman the zeitgeist needs: a hero who still stands for truth and justice.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about which parts of this take on Superman felt true to the story's comic book roots. How would you describe the movie's tone? How does it compare in that way to other movies about Superman?
Why do you think Superman chooses to show restraint when others don't? What values guide his decisions? How does he demonstrate courage, empathy, and perseverance?
How would you describe Lex Luthor's motivations in the movie? Do you think he's a believable supervillain?
How does David Corenswet compare to the other actors who've played the Man of Steel? Do you have a favorite Superman?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 11, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : August 15, 2025
- Cast : David Corenswet , Rachel Brosnahan , Nicholas Hoult
- Director : James Gunn
- Studio : Warner Bros. Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Activism ( Civic engagement ) , Adventures , Aliens , Friendship , Superheroes
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 129 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence, action and language
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : August 14, 2026
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