Why the New Superman Movie Gave Me Hope

Superman Returns to Form (Almost)
A few weeks back, I wrote a post about what Superman stands for and how, as a society, we’ve lost sight of the character’s core values: truth, justice, and the American way. At the time, I didn’t realize a new Superman movie was on the horizon. But once I found out, I dove headfirst into interviews, sneak peeks, and fan theories. I was hopeful this film would bring back the Superman many of us grew up loving, but I was also cautious. Modern cinema doesn’t always honor the past well.
The end result? It got a lot right. But not without a few awkward fumbles.

What They Got Right: Back to the Basics
Superman has always stood on strong moral ground. For those of us raised on the classics or even just the comics, his tagline alone says it all: truth, justice, and the American way. But it was more than a slogan. He represented humility and restraint. A man with god-like power who chose to be gentle. He never needed to intimidate to gain respect. He earned it by being good.
That clarity has been lost in recent portrayals, especially in the more brooding, morally murky versions. Henry Cavill’s Superman, for all his strengths, often lacked that inner light. This new film, though, felt like a return to the real Superman, the one guided by a simple but unshakable code of ethics.
One scene, in particular, stood out. Early in the film, Lois interviews Superman about his interference in an international conflict. She questions whether he overstepped. His response is immediate and emotional: people were dying, and he had to act. They go in circles, but his conviction is unwavering. And that’s exactly who Superman is. Sometimes it really is that simple.
David Corenswet’s performance captured that simplicity with heart. He understood that Superman had to feel larger than life, a beacon of hope, yet remain distinctly separate from Clark Kent. I especially appreciated his physical and vocal shifts between the two personas. He wasn’t perfect, but it was the best attempt I’ve seen in years to meaningfully separate Clark from Superman, much like Christopher Reeve once did.
The return to Superman’s moral compass was the most refreshing part of the film. In a world oversaturated with tortured anti-heroes, Superman’s decency set him apart again. Rewatching Smallville recently reminded me just how central compassion is to the character, and this movie brought that back. Even other characters in the film acknowledge it. They may not aspire to it, but they recognize it for what it is... rare, and powerful.
Going in, I was also wary of whether the movie would make heavy-handed political statements. Social media was already flooded with commentary: “If you’re anti-immigration, you’re anti-Superman.” And while I understand the metaphor, Superman is an alien who finds a home on Earth, I didn’t want the film to become another political soapbox. Thankfully, it didn’t. There were subtle nods, sure, but nothing that pulled me out of the story. And I appreciated that. Entertainment should allow space to reflect, not force-feed conclusions.
In one article I read before watching, the author argued that Superman doesn’t sell anymore because we’ve lost the innocence that made him resonate. I’d argue that politicizing everything only deepens that divide. We’re no longer allowed to just see him as a symbol of hope. But in this film, that’s exactly what he was. Not just a strong man in a cape, but a good man. And that return felt quietly revolutionary.

What Fell Flat: Too Much Goof, Not Enough Grit
While there was a lot to love, some choices didn’t land.
First: Krypto. I was excited when I heard Krypto the Superdog would be included. It felt like a deep cut from classic lore, a nod to long-time fans. But in execution? Not great. His scenes leaned hard into comic relief, and most of it felt unnecessary. He was more chaotic than useful, except for one crucial moment. Other than that, he was mostly a distraction.
Then there were the Kents. As someone from the South, I’ve grown tired of seeing Southern characters portrayed as overly simple or foolish. Martha yelling into the phone, bent over like she’s never used one before, was just lazy. Pair that with their exaggerated accents, accents that mysteriously didn’t carry over to Clark, and the illusion of a close-knit, grounded family started to crack.
And that closeness is essential. Superman’s strength doesn’t come from his Kryptonian lineage. It comes from the people who raised him. The film did touch on that, especially in one standout scene where Jonathan gives Clark a heartfelt talk about becoming his own person. It was the most authentic, Jonathan Kent-like moment in the movie, and I wish there had been more of that. Less goof. More roots.

The Question of Lex
I’ll be honest. Smallville shaped how I see Lex Luthor. Michael Rosenbaum made him sympathetic, layered, and unforgettable. Since then, no version has quite lived up.
This Lex wasn’t an exception, but he wasn’t a total loss either. I liked the focus on intellect. His obsession with proving that brains could outmatch brawn felt on-brand. But he still lacked that spark. Was it the writing? The casting? Maybe both. I didn’t need him to be likable, but I did want him to be compelling. And this Lex just didn’t leave much of an impression.

Final Thoughts: What This Superman Gets Right
Flaws and all, I genuinely enjoyed this movie.
It reminded me why Superman matters. Why he still stands out. In an age of murky morality and morally gray heroes, he remains a figure of hope, of doing the right thing honestly and humbly. No, the movie wasn’t perfect. But it brought something back that’s been missing for a long time: a return to goodness.
And honestly? That’s enough to make me believe in Superman again.

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