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Is Superman 2025 Bad? A Full Christian Review of the New Man of Steel

Movie Reviews There is something iconic about the flapping of a red cape and that legendary "S" shield. For decades, Superman has been the gold standard for what it means to be a hero. He’s the guy who does the right thing simply because it’s the right thing to do. But in a world that feels increasingly cynical, many fans: especially Christian parents: wondered if the 2025 reboot would keep that spirit alive or fall into the "dark and gritty" trap that has plagued so many modern blockbusters....

Movie Reviews There is something iconic about the flapping of a red cape and that legendary "S" shield. For decades, Superman has been the gold standard for what it means to be a hero. He’s the guy who does the right thing simply because it’s the right thing to do. But in a world that feels increasingly cynical, many fans: especially Christian parents: wondered if the 2025 reboot would keep that spirit alive or fall into the "dark and gritty" trap that has plagued so many modern blockbusters. I went into this film with a healthy dose of skepticism and a lot of hope. After the dust settled and the credits rolled, the question remains: Is Superman 2025 bad? From a cinematic standpoint, absolutely not. From a Christian perspective, however, there is a lot to unpack. It is a film that celebrates virtue while simultaneously stepping away from the spiritual foundations that have often been associated with the character. A Hero We Can Actually Root For For years, superhero movies have tried to make their protagonists "relatable" by making them morally grey. We’ve seen heroes who lie, heroes who kill, and heroes who seem more interested in their own trauma than saving the world. James Gunn’s Superman (2025) takes a hard turn in the opposite direction. One of the most refreshing aspects of this film is its commitment to kindness. There is a specific scene where Superman is in the middle of a high-stakes battle. Buildings are crumbling, and the tension is high. Yet, he pauses. Not to deliver a witty one-liner, but to gently move a puppy out of harm's way. It’s a small moment, but it speaks volumes. It reminds us that every life has inherent worth: a core Christian value that we see echoed in the way Jesus interacted with the "least of these." This Superman isn't brooding in a corner. He is helpful, polite, and genuinely cares about the people of Metropolis. He represents a return to "Truth, Justice, and the Human Way." While the change from "The American Way" to "The Human Way" sparked some debate online, in the context of the film, it serves to emphasize Superman's role as a protector of all people, reflecting the universal call to love our neighbors as ourselves. The Moral vs. The Spiritual: A Theological Gap While the film is overflowing with morality, it is noticeably thin on spirituality. For those of us who grew up watching previous iterations of the Man of Steel, we’ve become accustomed to the "Christ-figure" imagery. Whether it was Superman floating in space with his arms outstretched like a cross or the heavy emphasis on him being a "savior" sent from the heavens, the parallels to Jesus were often front and center. In the 2025 version, those parallels are intentionally toned down. This film presents a Superman whose goodness is rooted in his upbringing rather than a divine mandate. His morality comes from the loving guidance of Jonathan and Martha Kent. While honoring your father and mother is a biblical commandment, the film leans heavily into a secular humanist framework. As I watched, I couldn't help but think about the foundation of goodness. If Superman is "good" simply because he chooses to be, what happens when he: or someone else: decides that "good" means something else? Without a fixed point of reference (God), morality becomes subjective. This is a great talking point for families. You might want to check out my post on why having a Christian filter for movies will change the way you watch films to dive deeper into how we can discern these themes. Christian Safety Rating: 5/5 Stars In an era where "PG-13" often feels like "R-lite," Superman 2025 is a breath of fresh air. It is arguably one of the cleanest superhero films produced in the last decade. Cursing: Virtually non-existent. There might be one or two very mild terms, but nothing that would cause a parent to cringe. Gore: While there is plenty of action and "super-powered" combat, it is stylized and clean. There is no blood, no gratuitous violence, and no lingering shots of suffering. Sexual Content: None. The relationship between Clark and Lois is handled with a sweetness and respect that is rare in modern cinema. Blasphemy: The film avoids using the Lord’s name in vain, which is a significant plus for many Christian viewers. For families with children ages 8 and up, this is a film you can enjoy together without constantly reaching for the "mute" button or covering eyes. Why the "Human Way" Isn't Enough The film’s tagline emphasizes the "Human Way," and while the movie shows the best of humanity, it also inadvertently shows the limitations of it. Superman is a hero who tries to save everyone, but he cannot save the soul. As Christians, we know that true peace and true justice don't come from a man in a cape: they come from the Prince of Peace. The film celebrates the "goodness" within us, but the Bible teaches that our "righteousness is as filthy rags" without the grace of God. This doesn't make the movie "bad," but it does make it "incomplete." When discussing the movie with your kids or your youth group, it's worth asking: If Superman were real, could he actually fix the world's problems? He can stop a falling plane, but can he stop a heart from being bitter? He can defeat Lex Luthor, but can he defeat sin? This distinction helps us enjoy the entertainment for what it is while keeping our eyes fixed on the true Savior. Takeaway / Next Step The next step for you after seeing this film isn't just to talk about the special effects. Use it as a bridge to discuss the source of morality. If you're looking for ways to strengthen your own discernment or lead your family in these types of conversations, take a look at our about page to see how we approach media through the lens of faith. Takeaway: Superman 2025 is a win for family-friendly entertainment. It proves that you can have a massive, exciting blockbuster without sacrificing decency. However, it also serves as a reminder that morality without a spiritual foundation is ultimately hollow. See the film, enjoy the spectacle, and then use it as an opportunity to point your family toward the One who truly gives us hope. Stay Connected If you enjoyed this review and want to stay updated on how to navigate modern culture with a Christian perspective, make sure to follow or subscribe to our newsletter. We’re here to help you find the best content for your family while keeping the Gospel at the center of it all. For more insights into faith and culture, check out our full blog . Whether you are looking for leadership tips, faith-based encouragement, or more movie reviews, we have resources to help you grow. If you're currently walking through a difficult season and need more than just a movie to distract you, I encourage you to read our guide on finding peace after trauma , which includes 50 prayer prompts to help you reconnect with God. reach out to me on the site. visiting helps raise funds for families who lost children at no cost. Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. www.laynemcdonald.com boundlessonlinechurch.org

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Dr. Layne McDonald
Creative Pastor • Filmmaker • Musician • Author
Memphis, TN

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