LOOK UP! TO THE FATHER!
While Superman is best known for his powers—flight, strength, heat vision—it’s his humanity that takes center stage in this thrilling and emotionally grounded take on the character.
David Corenswet (Superman) portrayal strikes a compelling balance between spectacle and self-awareness. Three years into his role as Earth’s protector, he’s not seeking recognition or validation—he’s simply staying true to his principles, even when he’s misunderstood. The result is a character study wrapped in a superhero film, one that values restraint, compassion, and inner strength.
James Gunn (Director) steers clear of mindless destruction, opting instead for action rooted in character and purpose. There’s a clear reverence for the world—not just in Superman’s immense power, but in the deliberate, compassionate way he uses it. His moments with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), his adoptive parents, and ordinary people reveal a hero shaped by love, vulnerability, and strength. All of it is elevated by a stirring musical score that weaves emotion and power into every scene. This Superman may be from another planet, but he’s never felt more human.
We’re excitingly introduced to new heroes in the DC universe as (Nathan Fillion) Guy Gardner, (Edi Gathegi) Mr. Terrific, (Isabela Merced) Hawkgirl, and (Anthony Carrigan) as Metamorpho join forces as the Justice Gang. Early concerns that the film might turn into “Superman + the Justice Gang” are quickly put to rest—director James Gunn strikes a perfect balance, using these characters to enhance the story without ever shifting focus away from Superman himself. Each member of the Justice Gang brings their own sense of morality and responsibility to protect Earth, adding weight and purpose to their presence. Among the standout additions, Eddi Gathegi’s performance as Mr. Terrific is a highlight. With sharp intellect, dry humor, and unexpected emotional depth, he brings a refreshing dynamic that adds both an impassive and joyful smile to the viewer throughout the film.
Lastly, I’ll admit I had doubts about Nicholas Hoult taking on the role of Lex Luthor. I was never a huge fan of his earlier work, particularly his underwhelming performance as Beast in the X-Men series. But I’m happy to say: Nicholas Hoult delivers the best rendition of Lex Luthor I’ve ever seen in a live action format. His portrayal finally feels true to the comics—sharp, calculating, and driven by a simmering envy that makes his rivalry with Superman thrilling to watch. The dynamic between the two isn’t just physical—it’s a battle of intellect: brains over brawn. And while Lex’s mind may be his greatest weapon, the story doesn’t shy away from showing how envy, left unchecked, ultimately becomes his greatest weakness.
A few things didn’t quite land for me. There were moments where Superman seemed to be rescued a bit too often, which slightly undercut the strength and confidence the character usually carries. Some of the CGI—particularly in the flight scenes—looked a bit weird, especially when it made his face look unusual. And there were a few scenes that genuinely made me wonder, “How did this scene make the final cut?” That said, Superman remains a thrilling, hope-filled experience—one that reignites excitement for Superman fans “looking up” for the future and sets a promising tone for the DC universe.
Man, sometimes I wish I was built like Superman—flying through the skies, shooting laser beams from my eyes; that’d be insane. But the truth is, I’m just an ordinary guy on the outside. But inside? That’s a whole different story. For those of us who believe and walk in the ministry of Jesus daily, we carry something far more powerful than heat vision or super strength. We carry the Holy Spirit—real power, not comic book fiction. It’s a force that surpasses every superhero ever imagined, even Superman. Because while Superman is made up, Jesus is real. And in the story of reality, Jesus is the true Superman. So let’s talk about one of His most jaw-dropping, supernatural, mind-blowing acts—the kind of moment that would leave even Ra’s al Ghul questioning everything he thought he knew about life, death, and resurrection.
“Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
John 11:38-44 NIV
Before this moment, Jesus had already heard about Lazarus’ death—and it hit Him hard. He wasn’t indifferent; He was deeply moved, even to the point of weeping. Jesus, fully God and fully man, showed His raw humanity. He didn’t just perform miracles from a distance—He felt the weight of loss, the sting of death, and the pain of those around Him. Jesus didn’t just care about the crowd; He cared about Lazarus, His friend. This moment wasn’t just about divine power—it was about compassion. Jesus stepped into our grief, showing us God-with-us before flipping the script with resurrection power. Then, he told them to roll the stone away, and Martha, still caught in the natural, spoke up with concerns about the smell and the length of time.
Now, pause—what? Jesus is about to resurrect your dead brother, and you’re worried about the smell? Sister, what?! This moment is a test of faith—one we all face. When God calls you to action and you respond with, “Lord, that sounds great, BUT…”—that “but” carries hesitation, doubt, and unfaithfulness. That “but” has blocked more miracles than we realize. Jesus answered her with a simple, powerful truth:
“Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” – John 11:40
How many times do we miss what God is about to do—heroically, divinely, and powerfully—because just before it happens, we hit Him with a “but what about…”? Instead of moving in faith, we get trapped in alternatives, excuses, and backups—and faith gets left behind.
Jesus then LOOKS UP TO THE FATHER and gives thanksgiving to God. It’s important to note that Jesus was deeply in tune with His prayers and His relationship with the Father. This wasn’t some casual, spontaneous moment—it was an intentional act, a deliberate connection that reflected His trust and intimacy with God. Jesus didn’t just speak to the Father out of routine; He prayed with purpose, knowing that true power doesn’t flow automatically. It comes when we pray with intentionality and believing in God’s will, seeking His heart and His timing, not our own desires. The power of prayer isn’t about forcing our will; it’s about humbly submitting to God’s purpose and trusting that He will act.
Jesus looks around and says, “I know that you are always with me, but I say this for the benefit of those standing here, that they may believe you sent me.” In this moment, Jesus shows His deep morality and responsibility to those around Him. He wasn’t just concerned with His own relationship with the Father; He wanted everyone present to see that He was the way to the Father. Jesus, fully aware of His purpose, is calling those around Him to believe in Him, to recognize His divine mission, and to understand that through Him, they would come to know the Father’s heart. It wasn’t just about performing a miracle—it was about revealing the truth that He was sent to show the way to eternal life and life to the fullest.
Jesus looks at Lazarus, lying in his grave, and with a loud shout declares, “Lazarus, come out!” And just like that, Lazarus walks out, still wrapped in his linen grave clothes. Jesus then looks at Lazarus and then at the people around Him and says one of the most heroic statements in all of Scripture: “Take off his grave clothes and let him go.” In that moment, Jesus makes a profound statement—not just for Lazarus, but for everyone watching. If you’re a Christian—or even someone on the edge of belief—what will it take for you to be set free? It’s about taking off your own grave clothes—the habits, the sins, the old ways of living that keep you bound. Jesus is calling us to step out of the grave of our old selves and into the new life He offers. The question is, are you ready to LOOK UP TO THE FATHER and let go of what’s holding you back and walk in freedom with Jesus?
Rating:
Narrative: 1
Cinematography: 2
Mise En Scene: 2
Editing: 1
Sound: 2
Total Rating Score:
8/10