Superman Soars Again: Our Verdict from the Sydney Premiere

Cape? Check. Charm? Big check. A Superman reboot we’re actually excited about? It’s finally here.

Superman hits Aussie cinemas on 10 July, and we were lucky enough to be invited to the Sydney premiere to catch the action before it officially lands. Surrounded by fans, film buffs, and the occasional Clark Kent lookalike, we settled in, unsure what to expect. Would it be another gritty reboot? Or would DC finally give us a Man of Steel with a little bit of… soul?

Spoiler (without the spoilers): They nailed it.

A Lighter, Brighter Superman

The new Superman is younger, more relatable, and—dare we say it—actually fun to watch. Gone is the heavy-handed, emotionless brooder of recent years. In his place is a hero with heart, humour, and just the right amount of awkward charm.

This version doesn’t just save the day; he stumbles, questions, and grows. And honestly? That’s what makes it worth watching. As parents, we know kids don’t need perfection—they need role models who rise after the fall. This Superman embodies that beautifully.

The Vibe Shift: DC’s Course Correction

It’s no secret that Marvel’s been dominating the family-friendly superhero space for a while. But with Superman, DC finally feels like it’s found its own identity—one that’s not trying too hard to be edgy or grim, but instead focuses on character, storytelling, and hope.

There’s a real sense of optimism here, without being cheesy. The action scenes hit hard (in the best way), but they’re balanced with banter, emotion, and quieter character moments that make the big punches feel earned.

And for us adults? There are some sly nods and one-liners that’ll have you chuckling while the kids are still admiring the cape.

Cast & Characters: A Winning Ensemble

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• • Superman himself, David Corenswet, is perfectly cast—equal parts heroic and human. You believe him.
  • Lois Lane, Rachel Brosnhan, is no damsel. She’s sharp, bold, and brings real spark to the screen. Great chemistry between her and David.
  • The villain.  Superman wouldn’t be the same without Lex Luthor. Many people weren’t sure about Nicholas Holt when he was originally cast. But he was excellent. He gave the role his own touch and would be the 2nd best Lex after the original’s Gene Hackman. There are a couple more main villains, that get a lot of air time. They may not be known the viewer unless you were a comic book fan. But each held their own.

You’ll find yourself rooting not just for the hero, but for the entire journey—including the people around him. It’s a story about discovering purpose, building connection, and holding onto your values in the face of chaos. (Sound familiar, parents?)

Is It Kid-Friendly? Let’s Talk Parent Points.

If you’re wondering whether to take the kids, here’s the scoop:

• Violence: Action-packed. Only one violent moment stood out, that was unexpected and not for young kids.

• Language: Minimal—squeaky clean by superhero standards.
• Themes: Heroism, kindness, integrity—great convo starters for the ride home.
• Length: Around 2 hours, but well-paced (even for kids with short attention spans).

Perfect for tweens, teens, and even younger (Delete this) superhero fans who can sit through a movie without asking for snacks every ten minutes. (But bring the snacks anyway—this is still parenting.)

The Verdict: Fly, Don’t Walk

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With school holidays around the corner, Superman is a fantastic option for a family day out, a parent-teen bonding night, or even a sneaky date night where you don’t have to pretend to enjoy the movie.

Whether you’re a comic book loyalist, a casual fan, or just someone in desperate need of a non-animated option at the cinema, this reboot ticks the boxes.

Parenthood360 Final Word:
“A fresh cape. A fresh face. Bold, funny, and flying the DC flag high—this is the Superman we’ve been waiting for.”

Release Date: 10 July 2025
Run Time: 2 hours & 9 mins
Rating: PG13

Stay tuned to Parenthood360 for more movie picks that are parent-approved, kid-tolerated, and popcorn-worthy.
And yes, we’ll be first in line for the sequel.