MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD FOR SUPERMAN 2025.

In the first 10 minutes I was hooked.

Superman 2025 isn’t a perfect movie. Some of it is corny. I didn’t like the twist about his lineage. I felt like Superman should come across more powerful (he gets smacked around quite a bit in this one.) This movie isn’t going to win awards and it’s not high art. The CGI is a little wonky at times. I would have liked more character development of the other superheroes.

But…

One of my favorite scenes is Clark and Lois doing a Superman interview. Their chemistry is solid and she asks some very pointed questions about what it means to intervene as a super powered being ala Captain America: Civil War. Nathan Fillion, as usual, is a fucking delight, playing the heroic but hilariously macho Guy Gardner. Mr. Terrific is a total badass. And Nicholas Hoult plays a solid Jeff Bezos style Lex Luthor.

They could have ruined the movie with Krypto but he’s fun and charming. Clark’s parents are hillbillies but it kinda works, without making fun of rural of America. All the over the top science fiction–crazy gadgets and bizarre aliens, does remind me of Guardians of the Galaxy. The fight scenes are interesting and creative, not just bashing someone over and over and screaming about your mother.

Most of all they get the character right. Man of Steel talked about the “S” as being a symbol of hope, but Gunn actually delivers on that. Superman tries to talk his enemies out of their insanity. He has compassion for others even when he’s the one getting his ass kicked. He freackin’ saves a squirrel (Sorry David Bowes.) He constantly shows mercy and kindness despite his powers and alien heritage. And he gives an inspiring speech to his archenemy on what it means to be human, and has genuine hope that he’ll change his ways. He’s both powerful and vulnerable, moral but charismatic. This is the Superman we need right now.

It’s not a perfect movie and not everyone will like it. If you like overly serious, dark, realistic and gritty, or just don’t like comic book movies, this isn’t for you. Still it’s upbeat, a lot of fun and a refreshing change of pace. Solid B+ comic book flick.

Look up.