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Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Superman Review: James Gunn's take on the Man of Steel is a human start to a super future
James Gunn's Superman isn't here to blow the roof off the cinematic universe. And that's not a flaw — it's a choice. As his first film in the new DC Universe (now dubbed 'Gods and Monsters'), Gunn (of Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad fame) isn't trying to make you believe a man can fly all over again. Instead, he's asking you to believe that the man under the cape still matters. Unlike previous iterations, especially Zack Snyder's darker, more brooding take on the Man of Steel, which divided fans, this version is refreshingly hopeful. It's not a hard reset as Gunn draws tonal and thematic inspiration from All-Star Superman, a comic run known for its human-centred portrayal of the Kryptonian hero. And in doing so, he manages to challenge the recent perception of Superman as an all-powerful, untouchable symbol. This Superman bleeds, literally and figuratively, and takes a beating more than usual. The film opens with a clever subversion: no crashed pod, no origin retelling. Gunn assumes you know all that already, and respects your time. Instead, he rolls out a brief world-building timeline that serves as a starter. *spoiler alert* 300 years ago, meta-humans first arrived on Earth. 30 years ago, Kal-El landed. Three years ago, he became Superman. And just three minutes ago, he lost his first real fight — lying bloodied on the ground before being rescued by Krypto, the superdog. And just like that, we're thrown into action. Superman doesn't start this film triumphant, he starts it defeated. And that's the point. He's not the all-powerful hero yet. He's still learning, still unsure, still finding his place. Gunn's boldest move is showing us a Superman who isn't invincible, but vulnerable. And while that may feel 'un-Superman' at first, it's actually what makes this story work. His strength lies in his humanity. David Corenswet embodies this duality well — a Superman still forming, and a Clark Kent still fumbling through daily life. He brings earnestness to both personas without making either feel like a caricature. Rachel Brosnahan as the passionate journalist Lois Lane is sharp and commanding, though their relationship arc feels a little uneven. One moment she's uncertain, the next she's all in. A bit more development here could've elevated their emotional payoff. Then there's Nicholas Hoult, who delivers a cold, calculating Lex Luthor. He's not just a villain; he's the philosophical counterpoint. His grudge isn't personal, it's ideological. He sees Superman as a threat to human supremacy, a freakish outlier who doesn't belong. His mantra? Brains will always outpower brawn. It's a fascinating angle, though one that could've benefited from a bit more history between the two. Still, Hoult is magnetic. You even catch flashes of Tom Cruise in his performance — a shaved, smirking Les Grossman type from Tropic Thunder. He's a proper menace, and his scenes crackle with tension. Building a new DC world What Gunn does well is populate Superman's world without overwhelming it. Supporting superheroes like Hawkgirl, Mr. Terrific, and an unfiltered Green Lantern (Guy Gardner) don't feel like unnecessary cameos. They enrich the film's universe and offer just enough curiosity for what's to come. There's also a glimpse of Milly Alcock's Supergirl, a quiet nod to her upcoming 2026 solo film. And yes, there are a couple of familiar faces that pop up too. Let's just say, they're fan-service done right. But the heart of Superman's emotional arc rests in his relationship with his Earth parents, which is beautifully handled and quietly powerful. Their presence grounds him. It's those small, intimate moments and concern that give us insight into why Superman believes in hope, and why we should believe in him. And then there's Krypto. Yes, Gunn brings the superdog to life, inspired by his own rescue pup, Ozu. He'd adopted the pup while penning the script and its initial destructive traits serves as inspiration for the super-powered dog. Krypto brings heart, mischief, and some surprisingly moving moments. It's the kind of personal detail that makes Gunn's storytelling feel alive. Visuals, score, and tonal balance The film looks great. With a budget north of $200 million, the CGI is expectedly high-grade — from aerial brawls to world-threatening chaos and *spoiler alert* other dimensions. It's superhero spectacle done right. Still, it always makes me wonder: how do cities recover from this much destruction? But hey — that's the genre, and Gunn leans in without apology. Tonally, the film strikes a confident middle ground: humorous without being silly, emotional without being melodramatic. And John Williams's iconic theme woven into a guitar-driven score by John Murphy and David Fleming is a nice touch. Final verdict No, Superman isn't a wow experience, but that's perfectly fine. The film doesn't turn out to be a drag; you're not waiting for it to end so you can leave. It's solid, sincere, and sets a promising tone for what's to come. Gunn is only just getting started. This film doesn't aim to be the best Superman movie ever made. It's here to be the first chapter in something new. And for that, it succeeds. Would I rewatch it in the cinemas? Probably not. But I would revisit it at home, especially once the DCU expands and this story becomes one piece of a larger puzzle.
UAE Moments
3 hours ago
- UAE Moments
Sheikha Mahra & French Montana Spark Dating Rumors in Paris
Looks like there's a new royal-meets-rapper duo making waves. Dubai's Princess Sheikha Mahra and Moroccan-American rapper French Montana were spotted together in Paris during Fashion Week, and the internet can't stop talking about it. Walking arm-in-arm, the two were seen enjoying the Paris streets—and the Eiffel Tower backdrop didn't exactly kill the romance vibes. Paris, Love Locks, and Instagram Hints Sheikha Mahra, who also goes by Xtianna on Instagram, shared a few not-so-subtle posts: a classic Eiffel Tower shot, a cozy dinner, and most telling of all—two hands holding a love lock near the Pont des Arts, aka Paris' famous Love Lock Bridge. Nothing is confirmed, but sources close to them say something's definitely brewing. This Isn't Their First Public Hangout Flashback to last year: Sheikha Mahra and French Montana were spotted together in Dubai, enjoying camel rides and desert adventures. He even wore traditional Emirati menswear—talk about getting into the local vibe. A New Chapter After Divorce This public appearance comes months after Sheikha Mahra's highly publicized divorce from Sheikh Mana Al Maktoum. In 2024, after their daughter's birth, she called out infidelity on Instagram and ended their marriage with a bold triple talaq post. Since then, she's been busy launching her perfume brand—fittingly called 'Divorce.'
Khaleej Times
5 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Following long trial, Sean 'Diddy' Combs to be sentenced October 3
Sean "Diddy" Combs will be sentenced on October 3 for his conviction on prostitution-related charges, following a split verdict that saw him acquitted for crimes that carried more serious punishment. The music mogul was found not guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking charges after the marathon trial in which he was accused of harrowing abuse. But the jury found him guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. It's unlikely the judge will impose the maximum punishment. Prosecutors have said in court filings that based on federal sentencing guidelines, a range of 51 to 63 months imprisonment potentially would be appropriate — but they could also ask for a longer punishment. His defence, also interpreting federal sentencing guidelines, has indicated they plan to propose lighter sentencing of 21 to 27 months. Combs, 55, has been incarcerated since September 2024 at a notorious Brooklyn prison, and all of the time he has already spent behind bars will count towards his ultimate sentence. The jury delivered its dramatic verdict on July 2 following just 13 hours of deliberation that came after eight weeks of intense testimony and arguments. Over the two-month proceedings prosecutors accused Combs of being the boss of a decades-long criminal enterprise, directing loyal employees and bodyguards to commit myriad offences at his behest. But Combs was acquitted of that accusation of racketeering, as well as two counts related to sex trafficking women with whom he was in long-term relationships. That acquittal led his jubilant defense team to propose the producer and entrepreneur be released on bail, a request Judge Arun Subramanian denied. Subramanian cited Combs's confessed history of domestic violence in the decision — a defense that proved vital in the artist's acquittal on key charges, but came with a price. Still, the counts on which Combs was convicted are significantly less severe than racketeering and sex trafficking, as a guilty verdict on those charges could have sent him to prison for life. In determining sentencing, the judge will consider arguments from both sides. The government will seek a longer sentence based on Combs's documented violence as well as drug use, as well as committing instances of the violations for which he was convicted while he knew he was under investigation by federal agents. Combs's defence has argued that Combs deserves a lighter sentence given that he was using prostitution services, rather than turning a profit through hired sex.
