Latest news with #Supermen
Hindustan Times
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
The Taste by Vir Sanghvi: Why James Gunn's Superman is the best since Christopher Reeve
Before we get into the successes and failures of the new Superman film, here are some things that I should say upfront. First of all, this is easily the best Superman movie since the two films that Richard Donner made with Christopher Reeve in the 1970s. The latest Superman movie, directed by James Gunn, presents a relatable superhero facing modern challenges. Secondly, anyone who has been a fan of the Superman comics will recognise this version of Superman who at least wears the right costume unlike the Henry Cavill movies, where Superman looked like he had escaped from a zombie convention in the British Midlands where everyone attending had to adopt an American accent to seem cool. Three, it helps that David Corenswet is the best Superman since Christopher Reeve. Of the movie Supermen, Brandon Routh brought a certain enthusiasm to the role but he always seemed like a college kid auditioning for the role in an amateur university production of Superman. Henry Cavill, who has turned ruining famous fictional heroes into his specialty (he has been a disastrous Sherlock Holmes and a terrible Napoleon Solo in other movies and was, apparently in the running to play James Bond, though fortunately, he did not get the role) was so wooden that his Superman was less Man of Steel and more Man of Wood. Corenswet does not make the mistake of trying to imitate Reeve (as Routh did) but brings his own interpretation of the character to the movie. And fourthly despite the rave reviews the film is good, not great, so lower your expectations before you go to see it. The basic problem with any Superman story is that when a man is this powerful it is hard to invent a plot where anyone can threaten him. In the comics, they eventually created kryptonite which could kill Superman or made him fight powerful aliens or midget magicians with such names as Mister Mxyzptlk .(Superman is susceptible to magic we are told.) In the Reeve movies they used most of the same devices: Superman battled aliens from his own planet or fell victim to kryptonite and in one memorable plot twist voluntarily gave up his powers out of his love for Lois Lane. All of these stratagems advanced the plots but eventually even in the comics they fell back on making him less powerful. Whereas once, Superman could move planets with one hand, in later years he did not have the strength to fight such bizarre villains as Doomsday, who 'killed' Superman in one bestselling edition of the comic. (Nah of course , he didn't really die.) The interesting thing about the new Superman movie is that James Gunn who wrote and directed it, makes Superman a bit of a wuss. The film starts with Superman being beaten up and throughout the picture he is routinely thrashed by passing strangers. In fact the most powerful character in the film, you may well think, is not Superman. It is Krypto, his dog ( making his movie debut though he was created decades ago in the comics) who routinely turns up to save Superman. Even in the redemption sequences in the final act of the movie where Superman finally exhibits his mighty powers (and the famous John Williams theme is resurrected) he is still beaten up by the bad guys. I am guessing that this is intentional because Gunn's Superman is not the God-like figure of the Cavill movies but a slightly goofy guy who is trying to do his best for the world but doesn't always get it right. As most reviewers have pointed out, this is the only kind of Superman who makes sense in today's complicated world. Though Gunn sets his movie in a parallel universe full of meta humans and super heroes (some sponsored by private corporations) his concerns are with today's world. This has led to criticism of his 'woke' Superman from Fox News and other Right wing US outlets who are agitated that Gunn has called Superman an immigrant at a time when the Right is busy painting all immigrants as unAmerican. It's a foolish criticism made mostly by people who haven't even seen the movie. Superman has always been an outsider trying to fit in. He was created by the children of two Jewish immigrants to the US and his success in becoming a part of American society was an embodiment of the triumph of a country that had been built by immigrants. The message was: It doesn't matter where you come from, you can always become a true American. In the 1950s, the Superman radio and TV shows introduced Superman as a person from another planet who stood for 'truth, justice and the American way.' Even in the second Reeve movie, after Superman had defeated General Zod the alien who was trying to take over the world, there was a shot of him triumphantly placing the American flag atop the White House. Nor has Superman always been removed from contemporary politics. As far back as the 1940s, he was fighting the Nazis in World War II and political themes have continued to turn up from time to time in the comics. And the immigrant stuff: That's always been the Cavill movies Superman was often treated with suspicion as an illegal alien and even the US government had it in for him. It's not the Superman legend that has changed; it is American politics. However, Gunn does deal with issues that seem relevant to today's world. Superman's arch enemy Lex Luthor has always been a bald billionaire tycoon. In this version he becomes a tech tycoon who uses social media to spread fake news: In one scene his troll farm is full of monkeys on computers. (Though the common perception that he is modelled on Jeff Bezos seems fanciful just as the idea that the Luthor of the Cavill movies was based on Mark Zuckerberg was based on no more than the fact that Jesse Eisenberg who played Luthor had previously played Zuckerberg.) Two other issues seem relevant to today's headlines. One of the movie's themes has Superman intervening to stop a corrupt dictator from taking over a neighbouring country. The dictator is in league with an oligarch (Luthor) and his motives are commercial. People have tried to link this to Israel-Palestine but given the Eastern European setting, Ukraine may well have inspired this plot line. Superman intervenes to protect the country that is to be invaded leading to an important question: Who is he to intervene in world affairs? What gives him the right to do so? And does he even understand enough about international politics to make the right decisions? The second issue is ethical. Clark Kent keeps interviewing Superman for The Daily Planet. Given that Kent is Superman's secret identity, isn't this an abuse of his position and an insult to the trust of readers? The most extraordinary thing about the movie is that not only are these issues raised but that, somewhere in the middle of all the fights and the spectacle of the skies filled with guys flying through the air in funny costumes, Gunn manages to include a ten minute conversation between Lois Lane and Superman about ethics—and it doesn't drag the picture down or slow its pace. Long time Superman fans may be interested in two plot twists. Superman's birth parents Jor-el and Lara may not have been the wonderful people of legend. (I say 'may' because there is room for doubt.) And we finally have an explanation for why nobody recognises Superman when he wears glasses and pretends to be Clark Kent. Apparently, his glasses hypnotise people to prevent them from recognising him. (Ha! As excuses go, this one is pretty silly.) Because Superman is a hit, Gunn has probably saved the DC universe. That is something to cheer about even as the tiresome and overlong Marvel universe is starting to crash and burn. There will be more outings for the DC characters from this movie. Green Lantern will return in the TV show Lanterns. And Supergirl who has a cameo in the movie has her own picture out soon though, judging by her appearance here, Milly Alcock is hideously miscast. And Corenswet has been signed up for two more Superman movies. So look up in the sky! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No. It's billions of dollars flying across the DC universe.
USA Today
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
💥 Up, up and away! 💥
We're feeling pretty super, man. The Man of Steel is back on movie screens, and thankfully, this one's not a sourpuss: David Corenswet takes his turn with the cape and tights in James Gunn's "Superman," an exciting intro to the rebooted DC superhero universe. The character has been a pop-culture icon for 80-plus years, so anytime there's a new one, it's a big deal. Also worth watching is "Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires," the latest in Disney's teen musical franchise with rising star Milo Manheim. And speaking of kids, yours might be watching more than usual since it's summer break, so we've got new guides for what and how much to watch. Now on to the good stuff: See David Corenswet as the newest Man of Steel in James Gunn's 'Superman' I talked with a bunch of "Superman" cast members, and while they all say similarly, Rachel Brosnahan says it best about David Corenswet: "He is Superman." I had an in-depth conversation with the latest Man of Steel about bringing "dad energy" to the role as a new father and what qualities he shares with the big blue Boy Scout. "We can be a force for calm and reassurance and centeredness even in the most tumultuous times in life," Corenswet says. And he's the main reason why "Superman" works so well. Director James Gunn has created a highly enjoyable adventure in a busy universe that feels electric and meaningful. (Peep my ★★★½ review.) Also, as part of our round-the-clock "Superman" coverage, we've got an exclusive look at the Daily Planet, a parent's guide for those with superhero-loving kids, an updated ranking of the top 50 superhero movies, plus a rundown of the best screen Supermen. Stream Disney's 'Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires' with Milo Manheim As the father of a tween girl, I was an early adopter of Disney's "Zombies," the 2018 fantasy musical comedy about a football-playing zombie (Milo Manheim) going to a "normal" high school and falling for cheer captain Addison (Meg Donnelly). It was a breezy and fun flick that birthed a loyal fandom, more movies and more monsters (including werewolves and aliens). For the premiere of "Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires," Manheim stopped by our studio for a photo shoot, plus we chatted about his "weird" career and recent run as Seymour in the off-Broadway revival of "Little Shop of Horrors." Being in the show "fueled everything," he says. "It fueled my drive, my excitement, my passion. It also fueled my fear, for sure, but that's the best part of it." "Zombies 4" is among several new movies on streaming this week, a list that also includes the thrillers "Opus" and "Drop," plus Tyler Perry's latest "Madea" comedy. Get a handle on your kids' screen time this summer Summertime means no school for the youngsters and more hours to watch TV and spend time on various screens and devices. TV critic Kelly Lawler talked with doctors, media experts and television creators, exploring how to navigate screen time, what children should be watching, and the things that you may want them to avoid. She's included a guide to the best TV shows for elementary-age kids, such as "Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man," "SpongeBob SquarePants" and "Percy Jackson and the Olympians." Kelly doesn't forget the adults, though: She has a guide to all the new TV streaming this week, like the return of Michael C. Hall's fan-favorite serial killer in "Dexter: Resurrection." Even more goodness to check out! Got thoughts, questions, ideas, concerns, compliments or maybe even some recs for me? Email btruitt@ and follow me on the socials: I'm @briantruitt on Bluesky, Instagram and Threads.
Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Superman movie review: James Gunn delivers an Interstellar-level show-and-tell universe with a cute David Corenswet
You go in expecting to enjoy a handsome man wearing his undies over his tights, flying around and doing saving-the-world stuff. You get an Interstellar-level show-and-tell universe. Director and co-writer Gunn, he of Guardians of the Galaxy fame, brought in as CEO to revive the DC Universe, is not kidding around – even when he is. The Lex Luthor (Hoult) of this Superman story is a mad billionaire genius, who is as invested in conquering space as in other countries, and has the ear of a bombastic, self-obsessed president (remind you of someone?). So Luthor builds a 'pocket universe', which exists in a zone between universes, and has 'anti-proton' rivers, flowing into rampant black holes. Luthor also likes introducing 'nanonites' into blood streams of his enemies, usually with the help of his malleable (literally) foot-soldier he just calls Engineer (Faria). Further down in the film, a rift in space-time threatens to engulf entire cities. If all that sounds a bit much, it is. The plotting, beating, hurting, fighting, falling, etc never take a minute's break in Superman – though it is nice to see that superheroes also get bruised, even if they bounce back at superheroic speed. The all-Gunn-blazing treatment is surprising given the short and sweet introduction the writer-director gives to his Superman a.k.a Clark (Corenswet). Realising that there are few in the movie-going dimension who do not know the backstory of the infant from Kryptonite who came to Earth, Gunn streaks through it and does not even waste time on Lois's 'Ah, Clark Kent is actually Superman in glasses!' moment. Superman movie trailer: As Lois, Brosnahan is clunky and un-charismatic, though the tough interview she subjects Superman to would make any journalist proud. Here again, Gunn taps into something real as Lois grills him over his authority to decide right from wrong, and to act unilaterally on it. That does unsettle Clark – more than what the film hangs its plot on, which is a taped message for him by his biological parents (let's not tell you who the father is) which, it turns out, is not what he always thought it was. However, having raised these pertinent questions about the need for great powers to exercise great responsibilities, Superman spends its energy on pitting two fictional countries against each other, with America a busybody bystander. If one of these countries is 'Bovaria', the one which it is trying to occupy – and which prays for Superman to save it – is called, wait for it, 'Jahranpur'. Jahranpur is a desert country, of people with skin tones going from White to Brown to Black, with long beards, covered heads and tattered clothes, who wield spears against Bovaria's tanks. Corenswet is cute as Supermen go, with a curled lock of hair on the forehead, the dimpled cheeks, the broad shoulders and the rippled forearms. Added charm is the superdog who is his constant companion, named Krypto. The Justice Gang gets introduced (including the Green Lantern, Metamorpho, Mr Terrific and Hawkgirl), and you can see the easy chemistry Gunn engineered in Guardians of the Galaxy at play between them. The speeds which Superman can reach are breathtaking, and the 3D top-notch. Yes, you can see this team of Superman-plus plus saving many worlds as this reboot of the franchise kicks off. But, let them stick to pocket universes please; leave the 'Jahranpurs' alone. Superman movie cast: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, María Gabriela de Faría, Skyler Gisondo, Wendell Pierce Superman movie director: James Gunn Superman movie rating: 2.5 stars
USA Today
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
A parent's guide to 'Superman': Is the new movie OK for young kids?
Not only is Superman back, he's kid-friendly again. Arguably no other iconic character, other than maybe Spider-Man and Harry Potter, appeals to children more than Superman. Youngsters love the cape, the tights, the trunks, the flying – everything that makes Superman super. And while Henry Cavill played the character darker and grittier in Zack Snyder's movies – more Batman than Man of Steel – David Corenswet's new take in James Gunn's "Superman" (in theaters July 11) definitely leans into him being a role model for kids. He even has a dog, for goodness' sake! While very much for kids of all ages, the new film might not be for everyone. So before taking the little ones to the movies, here's what parents need to know about "Superman." What is 'Superman' about? The adventure centers on Superman, who has been Metropolis' guardian for three years, and his alter ego, Daily Planet reporter Clark Kent. He's an alien from Krypton sent by his parents to Earth before his world was destroyed, and he was raised in Kansas by a kind couple. But although he's tried to help mankind as best he can, Superman has made mistakes and created some major enemies. Billionaire tech bro Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) envies his power and popularity, and reveals something about Superman that turns the public against him. So our hero has to fix his PR problem − plus save kidnapped superdog Krypto, defeat a monster kaiju and keep Metropolis from being destroyed. How long is the 'Superman' movie? The "Superman" runtime is two hours and nine minutes. That said, for being a movie that's stuffed with characters and action moments, it zips along at a pretty good pace. What is 'Superman' rated? "Superman" is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association "for violence, action and language." There is some cursing – mostly of the four-letter "s" sort – and Supes' reporter girlfriend Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) is the saltiest of the bunch. Superman gets in a lot of fights, and loses some, but always gets back up. And there are scenes involving a country invading another nation and Metropolis being ripped apart that are pretty harrowing. Who plays the new 'Superman'? David Corenswet wears the Man of Steel's cape and tights in the rebooted DC movie universe, and he's the latest in a line of screen Supermen that also includes Henry Cavill, Brandon Routh, George Reeves and Christopher Reeve. Before "Superman," Corenswet starred in the Ryan Murphy shows "The Politician" and "Hollywood," and also appeared in movies like "Twisters" and "Pearl." He's also a newish dad: Around the time he started filming "Superman" last year, Corenswet's wife gave birth to their daughter. Is 'Superman' appropriate for little kids? Writer and director Gunn has designed the movie to appeal to children, from the bright look of the film to lots of animals and colorful characters running around. Several scenes, though, might need parental guidance (or a calming hug). In the very first scene, Superman is lying beaten, broken and bloodied, though Krypto quickly pounces on him playfully to cut the tension. In various sequences, kids and critters alike are in danger where Superman has to save them – including a curious squirrel. And there are moments in a pocket universe that Lex has created where he tortures Superman with Kryptonite and a baby is in some serious peril. But just remind them the movie is called "Superman" and the Man of Steel is bound to win the day. Is there a 'Superman' controversy? Eh, not really. There's been some political outrage about Gunn calling "Superman" an immigrant story – which it has been for decades, folks, even in the comics – and some pundits have labeled it "superwoke." Unless your kids will take issue with Gunn's allusions to U.S. foreign policy or Lex having a secret prison where he puts his enemies, they're probably OK. In fact, there are great messages in "Superman" for them, like the way Supes leads with sincerity and empathy, the importance of good journalism, and the movie's theme of kindness being a superpower. Where can I watch 'Superman'? "Superman" is showing in theaters. If you're hoping to watch it at home, you'll have to wait, depending on how successful it is at the box office. If it follows a similar path to, say, the Warner Bros. hit "Sinners," "Superman" will likely hit video-on-demand platforms in early to mid-September and stream on HBO Max probably in October.
USA Today
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Every Superman actor, ranked (from David Corenswet to Christopher Reeve)
Several dudes have been faster than a speeding bullet and leaped tall buildings with a single bound. But of all the actors who've put on Superman's cape, who's the most super? Is it Christopher Reeve, the beloved star who made everyone believe a man could fly with John Williams' legendary theme? Is it Henry Cavill, who gave the Man of Steel in Zack Snyder's DC universe a more serious tone? Might it be one of TV's Supermen, like Dean Cain or Tom Welling? Or could it be the latest guy in tights, David Corenswet, star of James Gunn's new adventure "Superman" (in theaters July 11)? To celebrate the next guy in the red trunks, we're ranking every live-action movie and TV Superman who unleashed his heat vision on pop culture. (Sorry, fans of Nicolas Cage's computer-generated cameo in "The Flash." Also we're only dealing with Supermen here, which leaves out "Superboy" stars John Haymes Newton and Gerard Christopher.) 9. Kirk Alyn As the first to play Superman Kirk Alyn wasn't the most jacked hero, but he definitely brought a wholesome goodness to the character in the 1948 movie serial "Superman" and its sequel "Atom Man vs. Superman" two years later. His DC roots ran deep: He also played the title role of "Blackhawk" in 1950s serials and had a cameo as Lois Lane's dad in the 1978 "Superman" film. 8. Brandon Routh Brandon Routh looked the role and had the potential to be one of the best ever, but Bryan Singer's 2006 film "Superman Returns" was a just-OK movie that never took off the way the studio hoped. Although it was just a one-and-done for Routh, the actor was able to show more of his superhero side as the Atom in CW's "Legends of Tomorrow" TV series and put Supes' cape back on for a 2019 Arrowverse crossover. 7. Dean Cain Dean Cain's do-gooder was more soapy than super in four seasons of ABC's 1990s show "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman." Starring Cain and Teri Hatcher (as Lois Lane), the series put an interesting rom-com spin on the Superman mythos and, sure, the thing was pretty goofy. But it introduced mainstream audiences to lots of cool DC lore, and Cain worked the suave Supes/bumbling Clark dichotomy well. 6. Henry Cavill Another case of a potentially really good Supes undermined by his movies: In Zack Snyder's 2013 "Man of Steel" and 2016's "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," Cavill's superhero wasn't exactly optimistic or joyful – in fact, he was brooding, morose and at times downright dark. (Need we mention he snapped a foe's neck?) It wasn't until 2017's "Justice League" when Cavill started to really be a Superman worthy of John Williams' theme, only to then get a pink slip thanks to a DC Universe reboot. 5. Tyler Hoechlin A lot of folks slept on Hoechlin's portrayal of the comic-book character, first with a handful appearances on CW's "Supergirl" starting in 2016 and some Arrowverse cameos before starring for four seasons on "Superman & Lois" (2021-24). Hoechlin's one of the best to nail Superman's emotional journey while balancing different sides of the role – in his case, the strong-willed superhero and the loving, charming family man. 4. Tom Welling Spend 10 seasons leading a TV show, and you must be doing something right. No one spent longer playing Clark Kent than WB's "Smallville" star Tom Welling, who crafted an epic journey for the character. From the angst-ridden teen on a Kansas farm who joins the high school football team to getting an adult job at the Daily Planet, Welling was consistently strong in showing how a future Superman learns to fly, in every way. 3. David Corenswet It's obvious from the start of the new "Superman" movie that David Corenswet just gets the guy, to his core. He saves kids from monster-fueled mayhem and property damage. He risks international incidents to save people who need him. He stops everything to go find his lost dog. The Man of Steel, when done right, is kindness and empathy personified, and Corenswet checks those boxes while adding some humor and a little bit of fire, too. 2. George Reeves Just as Adam West did with Batman a decade later, George Reeves defined the Man of Steel for generations – and brought the character into the public eye like never before – with the 1950s show "Adventures of Superman." As mild-mannered Clark Kent and his powerful alter ego, who'd regularly save his pals Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, Reeves brought likability, honesty and an authoritative streak to the role that changed his life. 1. Christopher Reeve The GOAT, plain and simple. Christopher Reeve's first two Superman movies showcased a phenomenal actor who brought nuance to the superhero movie and brilliantly captured the character: This alien from Krypton was raised to be the best of us, embracing humanity and falling in love. One scene from his first film in 1978 encompasses how great he was: With just a shift in posture and mannerisms and taking off his eyeglasses, he effortlessly swaps his Clark Kent persona for the big blue boy scout. And as the ultimate Superman, he's the guy everybody else wearing that cape and "S" shield will be trying to match, forever more.
