Latest news with #Supes
Euronews
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Film of the Week: 'Superman' – A bird? A plane? No, a terrific reboot
I confess I've never been much of a Superman fan. Compared to other superheroes, the Man of Steel always seemed boring to me. Yes, the story of a god growing up amongst men and fighting for the oppressed is inherently interesting, but I never felt a sense of jeopardy when it came to the super strong Christlike martyr who seemed so impervious to most threats that there was no real drama. Granted, there's always Kryptonite, but when Supes eventually shakes off the glowing green irritant before breaking through the time barrier by flying around the world so fast he reverses the direction of time's arrow and thereby undoes the tragedy that just occurred – like in the 1978 movie – then the stakes are at an all-time low. Then came Zack Snyder's ambitious but botched attempt to replicate the grounded nature of Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy. That dour take on Superman didn't help much, and I can't say I was giddy about yet another cinematic reboot. However, and much to my surprise, James Gunn's Last Son of Krypton feels far from invincible, giving Superman enough emotional stakes to pierce my cold heart. More than that, this flawed but exuberant blockbuster may be the first time I've properly enjoyed a Superman film. The film opens with a bruised and bloodied Big Blue (a perfectly cast David Corenswet) crash landing in the Arctic near the Fortress of Solitude. As the opening credits inform us, Superman has just lost a fight for the first time, courtesy of scheming billionaire bastard Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) and his very own floating robot dubbed 'The Hammer of Boravia'. That name refers to a geopolitical SNAFU that Supes is embroiled in. Having prevented fascistic Boravia from invading its neighbouring country, Jarhanpur, despite Boravia being a US ally, everyone's favourite superhero is at the heart of a PR disaster – also orchestrated by Luthor. Cue: Krypto, the caped, plucky but obstinate supercanine, helping out his bleeding master and getting him back on his feet. Such a good boy. On top of the bad press, Superman / Clark Kent is three months into a dicey relationship with intrepid reporter Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), and the revelation of a previously corrupted recorded message from his parents makes him question his place on Earth. No time to mope too much though, as Luther's greed and envy has driven him to extreme lengths to discredit the immigrant alien he refers to as 'it'. By ditching not only the doom and gloom of the Snyderverse but also the tiresome need for an umpteenth backstory, Gunn starts in medias res to better embrace the spirit of the seemingly bygone era of campy comic books. And it works. This fast-paced adventure looks and feels like a comic book transposed onto the big screen, with all the unapologetic strangeness, colourful palette and intentional corniness that befits a 'naive but well-intentioned" boyscout who will take the time to save a squirrel in peril. The 'silliness' of Gunn's approach feels bold in these current times – and the director knows what he's doing. He clearly understands that superhero fatigue has settled in; his reset doubles down on the fun factor without shying away from some real-world mirroring. This may not be anything new for Superman films, but the inclusion of xenophobia laced with cancel culture (aided by social media bots / monkeys) and the contentious Middle Eastern geopolitical dispute with obvious – but not overplayed - topical parallels to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Palestine conflict is a bold touch. You can almost hear nose-bleedingly annoying comments about Superman going 'woke' - the pithy last defence of those who never tire of shouting at clouds. But that's what Superman has always been: an alien humanitarian who fights for justice and for whom 'kindness is punk rock.' A cheesy line, granted, but one which nonetheless lands - especially with the film's final needle drop of a deep cut Iggy Pop collab which works wonders. As great as Superman is, there are undeniable issues – chiefly an overstuffed script that tries to cram in a bit too much in one go. As well as one too many black holes during the contractually-obliged CGI onslaught. That said, Gunn proves once again that he can gleefully tick boxes while indulging in a large cast – like he did in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies – and still make the plot make sense. The other 'metahumans' in the Justice Gang get their time to shine, with Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) and Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion) standing out. It's a shame that Hawkgirl (The Last Of Us' breakout star Isabela Merced) is shortchanged, but the motley crew remains a charming addition to this new DC Universe. Ultimately, it's so much fun to watch that anyone willing to get with the program won't care enough to riot. As for those who get too hung up on its negatives, it'll be a hardened viewer who doesn't fall for Corenswet's disarmingly earnest portrayal and that spiralling slaying soundtracked to Noah and the Whale's 'Five Years Time'. Superman may not be a perfect movie, but it's a terrifically endearing crowdpleaser – one which dwarfs this year's other blockbusters like Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, F1® The Movie and Jurassic World Rebirth. More than that, it's a deliriously entertaining start for the newly minted DC Studios under Gunn and Peter Safran's management and above all, a breath of fresh air that left me with a big, dumb grin on my face. It made me believe a man (and a dog) can fly. Best of all, it made me care about the flying man. And his dog. Who, again, is such a good boy. Superman is out in cinemas now.
Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Little Stupid' Superman hands James Gunn his third-highest Rotten Tomatoes score, beats Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 3 and 4
Superman 2025 first reviews are in, and while fans gear up for the grand reveal of James Gunn's directorial, the special premiere has critics clashing over the reboot. The new DC Studios and Warner Bros. collaboration, with David Corenswet stepping in as the new Man of Steel, has landed a mostly positive Rotten Tomatoes score, especially when stacked against the franchise's recent misses. But unlike Gunn's rock-solid legacy with Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad, critics say this version of the superhero feels a bit stupid, but in a weirdly charming way. It's fun, but hard to box in as a hardcore actioner or a bold revival. Some are all in for the light, hopeful tone. Others think it softens the punch. Also read: Superman theme reimagined with Indian classical instruments earns global praise: 'Wasn't ready for this' At the time of writing, David Corenswet's Superman holds an 87% Rotten Tomatoes score, though that number is still moving as more reviews roll in ahead of the July 11 premiere. Zooming out, the 2025 reboot has already landed as the third highest-rated film in the DCEU, right behind Wonder Woman (93%) and ahead of Aquaman (65%), Man of Steel (56%), Justice League (40%), and Batman v Superman (29%). While critics aren't hailing it as James Gunn's best work in the superhero game, the film still secured top spot in his near-flawless record of comic book hits. It trails just behind Guardians of the Galaxy (92%), The Suicide Squad (90%) and beats Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Vol. 3, despite some calling the premise silly. Also read: Superman first reactions: The James Gunn film is 'bold yet faithful' as DC studios embarks on a new journey According to the Houston Chronicle, 'It's not a great movie, by any stretch, but it is a highly entertaining one with a solid cast, impressive effects, and an underlying message of love and respect.' According to The Movie Minute, 'James Gunn's reboot isn't always super, but man, it sure does get the franchise flying off to a pretty high start.' Jordan Hoffman wrote, 'For those holding out for a hero, and who need a jolt of truth, justice, and the American way, this is a strong summer treat.' Reuben Baron said, 'Superman is zippy blockbuster fun. But amidst all its cartoon absurdity, it might just inspire people to make a difference in this universe.' Hollywood Chicago wrote, 'This ain't your Granddaddy's Supes, but it's still good enough for a watch. The immigrant angle was pretty brassy of James Gunn, and scenically the film breaks new ground. But too much Supes torture, too little Supes presence, and Worst. Perry White. Ever.' Despite mixed opinions, most agree this is a strong start for the new DC Universe. The box office predictions are massive. Analysts and trend trackers estimate Superman could pull in anywhere between $110 million to $200 million in its opening weekend. But with Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey leading Jurassic World: Rebirth, some fear Gunn's reboot might get overshadowed by dinosaurs. Still, Gunn has dismissed the talk that Superman needs to cross $700 million to be called a success. The film reportedly cost around $200 million to make, still within blockbuster territory. For those wondering what kind of Superman this is, it's not an origin story. Gunn's story explores who Superman is, what drives him, and what it means to still be hopeful in a world that doesn't always believe in heroes. He's scrutinised, judged, and grilled by the media, but he's not alone. He's got a loyal, faithful dog sticking by his side. Superman 2025 official synopsis, 'When Superman gets drawn into conflicts at home and abroad, his actions are questioned, giving tech billionaire Lex Luthor the opportunity to get the Man of Steel out of the way for good. Will intrepid reporter Lois Lane and Superman's four-legged companion, Krypto, be able to help him before it's too late?'
USA Today
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Superman' movie review: David Corenswet soars as an empathetic Man of Steel
There's a new Superman in town, and he's the kind of big blue boy scout in red trunks we haven't seen in a long time. Written and directed by James Gunn ('Guardians of the Galaxy'), 'Superman' not only introduces a new Man of Steel in David Corenswet but also launches a rebooted DC movie universe. The poppy, satisfying adventure (★★★½ out of four; rated PG-13; in theaters July 11) succeeds on both fronts with the best Supes since Christopher Reeve. The movie features pervasive positivity, one really cool canine and a bright comic-book aesthetic. And while this fresh superhero landscape is extremely busy and a little bit familiar, it also feels lived-in and electric. Gunn has no interest in easing you into this new world with an origin story or exposition dump. Taking a page out of 'Star Wars' and 'Raiders of the Lost Ark,' he drops viewers right into the middle of a story, three minutes after Supes just got his butt handed to him by a baddie. This is a running theme: Our hero gets smacked around a lot in this flick, but always smacks back. Join our Watch Party! Sign up to receive USA TODAY's movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox After being saved by his puckish superdog Krypto, Superman returns to win the battle but faces all sorts of issues. Metropolis' favorite good guy is dealing with a PR backlash after stopping fictional Boravia from invading another country, which angers the U.S. government. He's also ticked off billionaire tech bro Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), a genius who resents that this alien from Krypton is more popular than he is. Luthor and his squad – including influencer girlfriend Eve Teschmacher (Sara Sampaio), nanite-fueled henchwoman The Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría) and the mysterious masked Ultraman – raid Supes' Fortress of Solitude. They find and reveal a secret recording that Superman doesn't even know about, turning the public against him and causing our hero to question everything about his past and identity. Gunn fills his 'Superman' with plenty of action, from the title character's flying jaunts – filmed as searing, windswept experiences – to Superman throwing down with a giant kaiju. But what makes the movie, and Supes himself, endearing is how the dude tackles any and all problems with empathy and sincerity. He has a bit of a fight with his girlfriend, fellow Daily Planet journalist Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), over the Boravia incident that demonstrates their strong-willed personalities. And when all heck breaks loose, even interdimensionally, Superman puts all of his existential crises aside at one point to find the missing Krypto. A jacked Corenswet sells that so well, bringing vulnerability, relatability, humor, some righteous frustration and a welcome lack of cynicism to the ultimate good-guy role. And Brosnahan lends an enjoyable feistiness to Lois, who's very much the second lead of the movie: She gets more action-hero duties than previous versions of the character, and suffers no super-fools like the punchable Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion). And Hoult is an inspired choice for the nervy and smarmy Lex, a supervillain who might be the most realistic personality in a fantastical world. One could argue that Gunn tries to do too much in this opening salvo. There are Easter eggs aplenty, some surprise cameos and a large supporting cast, so big you might not keep up with them all. (Make sure to take note of the terrific Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, though.) That said, there are no false notes or wasted energy in making this revamped DC universe stand out from the previous, overly dour DCU or the quippy, slick Marvel movies. 'Superman' is more conventional than Gunn's 'Guardians' flicks, or even his DC outings "The Suicide Squad" and "Peacemaker," yet he's carried over the unhinged, off-kilter fun of those films. And while Gunn doesn't overdo it with political stakes, themes and personalities, he certainly drives home the point that kindness is the superpower we all should be using on the regular. What's most important here, however, is that the guy in the tights works. In the past, that 'S' on Superman's chest meant hope, and Corenswet imbues his hero with joy and optimism, from the boots all the way up to his signature spit curl. It's the Man of Steel who's perhaps deemed old-fashioned by some yet seems most vital now. How to watch 'Superman'
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Gen V' Season 2 Sets Premiere Date At Prime Video; Gets Teaser Trailer
No syllabus, just chaos. The return to Godolkin University has been set. The second season of Gen V, spinoff series of The Boys, will arrive on Prime Video September 17 with the first three episodes, followed by one episode per week until the season finale arrives on Wednesday, October 22. More from Deadline 'The Boys' Season 5: Everything We Know So Far Hamish Linklater Joins 'Gen V' For Season 2 Giovanni Ribisi & Reno Wilson Among 4 To Recur In Prime Video's Muhammad Ali Series 'The Greatest' Fans attending the Prime Video panel at CCXP México were treated to a first look at the next installment, with cast members Jaz Sinclair, Lizze Broadway, London Thor, and Derek Luh participating in the discussion. School is back in session in Season 2 with America adjusting to Homelander's iron fist while, back at Godolkin University, the mysterious new Dean, Cipher, preaches a curriculum that promises to make students more powerful than ever. Season 2's logline reads: 'Cate and Sam are celebrated heroes, while Marie, Jordan, and Emma reluctantly return to college, burdened by months of trauma and loss. But parties and classes are hard to care about with war brewing between Humans and Supes, both on and off campus. The gang learns of a secret program that goes back to the founding of Godolkin University that may have larger implications than they realize. And, somehow, Marie is a part of it.' Season Two stars Jaz Sinclair as Marie Moreau, Lizze Broadway as Emma Meyer, Maddie Phillips as Cate Dunlap, London Thor as Jordan Li, Derek Luh as Jordan Li, Asa Germann as Sam Riordan, and Sean Patrick Thomas as Polarity, and joining the cast for Season Two is Hamish Linklater as Dean Cipher. Michele Fazekas serves as showrunner and executive producer. Eric Kripke, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, Ken Levin, Jason Netter, Garth Ennis, Darick Robertson, Michaela Starr, Ori Marmur, Thomas Schnauz, Steve Boyum, and Brant Engelstein also serve as executive producers. Loreli Alanís, Gabriel Garcia, and Jessica Chou are co-executive producers. The series is produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios, in association with Kripke Enterprises, Point Grey Pictures, and Original Film. [youtube Best of Deadline Sean 'Diddy' Combs Sex-Trafficking Trial Updates: Cassie Ventura's Testimony, $10M Hotel Settlement, Drugs, Violence, & The Feds 'Poker Face' Season 2 Guest Stars: From Katie Holmes To Simon Hellberg 2025-26 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Tonys, Emmys, Oscars & More
Mint
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Gen V Season 2 release date OUT: When and where to watch, full schedule, new cast and plot revealed
Prime Video has officially announced that the second season of 'Gen V', the popular spin-off of 'The Boys', will premiere on September. The first three episodes will drop together on the platform, followed by new episodes released weekly. The season finale is scheduled for October. The announcement was made during a panel at CCXP Mexico, where fans got a glimpse of what's to come in the next chapter of the gritty superhero drama. The first three episodes of the second season of Gen V will drop together on Amazon Prime Video on September 17. After that, the episodes will drop on a weekly basis till the finale, which is scheduled for October 22. Returning cast members include Jaz Sinclair as Marie, Lizze Broadway, Maddie Phillips, London Thor, Derek Luh, and Asa Germann. Joining the cast this season is Hamish Linklater, who plays the new dean at Godolkin University. Actor Chace Crawford, who plays The Deep in 'The Boys', will also make an appearance in the show. Watch the teaser trailer of the show here: Set after the events of 'The Boys' Season 4, the new season follows Marie and her friends as they return to Godolkin University, now under the strict control of Dean Shetty's replacement, played by Linklater. This season, the university takes on a darker tone as Supes are trained to become soldiers, not heroes. As tensions rise between humans and Supes, the group stumbles upon a secret military programme that could shift the power balance forever. The discovery sets the stage for a deeper conflict, and the students must decide where they stand. 'Gen V' is produced by Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios. Following the success of its first season, which received praise for its bold storytelling and strong performances, Season 2 is one of Prime Video's most anticipated releases of the year. The series will be available exclusively on Amazon Prime Video worldwide.
