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Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Man of Steel, heart of gold
It's a bird. It's a plane. It's… a really sweet guy. Forget Zack Snyder's grim, dark, depressive Man of Steel from 2013. With this peppy course-correction, writer-director James Gunn (the man behind the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy) gets back to Big Blue basics by remembering Superman is kind of a square. He's optimistic and earnest and maybe a bit naive. He says things like, 'No can do,' and 'What the hey, dude?' He's unironic. Gunn's new version is bit retro, nodding to its hero's old-timey comic-book roots and the 1978 Richard Donner-directed film with Christopher Reeve. It also feels of-the-moment, particularly in its emphasis on the Superman story as an archetypal immigrant experience. And while Gunn is seeding in some serious messages about power and responsibility, the delivery system is defiantly goofy. As a superhero movie, Superman is a bit scattershot, a bit crowded, a bit rushed, but it's always fun. Gunn forgoes an elaborate origin story — don't we all know it? — and instead hurtles right into the action. We first meet Superman (Twisters' David Corenswet) mid-fight, as he crashes to the ground, wheezing and spitting blood. He may be super, but he can be hurt. After getting support from Krypto, his adorably idiotic foster dog, and some fussy robots, Superman gets into more city-saving heroics in Metropolis. Then he's off to the newsroom of The Daily Planet, where his buttoned-up alter-ego, Clark Kent, banters with Lois Lane (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel's Rachel Brosnahan). There are plot sidelines involving American politics, global conflicts and social media disinformation, but the story's basic showdown is between Superman and villainous tech-bro Lex Luthor (played by Nosferatu's Nicholas Hoult, who's clearly working with an Elon Musk kind of vibe). Considering Gunn's propensity for wacky shenanigans — yes, we're thinking of the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special — the action sequences sometimes feel a little generic. There's a comic emphasis on Superman's particular skill at making sure big things don't fall on small things — at one point he saves a squirrel, carefully flying it to safety. But overall, the battle scenes are hampered by predictable beats and indifferent CGI, for allies and enemies alike. The exception is the crowd-pleasing Krypto. Like so many good dogs, he's enthusiastic but not particularly competent, and this canine personality manages to shine through even though he's completely computer-generated. Gunn also does well with the human stuff, and that, of course, includes Superman. While his detractors label him 'the alien' (he is a refugee from another planet), Superman ends up being more human than a lot of humans. He's certainly more human than that sociopath Lex Luthor. The casting is crucial. Corenswet mixes his character's superpowers with relatable vulnerability and leavens his moral uprightness with wry self-deprecation. He's matched by Brosnahan. Monthly What you need to know now about gardening in Winnipeg. An email with advice, ideas and tips to keep your outdoor and indoor plants growing. Lois and Superman have a lot in common, and not just that blue-black hair so often seen in comic book characters. Their scenes crackle with back-and-forth screwball energy, and the two leads manage to convey a credibly grown-up romantic relationship, something of a rarity in superhero movies. Gunn also cuts the potential for corniness with a fair amount of cynical wisecracking from the supporting cast. Jimmie Olsen (Skyler Gisondo), of all people, is a bit smarmy, and Superman's superhero colleagues seem at first like a bunch of slacker screw-ups. Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion with an epically bad hairdo), for instance, is mostly preoccupied with making the name 'Justice Gang' happen. Jessica Miglio/Warner Bros. Pictures Rachel Brosnahan and David Corenswet play off each other with screwball energy and, in the process, create a credible romantic tension in Superman. Thankfully, the movie works as a standalone story, but its corners are packed with minor characters, including Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific and a brief cameo by John Cena as Peacemaker. For years, the DC franchise has been straining to keep up with the ever-expanding MCU. Gunn seems to be setting up possibilities for future instalments, and with Superman's combo of sincerity and silliness, heart and humour, this might just be a way forward. Alison GillmorWriter Studying at the University of Winnipeg and later Toronto's York University, Alison Gillmor planned to become an art historian. She ended up catching the journalism bug when she started as visual arts reviewer at the Winnipeg Free Press in 1992. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Superman' movie review: James Gunn's kinetic take sets the Man of Steel to soar
DC Universe's Supermanbegins with a short history lesson in multiples of three, including the fact that a baby landed on Earth from the dying planet of Krypton 30 years ago and debuted three years ago as Superman (David Corenswet), the protector of the planet while working as the mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent at The Daily Planet. That magic age of 33, is yet another parallel with a son who was sent to earth by his father for the redemption of humankind. Three weeks ago, Superman intervened in the Boravia's invasion of Jarhanpur (all existing in the mythical lands of somewhere-istan). Three days ago, Superman faced his first defeat at the hands of the Hammer of Boravia. He heads off to his Fortress of Solitude to heal, with Krypto the Superdog, helping him on the last leg of his journey. Superman (English) Director: James Gunn Cast: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced Storyline: Superman and his arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor, face off as a black hole threatens to break the world in two Runtime: 129 minutes The multibillionaire, Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) who might have a vested interest in Boravia's expansionist views, assures the US government that he can restrain Superman if he becomes a threat. As Clark Kent, Superman enjoys success at work and is in a relationship with fellow reporter Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan). A kaiju attack keeps Superman and the Justice Gang (a working title), Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Mister Terrific (Michael Holt), and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) occupied, while the Fortress of Solitude is breached and Krypto kidnapped. Another attack on Jarhanpur, a smear campaign against Superman, a maximum security prison in another dimension, and a black hole threatening to rip the world to be ripped in two, are some of the fires Superman has to fight while figuring out his place and relationship to and in this world. Guardians of the Galaxy veteran, James Gunn brings a lightness of touch to this legacy superhero who made his first appearance in a comic book on April 18, 1938. While discussing the film, Gunn has been quoted as saying the film features the science and sorcery of old Max Fleischer cartoons. Gunn has done away with doom, gloom and spandex angst to create a hero, whose superpower is a big heart, kindness and decency — all of which are in short supply in these fractious times. There is humour as well in this outing with the Man of Steel, from Krypto's scene-stealing shenanigans and Green Lantern's abrasiveness to Luthor's monkeys spreading hate online and his girlfriend, Eve Teschmacher (Sara Sampaio) putting selfies to good use. The electric action sequences are given an extra charge thanks to the kinetic camera. The profusion of reds and blues lends both a warmth and coolness to the proceedings. Corenswet makes for a strong and true Superman, while Hoult has the time of his life allegedly channeling Steve Jobs into his Luthor. With thrilling action, wild science (give me a pocket universe to disappear into), eye-popping sets, humour and heart, DCU's Superman is everything you would ask of a holiday movie. Superman is currently running in theatres
National Observer
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- National Observer
MOVIES: a revamped, bright and shiny Superman and two powerful documentaries
When a huge in-demand film like Superman arrives, the other big new summer films stand aside and wait. There's no need for The Smurfs or I Know What You Did Last Summer to try and compete just yet. They'll be here next Friday and there are only three new movies to read about here today. Take special note of the two documentaries though. They're definitely worth your time. But first the big one … Superman: 3 ½ stars Apocalypse in the Tropics: 4 Ghosts of the Sea: 4 SUPERMAN: The long-time superhero gets a sparkling update—both personally and of the world he lives in. And just in time too. Politics, international relations and a conniving tech mogul seem inspired by (heck, drawn right out of) the news we follow these days. An Eastern European country invades another. Superman is criticized for flying into another country's airspace without authorization. He was just trying to help and, in fact, he loses his first ever battle when he does. Crowds turn against him when some old information is dredged up and he, almost human this time, has deep doubts about what he is and whether he's been living a lie. It's a complex story, with many echoes of the comic books for the fans and emotionally relatable theater for the rest of us. David Corenswet, his first time in the role, is amiable and charming. The film highlights that, not the man-of-steel stuff. He's up against Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, his long-time enemy, and is allied with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, his reporter colleague at The Daily Planet. She knows his secret identity, another update in this film. The innovations are thanks to writer/director James Gunn, who DC lured over from their rival, Marvel Studios, in a splashy attempt to compete. It works, mostly. It's bright, colorful, fast-moving and engaging. Luthor finds video from Superman's parents that threaten his good-guy image and causes his self-doubt. He has him arrested and tossed into a high-tech, privately-operated prison which is part of something called the 'pocket universe.' There, for a time, the film gets too muddled with too much going on, but it recovers. Three other DC characters, Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi); Hawkgirl (Isabel Merced) and Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion) help out with, among other things, humour. And there's Krypto, Superman's dog. A nice touch that helps keep the film entertaining and not too serious. It's poised to be a huge hit. (In theaters) 3 ½ out of 5 APOCALYPSE IN THE TROPICS: How timely is this? Donald Trump has just threatened Brazil with tariffs unless they stop prosecuting their former president, Jair Bolsonaro. Not only is that another of his intrusions into the affairs of another country, but it's misguided. This film, just arrived, tells the whole story of how Bolsonaro got to be president and what he did to provoke the prosecution. Petra Costa, who told a related story in her previous film, Edge of Democracy, which was nominated for an Academy Award, looks at the case from a unique angle: the power of the Evangelical Christian movement. Now comprising 30% of the population, this movement — propelled by firebrand pastors — played a pivotal role in putting him into power. Costa says he was unqualified, even inept, and his most-supporting pastor, the TV evangelist Silas Malafaia, rants out the details of his vision: no land returned to the Indigenous, no reparations for slavery, no abortion, gay marriage or legalized drugs. They're attacked as Marxist policies. Why can people promote them and I can't talk about Jesus? Spouts one pastor. Christians should control all aspects of society, says another. Bolsonaro likes to call himself Messiah, a version of his middle name, but during COVID, when Brazil had the second-largest outbreak on earth, he said he couldn't do miracles. He lost the next election, refused to concede, was alleged to be planning a coup and was arrested after mobs swarmed into public buildings. That's the case Trump is on about. He calls it a witch hunt, much like he endured. The film is compelling, too thin in its conclusions but features personal interviews with many of the principal figures and leaves me with this question: did Bolsonaro learn from Trump or was it the other way round? (In theaters for 2 or 3 days: Vancouver today, Toronto tomorrow. Starts on Netflix, Monday) 4 out of 5 GHOSTS OF THE SEA: Sometimes a documentary is just as riveting as a written adventure. This one is for sure, as it explores a sea-going mystery and has you savouring every clue and added bit of information you encounter. And speculate on what was in the mind of a Norwegian sailor named Peter Tangvald. He was an ocean adventurer for whom traveling in his boat on the high seas represented freedom. 'He didn't want anyone telling him what to do,' it's said. Also: 'He had to be free at any cost.' The cost was high. He died in a shipwreck and, later, when his son was also lost at sea, his daughter, Virginia Tangvald, set out to find what happened to him, to the son and the philosophy he lived by. 'The ghost of my father still haunts me,' she says. She was only five when he died and 23 years later and, by then living in Canada, tries to understand him by interviewing people who knew him, friends and some family members. There's lots of drama there. He built his 'dreamboat' himself, sailed the Atlantic solo, lost his wife in a pirate attack and a second wife to drowning. He was a risk-taker and refused to have a motor, radio or phone on board. He explains why and what drove him on some audio tape he had recorded and in a log book from which we hear excerpts in his own voice via a speech synthesizer. He was living his dream and said whoever is not willing to take chances 'is not as wise as he thinks.' He was following his destiny and couldn't escape it. 'I'm floating between life and death,' he says at one point. And 'on the verge of a nervous breakdown,' at another. One of the people interviewed said he became reclusive and 'turned into a desperate old madman,' a phenomenon that, according to another, often happens to men at sea. The revelations are very affecting in this Canada/France co-production from The National Film Board. (Watch for it at festivals, or in theaters like Vancouver's VIFF Center now and Toronto soon) 4 out of 5
USA Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Is there a post credit scene in Superman?
The new DC Universe is off to a flying start as James Gunn's Superman hits theaters this week. David Corenswet has taken over the mantle of the unassuming Clark Kent/Superman combo, with Rachel Brosnahan and Nicholas Hoult joining as Lois Lane and Lex Luthor, respectively. Excitement for the super hero flick has been high, but early returns are mostly positive as Superman currently holds a 96% from fans (and a Certified Fresh 83% from critics) on Rotten Tomatoes. Fans will also get a chance to meet Krypto, Superman's super dog, Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) and Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion). Plus, Wendell Pierce and Skyler Gisondo join the crew as The Daily Planet's Perry White and Jimmy Olsen. Superman runs just over two hours in total time, but should moviegoers stick around at the end for any post-credit scenes? Turns out, they should. There are actually two post-credit scenes in the movie, one in the mid-credits and one at the very end of the movie. We would tell you more, but we'll keep this spoiler-free for you! Expectations are high for Gunn's reboot of the DC comic world. After Superman, fans can anticipate Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow -- starring Milly Alcock -- on July 26, 2026.
Tatler Asia
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Review: James Gunn's ‘Superman' (2025) is a promising restart for the DC franchise
Above Superman, his 'super dog' Krypto and Robot number Four (Photo: Warner Bros) This revelation rocks the Man of Steel. What was once a clear sense of purpose now fractures into doubt. Who is he really? Earth's guardian or its would-be ruler? The internal struggle is noticeable, yet through it all, his goodness and instinct to help emerge. This is Superman at his most human: plucking civilians and small animals alike from burning wreckage, shielding the helpless from falling debris and even rescuing the occasional city squirrel from chaos. More from Tatler: Who is the new Superman 2025? Meet David Corenswet Spot-on main cast Above Behind the scenes: Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor) with David Corenswet and James Gunn (Photo: Warner Bros) Gunn and his casting team made shrewd choices, and none more so than Rachel Brosnahan, who delivers a Lois Lane that is as sharp as she is unshakable. Fearless on the frontlines and razor-smart behind the byline, this Pulitzer-winning journalist does not wait for the story, she makes it. Even while entangled with Clark Kent at the Daily Planet, Lane holds her professional ground and integrity intact. And when she turns her questions on Superman, they're anything but soft. David Corenswet, for his part, delivers a believable performance as the dorky Clark Kent and the commanding and compassionate Superman. In one scene set within Luthor's pocket universe, he endures kryptonite-induced agony, refusing to reveal the whereabouts of his adoptive parents, Martha and Jonathan Kent. It is here that Corenswet delivers his most affecting work, portraying a man desperate to spare others from harm. Above Rachel Brosnahan is the empowered, Pulitzer-winning journalist from The Daily Planet, Lois Lane (Photo: Warner Bros) Nicholas Hoult delivers exactly what you'd hope for (and perhaps a bit more) as Lex Luthor. Gleefully wicked and self-assured, his portrayal just leans into the villain's textbook brilliance. In most of his scenes, Hoult makes convincing reactions every time he hurts and outsmarts Superman. In the end, when Luthor's plan crumbles and the tide turns against him, Hoult sheds a tear and convinces us that it is not out of remorse, but from the collapse of his plans. Related : How Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' raises the bar for the horror genre Colours, giants and a pocket universe Above Krypto the Super Dog is modelled after James Gunn's real-life adopted dog 'Ozu' (Photo: Warner Bros) Above Baby Kaiju in James Gunn's Superman 2025 (Photo: Warner Bros) Viewers were promised a comic book come-to-life movie, and Gunn delivered just that. From the giant Baby Kaiju to a parade of super allies—Hawkgirl, Guy Gardner (Green Lantern) and Mister Terrific—the striking colours deviate from the darkness we have seen in Snyder's live-action portrayal of the Justice League. The magic is ever present in scenes such as inside Luthor's pocket universe and, of course, in Krypto the Super Dog. Krypto is far from the clever and obedient canine we typically see in the comics; here, he is delightfully chaotic but very loyal and, most of the time, unpredictable. It's this tail-wagging mischief that injects a lively humour and undeniable charm into the film's playful spirit. See more : Movie review: the new 'How to Train Your Dragon' is a rare remake that earns its wings A promising restart for the DC universe Above The official trailer for James Gunn's 'Superman' (2025) Gunn's Superman (2025) is a good standalone and an even better restart for the DC franchise. Ultimately, what makes this film truly resonate is the sense of hope it strives to project beyond the screen. Superman's strength isn't measured by how fast he flies, how far he leaps or the laser beams he fires from his eyes. Even with all these extraordinary abilities, the movie implies that he cannot save the world alone or by chance. His true power lies in his capacity to admit that he yearns: for friendship, help, love and, above all, humanity. NOW READ Danny Boyle's '28 Years Later' changes the zombie genre yet again 'Gladiator II': Come for the spectacle, stay for Denzel's timeless screen presence Monsters within: Inside Netflix Philippines' first zombie film—'Outside'
