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Daily Maverick
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Maverick
Finding power in the 'Man', not the 'Super'
Has any superhero movie felt as much like a comic book as 2025's Superman? Filmmaker James Gunn ensures the new DC Universe launches with a film that demonstrates sincere love for the character's past, and an eye on our real-life present. There are multiple hot takes that the character of Superman just doesn't appeal to modern audiences. According to these critics, an unbreakable, overpowered goody two-shoes isn't interesting. Director Zack Snyder leaned into the isolating nature of being a god among men with Man of Steel, starring Henry Cavill, but honestly, hiding in fear and shame over being a perfect, ultra-powerful being isn't the most relatable emotional hook. However, with the new Superman (2025), previously known as Superman: Legacy, filmmaker James Gunn finds an angle that works: that Superman isn't perfect despite all his capabilities and desire to do good – and that you can explore this concept without wallowing in teeth-gritted angst. Gunn's film opens, shockingly, with Superman (David Corenswet), AKA Kal-EL, AKA Clark Kent, beaten and bleeding. Again, the hero is not perfect and indestructible, despite being three years into his hero career, and despite his Achilles heel, Kryptonite, being absent from the picture. As an alien, Superman can be healed through concentrated exposure to the rays of Earth's yellow sun, but that's a painful process. Still, he goes through it to get his job done: defending the city of Metropolis (including its squirrels) from the threat of the moment. Superman tries and tries again, but in Gunn's film, this is someone who can't control an unruly superpowered dog; who struggles to communicate with his girlfriend; who loses his temper when he's forced to defend his good-intentioned actions; and who must still endure awkward, shouted calls from his tech-unsavvy parents about a visit to a burrito bar. We've all been there in some way or another. A vein of enjoyable recognisability runs through Superman, which we can hope is the tone setter for the new onscreen DC Universe, under the stewardship of Gunn, along with DC Studios co-head Peter Safran. Because it can be argued that Superman (2025) feels like it is ripped straight from a comic. If you read the stories in the 1970s and 80s, you'll find loads to love here, whether it's citizens' blasé reactions to epic monster and metahuman battles around them, trips into visually striking, trippy pocket dimensions, or the first-time big-screen appearance of characters from yesteryear, like element-powered Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan). On that note, if you're completely unfamiliar with Superman and the broader DC universe, you may have to consult a Wiki after watching the film. Although not inaccessible for newcomers, Superman does feel like it was made more for fans – such as with a joking nod to the irresistibility of ginger photographer Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo). The film skips exposition and character backstories in general, dropping viewers into a movie where it's simply outlined that metahumans have existed for centuries, but Superman is an extraterrestrial newcomer, and the most powerful being of all. Then again, the lack of momentum-slowing introductions means that the film can maintain its breakneck pace throughout, and immediately feel like it's taking place in a fully functioning, pre-populated world. There were legitimate concerns that the 129-minute Superman would be overstuffed with characters, but Gunn, who also helmed Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and The Suicide Squad, has a strong grasp of his ensemble, even managing to find space for quiet, touching moments between Superman and his adoptive parents Ma and Pa Kent (Neva Howell and Pruitt Taylor Vince). It's easier to identify underutilised figures who seem simply present, like Isabela Merced's Hawkgirl and Mikaela Hoover's columnist Cat Grant, than to pick one standout character. Contenders for the latter include the already mentioned Metamorpho, Nathan Fillion as infamously cocky Green Lantern Guy Gardner, and Edi Gathegi as brilliant but emotionally icy and irritable inventor Mister Terrific. This isn't even mentioning the scene-stealing Krypto, although the dog CGI is one of the weaker aspects of Superman, along with a couple of rubber-looking airborne fight sequences used to market the film. As for the trio of characters and performances that are the foundation of any Superman film, Gunn has struck gold with the warm and emotive Corenswet as Superman, who enjoys laser-eyed chemistry with Rachel Brosnahan's reporter Lois Lane. Lois also enjoys a more credible, less-glamorous journalistic treatment this time, living in a cramped apartment and rocking a funky, rule-breaking style to match her savvy attitude. It's notable that the new film skips Superman's will-he-won't-he identity reveal to Lois, although the secrecy now lies in the couple hiding their relationship from the world. It's Nicholas Hoult who arguably brings something new to the table as Superman's arch-nemesis Lex Luthor. Previous film depictions of the genius industrialist have tended to see-saw between over-the-top egotistical and shouty maniacal. Hoult's Luthor is far more restrained, and therefore sinister. There are no attempts to soften his nature as an awful, abusive and prejudiced human being, but he is nevertheless aware of his flaws, and has a point that Superman's presence distracts from human achievement (largely his own). One final thing to note about the new Superman film is that, as much as it looks back, paying tribute to the often cheesy comics of yesteryear, it also has something to say about the present, largely by digging down to the character's Golden Age roots. These roots are replanted in a recognisable modern context where nations shrug as other countries initiate violent invasions of their neighbours, social media bots inflame public opinion against the 'other' with bizarre catchphrases, and any critical voices can just vanish (evidently from this plane of being) as the result of black-clad, masked forces. On top of it all, our hero finds himself opposing a reckless tech bro in cahoots with a junk food-loving despot who needs his ego stroked constantly. While the likes of comic creator Frank Miller have positioned Superman as a 'big blue boy scout' towing the authority line, the character's origins lie in fighting injustice, stepping up to defend the powerless, whether it be against slumlords, domestic abusers or corrupt officials. Batman deals with criminals, whereas Superman routinely puts bullies big and small in their place. It doesn't seem like a coincidence that Corenswet's costume is closer to those worn in the character's earliest on-screen days, complete with visible seams and a kind of chunkiness. The point is that if stepping up to do good and showing kindness is political, then yes, Superman is political. He always has been, despite what a certain peevish segment of the internet insists. His actions inspire others around him, which the film's mix of mortals and superheroes helps to convey, following Supes's lead during the film's climax. And it hopefully adds a punch that pierces straight through the project, across decades of colourful comic book shenanigans, to the human audience watching today. DM Superman is in cinemas from 11 July. This includes 3D and IMAX.
Wales Online
7 days ago
- Wales Online
Hidden gem Cardigan Bay beach where you can see dolphins from golden sands
Hidden gem Cardigan Bay beach where you can see dolphins from golden sands Aberporth Beach, split into Dyffryn Beach in the east and Dolwen Beach in the west, is the perfect place to visit with the family in the summer holidays, or at any other time of the year Aberporth west beach in south Ceredigion is a Welsh classic (Image: Richard Law/Wiki ) Tucked away in the charming Welsh coastal village of Aberporth lies one of the UK's best kept secret beaches, perfect for a summer visit. As the weather warms up and schools prepare to break for the six-week holidays, families across the country are searching for activities, and a trip to Aberporth Beach in Ceredigion should be high on their list. Contrary to its singular name, Aberporth Beach is actually comprised of two separate beaches: Dyffryn Beach to the east and Dolwen Beach to the west. Both are exceptionally beautiful, boasting sandy shores and home to an array of wildlife, attracting tourists from near and far to this lesser-known haven. Although it currently doesn't hold Blue Flag status, it was awarded the honour in 2023, and its water quality remains rated as 'good', reports the Express. The beach features a sandy stretch with a gentle slope into the water, making it an ideal spot for swimmers and various other seaside activities. Article continues below Aberporth Beach, found in Ceredigion, Wales, is actually two beaches (Image: Getty ) Many believe it's most beautiful at low tide when rock pools appear, offering a glimpse of the diverse wildlife. Expect to see orcas, porpoises, sunfish and sharks as you explore the mysteries of Aberporth Beach. Finally, the vast expanse of sand provides the perfect setting for those wishing to soak up the sun, work on their tan and unwind. Aberporth Beach is a haven for sandcastle-building enthusiasts, with an abundance of sand to play with. A nearby clifftop walk to Tresaith offers breathtaking sea views and the chance to spot bottlenose dolphins in Cardigan Bay. Visitors may also stumble upon the area's prized dolphin statue, which stands majestically on the headland between Dolwen and Dyffryn beaches. The beach town's maritime heritage is evident in its local restaurants, where visitors can savour freshly caught seafood from the coast, including Cardigan Bay lobster and crab. Facilities at the beach include a café, toilets, disabled facilities, a first-aid point, a shower and a slipway. Activities such as fishing, sailing, swimming, surfing, and windsurfing are also available. Article continues below Aberporth Beach is a family-friendly destination that welcomes dogs all year round, although there are some restrictions on Dolwen Beach from September to June. However, visitors are urged to respect the serene holiday spot and protect the local ecosystem by keeping it clean and safe for everyone to enjoy, regardless of when they visit.
Wales Online
13-07-2025
- Wales Online
Almost deserted sandy beach in North Wales celebrated as a 'hidden gem' for unspoilt beauty
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The only beach in North Wales with green flag status is also amongst the most deserted. Traeth Llydan is among the most beautiful of the region's beaches with golden sand and grassy dunes backed by a small pine forest. Also called Silver Bay, after the nearby holiday village, Traeth Llydan sits in a horseshoe bay on the southern side of Anglesey's Holy Island. Ideal for rock pooling, thanks to the rock formations that bracket the bay, it's renowned for spectacular sunsets and an air of seclusion. In the distance is a small castellated tower, a former bathing house on the Bodior Estate. In some respects the beach at Rhoscolyn is the smaller twin of famous Traeth Llanddwyn near Newborough - but without the bustle. One fan is comedian Jason Manford, who last summer spent time on the 'cracking' beach with his children while staying at friends. Posting sunset photos online on a 'beautiful Welsh evening', his only gripe was the 'bloody cold' water. Less wimpy visitors love the gently sloping beach as it's ideal for swimming, kayaking and sailing. Facilities are rudimentary but dogs are allowed on the beach at all times. Traeth Llydan's exclusivity is down to its lack of permitted vehicle access. Although there is a good-sized car park nearby, this is reserved for guests at the holiday park. Moreover, security guards take a dim view of anyone trying to walk through the facility. Instead, most people park at Borth Wen, the next cove along, and walk along the Anglesey coastal path. It's a bit of a trek – up to an hour – but the 'amazing' views across to Eryri make up for it. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now (Image: Jeff Buck/Wiki) If parking at Borth Wen, you'll need to arrive early – its beach can get busy. An alternative is to walk and cycle the lanes around Silver Bay Holiday Park and pick up a footpath through pine woods to the beach. The wooden steps down to the sand make for a dramatic entrance. 'Beautiful beach,' said one visitor in a review. 'Not unlike one abroad. Hot, soft sand and glistening water.' Another said: 'An absolutely beautiful beach unspoiled by tourism.' By comment consent, the beach is "never busy" and caravanning guests are 'lucky to have it" on their doorstep. Another visitor said: 'One of the prettiest bays I have come across for ages. Clean, clear water that is lovely to swim in and not too deep.' It's possible to have the beach to yourself, soaking up the tranquility. However the sound of lapping waves can be interrupted by a noisy neighbour: RAF Valley airport lies across Cymyran Strait and, depending on your perspective, the roar of jet planes will either be an irritation or a point of interest. (Image: Google) In May Traeth Llydan retained its Green Coast Award in this year's Keep Wales Tidy Wales Coast Awards. It was among 13 beaches in Wales to collect the award, and the only one in the north of the country. Green Coast status is conferred on the 'hidden gems' of the Welsh coastline - those that boast "unspoilt beauty, excellent water quality and high standards of environmental education". Organisers say these beaches are 'exceptional places to enjoy stunning scenery, rich coastal heritage and diversity'. Keep Wales Tidy noted: 'Silver Bay is a beautiful, remote beach facing south into Cymyran Bay. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday "The beach is wide and sandy with rocky outcrops to clamber over and plenty of opportunities for rock pooling. It is also popular for sailing, surfing and canoeing.' Find family activities near you
NBC News
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Your favorite new K-pop groups are from a Netflix animated movie
Move over, BTS: Two new K-pop groups are taking over the music charts — and they've never even performed live. Saja Boys and HUNTR/X, fictional groups from the animated film 'KPop Demon Hunters,' were brought to life by animators and filmmakers with help from a slew of people within the K-pop world. Now, they've become global superstars. Within weeks, viewers of 'KPop Demon Hunters' — which was produced by Sony Pictures Animation and released by Netflix — have flooded a Tumblr community page for the film with fan art. A Reddit thread continues to spark conversations about the movie, including speculation about whether there will be a sequel. On TikTok, videos of fans re-creating dances from the film, showing off their reactions to key scenes and debuting cosplays have amassed hundreds of millions of views. There are also Wiki pages dedicated to the groups. From the 'Josie and the Pussycats' cartoon TV show and movie to the boy band August Moon from the 2024 film 'The Idea of You, ' fictional on-screen artists have always been prominent in pop culture. But the popularity of Saja Boys and HUNTR/X has underscored something most in the music industry have known for years: K-pop and the fandoms surrounding the genre are a dominant cultural force. Since it debuted on June 20, the film has been streamed by 33 million people, Netflix said, helping it rank among the platform's top 10 movies in the 93 countries that are tracked. Billboard said this week that the film's score is now the highest-charting soundtrack of 2025 and that it has surpassed Disney's 'Encanto' to become the highest-charting soundtrack to an animated film. Hits from the film, such as 'Your Idol' and 'Golden,' have also topped the U.S. Spotify charts in the K-pop categories in recent weeks. 'We go through, like, crying and happy and laughing,' Maggi Kang, a co-director of the film, said in a recent interview. 'This whole last couple of weeks have just been like an emotional roller coaster, but in the best way.' The film centers on HUNTR/X band members Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong) and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), who are tasked with maintaining a barrier to keep demons out of the human world through their music. The barrier can become permanent only once all demons are wiped from the human world, which becomes a core part of the plot. As the group gears up to complete its final challenge, a new plot is hatched by a demon named Jinu Saja (Ahn Hyo-seop), who creates a rival group called The Saja Boys to harness energy from fans and weaken the barriers between the worlds. His goal is to feed the human souls to the demon ruler, Gwi-ma, and put an end to HUNTR/X's demon-eradication mission. Because music is such a vital part of the film, Kang and co-directorChris Appelhans used the knowledge of K-Pop gurus. 'The film features songs written by Danny Chung, IDO, Vince, KUSH, EJAE, Jenna Andrews, Stephen Kirk, Lindgren, Mark Sonnenblick, and Daniel Rojas. Plus, Marcelo Zarvos wrote the score,' according to Netflix's editorial site, Tudum. 'Music producers include Teddy Park, 24, IDO, DOMINSUK, Jenna Andrews, Stephen Kirk, Lindgren, and Ian Eisendrath. Meanwhile, original songs are performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI, Andrew Choi, Danny Chung, Kevin Woo, samUIL Lee, Neckwav, and Lea Salonga. The film's soundtrack also features an original song performed by Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung of TWICE.' But believe it or not, the film wasn't always going to revolve around K-pop, Kang said. 'Initially, it was just a demon hunter idea, because I was looking for a project that would showcase Korean culture,' she said. 'And I somehow just landed in demonology.' Kang said the concept of demon-hunting 'kind of naturally led to K-pop' because 'demon hunting is usually done privately' and the characters she imagined would be fighting the demons 'needed a public facing front.' Kang said that about nine years ago, around the time she was first brainstorming her idea, BTS was very popular. 'And a lot of studios were trying to figure out a K-pop idea and K-pop IP,' or intellectual property, she said. 'And no one had really cracked that nut yet. And oddly, when I put those two things together [demon hunting and K-pop], it was really fun. It became a musical.' Kang and Appelhans wrote the script with Danya Jimenez and Hannah McMechan. Kang said that as the idea evolved into a musical featuring two rival K-pop groups, she faced her biggest hurdle: preventing the story from being too much like a traditional musical. 'The most challenging thing about the songwriting was that it had to be progressing the story, but also we could never lose the pop part of it,' Kang said. 'So once it became a little too, like, traditional musical, we would send it back to those songwriters and say, like, you know, we're losing that kind of cool, pop factor.' Their efforts paid off, with the songs continuing to strike a chord with fans online. Some K-pop artists who were involved also said they found the process rewarding. Jeongyeon, Jihyo and Chaeyoung of TWICE told Netflix's Tudum in a statement that it was 'so exciting' to be part of the project 'and connect with these brave characters through music."
Daily Maverick
01-07-2025
- General
- Daily Maverick
Souper Tuesday: Prawn bisque and other seafood soups
Bisque, seafood soup, soupe de poisson, bouillabaisse, chowder, chupe, buridda, cioppino, Cullen skink, dashi, sopa de peiche. These are just some of the many seafood soups there are in the world. Among the most prized is bisque. Bisque is a classic French seafood soup or, more specifically, a soup of crustacea, whether prawn, lobster, langoustine, lobster or crab. It involves plenty of cooking and some technique and skill, but it is worth its trouble in the reward it brings you. Most soups are better and richer for the time and effort that goes into them. Reduction, and more reduction, are key to a fine liquid repast, with more and more flavour building up with each new reduced addition. And if you start, at the very beginning, by first cooking up your shells, heads and the like, the very base of your soup is already off to a very fine start. There are so many kinds of fish soup from so many countries that it would take a year to go through them all. So let's whittle it down to bisque, soupe de poisson, chowder and bouillabaisse, even if it could be argued that the last might more accurately be called a seafood stew, given that it has many chunks of seafood in its broth. Wikipedia remarks that a bisque must be highly seasoned, is smooth and creamy, and is 'classically based on a strained broth of crustaceans'. A seafood chowder (there are vegetable versions too), by contrast, is a textured soup of seafood such as prawns, clams or crab with vegetables such as sweetcorn. The Provençal soupe de poisson is a richly flavoured seafood soup topped with toasted rounds of baguette which are in turn topped with a rouille. Bouillabaisse, to quote Wiki, is 'a traditional Provençal fish soup originating in the port city of Marseilles'. But it is made in many parts of France and woe betide you if you make it in a way dissimilar to the way a stern Frenchman will expect it to be made. Wars have been fought over less. I ate soupe de poisson in Cannes when I covered the annual film festival there in 1989. The memory of it has not waned at all despite all the years, nor of the condescension I had to endure from the waiter when I didn't know how I was supposed to eat it. You were presented with a bowl of soup, and alongside it, little bowls of grated cheese, what appeared to be a sauce, and rounds of lightly toasted baguette. If you've never encountered it before, you can't know what to do. On seeing my confusion, he condescended the hell out of me with much frowning, sighing and rolling of eyes. But it remains a happy memory because it was so good that, on finishing it, I snapped my fingers and had him bring me another. What you do is smear the rouille (which is what the 'sauce' turned out to be) on the bread, top it with cheese, and float them on the top of the soup. It's a very happy experience. (Wikipedia: 'Rouille is a sauce that consists of egg yolk and olive oil with breadcrumbs, garlic, saffron and cayenne pepper. It is served as a garnish with fish and fish soup, notably bouillabaisse.') I don't pretend that my fish soup is either a true bisque, a proper chowder, a soupe de poisson, and is certainly far from a bouillabaisse. It may be closer to a bisque than to the others, but mine was textured, purposefully, whereas a bisque is likely to be more refined and creamier. (Serves 4) Ingredients 1 large onion, chopped 3 Tbsp butter 1 glass white wine 1 litre fish/seafood stock (see below) 1 x 400 g can chopped tomatoes 1 x 400 g can coconut cream 16 prawn tails, shelled, deveined and chopped Salt and white pepper to taste 2 heaped Tbsp cornflour dissolved in milk Chopped coriander for garnish For the seafood stock: 1 fish head and any fins, etc you may have Prawn heads and other offcuts, as much as you can get 1 large onion, roughly chopped 2 celery sticks, chopped 3 large carrots, roughly chopped 2 litres water Method Put the prawn offcuts and fish head into a large, deep pot with the vegetables and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook rapidly, uncovered, until reduced by half. Strain into a jug or bowl. Keep to one side or refrigerate until needed. In a soup pot, melt the butter and simmer the prawns until softened but not taking on colour. Add wine and cook rapidly until reduced by half. Add the fish stock and cook on a moderate heat for 5 minutes. Add a can of chopped tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes at a moderate heat. Add a can of coconut cream (not milk) and cook for 10 minutes at a moderate heat. Add the prawn meat, season with salt and white pepper, bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Thicken with the diluted cornflour, stirring while it thickens. Serve garnished with chopped coriander. DM
