Latest news with #Superman
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Cancer Diaries: On Superman — The ‘E' in Evil stands for ‘easy'
JULY 23 — Being in active treatment as a cancer patient means I try to avoid crowds when I can. Still, I couldn't resist watching Superman though it meant watching it during non-peak hours (mornings on weekdays). Like Superman I have dodged way too many bullets but while his were literal, mine came in the form of infections and injuries. Every outing now has a risk assessment after all my falls and near-falls. I couldn't possibly trip (again) sitting in a cinema seat, right? It was worth waking up early for the show as I got to enjoy a waffle in an empty café though I did have to wolf it down quickly to make the screening. I was thankful that the sound drowned out my ugly sobbing at parts in the cinema — yes, I am a marshmallow at the movies and cry very easily. Superman was the superhero of my childhood, the true poster boy for what a superhero should be and as an old school fan I think James Gunn's version of him was a lot more palatable than Zack Snyder's vision. Synder's films feel too much like they were made by a child who played with action figures by bashing them together, then grew up to be a film director. People who complain about the film being a bit too on the nose about do good-erism seem to forget that's what Superman films were made for. Director James Gunn attends a premiere for the film "Superman" at the TCL Chinese theatre in Los Angeles, California, U.S., July 7, 2025. — Reuters pic In an age where the actress who played Marvel's Black Widow proudly schills for Zionism, it's almost refreshing having a superhero film that states quite plainly targeting civilians in a land grab excuse of an invasion is bad, actually. Yet what stayed with me watching the film is how casually the people who work for the villains in the story go along with what their employers do. There is no hesitation nor remorse about just plain murdering civilians, whether unarmed children or a reporter investigating what is pretty much a war crime. I thought, right then, that the 'e' in evil stood for 'easy'. It is easier to go along with the flow, to keep taking the pay cheques, to obey directives, to work in Alligator Alcatraz than to say no, this is wrong. That's what superhero movies do well: they demonstrate that doing the right thing is the harder choice. Whether you're wearing a cape or working for a supercorporation, there will be consequences but, the movies argue, you should do the right thing anyway. Easier to leave a nasty comment, ignore a person who collapsed suddenly or is being harassed on a train or only sympathise with refugees if they prove themselves to be deserving by being the meek, grateful and downtrodden people you want them to be. If it takes a thousand superhero movies to convince people to take the harder road because it is the right one, then make them — I will watch them all. Another thought made me smile when I left the cinema; how as a child I watched superhero movies but I didn't want to be Superman or Supergirl. I wanted to be Lois Lane. No, I didn't want a superhero boyfriend. I believed then as I believe now that journalists do have a role in making the world a better place... though I don't think they should be put on pedestals for it, either. As that Foo Fighter song goes, so many of us are looking at the sky to save us. We forget that we can all be superheroes even if it means we can only be that hero for just one person, and even if it means we won't get an award, a thank you or even acknowledgement. The late Connie Francis who passed away last week comes to mind. Francis was a sexual assault survivor, and lost her brother when he was murdered by the Mafia for testifying against them. She grew up under a controlling father, struggled with PTSD and mental health issues and while she called her personal life 'a regret from A to Z', Francis was an advocate for rape victims and mental health awareness. By suing the hotel where she was assaulted, she helped improve hotel safety in general. She said in an interview: 'It was a struggle to reconcile all of the tragedies that had occurred in my life, and I'd like to be known for my music. I'm always honoured and privileged when people remember, and it brings back happy memories for a lot of people, and that makes me happy.' Francis had never had it easy throughout her life but she made the best of sometimes tragic circumstances. In her later life she worked with veterans, even helping create support groups for them as she personally understood the effects of PTSD, which is common among veterans. 'We all have it in us to make a difference in someone else's life. The more you help others, the more it enriches your life, too,' she said. May we all find our own inner superheroes. * This is the personal opinion of the columnist.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'The Fantastic Four: First Steps,' 'Happy Gilmore 2,' 'Materialists' and more: Your guide to this weekend's top movies to watch in theaters and at home
"The Fantastic Four: First Steps" shows that "Superman" was the start of a new trend. Hello, Yahoo readers! My name is Brett Arnold, film critic and longtime Yahoo editor, and I'm back with another edition of Trust Me, I Watch Everything. This week there are a handful of movies coming to streaming services you're likely already paying for, including Wes Anderson's latest, an indie gem about baseball and a fun self-aware horror flick. The biggest new release is The Fantastic Four: First Steps, the latest attempt at making the Marvel characters pop onscreen with a buzzy new A-list cast, including Pedro Pascal. If you're looking for more Pascal, make it a double feature: His rom-dram Materialists is available to rent. Read on for more, because there's something here for everyone! What to watch in theaters Movies newly available to rent or buy Movies newly available on streaming services you may already have 🎥What to watch in theaters My recommendation: The Fantastic Four: First Steps Why you should watch it: The Fantastic Four: First Steps proves that James Gunn's Superman wasn't a one-off and instead was the start of an emerging trend of superhero movies. Both are comic book flicks that are meant to be introduction films, as well as reboots featuring iconic characters we've already seen onscreen before. They both purposefully avoid harping much on a character's origin story. The Fantastic Four: First Steps depicts it very quickly up top, whereas Superman throws you right into the action. Both rely on the audience knowing who these people are and what they do without getting bogged down by lore. That being said, each movie is meant to emulate the experience of reading a comic book, picking up an issue and getting caught up in that one arc without having to worry about its place in the larger universe. The best thing about The Fantastic Four: First Steps is that it doesn't adhere to the Marvel house style and has a unique look that's decidedly its own: a retro-futuristic take on the 1960s that feels as indebted to The Jetsons as it does the comic books its based on. Superman opened with Clark Kent having already been Superman for three years, and First Steps similarly opens with our heroes celebrating four years as America's superhero protectors. The public knows who they are and appreciates their efforts to keep them safe. But Marvel's First Family is soon forced to balance their roles as heroes and the strength of their family bond while defending Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) is pregnant with the child of Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), and the movie explores how Reed tries to 'babyproof the world,' as a character in the film puts it, and protect their kid from real and specific dangers — in this case, Galactus. The film is at its best when its leaning into either the silliness or the scale of the sci-fi comic book world these characters inhabit, like when we get a glimpse of villain Mole Man (Paul Walter Hauser, a highlight) and his underground world of Subterranea, or when the plot turns to the idea of teleporting entire planets in order to save lives. The foreboding Galactus, who is the size of a skyscraper and more menacing than any villain I can think of in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is an undeniable selling point. Maybe it's just my love for science fiction showing, but a bad guy that's just the Death Star incarnate, destroying planets as if they were nothing, is scary, strong stuff. If I have a major complaint, it's that the Fantastic Four's powers are never really utilized in a way that feels specific to each character. It's all just generic superhero zipping around and shooting forceful beams out of their hands. The wildly specific skillsets all feel incidental here, rather than expertly written and woven into the narrative or the action. The Bear's Ebon Moss-Bacharach is terrific as the voice of the Thing, but the character feels like he has little to do here, and the entirely CGI creation of his being pales in comparison to the onscreen depiction 20 years ago, when Michael Chiklis was transformed into the character with extensive makeup. Joseph Quinn is fun as Johnny Storm, but he too just flies around while on fire. The Fantastic Four: First Steps may be the latest attempt at bringing these classic comic book characters to the screen, but it's undeniably the most successful of that very cursed bunch. The speed-run character development is a barrier at first, but by the end, I was worn down and accepted that this is what comic book movies are now, nearly 20 years after Iron Man changed everything for the genre. On paper, I love the idea of skipping the origin story, but after Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, I just think more work needs to be done setting up these worlds if I'm expected to buy in. For those unfamiliar with the characters, who have never seen a Fantastic Four movie or read one of their comic books, I do wonder if the experience is meaningfully different. What other critics are saying: Most agree that Marvel finally got it right this time. William Bibbiani at The Wrap says it's first-rate, writing, "whatever its drawbacks, feels like a real Fantastic Four movie, and that's no small achievement." The Associated Press's Jake Coyle agrees that the villains steal the show and calls it "a very solid comic book movie." How to watch: The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in theaters nationwide July 25. Get tickets 🤔 But that's not all! This ridiculously bonkers horror movie starring Pete Davidson and directed by The Purge mastermind James DeMonaco was shot in early 2022 and is only now sneaking into theaters. Davidson plays a troubled man who starts working at a retirement home and realizes its residents and caretakers harbor sinister secrets. It's unpredictable in a fun way, even if it feels like you're watching a different movie in the final 10 minutes. Get tickets. : A derivative found-footage horror vehicle for Kris Collins, aka KallMeKris, a Canadian TikToker who has a massive following on the social media platform. It's ripping off The Blair Witch Project for most of the runtime, until it gets to the third act and imitates a different popular horror movie. It doesn't amount to much, sadly. Get tickets. 💸Movies newly available to rent or buy My recommendation: Why you should watch it: You can get a double helping of Pedro Pascal this weekend, if you're into that sort of thing, as the controversial Materialists is now watchable from your couch. As I wrote when it debuted in theaters, it disappoints in comparison to Past Lives, writer-director Celine Song's debut film, and the script ultimately lets down the actors, even if the performances are all very good. What other critics are saying: There are strong opinions on both sides here. Stephanie Zacharek at Time writes that it's "more bittersweet than sweet, which is what makes it so wonderful, in a wistful, elusive way." The Daily Beast's Nick Schager dubs it a disappointing letdown, calling it "the cinematic equivalent of a sugary soda gone terribly flat." How to watch: Materialists is now available to rent or buy on Amazon, Apple TV and other VOD platforms. Rent or buy 'Materialists' ➕ Bonus recommendation Why you should watch it: The always-great Danielle Deadwyler stars in this postapocalyptic thriller about a Black family of Canadian farmers descended from American Civil War migrants defending their homestead against cannibals trying to seize their resources. Its specific approach to the apocalypse, that it's about food scarcity and the importance of farms in that future, makes it stand out from plenty of similar fare, as does the terrific and dynamic gunplay that unexpectedly takes up the latter half. The focus on family is also very effective. Much better than you'd expect from this sort of low-budget affair. What other critics are saying: Most agree it's worth your time! Rolling Stone's David Fear writes, "She's not better than the movie. Deadwyler just makes the movie better by every choice she's making as an actor." Amy Nicholson at the Los Angeles Times agrees, writing that "there's not one false beat in Deadwyler's performance." How to watch: 40 Acres is now available to rent or buy on Amazon, Apple TV and other VOD platforms. Rent or buy '40 Acres' 🤔 But that's not all! : This is a horror movie about a serial killer whose method of killing is feeding his victims to sharks. I wish I didn't have to tell you that because the opening scene is such a shocking introduction, but the trailer gives it away immediately. It's still absolutely worth watching, if that sounds like your kind of thing. Rent or buy. Disney's live-action remake became the first and only movie to gross $1 billion this year, and now you can help it make more money by paying to rent it! As per usual with these things, it's not as nice to look at as the animated original, but it gets the job done. Rent or buy. 📺Movies newly available on streaming services you may have My recommendation: Why you should watch it: Our review is coming Friday! What other critics are saying: Check back on Friday! How to watch: Happy Gilmore 2 is streaming on Netflix July 25. Stream 'Happy Gilmore 2' ➕ Bonus recommendation: Why you should watch it: Sometimes, all you need is a cheap but satisfying B-movie about a creature on an island killing people in increasingly gory ways. Bonus points if the creature just so happens to be a guy in a suit. This World War II-set throwback is as inspired by the films of Jack Arnold (specifically Creature From the Black Lagoon) as it is Predator, and it delivers on the promise. The story about two guys from opposite sides of the war forced to band together against a greater threat works quite well! What other critics are saying: There aren't many reviews for this one yet, so you'll have to take my word for it. If you're into low-budget stuff buoyed by great practical FX work and better-than-average performances, check it out. How to watch: Monster Island will start streaming on Shudder on July 25th. Stream 'Monster Island' 🤔 But that's not all! The latest film from Wes Anderson is a decidedly silly one. Imagine the usual Andersonian look and feel, now with cartoonish violence, and a terrific performance from Benicio Del Toro at its center. I wrote more about it here. Streaming on Peacock July 25 This quietly profound indie about a baseball team playing their last-ever game functions as a metaphor about life and the eventual bitter end of the things we love. How can you not be romantic about baseball?! I wrote more here. Now streaming on Mubi. This horror flick based on a popular video game leans more Cabin in the Woods send-up than earnest horror, and fans of the genre will enjoy the way it plays with conventions. Streaming on Netflix July 24. Steve Coogan is sensational in this cute movie inspired by the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976 and how his life is transformed when he befriends a penguin. Streaming on Netflix July 26 This A24 movie starring Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd is a high-concept fantastical comedy that eventually turns into goofy horror. I found it insufferable, but, hey, it's on HBO Max now, so you're not paying for on HBO Max July 25 That's all for this week — we'll see you next Friday at the movies!
Kuwait Times
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
‘Superman' triumphs once again at North American box office
The Man of Steel has staying power: 'Superman' topped the North American box office for a second week running and surpassed the $400 million mark worldwide, industry estimates showed Sunday. Riding largely positive reviews, the latest big-budget action film featuring the iconic superhero from Warner Bros. and DC Studios earned $57.3 million in the United States and Canada, Exhibitor Relations said. That puts its North American take at $235 million and its international sales at $171 million - or $406 million globally. 'Jurassic World: Rebirth' - the latest installment in the blockbuster dinosaur saga - also held its ground in second place at $23.4 million. Its worldwide total stands at $647.2 million. The Universal film, starring Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali, takes viewers to an abandoned island research facility, where secrets - and genetically mutated dinosaurs - are lurking. 'I Know What You Did Last Summer,' a sequel to two 1990s slasher hits that bring back the franchise's original stars Freddie Prinze Jr and Jennifer Love Hewitt, opened in third place at a disappointing $13 million. 'This is another horror series returning after a long layoff, in this case after 27 years,' said industry analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research. 'Generally, the layoffs don't bother these films; in fact, they get stronger... that's not happening here.' 'Smurfs,' the latest film featuring the adorable blue creatures and starring Rihanna as Smurfette, opened in a lackluster fourth place with $11 million in North American ticket sales. 'F1: The Movie,' the Apple and Warner Bros. flick starring Brad Pitt as a washed-up Formula One driver who gets one last shot at redemption, finished in fifth place at $9.6 million. 'The current lineup in theaters is strong, with a broad selection of big titles including superheroes, action, monsters, horror and animation,' said Gross. 'Superman' will soon get a new superhero rival when Marvel's hotly anticipated 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' starring Pedro Pascal hits theaters in the coming days. Rounding out the top 10 were: 'How to Train Your Dragon' ($5.4 million) 'Eddington' ($4.3 million) 'Elio' ($2.0 million) 'Lilo & Stitch' ($1.5 million) '28 Years Later' ($1.3 million). — AFP
Gizmodo
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
James Gunn Thinks ‘Anti-American Sentiment' Is Hurting ‘Superman' Overseas
James Gunn has a new Superman movie out—perhaps you've heard of it? The DC hero's latest cinematic adventure, the first under DC Studios' Gunn-led era, is a box-office hit and already has fans dreaming of sequels and spin-offs. But one notable quirk of those ticket sales is that Superman is doing better domestically than it is internationally, despite its seemingly broad appeal as a Hollywood superhero movie. Earlier this week, Variety reported that while Superman's numbers are impressive, earning over $400 million to date, 'turnout remains softer than expected at the international box office.' The trade noted Warner Bros. and DC are counting on 'outsized global appeal' to launch this new era of DC media. Naturally, Gunn himself is at the nexus of all this, and he was asked about it in a recent Rolling Stone interview. 'We're definitely performing better domestically than we are internationally, but internationally is also rising and having really good weekday numbers in the same way we are. So obviously the word of mouth is very positive both here and everywhere else. Which is the thing that we needed to do the most. At the same time, there are certain countries in which it's really performing well. Brazil and the U.K.,' Gunn told the magazine. And, what's more, he has some thoughts about why audiences overseas might not be rushing out to see his movie at the moment. 'Superman is not a known commodity in some places. He is not a big known superhero in some places like Batman is. That affects things. And it also affects things that we have a certain amount of anti-American sentiment around the world right now. It isn't really helping us,' Gunn said. 'So I think it's just a matter of letting something grow. But again, for us, everything's been a total win. Having the movie come out and be something that has been embraced by people everywhere—this is just the seed of the tree that Peter [Safran, co-head of DC Studios] and I have been watering for the past three years. So to be able to have it start off so positively has been incredibly overwhelming.' American pop culture being overshadowed by American politics—that sounds about right given the current climate of things. Perhaps the tide will have turned ahead of Supergirl's release in June 2026?
USA Today
6 hours ago
- Politics
- USA Today
Trump wants Washington Commanders to revert to old name. Should they? Tell us.
Should the Washington Commanders and Cleveland Guardians listen to the president and revert back to their previous names, historic monikers that became seen as racist and out-of-date? Take our poll. In the 2020s two major league sports teams yielded to years of questions about whether naming themselves after a racial slur and historic misnomer for a continent full of people was a good idea. The football team tied to our nation's capital switched in 2022 to the Washington Commanders − away from what the dictionary describes as an "insulting and contemptuous" term for Native Americans. That was a year after the Cleveland Indians had chosen to become the Cleveland Guardians. But at least one person, whose social media feed can flip news cycles and rattle markets, disagreed with the moves. President Donald Trump said the "The Washington 'Whatever's' should IMMEDIATELY change their name back," adding in his July 20 Truth Social post that so should Cleveland. "Our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen. Their heritage and prestige is systematically being taken away from them. Times are different now than they were three or four years ago. We are a Country of passion and common sense. OWNERS, GET IT DONE!!!" Trump said. It's not clear if he has the power, but the president has threatened plans for a new District of Columbia football stadium if Washington doesn't make the change. Tell us: Have movies like 'Superman' become 'woke' or are people too sensitive? | Opinion Forum Are the Commanders, Guardians old names racist? Or are they acceptable? Now we're asking you, our readers, if you think Washington and Cleveland made the right choices − or if you think the old names are acceptable and even preferable. Fill out our form below or send us an email to forum@ with the subject line "Forum Commanders/Guardians." We'll pick the best responses for a follow-up post. Here are some questions to help you respond. Joel Burgess is an occasionally avid sports fan and a Voices editor for the USA TODAY Network. Do you want to take part in our next Forum? Join the conversation by emailing forum@ You can also follow us on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and sign up for our Opinion newsletter to stay updated on future Forum posts.
