In contrast to most superhero films, this one has multiple storylines that weave together most enjoyably. It also features a villain who is unambiguous in his determination to rid Earth of the Kryptonian. The subtext here is obvious but it is presented in such a way as to be inclusive. It also has a total comic book feel and structure. Oh, and there is also a super dog named Krypto.

Writers Gunn, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster have fashioned a story that brings Superman and his abilities into a modern context without stripping him of his universal appeal. There are moments of doubt and suspicion by the public of his alien powers and the caustic effect that modern social media can have on individuals in the public eye. The inclusion of these elements gives the story added depth and relevance.

As pure escapism, this film is a delight and the underlying theme, while a positive one is never allowed to overwhelm the enjoyment factor by being overly saccarine. This is populist entertainment in the best possible sense and should be enjoyed as such. Leave the troubled world on the outside and settle in for an example of a cast and crew that know exactly what they want to do and have the skills and approach to make that vision truly come to life.
Rob Hudson
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DC Studios heads Peter Safran and Gunn are producing the film, which Gunn directs from his own screenplay, based on characters from DC, Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

The film stars David Corenswet (“Twisters”, “Hollywood”) in the dual role of Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult (the “X-Men” movies, “Juror #2”) as Lex Luthor. The film also stars Edi Gathegi (“For All Mankind”), Anthony Carrigan (“Barry”, “Gotham”), Nathan Fillion (the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, “The Suicide Squad”), Isabela Merced (“Alien Romulus”), Skyler Gisondo (“Licorice Pizza”, “Booksmart”), Sara Sampaio (“At Midnight”), María Gabriela de Faría (“The Moodys”), Wendell Pierce (“Selma”, “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”), Alan Tudyk (“Andor”), Pruitt Taylor Vince (“Bird Box”) and Neva Howell (“Greedy People”).

“Superman” is executive produced by Nikolas Korda, Chantal Nong Vo and Lars Winther. Behind the camera, Gunn is joined by frequent collaborators, including director of photography Henry Braham, production designer Beth Mickle, costume designer Judianna Makovsky and composer John Murphy, along with editors Craig Alpert (“Deadpool 2”, “Blue Beetle”), Jason Ballantine (the “IT” films, “The Flash”) and William Hoy (“The Batman”).

“Superman” will be in theaters and IMAX nationwide on July 11, 2025, and internationally beginning 9 July 2025, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

“Superman” will release in Australian cinemas from July 10.
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Welcome to hell—a.k.a. Belle Reve, the prison with the highest mortality rate in the US of A. Where the worst Super-Villains are kept and where they will do anything to get out—even join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X.

Today’s do-or-die assignment? Assemble a collection of cons, including Bloodsport, Peacemaker, Captain Boomerang, Ratcatcher 2, Savant, King Shark, Blackguard, Javelin and everyone’s favorite psycho, Harley Quinn. Then arm them heavily and drop them (literally) on the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese.

Trekking through a jungle teeming with militant adversaries and guerrilla forces at every turn, the Squad is on a search-and-destroy mission with only Colonel Rick Flag on the ground to make them behave…and Amanda Waller’s government techies in their ears, tracking their every movement. And as always, one wrong move and they’re dead (whether at the hands of their opponents, a teammate, or Waller herself).

If anyone’s laying down bets, the smart money is against them—all of them.

The Suicide Squad will be released in Australian cinemas August 5!
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The use of the late actor’s sound bites from previous films is seamlessly integrated into the new edition. It shows a love and respect for that titan of the big screen that feels real. The film’s message of dealing with the advancement of technology and feeling left behind by it is an interesting one given the context.

As always the animation looks fantastic and thankfully stays squarely in the animated world and resists the need to be photo realistic. It’s a world that no one inhabits quite like Pixar. The state of the art graphics are even more impressive, given that they are used to richen the experience and not just to raise the wow factor.

The opening short Lou with its message about bullying and its potential cause was also excellent.

Rob Hudson
www.movies.disney.com.au