The Fantastic Four are revived once more in Marvel’s newest “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” Rising stars take on the role of the superhero family: Pedro Pascal (“The Last of Us”), Vanessa Kirby (“The Crown”), Ebon Moss-Barach (“The Bear”) and Joseph Quinn (“Stranger Things”). The Fantastic Four set off to save Earth from potential doom after being threatened by an intergalactic figure, Galactus. In the process, they meet the mysterious Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). The Fantastic Four learn how to deal with cosmic threats as they adjust their family ideals. 

Matt Shakman directs “The Fantastic Four” as a relative Marvel newcomer. Previously, he led “WandaVision,” a show on Disney Plus. While he has numerous TV credits, Shakman only has one other film directing credit, “Cut Bank.” However, Shakman‘s directing is smooth and easy to follow.

In addition, this version of the comic book superheroes is not their first on-screen representation; there were previous renditions in 2005 and 2015. Even before the trailer was released, there were concerns among fans on whether or not 2025 was the year the Fantastic Four finally got good movie representation. 

The strongest aspect of the movie is its aesthetic. To differentiate itself from the previous “Fantastic Four” movies, “First Steps” takes place in a retro-futuristic New York City with a 1960’s style permeating the film. The movie dedicates itself to this theme, from the civilians’ wardrobes down to the theme song and opening title cards. The setting is a revitalizing change of scenery to the franchise, and its uniqueness manages to upgrade the movie’s quality and gives audiences a novel viewing experience. 

Compared to the film’s radical style, the graphics are not quite up to standards. Most notably, Moss-Barach’s character, The Thing, is a superhuman with rock-like skin. In order to create this appearance, the film used motion capture instead of practical effects. He doesn’t fit in with the background, and his interactions with other characters feel clunky. While there are ways to make motion capture look seamless, The Thing’s CGI is less than solid. In addition, Reed Richard’s stretchy superpower is barely shown on screen, even in the action scenes where his power is needed. This insufficient CGI hurts viewers’ ability to immerse themselves in the film.

Not only is the CGI mediocre, but the chemistry between the actors is less than stellar. Each individual of the main cast definitely shines in their former projects, but together in this movie, the familial bond is absent. The love that the Fantastic Four receives is directly related to their kinship. Between the four, Johnny Storm (Quinn) and The Thing (Moss-Barach) exude the most realistic chemistry. The overall lack of real connection between the characters results in a story that feels empty. The Fantastic Four might be dysfunctional at times, but they are supposed to come together in moments of crisis. The new cast felt like they met each other a week ago before diving into saving the city. 

In addition, the choice to skip over the origin stories of the heroes was notably missing. While Marvel fans are most likely aware of how the characters got their fantastic abilities, casual movie-goers might not, considering that the previous “Fantastic Four” movies weren’t huge critical successes. The choice is understandable, as it reduces redundancy and gets straight into the plot. However, properly introducing the four characters first could have given depth to  their interactions with each other and their newfound identity.

Even with all of its ups and downs, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is a refreshing Marvel movie. However, the film might have more missteps than successes. Fans looking for action will be disappointed at the lack of fight scenes, and others looking for a familial chemistry won’t find it with this new cast. In addition, the underdeveloped CGI makes audiences question if this movie was really made in 2025. 

Because “Fantastic Four” is the movie leading Marvel into Phase 6, the expectations were extremely high. Unfortunately, the film is not quite fantastic enough to exceed this bar of expectation.

The post ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ stretches its limits appeared first on Technique.

Superhero movies have been a staple in theaters for the past decade. Most notably, ever since Marvel Studios launched the ambitious “Iron Man,” different film companies have started their own franchises. Sony has their share of iconic characters in the Spiderman universe. Warner Bros. Discovery acquired DC Films, which includes fan favorites such as Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman. However, compared to its peers, the DC Extended Universe had been struggling with consistency in narrative, quality and box office success. 

For many audiences today, superhero films are monotonous, formulaic and outdated. Because of the massive universe that Marvel has established, moviegoers have seen the maximized version of what these comic book adaptations can be. At its peak, they are just the right blend of quirky humor and a profound story. Marvel delivered this with “Avengers: Endgame” six years ago. As time went by, the prolific Marvel Studios started to fade. With flops such as “The Marvels” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” superhero movies were becoming a fad. 

Amid these developments, DC Films rebranded as DC Studios and released a trailer in December of 2024 for its beloved character, Superman. Fans were simultaneously excited and worried about this reboot. Will “Superman” be able to save DC and comic book movies as a whole, or would it be just another cash-grabbing attempt that sells out a popular character?

James Gunn is the director of “Superman.” He previously was the driving force behind Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” a fan-favorite series. After parting ways with Marvel, he headed into rival territory to lead DC Studios. Gunn’s style seeps into this new “Superman.” Viewers of his work will know the use of iconic soundtracks to enhance action sequences. His use of vibrant colors in the film stays true to its comic book origins, a refreshing change to the muted color grading prevalent in modern movies. .

Not only is the cinematography brighter, but the movie is much lighter in tone compared to DC’s older Superman movies like “Man of Steel,” directed by Zack Snyder. Superman appears more human in Gunn’s world, and he cracks jokes as well as being subject to them. Hardcore fans may notice that Krypto, Superman’s canine companion, is also a part of the heroes. Krypto’s presence brings humor and playfulness to the story. 

In fact, a lot of the side characters contribute to the heart of the film. Gunn’s “Superman” crafts a world that feels real and lived-in. Normal citizens interact with the superheroes either by giving them a helping hand or working alongside them, which brings a certain charm to the film. “Superman” isn’t only about Superman himself, but also about the people around him that give him motivation to be a hero. 

In terms of casting, every actor is fitting for their role. David Corenswet delivers a convincing performance as the titular Superman, and Rachel Brosnahan plays a quick-witted, sharp-spoken Lois Lane. However, heroes wouldn’t be heroes without having to save their city from a villain. Lex Luthor, Superman’s arch-nemesis and corporate billionaire, is played by Nicholas Hoult. He has experience with superhero franchises with his appearance in the “X-Men” prequel movies. While he played a side character in “X-men”, Hoult’s interpretation of Lex Luthor takes full force in “Superman.” 

He’s not too serious, not too laughable — Lex Luthor walks the fine line between billionaire tech genius and Superman-obsessed freak under Hoult’s command. Corenswet and Brosnahan deserve praise for accurate portrayals of their comic book counterparts, but Nicholas Hoult pulls his character straight from the pages onto the screen. 

“Superman” definitely comes alive with the new film. It carries on the spirit of the original comics, painting him as a likeable, human character rather than an all-powerful god. It’s easy to take a character named Superman and want him to be a perfect, omnipotent being. However, Gunn’s “Superman” focuses more on the good inside the man. Superman is not perfect, and that’s the point. He is a genuine hero trying to help others instead of waging wars or displaying authority. Audiences don’t want to see yet another intergalactic battle, they want to see human emotions on screen.

To answer the question: Yes, “Superman” has flown into theaters to save the day.

The post “Superman” Saves the Superhero Genre appeared first on Technique.

Superhero movies have been a staple in theaters for the past decade. Most notably, ever since Marvel Studios launched the ambitious “Iron Man,” different film companies have started their own franchises. Sony has their share of iconic characters in the Spiderman universe. Warner Bros. Discovery acquired DC Films, which includes fan favorites such as Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman. However, compared to its peers, the DC Extended Universe had been struggling with consistency in narrative, quality and box office success. 

For many audiences today, superhero films are monotonous, formulaic and outdated. Because of the massive universe that Marvel has established, moviegoers have seen the maximized version of what these comic book adaptations can be. At its peak, they are just the right blend of quirky humor and a profound story. Marvel delivered this with “Avengers: Endgame” six years ago. As time went by, the prolific Marvel Studios started to fade. With flops such as “The Marvels” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” superhero movies were becoming a fad. 

Amid these developments, DC Films rebranded as DC Studios and released a trailer in December of 2024 for its beloved character, Superman. Fans were simultaneously excited and worried about this reboot. Will “Superman” be able to save DC and comic book movies as a whole, or would it be just another cash-grabbing attempt that sells out a popular character?

James Gunn is the director of “Superman.” He previously was the driving force behind Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” a fan-favorite series. After parting ways with Marvel, he headed into rival territory to lead DC Studios. Gunn’s style seeps into this new “Superman.” Viewers of his work will know the use of iconic soundtracks to enhance action sequences. His use of vibrant colors in the film stays true to its comic book origins, a refreshing change to the muted color grading prevalent in modern movies. .

Not only is the cinematography brighter, but the movie is much lighter in tone compared to DC’s older Superman movies like “Man of Steel,” directed by Zack Snyder. Superman appears more human in Gunn’s world, and he cracks jokes as well as being subject to them. Hardcore fans may notice that Krypto, Superman’s canine companion, is also a part of the heroes. Krypto’s presence brings humor and playfulness to the story. 

In fact, a lot of the side characters contribute to the heart of the film. Gunn’s “Superman” crafts a world that feels real and lived-in. Normal citizens interact with the superheroes either by giving them a helping hand or working alongside them, which brings a certain charm to the film. “Superman” isn’t only about Superman himself, but also about the people around him that give him motivation to be a hero. 

In terms of casting, every actor is fitting for their role. David Corenswet delivers a convincing performance as the titular Superman, and Rachel Brosnahan plays a quick-witted, sharp-spoken Lois Lane. However, heroes wouldn’t be heroes without having to save their city from a villain. Lex Luthor, Superman’s arch-nemesis and corporate billionaire, is played by Nicholas Hoult. He has experience with superhero franchises with his appearance in the “X-Men” prequel movies. While he played a side character in “X-men”, Hoult’s interpretation of Lex Luthor takes full force in “Superman.” 

He’s not too serious, not too laughable — Lex Luthor walks the fine line between billionaire tech genius and Superman-obsessed freak under Hoult’s command. Corenswet and Brosnahan deserve praise for accurate portrayals of their comic book counterparts, but Nicholas Hoult pulls his character straight from the pages onto the screen. 

“Superman” definitely comes alive with the new film. It carries on the spirit of the original comics, painting him as a likeable, human character rather than an all-powerful god. It’s easy to take a character named Superman and want him to be a perfect, omnipotent being. However, Gunn’s “Superman” focuses more on the good inside the man. Superman is not perfect, and that’s the point. He is a genuine hero trying to help others instead of waging wars or displaying authority. Audiences don’t want to see yet another intergalactic battle, they want to see human emotions on screen.

To answer the question: Yes, “Superman” has flown into theaters to save the day.

The post “Superman” Saves the Superhero Genre appeared first on Technique.

Superhero movies have been a staple in theaters for the past decade. Most notably, ever since Marvel Studios launched the ambitious “Iron Man,” different film companies have started their own franchises. Sony has their share of iconic characters in the Spiderman universe. Warner Bros. Discovery acquired DC Films, which includes fan favorites such as Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman. However, compared to its peers, the DC Extended Universe had been struggling with consistency in narrative, quality and box office success. 

For many audiences today, superhero films are monotonous, formulaic and outdated. Because of the massive universe that Marvel has established, moviegoers have seen the maximized version of what these comic book adaptations can be. At its peak, they are just the right blend of quirky humor and a profound story. Marvel delivered this with “Avengers: Endgame” six years ago. As time went by, the prolific Marvel Studios started to fade. With flops such as “The Marvels” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” superhero movies were becoming a fad. 

Amid these developments, DC Films rebranded as DC Studios and released a trailer in December of 2024 for its beloved character, Superman. Fans were simultaneously excited and worried about this reboot. Will “Superman” be able to save DC and comic book movies as a whole, or would it be just another cash-grabbing attempt that sells out a popular character?

James Gunn is the director of “Superman.” He previously was the driving force behind Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” a fan-favorite series. After parting ways with Marvel, he headed into rival territory to lead DC Studios. Gunn’s style seeps into this new “Superman.” Viewers of his work will know the use of iconic soundtracks to enhance action sequences. His use of vibrant colors in the film stays true to its comic book origins, a refreshing change to the muted color grading prevalent in modern movies. .

Not only is the cinematography brighter, but the movie is much lighter in tone compared to DC’s older Superman movies like “Man of Steel,” directed by Zack Snyder. Superman appears more human in Gunn’s world, and he cracks jokes as well as being subject to them. Hardcore fans may notice that Krypto, Superman’s canine companion, is also a part of the heroes. Krypto’s presence brings humor and playfulness to the story. 

In fact, a lot of the side characters contribute to the heart of the film. Gunn’s “Superman” crafts a world that feels real and lived-in. Normal citizens interact with the superheroes either by giving them a helping hand or working alongside them, which brings a certain charm to the film. “Superman” isn’t only about Superman himself, but also about the people around him that give him motivation to be a hero. 

In terms of casting, every actor is fitting for their role. David Corenswet delivers a convincing performance as the titular Superman, and Rachel Brosnahan plays a quick-witted, sharp-spoken Lois Lane. However, heroes wouldn’t be heroes without having to save their city from a villain. Lex Luthor, Superman’s arch-nemesis and corporate billionaire, is played by Nicholas Hoult. He has experience with superhero franchises with his appearance in the “X-Men” prequel movies. While he played a side character in “X-men”, Hoult’s interpretation of Lex Luthor takes full force in “Superman.” 

He’s not too serious, not too laughable — Lex Luthor walks the fine line between billionaire tech genius and Superman-obsessed freak under Hoult’s command. Corenswet and Brosnahan deserve praise for accurate portrayals of their comic book counterparts, but Nicholas Hoult pulls his character straight from the pages onto the screen. 

“Superman” definitely comes alive with the new film. It carries on the spirit of the original comics, painting him as a likeable, human character rather than an all-powerful god. It’s easy to take a character named Superman and want him to be a perfect, omnipotent being. However, Gunn’s “Superman” focuses more on the good inside the man. Superman is not perfect, and that’s the point. He is a genuine hero trying to help others instead of waging wars or displaying authority. Audiences don’t want to see yet another intergalactic battle, they want to see human emotions on screen.

To answer the question: Yes, “Superman” has flown into theaters to save the day.

The post “Superman” Saves the Superhero Genre appeared first on Technique.

Superhero movies have been a staple in theaters for the past decade. Most notably, ever since Marvel Studios launched the ambitious “Iron Man,” different film companies have started their own franchises. Sony has their share of iconic characters in the Spiderman universe. Warner Bros. Discovery acquired DC Films, which includes fan favorites such as Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman. However, compared to its peers, the DC Extended Universe had been struggling with consistency in narrative, quality and box office success. 

For many audiences today, superhero films are monotonous, formulaic and outdated. Because of the massive universe that Marvel has established, moviegoers have seen the maximized version of what these comic book adaptations can be. At its peak, they are just the right blend of quirky humor and a profound story. Marvel delivered this with “Avengers: Endgame” six years ago. As time went by, the prolific Marvel Studios started to fade. With flops such as “The Marvels” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” superhero movies were becoming a fad. 

Amid these developments, DC Films rebranded as DC Studios and released a trailer in December of 2024 for its beloved character, Superman. Fans were simultaneously excited and worried about this reboot. Will “Superman” be able to save DC and comic book movies as a whole, or would it be just another cash-grabbing attempt that sells out a popular character?

James Gunn is the director of “Superman.” He previously was the driving force behind Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” a fan-favorite series. After parting ways with Marvel, he headed into rival territory to lead DC Studios. Gunn’s style seeps into this new “Superman.” Viewers of his work will know the use of iconic soundtracks to enhance action sequences. His use of vibrant colors in the film stays true to its comic book origins, a refreshing change to the muted color grading prevalent in modern movies. .

Not only is the cinematography brighter, but the movie is much lighter in tone compared to DC’s older Superman movies like “Man of Steel,” directed by Zack Snyder. Superman appears more human in Gunn’s world, and he cracks jokes as well as being subject to them. Hardcore fans may notice that Krypto, Superman’s canine companion, is also a part of the heroes. Krypto’s presence brings humor and playfulness to the story. 

In fact, a lot of the side characters contribute to the heart of the film. Gunn’s “Superman” crafts a world that feels real and lived-in. Normal citizens interact with the superheroes either by giving them a helping hand or working alongside them, which brings a certain charm to the film. “Superman” isn’t only about Superman himself, but also about the people around him that give him motivation to be a hero. 

In terms of casting, every actor is fitting for their role. David Corenswet delivers a convincing performance as the titular Superman, and Rachel Brosnahan plays a quick-witted, sharp-spoken Lois Lane. However, heroes wouldn’t be heroes without having to save their city from a villain. Lex Luthor, Superman’s arch-nemesis and corporate billionaire, is played by Nicholas Hoult. He has experience with superhero franchises with his appearance in the “X-Men” prequel movies. While he played a side character in “X-men”, Hoult’s interpretation of Lex Luthor takes full force in “Superman.” 

He’s not too serious, not too laughable — Lex Luthor walks the fine line between billionaire tech genius and Superman-obsessed freak under Hoult’s command. Corenswet and Brosnahan deserve praise for accurate portrayals of their comic book counterparts, but Nicholas Hoult pulls his character straight from the pages onto the screen. 

“Superman” definitely comes alive with the new film. It carries on the spirit of the original comics, painting him as a likeable, human character rather than an all-powerful god. It’s easy to take a character named Superman and want him to be a perfect, omnipotent being. However, Gunn’s “Superman” focuses more on the good inside the man. Superman is not perfect, and that’s the point. He is a genuine hero trying to help others instead of waging wars or displaying authority. Audiences don’t want to see yet another intergalactic battle, they want to see human emotions on screen.

To answer the question: Yes, “Superman” has flown into theaters to save the day.

The post “Superman” Saves the Superhero Genre appeared first on Technique.

Superhero movies have been a staple in theaters for the past decade. Most notably, ever since Marvel Studios launched the ambitious “Iron Man,” different film companies have started their own franchises. Sony has their share of iconic characters in the Spiderman universe. Warner Bros. Discovery acquired DC Films, which includes fan favorites such as Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman. However, compared to its peers, the DC Extended Universe had been struggling with consistency in narrative, quality and box office success. 

For many audiences today, superhero films are monotonous, formulaic and outdated. Because of the massive universe that Marvel has established, moviegoers have seen the maximized version of what these comic book adaptations can be. At its peak, they are just the right blend of quirky humor and a profound story. Marvel delivered this with “Avengers: Endgame” six years ago. As time went by, the prolific Marvel Studios started to fade. With flops such as “The Marvels” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” superhero movies were becoming a fad. 

Amid these developments, DC Films rebranded as DC Studios and released a trailer in December of 2024 for its beloved character, Superman. Fans were simultaneously excited and worried about this reboot. Will “Superman” be able to save DC and comic book movies as a whole, or would it be just another cash-grabbing attempt that sells out a popular character?

James Gunn is the director of “Superman.” He previously was the driving force behind Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” a fan-favorite series. After parting ways with Marvel, he headed into rival territory to lead DC Studios. Gunn’s style seeps into this new “Superman.” Viewers of his work will know the use of iconic soundtracks to enhance action sequences. His use of vibrant colors in the film stays true to its comic book origins, a refreshing change to the muted color grading prevalent in modern movies. .

Not only is the cinematography brighter, but the movie is much lighter in tone compared to DC’s older Superman movies like “Man of Steel,” directed by Zack Snyder. Superman appears more human in Gunn’s world, and he cracks jokes as well as being subject to them. Hardcore fans may notice that Krypto, Superman’s canine companion, is also a part of the heroes. Krypto’s presence brings humor and playfulness to the story. 

In fact, a lot of the side characters contribute to the heart of the film. Gunn’s “Superman” crafts a world that feels real and lived-in. Normal citizens interact with the superheroes either by giving them a helping hand or working alongside them, which brings a certain charm to the film. “Superman” isn’t only about Superman himself, but also about the people around him that give him motivation to be a hero. 

In terms of casting, every actor is fitting for their role. David Corenswet delivers a convincing performance as the titular Superman, and Rachel Brosnahan plays a quick-witted, sharp-spoken Lois Lane. However, heroes wouldn’t be heroes without having to save their city from a villain. Lex Luthor, Superman’s arch-nemesis and corporate billionaire, is played by Nicholas Hoult. He has experience with superhero franchises with his appearance in the “X-Men” prequel movies. While he played a side character in “X-men”, Hoult’s interpretation of Lex Luthor takes full force in “Superman.” 

He’s not too serious, not too laughable — Lex Luthor walks the fine line between billionaire tech genius and Superman-obsessed freak under Hoult’s command. Corenswet and Brosnahan deserve praise for accurate portrayals of their comic book counterparts, but Nicholas Hoult pulls his character straight from the pages onto the screen. 

“Superman” definitely comes alive with the new film. It carries on the spirit of the original comics, painting him as a likeable, human character rather than an all-powerful god. It’s easy to take a character named Superman and want him to be a perfect, omnipotent being. However, Gunn’s “Superman” focuses more on the good inside the man. Superman is not perfect, and that’s the point. He is a genuine hero trying to help others instead of waging wars or displaying authority. Audiences don’t want to see yet another intergalactic battle, they want to see human emotions on screen.

To answer the question: Yes, “Superman” has flown into theaters to save the day.

The post “Superman” Saves the Superhero Genre appeared first on Technique.

Superhero movies have been a staple in theaters for the past decade. Most notably, ever since Marvel Studios launched the ambitious “Iron Man,” different film companies have started their own franchises. Sony has their share of iconic characters in the Spiderman universe. Warner Bros. Discovery acquired DC Films, which includes fan favorites such as Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman. However, compared to its peers, the DC Extended Universe had been struggling with consistency in narrative, quality and box office success. 

For many audiences today, superhero films are monotonous, formulaic and outdated. Because of the massive universe that Marvel has established, moviegoers have seen the maximized version of what these comic book adaptations can be. At its peak, they are just the right blend of quirky humor and a profound story. Marvel delivered this with “Avengers: Endgame” six years ago. As time went by, the prolific Marvel Studios started to fade. With flops such as “The Marvels” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” superhero movies were becoming a fad. 

Amid these developments, DC Films rebranded as DC Studios and released a trailer in December of 2024 for its beloved character, Superman. Fans were simultaneously excited and worried about this reboot. Will “Superman” be able to save DC and comic book movies as a whole, or would it be just another cash-grabbing attempt that sells out a popular character?

James Gunn is the director of “Superman.” He previously was the driving force behind Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” a fan-favorite series. After parting ways with Marvel, he headed into rival territory to lead DC Studios. Gunn’s style seeps into this new “Superman.” Viewers of his work will know the use of iconic soundtracks to enhance action sequences. His use of vibrant colors in the film stays true to its comic book origins, a refreshing change to the muted color grading prevalent in modern movies. .

Not only is the cinematography brighter, but the movie is much lighter in tone compared to DC’s older Superman movies like “Man of Steel,” directed by Zack Snyder. Superman appears more human in Gunn’s world, and he cracks jokes as well as being subject to them. Hardcore fans may notice that Krypto, Superman’s canine companion, is also a part of the heroes. Krypto’s presence brings humor and playfulness to the story. 

In fact, a lot of the side characters contribute to the heart of the film. Gunn’s “Superman” crafts a world that feels real and lived-in. Normal citizens interact with the superheroes either by giving them a helping hand or working alongside them, which brings a certain charm to the film. “Superman” isn’t only about Superman himself, but also about the people around him that give him motivation to be a hero. 

In terms of casting, every actor is fitting for their role. David Corenswet delivers a convincing performance as the titular Superman, and Rachel Brosnahan plays a quick-witted, sharp-spoken Lois Lane. However, heroes wouldn’t be heroes without having to save their city from a villain. Lex Luthor, Superman’s arch-nemesis and corporate billionaire, is played by Nicholas Hoult. He has experience with superhero franchises with his appearance in the “X-Men” prequel movies. While he played a side character in “X-men”, Hoult’s interpretation of Lex Luthor takes full force in “Superman.” 

He’s not too serious, not too laughable — Lex Luthor walks the fine line between billionaire tech genius and Superman-obsessed freak under Hoult’s command. Corenswet and Brosnahan deserve praise for accurate portrayals of their comic book counterparts, but Nicholas Hoult pulls his character straight from the pages onto the screen. 

“Superman” definitely comes alive with the new film. It carries on the spirit of the original comics, painting him as a likeable, human character rather than an all-powerful god. It’s easy to take a character named Superman and want him to be a perfect, omnipotent being. However, Gunn’s “Superman” focuses more on the good inside the man. Superman is not perfect, and that’s the point. He is a genuine hero trying to help others instead of waging wars or displaying authority. Audiences don’t want to see yet another intergalactic battle, they want to see human emotions on screen.

To answer the question: Yes, “Superman” has flown into theaters to save the day.

The post “Superman” Saves the Superhero Genre appeared first on Technique.

Superhero movies have been a staple in theaters for the past decade. Most notably, ever since Marvel Studios launched the ambitious “Iron Man,” different film companies have started their own franchises. Sony has their share of iconic characters in the Spiderman universe. Warner Bros. Discovery acquired DC Films, which includes fan favorites such as Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman. However, compared to its peers, the DC Extended Universe had been struggling with consistency in narrative, quality and box office success. 

For many audiences today, superhero films are monotonous, formulaic and outdated. Because of the massive universe that Marvel has established, moviegoers have seen the maximized version of what these comic book adaptations can be. At its peak, they are just the right blend of quirky humor and a profound story. Marvel delivered this with “Avengers: Endgame” six years ago. As time went by, the prolific Marvel Studios started to fade. With flops such as “The Marvels” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” superhero movies were becoming a fad. 

Amid these developments, DC Films rebranded as DC Studios and released a trailer in December of 2024 for its beloved character, Superman. Fans were simultaneously excited and worried about this reboot. Will “Superman” be able to save DC and comic book movies as a whole, or would it be just another cash-grabbing attempt that sells out a popular character?

James Gunn is the director of “Superman.” He previously was the driving force behind Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” a fan-favorite series. After parting ways with Marvel, he headed into rival territory to lead DC Studios. Gunn’s style seeps into this new “Superman.” Viewers of his work will know the use of iconic soundtracks to enhance action sequences. His use of vibrant colors in the film stays true to its comic book origins, a refreshing change to the muted color grading prevalent in modern movies. .

Not only is the cinematography brighter, but the movie is much lighter in tone compared to DC’s older Superman movies like “Man of Steel,” directed by Zack Snyder. Superman appears more human in Gunn’s world, and he cracks jokes as well as being subject to them. Hardcore fans may notice that Krypto, Superman’s canine companion, is also a part of the heroes. Krypto’s presence brings humor and playfulness to the story. 

In fact, a lot of the side characters contribute to the heart of the film. Gunn’s “Superman” crafts a world that feels real and lived-in. Normal citizens interact with the superheroes either by giving them a helping hand or working alongside them, which brings a certain charm to the film. “Superman” isn’t only about Superman himself, but also about the people around him that give him motivation to be a hero. 

In terms of casting, every actor is fitting for their role. David Corenswet delivers a convincing performance as the titular Superman, and Rachel Brosnahan plays a quick-witted, sharp-spoken Lois Lane. However, heroes wouldn’t be heroes without having to save their city from a villain. Lex Luthor, Superman’s arch-nemesis and corporate billionaire, is played by Nicholas Hoult. He has experience with superhero franchises with his appearance in the “X-Men” prequel movies. While he played a side character in “X-men”, Hoult’s interpretation of Lex Luthor takes full force in “Superman.” 

He’s not too serious, not too laughable — Lex Luthor walks the fine line between billionaire tech genius and Superman-obsessed freak under Hoult’s command. Corenswet and Brosnahan deserve praise for accurate portrayals of their comic book counterparts, but Nicholas Hoult pulls his character straight from the pages onto the screen. 

“Superman” definitely comes alive with the new film. It carries on the spirit of the original comics, painting him as a likeable, human character rather than an all-powerful god. It’s easy to take a character named Superman and want him to be a perfect, omnipotent being. However, Gunn’s “Superman” focuses more on the good inside the man. Superman is not perfect, and that’s the point. He is a genuine hero trying to help others instead of waging wars or displaying authority. Audiences don’t want to see yet another intergalactic battle, they want to see human emotions on screen.

To answer the question: Yes, “Superman” has flown into theaters to save the day.

The post “Superman” Saves the Superhero Genre appeared first on Technique.

Superhero movies have been a staple in theaters for the past decade. Most notably, ever since Marvel Studios launched the ambitious “Iron Man,” different film companies have started their own franchises. Sony has their share of iconic characters in the Spiderman universe. Warner Bros. Discovery acquired DC Films, which includes fan favorites such as Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman. However, compared to its peers, the DC Extended Universe had been struggling with consistency in narrative, quality and box office success. 

For many audiences today, superhero films are monotonous, formulaic and outdated. Because of the massive universe that Marvel has established, moviegoers have seen the maximized version of what these comic book adaptations can be. At its peak, they are just the right blend of quirky humor and a profound story. Marvel delivered this with “Avengers: Endgame” six years ago. As time went by, the prolific Marvel Studios started to fade. With flops such as “The Marvels” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” superhero movies were becoming a fad. 

Amid these developments, DC Films rebranded as DC Studios and released a trailer in December of 2024 for its beloved character, Superman. Fans were simultaneously excited and worried about this reboot. Will “Superman” be able to save DC and comic book movies as a whole, or would it be just another cash-grabbing attempt that sells out a popular character?

James Gunn is the director of “Superman.” He previously was the driving force behind Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy,” a fan-favorite series. After parting ways with Marvel, he headed into rival territory to lead DC Studios. Gunn’s style seeps into this new “Superman.” Viewers of his work will know the use of iconic soundtracks to enhance action sequences. His use of vibrant colors in the film stays true to its comic book origins, a refreshing change to the muted color grading prevalent in modern movies. .

Not only is the cinematography brighter, but the movie is much lighter in tone compared to DC’s older Superman movies like “Man of Steel,” directed by Zack Snyder. Superman appears more human in Gunn’s world, and he cracks jokes as well as being subject to them. Hardcore fans may notice that Krypto, Superman’s canine companion, is also a part of the heroes. Krypto’s presence brings humor and playfulness to the story. 

In fact, a lot of the side characters contribute to the heart of the film. Gunn’s “Superman” crafts a world that feels real and lived-in. Normal citizens interact with the superheroes either by giving them a helping hand or working alongside them, which brings a certain charm to the film. “Superman” isn’t only about Superman himself, but also about the people around him that give him motivation to be a hero. 

In terms of casting, every actor is fitting for their role. David Corenswet delivers a convincing performance as the titular Superman, and Rachel Brosnahan plays a quick-witted, sharp-spoken Lois Lane. However, heroes wouldn’t be heroes without having to save their city from a villain. Lex Luthor, Superman’s arch-nemesis and corporate billionaire, is played by Nicholas Hoult. He has experience with superhero franchises with his appearance in the “X-Men” prequel movies. While he played a side character in “X-men”, Hoult’s interpretation of Lex Luthor takes full force in “Superman.” 

He’s not too serious, not too laughable — Lex Luthor walks the fine line between billionaire tech genius and Superman-obsessed freak under Hoult’s command. Corenswet and Brosnahan deserve praise for accurate portrayals of their comic book counterparts, but Nicholas Hoult pulls his character straight from the pages onto the screen. 

“Superman” definitely comes alive with the new film. It carries on the spirit of the original comics, painting him as a likeable, human character rather than an all-powerful god. It’s easy to take a character named Superman and want him to be a perfect, omnipotent being. However, Gunn’s “Superman” focuses more on the good inside the man. Superman is not perfect, and that’s the point. He is a genuine hero trying to help others instead of waging wars or displaying authority. Audiences don’t want to see yet another intergalactic battle, they want to see human emotions on screen.

To answer the question: Yes, “Superman” has flown into theaters to save the day.

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The “Jurassic Park” franchise has been recreated many times over the past decade from movies, books and even games. As the seventh film installment in the series, “Jurassic World: Rebirth” welcomes a star-studded cast of Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, Mahershala Ali and Rupert Friend into its high-stakes environment. Johansson plays Zora Bennett, a covert operations specialist, who is tasked with the mission of extracting genetic material from dinosaurs that contains life-changing medical ingredients. Along with the rest of the cast, Zora sets off to a tropical island where these creatures reside.

Gareth Edwards takes on the helm of directing “Jurassic World: Rebirth.” Although Edwards is no Steven Spielberg, his resume includes movies such as “Godzilla” or “Rogue One,” which are both blockbusters within a larger franchise. In addition, these movies have generally favorable reviews. It’s safe to say that it’s not Edwards’s first time handling a beloved series with a big IP.

In addition to Johansson’s Zora Bennett, Jonathan Bailey plays Henry Loomis, a paleontologist. Ali plays Duncan Kincaid, Zora’s old friend and team member, and Friend plays Martin Krebs, a pharmaceutical company representative that initiates the entire mission. While each individual actor in the cast is certainly talented and experienced, their chemistry in the movie is mild at best. The characters and their backstories are the weakest part of the film. The audiences get to know their background through spoken exposition and are given little reason to get emotionally attached to these new faces. 

Of course, the movie wouldn’t be Jurassic if it didn’t include dinosaurs. Sadly, the new movie does not carry on the spirit of using practical effects. Instead, Edwards’s Jurassic world is inhabited with CGI dinosaurs. The graphics look believable, but they aren’t the main focus of this film. Compared to the original “Jurassic Park,” which made everyone afraid of the infamous T-Rex, or even the first movie of the reboot, “Jurassic World,” the dinosaurs are far and few between in this newer film. Their presence does not take on the same command that they were once given, and as a result, both the human cast and the dinosaurs fail to deliver the palpable tension that is expected from the franchise. 

An unexpected delight of “Jurassic World: Rebirth” was the inclusion of the Delgado family. After their sailboat gets attacked by one of the sea-dwelling dinosaurs, the Delgados discover that the boat that rescued them is actually on a dangerous mission to go right into the home of these archaic animals. Despite the revelation, the family sticks together through life-threatening situations and provides a heartfelt dynamic to the film. For some fans, these characters might remind them of the kids from the original.

Overall, the movie is not bad by any means. Edwards makes sure that the audience can feel the legacy and grandeur of the original series. However, the repeated reboots and sequels do take away the magical wonder of the first “Jurassic Park.” The familiar faces in the cast give away who and who isn’t quite famous enough to survive. For example, audiences can anticipate that Johansson will not meet her end in the mouth of a T-Rex. Still, the movie provides action-packed moments even with the absence of heavy suspense. 

The “Jurassic Park” franchise has come a long way since its first installment in 1993. With many changes in its crew, cast and settings, it has gone through the same fate as the dinosaurs: constantly being modified, with their core DNA being played with for a newer, more sensational narrative. “Jurassic World: Rebirth” is not a failed experiment, but it might have been best to let the dinosaurs rest. No matter how much the movies deliver this lesson, “Jurassic World: Rebirth” leaves its ending open even without a confirmed sequel. For now, the franchise won’t go extinct.

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