Superman is just what we need right now
Superman returns with a refreshing new face and a storyline that feels more relevant than ever.
SHAH SHAMSHIRI
So how many live-action Superman movies have you watched or heard of?
I strongly believe that anyone born anytime between the 1940s right up to the 2010s would have at least watched or heard of three or four different Superman films.
And this is because throughout film history (or at least what I can recall) there have been 11 Superman films made for the big screen.
Spawned by DC Comics, one of the world's most renowned superhero comic brands, the fictional character Superman has become so iconic that everyone would know of this made-up figure.
And from black and white TV series to animated forms, Superman has successfully become a household name and is probably the only superhero other than Batman and Spider-Man to have so many feature films dedicated to him.
The first Superman film was shown worldwide in 1978 and it saw Christopher Reeve, helming the main role as Clark Kent and Superman.
With four Superman movies under his belt, Reeve became one of the most popular stars to play the character until current heartthrob Henry Cavill took over about a decade ago, outshining the one-time Superman actor Brandon Routh in 2006.
Cavill's Superman seemed to have made a lasting impact as he also appeared in other related syndicated movies namely Batman v Superman and Justice League.
And this year in 2025 the alien being from Krypton returns to the silver screen under the new cape of David Corenswet, playing the self-titled movie character.
Even after the announcement that Cavill will no longer helm the famed red mantle with his big 'S' (pun intended) a few years ago, sceptics were already having a field day expecting the new guy who will play the role, to most probably fail in filling those big red shoes.
But surprise, surprise, this little writer doesn't think so. Not only is this new Superman perfect for the role, the movie also exceeded the expectations of many.
Although the storyline doesn't stray very far from the usual Lex Luthor vs Superman frame, this one is given more space to be imaginative and dare I say a little out of the box.
Other than the mind-blowing special effects, the screenplay deserves an applause as it injected the right amount of humour and drama in making it a successful and fun superhero movie for both children and adults.
Unlike the previous Superman flicks which saw a literally 'darker' tone in the storyline (and even movie lighting), this Superman seems like it was plucked out right from a comic book.
From fronting bright visuals to a fresh and probably simple 'good vs evil' storyline, the movie strikingly delivers.
To make it more interesting, some new allies were also introduced, making the movie more fun packed with suspense.
With a major theme of world peace and preventing wars (which is so apt considering the current state of the world), this year's Superman may just be what we all need to shut down and relax with the family for a while.
However there are some details which this writer considers slightly strange. For instance, the old-school retro-inspired costumes worn by Superman and his friends seemed out of date and do not fit the present-day fashion mode.
And the depiction of Clark Kent’s parents in this feature is also a tad hard to swallow as they are given that typical country hillbilly persona with a rather thick fake southern country accent, unlike the more sophisticated George and Martha Kent played by Kevin Costner and Diane Lane in the previous Cavill Superman movies.
This writer however appreciates the presence of Krypto, Superman's super canine friend who also assists in saving the world with his super paws.
Putting aside the visual magic shown in the movie, Superman will always be that superhero who reminds us of hope and peace among human beings.
Combining just enough elements of humour, drama, romance and action, I consider this Superman a success and I hope you will too.
Superman is currently showing in all Malaysian cinemas starting July 11, 2025.
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