Superman

Today's entry is likely short. I had a meltdown this evening. Personal shit, so I won't get into it. But to recharge, I watched the new 2025 Superman movie & genuinely enjoyed it. I've never been into superheroes, let alone Superman. But I trusted the hype when Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse came out, and again with it's sequel, so I figured "What's the harm in trying this live action one?" Even if growing up, I've heard nothing but bitching & moaning about every non-marvel superhero movie. The reviews were so glowing, I wanted to give it a shot.

I know the basic shit about our "boy in blue" so I'm not completely ignorant to the universe, but even bits I didn't recognize didn't make me feel like I was missing out. I barely recognized Green Lantern's douchey bowl-cut, never heard of Hawk Girl, and only once heard Mr. Terrific's name in passing. But they had such an on-screen presence that I immediately got their whole deal. Like I genuinely like Mr. Terrific now.

I know about Supermans powers already, but it didn't seem condescending when things were introduced or pointed out. Like super-bot 4 explaining things to the new super-bot. Or a random person that may be out of the loop. I feel it's a good entry level into Superman, though as I've never seen the other movies, take that with a grain of salt.

Now on to the characterization of the man himself. Absolute ray of sunshine, all the while you can still see the pressure he's under. He's not about to snap, but I think David Corenswet nailed the balance. He holds himself with a tightness that shows the weight of the world, but not so much that he seems unapproachable. It's a heavy feel to him that doesn't feel too dark or gritty. But like a family member you know works hard, but still takes time to be gentle every single time.

When he hugs Lois Lane, I wonder how it feels? To be in the embrace of someone that can bend steel & catch skyscrapers. One may think you could feel the restraint; and you can almost see it in his body language. But then I looked at his face. His pained but relaxed expression. And I realized that not crushing a human comes as easily to that man as breathing. It's a reflex; not too firm, not too gentle. Practiced over decades of carrying others to safety.

I just love how clear it is that he wants to help. He sees people getting hurt and, not matter the political backlash, he stands firm in this. That he saved people. Even to Lex Luthor, envious bigot extrodinaire, he never lifted a finger to hurt this man. Blocked him off? Sure. Tossed a desk? Absolutely. But I notice he never struck the man. The man that's been hellbent on killing Superman since fuck knows how long. Hell, the most Lex got beaten up was by Krypto, and Superman immediately tried to call him off. God Krypto was a treat the whole movie. Rambunctious beast.

I of course ended up crying, as I'm want to do. Especially in this state. Primarily at the scenes at the border. Where despite it all, the people cheered for Superman. The one that saved them before. Because who else are they going to turn to?
It's very obvious that they're a stand-in for the Palestinian people. It was unfortunately too real, seeing those troops try and- Well, I don't want to bring the mood too far down. But I support these people as much as I can. /

Damn, I didn't expect to write that much! I thought for sure I'd be too exhausted to write anything. But here I am, finishing off this 7-ish paragraph review of a superhero movie.

Secondary Earworm: Confessions of a Rotten Girl by SAWTOWNE