Superman 2025: A Fresh Reimagining of the Hero

Comic art of a caped dog flying over a city. Text: SUPER-PUP TO THE RESCUE!

At forty-six years of age, I’ve seen my share of Superman films. To say the least, I was surprised to see that another one had been released. Still, I felt some excitement.

Superman is a 2025 American superhero film based on the eponymous character from DC Comics. Written and directed by James Gunn, it is the first film in the DC Universe (DCU) and a reboot of the Superman film series. David Corenswet stars as Kal-El / Clark Kent / Superman, alongside Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced. In the film, Superman faces unintended consequences after he intervenes in an international conflict orchestrated by billionaire Lex Luthor (Hoult). Superman must win back public support with the help of his reporter and superhero colleagues. The film was produced by Gunn and Peter Safran of DC Studios.

The first thing that stood out to me is that this is not just a reboot, it’s a whole new reimagining. There are other beings on this Earth with similar powers, and the films with Superman losing a battle.

David Corenswet delivers a standout performance as Clark Kent/Kal-El/Superman. He perfectly balances the awkward, earnest Midwestern reporter with the powerful, compassionate alien hero. Corenswet’s Superman isn’t brooding or tormented—he’s optimistic, kind-hearted, and driven by an unwavering belief in truth, justice, and the potential for humanity to be better. His chemistry with Rachel Brosnahan’s sharp, no-nonsense Lois Lane crackles with intelligence and warmth. Their relationship feels lived-in and believable, grounding the larger-than-life stakes in genuine emotion. Brosnahan nails Lois as a fearless journalist who challenges Superman while clearly admiring the man beneath the cape.Nicholas Hoult makes for a compelling and menacing Lex Luthor—a tech billionaire whose narcissism and intellect pose a credible threat. His scheme, which draws Superman into international conflicts and turns public opinion against him, adds real tension and forces our hero to confront the consequences of his actions in a complex world. The supporting cast shines brightly too: Edi Gathegi as the brilliant Mr. Terrific, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Nathan Fillion as the cocky Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, and others bring colorful personalities and fun dynamics to the emerging DCU roster.

A special mention to Kypto, the superdog. He adds a whole different dynamic to the franchise, creating moments of angst but also of cheer.

Visually, the film is a feast. Gunn’s direction blends epic, high-flying action with vibrant colors and practical-feeling effects that honor classic comic book energy. The battles are dynamic and inventive, showcasing Superman’s powers in creative ways without feeling overly derivative. At the same time, quieter moments—Clark navigating his dual heritage, heartfelt conversations about what it means to be good, or simple acts of heroism—carry real emotional weight. The score swells with triumphant themes that elevate the spectacle, while Gunn’s signature blend of humor (never undercutting the sincerity) keeps things light and engaging.

Five stars out of five from me. Now go and watch it, relive your childhood wonder.

Wheelchair Wars 3 (iii)

Man in tank-treaded wheelchair facing a giant robot in a smoky hallway.

One of the Zeplins tapped Audrey’s arm and nodded, before walking away.

Audrey turned her wheelchair. The difference was apparent. The chair was no longer nimble and fast. It was slow and cumbersome, the centre of gravity was all wrong. .

The two guys looked at her.

Audrey bit her lip. “No, this won’t do. It’s far too slow. and targeting would be too difficult.”

Jack took a large breath. “Damn, that’s a pity. So what next?”

“Maybe, the flame thrower?” Olsen said, “It must burn just like everything else.”

Audrey frowned. “Timothy wasn’t too keen on that at all, remember? Too slow and might make the Gargantuan even more vicious.”

“True enough, I suppose. So, what next?” Olsen drove towards her. “We don’t have many time cycles left, and we’re going to have some time to practice.”

“We need to keep going?” Her jaw clenched.

Over the next hour, they took on and off weapons. Some overly impinged on the chair’s versatility; others inflicted too little damage.

“I think I have it!” Audrey roared. Machine guns were affixed on either side of her. Her chair rocked back and forth as she fired at the distant target.

“You go, girl!” Jack whupped.

Olsen grinned.

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man Review – Cillian Murphy Delivers His Greatest Performance Yet

I still remember seeing Peaky Blinders for the first time. Cillian Murphy, sitting on a majestic horse with a flat cap trotting down a muddy street. It hit with a bang straight away. I’d strongly recommend you watch the series if you haven’t already done so.

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is a 2026 British crime drama film directed by Tom Harper and written by Steven Knight. It is a continuation of the British television series Peaky Blinders (2013–2022), and stars Cillian Murphy alongside an ensemble cast including Sophie Rundle, Ned Dennehy, Packy Lee, Ian Peck, and Stephen Graham reprising their roles, alongside new additions Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Roth, Jay Lycurgo, and Barry Keoghan.

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is gripping, stylish, and emotionally resonant return to the world of Tommy Shelby that feels both like a worthy evolution of the beloved series and a powerful standalone story. .At the heart of it all is Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, delivering what might be his most layered and haunting performance yet. Years after the events of the series, Tommy is in self-imposed exile, a haunted man grappling with his past demons, family fractures, and the weight of his legacy.

When his estranged son becomes entangled in a dangerous Nazi plot amid the Blitz of 1940, Tommy is dragged back to a bombed-out Birmingham. Murphy’s portrayal is mesmerizing—those piercing blue eyes convey volumes of quiet intensity, regret, and unyielding determination. He doesn’t just reprise the role; he deepens it, showing a Tommy who’s older, wearier, but no less formidable.

The title “The Immortal Man” feels earned: Tommy isn’t superhuman, but his spirit, cunning, and refusal to break make him larger than life. Murphy carries the film with effortless charisma, blending vulnerability with that signature Shelby steel. It’s a performance destined for awards consideration and one that cements Tommy as one of modern television-to-film’s greatest anti-heroes.

The supporting cast is stellar across the board. Returning favorites like Sophie Rundle (Ada), Stephen Graham, Packy Lee, and Ned Dennehy slip back into their roles with seamless familiarity, bringing warmth, loyalty, and the raw family dynamics that made the series so addictive. New additions elevate the tension brilliantly: Rebecca Ferguson brings sharp intelligence and complexity to her character, Tim Roth adds a menacing, calculating edge as a formidable antagonist, Barry Keoghan injects unpredictable energy and menace, and Jay Lycurgo makes a strong impression as the younger generation stepping into dangerous shoes. The ensemble crackles with chemistry—whether in tense confrontations, quiet moments of reflection, or explosive action, every interaction feels lived-in and authentic.

What immediately stands out is the film’s atmosphere. It retains the gritty, smoky intensity that defined the original series but enhances it with stunning cinematography and a more expansive visual palette. Every frame feels deliberate, from the shadowy interiors to the sweeping landscapes, creating a sense that this is not just a continuation—but a culmination.

The storytelling is sharp and confident. Rather than relying purely on nostalgia, the narrative pushes forward, exploring themes of legacy, consequence, and identity. It respects the intelligence of its audience, weaving political intrigue with emotional depth in a way that keeps you fully engaged throughout. The pacing is particularly impressive, balancing quiet, introspective moments with bursts of tension and action that feel earned rather than excessive.

isually and atmospherically, the film is impeccable. Tom Harper’s direction captures the smoky, rain-slicked streets of wartime Birmingham with a cinematic grandeur that elevates the TV roots—think sweeping shots of bombed ruins contrasted with intimate, shadowy interiors lit like classic noir. The production design is flawless: period-accurate costumes (those suits and caps!), sets that ooze authenticity, and a color palette of deep blues, grays, and fiery oranges that mirrors the emotional tone. The soundtrack is another standout—blending original score with a killer selection of tracks (including contributions inspired by artists like Nick Cave, Fontaines D.C., and more), it pulses with the same raw, anthemic energy that defined the series. Those slow-motion walks and razor-sharp edits? Pure Peaky perfection.

On a more negative note, there is no Arthur. Arthur was ever present throughout the series, and his contribution is missed. Tommy killed him in a rage many years before leading to Tommy’s mental deterioration at the start of the film.

A must watch, I give it four stars out of five.

Do you agree?

Let me know in the comments.

Wheelchair Wars 3 (ii)

Woman in military gear in a wheelchair equipped with an RPG launcher.

Olsen continued. “Well Timothy told us to concentrate on long range weapons.”

“Yes,” Audrey interjected, “He’s right. We have no chance at close combat. Have you seen those things?”

“Never,” Jack replied, “and I would have been quite happy for it to stay that way.”

Looking downwards, Olsen said to himself, “Me too.”

Audrey knew the fruitless nature of the way their conversation was going. “So we tried the catapult like weapons. What about the guns, the heaviest they’ve got?”

Olsen frowned. “As Timothy said earlier. It’s all about balance. We need to have something that can do substantial damage without not being to maneuver. We need to decide by the morning though so that we get some practice.”

Audrey went over to the Zeplins, and told them to affix their heaviest, a rocket launcher.

“Where do Zeplins come from anyway?” Jack asked perplexed.

Audrey shook her head. “Really? Did nobody teach you nothin’? They are aliens captured and brought here from another world.”

Olsen laughed. “I heard that they are genetically altered humans.”

All the time, the Zeplins never flinched from the task at hand of modifying Audrey’s chair. They were small in stature, even the tallest being barely three feet, blue with a head that seemed too large for their frame.

Disney+’s Alien: Earth Review – Horror Meets Sci-Fi

A picture of two menacing looking aliens.

Great news, readers, I recently got access to Disney+ through my Sky subscription. Yay for me! So what to watch? I flicked through what was available and then stopped. Yes, a new series about Aliens, the kind that like to break through your ribs. Happy days! To date, I have watched the first three episodes of the first of what I hope will be many series.

Alien: Earth is an American science fiction horror television series created by Noah Hawley. It is the first television series in the Alien franchise and is set two years before the events of the 1979 film Alien. The series stars Sydney Chandler, Alex Lawther, Essie Davis, Samuel Blenkin, Babou Ceesay, Adarsh Gourav, and Timothy Olyphant in main roles.

Set in 2120, the story unfolds in a dystopian Earth dominated by five mega-corporations, including the ever-sinister Weyland-Yutani. When the deep-space research vessel USCSS Maginot crash-lands, it unleashes horrors that force humanity to confront not only the classic Xenomorph threat but also new, unsettling alien forms and the blurred lines between synthetic life, human consciousness, and corporate exploitation. The premise cleverly weaves in elements reminiscent of Peter Pan (with character names like Wendy, Hermit, Tootles, and Slightly), creating a haunting, almost fairy-tale-like undercurrent amid the body horror and corporate intrigue.

The performances are outstanding across the board. Sydney Chandler delivers a breakout turn as Wendy, the synthetic infused with human consciousness, bringing vulnerability, strength, and quiet menace to a role that could have been one-note. Alex Lawther as Joseph Hermit is magnetic—wry, haunted, and deeply compelling—while Timothy Olyphant’s Kirsh adds layers of authoritative menace that fans of his work will savor. The ensemble, including Essie Davis, Samuel Blenkin, and others, feels lived-in and real, grounding the high-concept sci-fi in human (and post-human) emotion

.Visually, Alien: Earth is a triumph. The production design, practical effects, and CGI blend seamlessly to create some of the most bone-chilling creature sequences ever put on television. The Xenomorphs remain terrifyingly iconic, but Hawley introduces new designs and behaviors that expand the lore without cheapening it. The atmosphere is thick with dread—shadowy corporate towers, rain-slicked wastelands, and claustrophobic crash-site carnage—while the overture-style episode openings (flashing, atonal images set to an unsettling score) are a masterstroke that demands your full attention.

I’m really looking forward to watching the rest of the series and promise to give you all a quick update. So far, four stars out of five from me.

Do you agree?

Let me know in the comments.Don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t already done so.

Wheelchair Wars 3 (i)

Bustling fantasy military camp at sunset featuring knights, magical creatures, and wooden siege engines.

Sweat dripped from Audrey’s brow. She looked at those that remained around her, Olsen, and Jack. They were in the Fianna hall,

Will any of them survive the next battle?

They had spent the whole day exploring different weapons and tactics to use against the Gargantuan.

Timothy retreated to rest some time ago, and Caoimhne followed. She knew that she was on her way to his room, but tried not to think about it. The thought of facing the Gargantuan was enough. The others followed to their beds soon after.

“You okay, Audrey?” It was Jack, giving her a warm smile. She found him to be a welcome addition to the team, however long or short that might be.

“Good, cos we kind of need you at the top of your game. Like, you’re definitely one of our best fighters,” he said with a wry smile.

“I’m fine,” she replied in a loud, firm tone.

“I think she’s jealous,” Olsen said with a wide grin.

“What are you on about?” she replied, shaking her head. “You should both be concentrating on the task in hand, not concerning yourselves with me.

“He likes you, I can tell,” Olsen continued.

“Whatever.” Audrey rolled her eyes. “What weapon is next?”

Distant Love (Part 68)

Empty wheelchair draped with a blanket by a window during a rainy day.

Derek awakens to the sound of pattering as rain hits his bedroom window. For a moment, he rests and ponders the splendid magnificence of it all. The great hydrological cycle of the Earth, the life giver. Back in the lunar days, it had all seemed like such a strange and improbable process. And yet here he was now listening to water hitting against his window that had come from the sky as if conjured up by some strange God.

And then there was the light, flickering in through the window after a million or more long journey. So much for him to do and see today on this first day on this small island. There is a smell of bacon and toast wafting into his room.

As if I needed any more motivation to get up.

The room was smaller than he was used to, which made his maneuvers more difficult. He struggles saying under his breath that the gravity feels stronger here despite what the lunar technicians had previously told him.

Fully dressed and in his wheelchair, he exits his bedroom and enters the hive of activity that is the kitchen.

Jessica smiles. “Aye boy, wha’ wud ya like? Some rashers and sausages, maybe?”

Mirror to a Toxic Masculinity Machine: Louis Theroux’s Inside the Manosphere Shines

Glowing celestial sphere with intricate inner networks surrounded by orbiting planets in deep space.

Hi everyone, I’m back again. This time to give my review of Inside the Manosphere by Louis Theroux. I’ve been watching Louis Theroux’s documentaries for many years, and they were all quite memorable. Who could forget Saville or the man discussing raping his mother?

Louis Theroux’s interview style is one of the most distinctive and effective in documentary filmmaking, often described as a masterful blend of faux-naïve curiosity, genuine empathy, and subtle strategic probing that disarms subjects and elicits revealing responses. He frequently adopts a wide-eyed, seemingly innocent persona—asking deceptively simple or “basic” questions in a gentle, almost awkward manner that makes interviewees feel they need to explain things from the ground up. This “playing dumb” approach (sometimes called faux-naïf or gullible) lowers defenses, as subjects underestimate him and open up more freely, assuming he’s not fully grasping their worldview or judging them harshly.

Key characteristics include non-judgmental demeanor, strategic use of silence and pauses, deceptively polite yet persistent questioning, empathy, charm, cheek, and immersion in unstructured formats.

Louis Theroux’s Inside the Manosphere (released March 11, 2026, on Netflix) is a compelling, unflinching, and masterfully crafted documentary that stands as one of the strongest entries in his legendary career. Clocking in at around 90 minutes, it delivers a no-holds-barred exploration of the online ecosystem of ultra-masculine influencers, “manfluencers,” and the more extreme fringes of the so-called manosphere—without ever descending into cheap sensationalism or easy moralizing.From the opening montage, where young influencers nervously reflect on letting Theroux into their world (fearing a “hit piece”), the film sets a tone of uneasy access and raw confrontation. Theroux travels from Miami to Marbella and beyond, embedding himself with figures who build massive followings by peddling promises of status, wealth, sexual success, and “traditional” masculinity—often laced with overt misogyny, racial undertones, and cult-like self-improvement rhetoric.

He has modified his interview technique somewhat; he dials back the wide-eyed, faux-naïve persona that defined much of his earlier BBC work and instead brings a sharper, more direct interviewing style. He still asks deceptively simple questions (“Do you consider yourself a misogynist?”) but they land with greater force here, exposing contradictions and evasions in real time.

The access is genuinely rare and impressive. We see these creators in their element—filming gym content, hosting seminars, counting their earnings from subscriptions and courses—and witness how their rhetoric escalates when challenged. Moments of tension (including heated exchanges with figures like the influencer HS TikkyTokky) feel authentic rather than staged, and the film smartly includes the subjects’ own warnings about how they’ll be portrayed. This self-awareness from the participants adds layers: it highlights their media-savviness while simultaneously revealing how they dismiss criticism as “beta” weakness or mainstream media bias. Visually and structurally, the documentary is top-tier. The editing intercuts slick influencer footage with behind-the-scenes awkwardness, creating a stark contrast between the polished online personas and the often mundane or cringeworthy reality. The soundtrack and pacing keep the energy high without feeling exploitative. Theroux also weaves in a broader context—touching on how these ideas reach millions of teenage boys via algorithms, social media, and recommendation loops—making the film feel urgent and culturally relevant in 2026.

I do have some criticisms, though. There is little criticism of the female enablers who are just as bad in my opinion, and prepared to do anything for the views.

Overall, I give it four stars out of five. Well worth the watch.

Have you seen it? Let me know what you think.

Animal Kingdom Review: A Gripping Crime Drama on Netflix

Hello readers, I do hope you are all keeping good. A nice series for you on this Monday afternoon. It’s called Animal Kingdom, and currently available on Netflix.

It’s one of those rare television series that grabs your attention from the very first episode and never lets go. Animal Kingdom is an American crime drama television series developed by Jonathan Lisco. It is based on the 2010 Australian film of the same name, which in turn was inspired by the criminal Pettingill family. The series was produced by David Michôd, who wrote and directed the original film.

The series centers on Joshua “J” Cody who, after the death of his mother when he was 17 years old, moves in with his estranged relatives, the Codys, who run a criminal family enterprise set in Oceanside, California, that is governed by the respected matriarch Janine “Smurf” Cody.

What makes the show truly exceptional is how it balances high-stakes criminal activity with rich emotional storytelling. The family’s heists are thrilling and expertly staged, but the real drama comes from the relationships within the family—loyalty, betrayal, jealousy, and the constant struggle for power.

The writing throughout the episodes I’ve seen (First seven episodes of first series) is consistently sharp and layered. Each episode builds tension in a natural way, developing long-term storylines while keeping the pace gripping. The characters evolve significantly over time, which makes the journey feel authentic rather than repetitive. You genuinely feel the consequences of their choices, and the show never shies away from the darker sides of its characters.

The performances are outstanding across the board. Ellen Barkin delivers a magnetic portrayal of Smurf, creating a character who is both intimidating and strangely charismatic. The younger members of the Cody family are equally compelling, each bringing their own personality and internal conflicts to the story. Their dynamics—sometimes supportive, often volatile—create the emotional core of the series.

Another strength of the series is its realism. The criminal world is portrayed with grit and consequence rather than glamor. Every heist carries risk, and every decision has repercussions that ripple through the family. This grounded approach makes the drama feel far more impactful than many typical crime shows.

Drawbacks –

It is unclear how Smurf maintains control. She threatens them with being out of the family, never physically. It’s unclear why she cannot simply be bypassed.

Not much violence. A cop has been accidentally killed so far.

So far, I give the show 3 and a half marks out of five.

Have you seen it? Let me know what you think.

I’ll be back when I get through the six seasons.

Wheelchair Wars 2 (iv)

“II iinstruucted theem too doo soo,” Oreus said matter-of-factly, and without any sense of regret.

Oreus drove in front of the two women, his two henchmen at either side.

“Staand doown.”

The two female warriors deactivated their weapons. “Why Oreus, I don’t understand.”

“Beecaause tooday yoouu foought aas a teeam.”

Then another voice spoke from behind them. It was Timothy. “He was testing the two of you. To see if you fight as a team. I told him I had no doubts, but he must have decided to test the two of you all the same.”

“Yees,” Oreus responded. He nodded for his men to remove the crying warrior from the floor. “Aand I haave noo reegrets. The Fiiaana aare aall that maatters.”

With that, he used his chin to control his battle chair and drove away.

Audrey felt a drop of sweat from her brow. The onlookers were wide-eyed now. She turned her battle chair and saw that the team was all there. Her eyes met Timothy, who gave her a little smile.

They were already all decked out in their armor and weapons.

Timothy spoke with intensity, a chainsaw affixed to his chair, “Okay, everybody, this is how we’re going to approach the next battle.