(Warner Bros. Pictures)
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(“Superman” trailer courtesy of DC)
Many people view entertainment through a political lens these days.
If a movie has social and political themes that seem too far to the right or left, it often receives unnecessary pushback when it should be judged on its merits.
The 2025 version of “Superman” is a political film.
But its political message is something that is needed.
And while superheroes do not exist in real life, the world could desperately use leaders with the super heart of a Clark Kent to end much of the upheaval and evil it is now experiencing.
Although Superman (David Corenswet, “Twisters”) is a metahuman, he is not immune to a beat down, unfortunately.
But it does something to a person’s psyche when they see that their hero is not unbeatable, especially if it is their hero’s first “L.”
People of a certain age remember when Joe Frazier dropped Muhammad Ali at Madison Square Garden in New York City, giving the former champ his first professional loss.
Those a bit younger remember waking up to the news that James “Buster” Douglass had knocked out the seemingly invincible “Iron” Mike Tyson in Tokyo in 1990.
But the true test of someone’s heroism is how they respond to those inevitable defeats.
Both Ali and Tyson rebounded and eventually reclaimed their championship glory.
However, can Superman dust himself off from an unthinkable defeat?
A boxing match does not make much difference in the world.
But Superman’s purpose on Earth has always been more significant than a mere sporting event.
Although he calls Earth home, Superman comes from another planet and another world.
He is the last of his kind still living in the known universe.
Thanks to technology, he still has one thing that his parents left behind for him, and it is their wishes for his life, which are to save the world from evil and make it a better place for its inhabitants.
In Metropolis and around the world, Superman has been a vital hero in a fallen world.
While so many people with power use their strength for evil, Superman has dedicated his entire existence to bringing out the good in humanity and saving the world from destruction.
However, when a hero goes against the policies and wishes of their country and the leading political figures, the government and their friends in mainstream media can quickly turn a hero into a heel.
In “Superman,” when everyone’s favorite human prevents a United States ally from invading a neighboring country, the “Man of Steel” finds himself in the crosshairs of many powerful people and entities.
Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult, “The Order”) has created an antihero that can beat the “Man of Steel,” even if the superhero is at full strength.
Furthermore, Luthor has even darker plans than just creating an antihero that will neutralize the world’s favorite superhero.
And to fully accomplish his evil plans, Luthor goes on a full public relations blitz to turn the world against Superman so that he can seize so much power that when the world finally discovers his true plans, they will forever be at his mercy, Superman included.
Regardless, Clark is determined to get back into the fight even if he is not at full strength because he knows his actions will put him on the right side of history, even if he is battling a United States ally.
And with two of his secret weapons, his flying dog Krypto and his colleague at the Daily World newspaper, Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan, ‘House of Cards”), he might have all that he needs to defeat Luthor and stop his deadly plans.
But wouldn’t it be even better if Superman had some metahuman backup to fight against Luthor and his plans for an army of antiheroes?
“Superman” 2025 makes up for any misses that the franchise has experienced in recent memory.
The loss that Superman takes at the beginning of the movie might be symbolic of the “L” that many say the franchise has taken as of late.
While many DC movies had become a little too dark, “Superman” lightens up the mood a little bit despite the dark subject matter.
The movie deals with a huge issue going on in the world when it comes to wannabe kings and established dictators preying on the weak to further their empire and expand their power base.
While some “Superman” detractors might think that the subject matter is too political or woke, art is intended to imitate life, even superhero movies.
Although superhero movies, obviously, contain their unrealistic aspects, the notion of good versus evil is a part of real life.
And unfortunately, evil and the desire to trample on the rights of others will always be a part of a fallen world.
While moviegoers might think of certain current dictators, entrepreneurs and political figures while watching “Superman,” the storyline could, unfortunately, resemble any era in world history.
Additionally, it could resemble future generations as well, because long after certain world leaders exit the stage, the same issues will persist because some people crave power and will step on anyone to obtain more of it.
Despite the serious issues addressed in “Superman,” the fun is undeniable.
Brosnahan and Corenswet do their thing.
But the real star of the show is the dog, Krypto.
He is truly Superman’s best friend.
“Superman” also has some of the best cameo appearances, too, one with a nod to the franchise’s O.G.
Yes, some will hate the politics in “Superman.”
But that is all they will be able to hate on because they will not be able to hate on it for its entertainment value.
REGAL RATINGS
FOUR CROWNS=EXCELLENT
THREE CROWNS=GOOD
TWO CROWNS=AVERAGE
ONE CROWN=POOR
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