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Belfast Telegraph
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Think we live in the age of ‘blockbuster slop'? Try watching Superman
James Gunn's new film has shrugged off 'superhero fatigue' to become one of the biggest and brightest blockbusters of the year. When it comes to mainstream filmmaking, there's a lot of doom-mongering — but Louis Chilton sees reasons to be cheerful Look up in the sky! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a hackneyed opening line? No – it's Superman (2025), James Gunn's new blockbuster, which flew dashingly into cinemas last Friday. The film comes at a precarious time for blockbusters, arriving in a forbidding post-pandemic landscape where superhero movies, still ubiquitous, are no longer the bankable certainties they were a decade ago. If 'superhero fatigue' is the phrase du jour when it comes to recent audience attitudes, then Gunn clearly didn't get the memo. Superman is as unapologetically comic book-ish as any film in recent memory, and promises much more to come. It heralds a complete overhaul of the DC Comics movie universe, following more than a decade of critically panned, commercially wavering releases, from Man of Steel (2013) through to The Flash (2023). Gunn, best known for directing Marvel's much-loved Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, took over as co-chair of DC Studios in 2022, and is overseeing the new creative direction of the franchise himself.
Economic Times
a day ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Krispy Kreme turns 88, celebrates with 88-cent a dozen doughnut deal: How to get it
AP Krispy Kreme's birthday discount is tied to its founding in 193 Krispy Kreme fans woke up to a sugar rush today as the legendary doughnut maker celebrates a remarkable milestone—its 88th birthday—by serving up the sweetest deal of the year. For one day only, on Friday, July 18, customers across the US can snag a dozen of Krispy Kreme's iconic Original Glazed doughnuts for just 88 cents—with a small catch: you'll need to buy any regular-priced dozen first. How to score the deal In-shop & Drive-thru: Buy any dozen at full price and get a second dozen Original Glazed for only 88 cents—limit two discounted dozens per guest. Online Pickup/Delivery: Enter promo code BDAY at checkout to claim a single 88-cent dozen with your purchase, available at participating shops and while supplies last. Standard prices for a dozen Original Glazed often hover around $15, so the promotion amounts to savings of over 90% for doughnut lovers. In the words of Krispy Kreme's chief brand and product officer Alison Holder, 'Eighty-eight has never felt and tasted so great. It's a real joy every year to celebrate Krispy Kreme's birthday with our fans and treating them to a special deal. We're so grateful for their love and loyalty'. Why 88 cents? Krispy Kreme's birthday discount is numerically tied to its founding in 1937—88 years of hot, fresh, melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts. Its founder, Vernon Rudolph, originally slung doughnuts out of a North Carolina shop window, sending the scent of fresh yeast-raised treats wafting through the streets and drawing crowds. Today, the company boasts more than 350 U.S. stores and a presence in over 40 countries, with many locations continuing the tradition of signaling fresh hot doughnuts via a glowing red "Hot Now" sign. This year's offer continues the chain's tradition of turning birthdays into celebrations with big savings and fun. Past anniversaries have included giveaways and deep discounts, but the 88-cent dozen stands out for sheer value. Notably, this year's birthday festivities also coincide with the introduction of new menu creations such as the 'Hungry for Heroes' Collection, themed around DC Comics icons like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Important details: The deal is only available on July 18 and at participating Krispy Kreme shops in the United States and Canada. Not valid in grocery or convenience stores. Limits: Up to two discounted Original Glazed dozens per guest in-shop/drive-thru, one per online order. Promo code: Use BDAY for online orders. Availability: Valid while supplies last—so get there early; fans are expected to line up! As doughnut lovers rush to claim the sweet birthday bargain, Krispy Kreme's 88th continues its founder's legacy: 'Joy through doughnuts, every time the 'Hot Now' sign flickers on.'
Mint
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Don't miss Krispy Kreme's 88 cents doughnut deal this week: Here's how to score yours
Krispy Kreme is turning 88, and in celebration of its birthday on Friday, July 18, the doughnut giant is offering a delightful deal to customers in the United States. For one day only, when you purchase any dozen doughnuts at regular price, you can buy a second dozen of Original Glazed doughnuts for just 88 cents. The birthday promotion is available at participating shops while supplies last. In-shop and drive-through customers can double up and take advantage of the offer twice—buying two dozen at full price and receiving two dozen Original Glazed for just 88 cents each. For those preferring to order online for pickup or delivery, the deal is limited to one additional dozen and requires the promotional code "BDAY" at checkout. 'Eighty-eight has never felt and tasted so great,' said Alison Holder, Krispy Kreme's Chief Brand and Product Officer, in a news release. 'It's a real joy every year celebrating Krispy Kreme's birthday with our fans and treating them to a special deal. We're so grateful for their love and loyalty.' Alongside the birthday celebration, Krispy Kreme has introduced a new limited-edition range of doughnuts inspired by DC Comics superheroes. The "Hungry for Heroes" collection, launched on July 8, features three themed doughnuts to coincide with the release of the new Superman film. Each treat honours a different iconic hero: Superman Doughnut: An unglazed shell doughnut filled with white Kreme, dipped in light blue icing, topped with Superman buttercreme - flavoured clouds, and decorated with a Superman image and sprinkle blend. Batman Doughnut: An unglazed shell doughnut filled with cookies and Kreme, dipped in black chocolate icing, and topped with a signature bat emblem. Wonder Woman Doughnut: An Original Glazed Doughnut dipped in red raspberry-flavoured icing, adorned with white stars, blue sprinkles, and the Wonder Woman logo and belt. These superhero-themed doughnuts are available individually or in a specially designed dozen box at participating US locations. Customers can also order them for pickup or delivery via the Krispy Kreme app or website. In a final heroic twist, Krispy Kreme fans can score a free Hungry for Heroes doughnut from July 24–27, coinciding with San Diego Comic-Con. To claim the freebie, simply show off some DC Comics superhero flair—whether it's on your clothing or accessories—while supplies last. Whether you're celebrating with sweet Original Glazed classics or indulging in the new superhero creations, Krispy Kreme's 88th birthday promises something for every doughnut lover.
Indianapolis Star
2 days ago
- Business
- Indianapolis Star
Krispy Kreme turns 88, you get a deal on a dozen doughnuts on July 18
For its 88th birthday, Krispy Kreme is giving customers a gift: a deal on a dozen doughnuts. When you order any dozen doughnuts at the regular price on Friday, July 18, you can get a second dozen of Original Glazed doughnuts for 88 cents. When you drive through or buy in-shop, you can double up and get two 88-cent dozens (when you buy two dozen at regular price); online purchasers for pickup or delivery orders are limited to one dozen. The deal is good at participating shops while supplies last. When you order online, use the code "BDAY" to get the offer. Coca-Cola: Trump says coke agrees to use cane sugar in US sodas, like Mexican Coke "Eighty-eight has never felt and tasted so great,' said Alison Holder, Krispy Kreme's chief brand and product officer, in a news release. 'It's a real joy every year celebrating Krispy Kreme's birthday with our fans and treating them to a special deal. We're so grateful for their love and loyalty." Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Krispy Kreme now has more than 357 shops in the U.S., plus its doughnuts are sold in thousands of supermarkets and convenience stores, can be ordered for delivery by app and online, and the company operates in more than 40 countries. The company was founded in 1937 in Winston-Salem, N.C., by Vernon Rudolph, who bought a secret recipe for yeast-raised doughnuts from a New Orleans French chef, according to the Krispy Kreme website. A1: Yes! Our founder was Vernon Rudolph! #KKBDay Rudolph began selling doughnuts to grocery stores, but their aroma began attracting attention. "Romanced by the irresistible scent of doughnut-making drifting into the streets, passersby asked if they could buy hot, fresh doughnuts," the chain said in its 88th birthday news release. "So, Rudolph cut a hole in an outside wall and began selling Original Glazed doughnuts directly to customers on the sidewalk." Timed to the arrival of the new "Superman" movie, the doughnut chain cooked up a "Hungry for Heroes" doughnut collection devoted to DC Comics superheroes: The doughnuts, added to the menu July 8, are available individually and in a custom-designed dozen's box for a limited time at participating U.S. shops (also available for pickup or delivery via Krispy Kreme's app and website). Next week, from July 24-27 (coinciding with the San Diego Comic-Con), you can get a free Hungry for Heroes doughnut if you flash some DC Comics superhero flair, while supplies last. Contributing: Gabe Hauari Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @ & @mikesnider & msnider@
Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Maverick
Up, up and hooray! Superman is a refreshing joy
With Superman, filmmaker James Gunn brings the focus back to the 'man' as much as the 'super,' says Kervyn Cloete — and yes, there's room for fun too. The result is a strong start for the new DC Universe. While it still has its defenders, the general consensus is that Zack Snyder's DCEU ended with a whimper rather than a bang. But as the old adage goes, the one upside to being at the bottom is that there's nowhere else to go but up. And in the case of Superman, that's up, up and away! Ushering in a brand-new DC Comics cinematic universe faster than a speeding bullet, Superman is DC Studios co-head and writer/director James Gunn's soaring effort to achieve something you would think is simple, but which somehow has been fairly elusive: Make a comic book movie. Many filmmakers – including Gunn himself – have given us amazing cinematic adaptations and interpretations of our beloved comic books, but very rarely do they feel like a comic book in movie form. In Snyder's own work he was a master at capturing splash page visuals, but seldom tapped into the voices of the characters and their worlds. Watching Gunn's Superman, though, feels as close to grabbing a random issue of Action Comics off the rack as this writer has ever experienced. And much like opening that first title page of a comic, a rather succinct on-screen text is all that sets up this entire new universe, introducing us to a Clark Kent (David Corenswet) already three years into his public career as Superman. No exploding Krypton here. This is a world where superpowered metahumans are commonplace and the Man of Steel's rivalry with Metropolis's resident genius billionaire Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) is already fired up. Clark's romantic relationship with Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), his 'punk rock' journalist co-worker at the Daily Planet, is also a fair bit along – although, hilariously, not as secretive as they seem to think it is. Into this, Gunn adds a colourful ensemble cast (including the obligatory 'Superman's friend' everyman), that classic comic book trope of Superman getting involved in global politics, zany science-fiction concepts (Pocket universes! Anti-proton rivers!), some wildly dynamic slobberknocker action beats, and an unabashed heaping of golly-shucks corn-fed charm. Most notably, this superhero movie features a hero being heroic. I would be remiss not to mention how important that concept is right now, given the state of our world. I can't think of a better time to be reminded that doing what is right is often not easy, but it is always necessary, even in the face of crippling personal doubts and societal pressures. If you think that sounds preachy, it's because it is. But Superman has been dishing out morality lessons directly to the audience since his inception in the 1940s. Why it works here – and where this Superman differs so much from some previous on-screen incarnations – is humanity. This is not an all-powerful deity swathed in godly raiment speaking down to scraggly mortals from his lofty moral mountaintop. Gunn has remembered that along with the 'super' comes the 'man'. David Corenswet as Superman in 'SUPERMAN,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. All of that would fall apart, though, if not presented sincerely. And luckily, in Corenswet Gunn has found a very likeable and charismatic lead actor who is not only able to play both Clark and Superman effectively, but his innate humanity and all the complex emotions that come with that shine through in every frame. With a suit as well designed as his personality (drawing heavy inspiration from the Superman creative greats like Jerry Siegel, Joe Schuster, John Byrne, Curt Swan, Dan Jurgens, Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely and Gary Frank), he is as effortlessly at home fighting giant monsters as he is having his first big lover's fight with Lois. It certainly helps that Corenswet and Brosnahan's chemistry together is more powerful than a locomotive. Hoult's villainous Luthor also skilfully straddles a fine line between sympathetic and moustache-twirling, with the young actor clearly having a blast as he makes his energetic hatred of Superman almost understandable, if not agreeable. The cast is rounded out by fellow heroes Michael Holt/Mr Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Guy Gardner/Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion) and Kendra Saunders/Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), cub reporter Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo), Daily Planet editor-in-chief Perry White (Wendel Pierce), not-so-good-boy Krypto the Super-dog, metahuman Rex Mason/Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan), Luthor's girlfriend Eve Tessmacher (Sara Sampaio), Luthorcorp henchwoman and future member of The Authority Angela Spica/The Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría), Ma and Pa Kent (Neva Howell and Pruitt Taylor Vince), and more. That's a lot. And I haven't even mentioned the surprise cameos. With a two-hour runtime, it means that most of the cast outside of the top three billings of Corenswet, Brosnahan and Hoult don't really get a lot of screen real estate to establish themselves fully. The exception here is undoubtedly Mr Terrific, whose constant scene-stealing will quickly erase the disappointing memory of the last time he was adapted on screen (Sorry, Arrowverse fans). (L to R) Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl and Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific in DC Studios' and Warner Bros. Pictures' 'SUPERMAN,' a Warner Bros. Pictures release. With all of those things to juggle, though, it does mean that Superman is not a perfect movie. The central plot through-line often feels a bit muddled, and you can see even how even the world's strongest hero starts to buckle slightly under the weight of setting up an entire universe. It also doesn't help that Gunn doesn't know to get out of his own way at times – his now signature needle drops and some mild but still jarring strong language feel out of place. And staying with the music, it's disappointing that composers John Murphy and David Fleming's score is not better, given this franchise's iconic history. Following in the footsteps of John Williams and Hans Zimmer is a herculean task, and the effort here is certainly not without merit, but by choosing to build a main theme around Williams's historic jingle, we end up with a score that just feels like some hastily copied homework. Despite these discordant parts, though, there's one thing that Gunn nails from the film's very first opening moments right to its two post-credit scenes (neither of which is narratively important, I might add), and that's fun! Superman is a refreshing joy to experience. It's playful and imaginative in all the best ways, never showing a scrap of embarrassment for wearing its heart on its blue sleeve as it sets out to inspire goodness in people. Embracing its comic book roots, delightful goofiness and all, with gusto, it's a Superman movie made by somebody who clearly loves Superman. A wild concept, I know, but it doesn't just work – it soars! DM
