Latest news with #comicbookmovie
Digital Trends
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Digital Trends
Like James Gunn's Superman? Check out these 5 similar comic book movies
Writer-director James Gunn unleashed an instant comic book movie classic with Superman. This new superhero blockbuster brought the Man of Steel back to his roots with a zany, lighthearted adventure filled with quirky and entertaining characters, especially with David Corenswet's version of the titular hero. The movie doesn't shy away from presenting a solemn, inspiring story with stunning, ultraviolent action. While some Superman fans have decided to see the film in theaters more than once, there is an alternative option. Those who enjoyed Superman can also check out these other comic book movies, some of which were also created by Gunn, that feature similar stories, styles, themes, and action. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) Long before the release of Superman, this epic space opera produced by Marvel Studios put James Gunn on the map. Guardians of the Galaxy introduced many audiences to obscure superheroes led by Chris Pratt's Star-Lord, as well as Gunn's distinctive brand of humor and heartfelt storytelling that made these characters into cinema icons. Recommended Videos Though the movie features an even sillier tone than Superman's with protagonists who aren't as righteous as the Man of Steel, it is still an uplifting tale of troubled people finding acceptance with each other and realizing their true potential as heroes. Guardians of the Galaxy is available to stream on Disney+. The Suicide Squad (2021) This wacky, gory film helped set the stage for James Gunn's DC Universe. This movie has a lot more in common with Guardians of the Galaxy than Superman, as it follows a band of superpowered criminals as they embark on a deadly black ops mission to reduce their prison sentences. But much like Superman, The Suicide Squad presents a dark satire of global politics as the heroes uncover the U.S. government's dirty little secrets. It is also not afraid to stay true to the silliness of the comic books with how it presents a talking shark in shorts, a man who shoots polka dots, and a giant, one-eyed starfish that brainwashes people. The Suicide Squad is available to stream on HBO Max. Man of Steel (2013) Director Zack Snyder gave Superman the 'Dark Knight' treatment by presenting a modern, gritty origin story for the Blue Boy Scout, with Henry Cavill portraying the character. Despite its dark tone and doubtful depiction of Superman, Man of Steel tells a bold new tale about an iconic hero that realistically shows how the world would react if a super-powerful being like him suddenly appeared on Earth. Audiences can see how Snyder's exhilarating, thought-provoking film influenced James Gunn's Superman. While they are two very different movies, Man of Steel presents a thrilling and heartfelt story that inspires hope based on what its protagonist aspires to be in a jaded world. Man of Steel is available to stream on HBO Max Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice – Ultimate Edition (2016) Zack Snyder's sequel to Man of Steel sees Lex Luthor try to pit Superman against the Dark Knight himself in an elaborate plan to destroy him. The fear and distrust people had over the all-powerful Superman in Gunn's film is on full display in Snyder's film, with characters like Batman and Luthor being driven to darkness. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice shows the Man of Steel being pushed to his moral and physical limits, raising the question of whether even Superman can stay good in the real world today. This makes for a much darker film than Gunn's Superman, but this blockbuster is just as compelling and action-packed. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice – Ultimate Edition is available to stream on HBO Max. Superman: The Movie (1978) James Gunn's Superman, as well as many other comic book movies, wouldn't exist without Richard Donner's original Superman movie. From the destruction of Krypton to Clark's childhood on Earth to his days fighting crime in Metropolis, this movie depicts Superman's origin story with beauty, humor, excitement, and hope, with Christopher Reeve remaining the quintessential Man of Steel. Though Gunn's Superman has far more realism in terms of visuals and storytelling than Donner's film, the latter presents a tale that is just as uplifting and entertaining. Superman: The Movie is available to stream on HBO Max.
Arab News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
REVIEW: James Gunn's ‘Superman' — a fun, heartfelt take on the Man of Steel
DUBAI: James Gunn's 'Superman' marks a confident debut for the newly rebooted DC Universe, now firmly under the helm of the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' director. Rather than chase the shadow of past gloom-ridden DC iterations, Gunn leans into sincerity, fun, and a touch of chaos to deliver a film that feels refreshingly light and cheerful. It's heartfelt — though heavy-handed at times — and also makes room for some timely social commentary. In short, it's a comic book movie that remembers it's based on a comic book. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Set in a world where Superman is already known but still finding his place, the film follows Clark Kent as he juggles his day job at the Daily Planet newspaper with his not-so-secret life saving the world. Things take a turn when Lex Luthor — now a tech mogul with an envy problem — makes a move to privatize security and put Superman out of commission. Meanwhile, Superman is caught between being a symbol of hope and a political lightning rod, as he personally stops a country from invading its neighbor. David Corenswet takes on the red cape with a straight-edged wonder and charm that feels closer to Christopher Reeve than Henry Cavill. Rachel Brosnahan's Lois Lane, meanwhile, is the sharpest person in the room and knows it. Their chemistry is palpable, with an early interview scene between the two setting the tone for the rest of the film. For a film that boasts some high-octane action scenes, the tension this pair create in a tiny living room is unrivalled. Gunn's signature mix of sentiment and snark is all over the place, even if pared back compared to his Marvel days. And there's a constant undercurrent of real-world commentary: Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor is a psychopathic tech tycoon with a god complex (guess who?). And while it never turns preachy, the film doesn't shy away from allusions to Gaza, Ukraine, or the refugee crisis. Superman, after all, is an immigrant. And while Gunn doesn't waste the metaphor, it's impossible not to feel uneasy when the real-world suffering beamed straight into our social media feeds every day is portrayed alongside cartoon-ish fight scenes. Ultimately, Gunn's 'Superman' is an entertaining two hours at the cinema. Is it 'Guardians of the Galaxy'-level good? No. Does it need to be? No. Instead, it's a slightly messy, surprisingly political, and undeniably fun return to a hero who believes in doing the right thing, no matter the cost. And after years of emo DC, that might be just what the doctor ordered.
