A Superman movie where the dog makes more choices than the Man of Steel? We dove into James Gunn’s take and found a shiny spectacle that keeps dodging the heart of the character. From a midstream opening to a city-leviathan set piece shot through a fish-eye lens, the film races past the moments that would make us care, then tries to land on a heartfelt message about humanity it doesn’t quite earn.
We dig into why the quiet scenes sing—the Pa Kent farm talk and the final reflection—and how they whisper the contours of a better film: one where Superman wrestles with power, responsibility, and the courage to inspire rather than overpower. We also spotlight the true scene-stealer: Mr. Terrific. His competence, dry humor, and clear methods hint at the grounded, team-driven storytelling this world could support. Meanwhile, the Daily Planet ensemble, public-opinion whiplash, and a pocket-universe prison full of glass boxes illustrate how setup after setup goes un-paid-off, sapping stakes and coherence.
This episode unpacks the plot mechanics, the character arcs that aren’t, and the choice architecture that should define Superman but rarely shows up here. We question the Justice team’s late pivot, the citywide consequences that never land, and the way recurring gags step on tension. And yes, we talk Crypto: when a superdog becomes the clutch play, the movie’s center has drifted. If you love Superman’s ethos—hope, restraint, and moral clarity under pressure—this breakdown will give you language to explain what’s missing and how it could be fixed.
Enjoy the breakdown? Follow, rate, and share the show so more listeners can find it. Drop your rewrite for the third act in the comments—how would you make Superman’s humanity the thing that wins?
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