‘A Superman for a new generation.” – Jackie K. Cooper

The new iteration of Superman is a fresh take on the character. Now under the creative direction of James Gunn, the man behind movies like the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy (2014-2023), or The Suicide Squad (2021), Superman is viewed through a new lens, looking like it’s pulled right out of a comic book.

Visuals: Following up on my last statement, this truly does look like a comic come to life. This is easily the most vibrant comic book movie I have ever watched. If the rest of the new DC Cinematic Universe looks anything like this new Superman, I’m all in for it.

Characters: This movie has quite the roster of characters but I don’t think it struggles to balance everyone in one movie. Some standouts include the human embodiment of hatred known as Lex Luthor, the main antagonist of the film, and the sarcastic but awesome Mister Terrific. Some other notable characters include Green Lantern, Lois Lane, and Metamorpho.

Plot: The plot of the film revolves around Superman struggling to balance his relationship with Lois, keeping his identity secret, and his tense conflicts with Lex Luthor and the government’s of Boravia and The United States of America. This conflict is very reflective of real world situations happening right now in the world, so it’s cool to see it brought to light in such a massive movie.

Cameron Labonte, graphic design student from Montreal, Canada.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps – A Stunning Family Story

Written by Cameron Labonte

“Maybe the most impressive visuals I’ve ever seen in the MCU.” – Kent Garrison

Marvel Studios’ fourth attempt at The Fantastic Four on the big screen finally does them justice. The Fantastic Four are Marvel’s first family and are some of the most important characters to Marvel’s legacy across all medias. This being their introduction to the greater Marvel Cinematic Universe has me more excited than ever for what their future will look like, especially their inclusion in the upcoming movies Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.

four superheroes in blue costumes standing next to each other on a platform in front of a big circled four on the wall

Visuals: Just like its competitor Superman, this film really captures what a Fantastic Four comic book feels like; goofy, vibrant, and lively. But it also brings its own twist; a parallel world set outside of the main MCU timeline. This allows the movie to capture a very unique world, filled with retro-futuristic tech and a city where everyone is family. It looks like it takes place in 1960 and 2100 at the same time. With a lot of the scenes being set in space, it also allows for some very impactful spatial shots.

Characters: The movie really gives a focus on the main four: Mr. Fantastic, Human Torch, Invisible Woman, and The Thing. Other than that there are really only two big supporting characters being the villains Silver Surfer and the menacing Galactus. The family’s dynamic is awesome and it was interesting to see the strange relationship between Human Torch and Silver Surfer.

Plot: This plot is very unique as it revolves around four heroes, not just one. Them having to deal with the birth of Franklin Richards while trying to stop a world-threatening threat that is Galactus is a wild contrast. I just wish this movie had a tiny bit of a runtime extension to further cement them in the overall universe after the climax of the film.

Cameron Labonte, graphic design student from Montreal, Canada.