12/07/2025

LYFE SATURDAY | JULY 12, 2025 25 Superman ‘recommends’ cape

A CTOR David Corenswet feels a connection with the classic DC comic book character Superman that he portrays in the 2025 James Gunn-directed film Superman . The character Superman is known in the comic books for his identity problems, namely his double life as a powerful superhero while also being an awkward reporter named Clark Kent who works at Daily Planet. Corenswet is the latest actor to don the blue and red suit on the big screen, and he is still processing the weight of his new identity as the superhero. “As far as the moments of it hitting me that I am playing Superman, I think saying the sentence out loud is the closest I get. But it still just sounds so ridiculous to me to say it out loud that, you know, it does not quite compute,” he added. Superman , which arrived in US cinemas yesterday, follows Superman as he gets drawn into international politics as well as crossing swords with his billionaire nemesis Lex Luthor, played by Nicholas Hoult, monsters and other superpowered beings. The film has received high acclaim from early reviews on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes with a 88% rating. “What is best about Gunn’s movie is its laser-focused on relatable

o David Corenswet speaks on experience playing superhero, feelings when wearing famous costume

characters. This is no puzzle piece in a universe or a loud series of action set pieces,” Johnny Oleksinski of the New York Post wrote. There was something special in Superman’s wardrobe that brought Corenswet closer to the character. “The cape is the feeling that sort of pulls the whole thing together. When you walk in to the soundstage and you feel the cape billowing behind you, or you come to a stop in the cape, sort of twirls around you a little bit, you see your shadow on the wall and the silhouette of the cape, that is the sort of like. And I do not know whether it is because I always wanted to be a Jedi growing up, but man, I cannot recommend the cape enough,” Corenswet said. For Wendell Pierce, who plays the Daily Planet editor Perry White, the movie goes past its fantastical elements and reminds people that Superman is still relatable.

Corenswet plays the titular character. – PICS FROM REUTERS “That is the thing that we learned from Superman, that his true superpower is humanity,” he said, emphasising Kent’s life as a working journalist. Superman is the first film of the new Warner Bros and DC Universe partnership, led by Gunn. Upcoming projects include Supergirl and R rated horror film Clayface . Anthony Corrigan – who plays Superman’s ally Metamorpho, who can transform his body into any element – said that Gunn did not just rely on Superman’s popularity to engage audiences. “If it is the right story, you know, it is not just resting on the IP and on the character, it actually has to have a vision and creative vision,” he said, emphasising Gunn’s dedication to only make movies out of good screenplays. – Reuters

(From left) Peter Safran, Hoult, Rachel Brosnahan, Corenswet and Gunn attend the film’s premiere at the TCL Chinese theatre in Los Angeles, California.

Respect for Zero rages at world with suitably angry soundtrack

(From left) Cast members Hoult, Rachel Brosnahan and Corenswet.

ALBUM REVIEW

Ű BY R. BALA

NOT an album per se, Overtime is Respect for Zero’s debut recording for the Time to Kill imprint. Released on June 30, this prime slice of hardcore punk is full of rage, angst and undisguised aural violence – all condensed into a 10 minute EP. Taking the raging slam that has its roots in the Big Apple’s NYC hardcore scene, the sound of youth rebelling and railing against the system has spread far and wide. This is the case here as the band’s stated philosophy is very much of the left-wing variety. Formed in Sant’Elpidio a Mare, Italy, in 2013, the band is known for its strong stance against fascism and oppression, advocating for those treated as “zero” to stand up and fight back. The band’s music channels the rage of a generation facing repression and stifling of

Simple Plan’s soundtrack for documentary out now

Overtime is designed to get a circle pit going at full tilt. – PICS FROM INSTAGRAM @RESPECTFORZERO underground culture. That bit of the band’s bio on “rage” is apparent from the get-go, with opener Reaching Death threatening to rip off listeners’ faces with its opening salvo. Intense, angry and downright violent would be apt descriptions of all four tracks here, with Mirrors having the additional groove to inspire lots of pogoing. Sagnol will also have fans of this genre creating a circle pit in their own bedrooms – such is the ferocity of the song’s delivery. Despite being in existence for a dozen years, Respect for Zero’s studio output is slim, with just the one previous full-length album – The Truth Remains , released in 2015. With a new label supporting its endeavours, it is hoped that there will be much more music from Respect For Zero. The evidence heard on Overtime is very promising – a solid clanking bassline underpinning chugging riffs that are meaty and groovy. This is angry music made by angry young men, with themes of alienation, hopelessness and despair adding grist to the mill. Powerful stuff.

MULTI-PLATINUM-SELLING band Simple Plan’s official soundtrack for its documentary Simple Plan: The Kids in the Crowd dropped yesterday, alongside a new single titled Nothing Changes and its accompanying music video. The official soundtrack for the film offers fans a look into never-before-heard demo versions as well as unreleased tracks. Staying true to the band’s high-energy pop-punk roots, the track Nothing Changes delivers a rush of nostalgia and feel-good optimism for fans old and new. “We are thrilled to be sharing Nothing Changes , a new song and video inspired by the documentary and the past 25 years, and marking the next chapter in our musical journey,” drummer Chuck Comeau shared. The documentary Simple Plan: The Kids in the Crowd is now streaming on Prime Video across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. The documentary offers an intimate glimpse into the band’s remarkable 25-year journey as global punk rock fan-favourites, as well as an unprecedented look into the band’s history from basement shows to global stardom. While chronicling the creation of hits such as Welcome to My Life , I’d Do Anything and Perfect , the

The Montreal-formed quartet has sold over 10 million albums worldwide. – PIC BY SKYLER BARBERIO

Media and was directed by Didier Charette. “We are so excited for our fans to finally be able to watch this documentary. Working on it has been such an emotional rollercoaster as we got to relive our own story, from playing in our parents’ basement to performing sold-out shows all over the world, and everything it took to get there. We hope our fans will enjoy it and be inspired to follow their own dreams.”

documentary examines the band’s continued impact as one of the most successful pop-punk bands still selling out shows worldwide. Fans will experience never-before-seen archival footage, along with new interviews with band members and celebrated icons of the punk rock community, including Mark Hoppus (Blink-182), Avril Lavigne, Dexter Holland and Noodles (The Offspring), and Fat Mike (NOFX). The documentary is produced by Sphere

Respect for Zero’s hardcore punk sound is heavy, hard-hitting and well-suited for the themes it tackles.