They Finally Get Superman

Episode Summary

This week on The Middle of Culture, Peter and Eden dive into Superman 2025—a movie they both expected to disappoint, but ultimately left them grinning. They discuss why this version of Superman finally understands the character, their favorite portrayals (hello, Nicholas Hoult’s Lex), and the messy charm of a movie that somehow pulls off being packed without tipping over. Along the way, they touch on camping with CPAPs, ADHD and habit formation, cello-driven metal, and why The Office still sucks. It’s a jam-packed, joyful takedown and celebration of what might be DC’s best swing in years.

Episode Notes

• Peter and Eden open with summer updates, including swim meets and car camping (aka “carmping”)
• Eden reviews the anime adaptation of City, praising Kyoto Animation’s hand-drawn excellence
• Discussion on ADHD and the reality of habit formation—Peter shares how journaling became a daily routine, while Eden relies on yelling reminder apps
• Peter recommends cello virtuoso Raphael Weinroth-Browne and shares excitement over new music from Paradise Lost
• A shared hatred of The Office and a love for Taskmaster
• Peter recounts his guest appearance on The Incomparable’s “Random Pursuit” episode

Main discussion: Superman 2025

• Initial low expectations gave way to genuine enjoyment
• Both agree: it finally gets Superman right—his compassion, moral compass, and fallibility
• Highlights include Nicholas Hoult’s intense, bitter Lex Luthor and Brosnahan’s sharp Lois Lane
• Critiques: missing Clark Kent moments, underused Daily Planet characters, weak soundtrack
• Praise for standout moments like the Kansas farm scene and Mr. Terrific’s mysterious cool
• Fun digs into comics lore with Guy Gardner, Hawk Girl, and Jimmy Olsen’s inexplicable ladykiller status
• Comparison to Thunderbolts (still the best superhero movie of the year so far) and some worry over Fantastic Four
• Wrap-up with Eden ready to rewatch Superman 1978 and wishing this one had a better name

Links:
Uncanny Magazine Year 12 Kickstarter
Random Pursuit on The Incomparable Game Show