Tornado 20225 Indie Film Spoiler Review

 Main Topic - Tornado Film (May 30^th, 2025) | Blog #6

Directed by John Maclean

Review Written by James Wreh

May 30^th,  2025, Screening

1. Initial Impressions

• This was a different type of film, a smaller, less-known film, and there was not a lot of hype around this film, and that is okay. Early on in this movie, I had my doubts, didn’t think I would like it; however, things started to turn around for me as the story progressed, and I started to care about the main character, “Tornado”.

2. Setting and Genre

• The film is set in the year 1790, evoking a subtle Western aesthetic but incorporating swords and pistols, and horses.
• The early pacing was a bit slow for me, but the film gains momentum halfway through the second act.

3. Music and Sound Design

• The score is heavily string-driven (violins, cellos), contributing significantly to the film’s atmosphere.
• Music intensifies both dramatic and lighter scenes, almost becoming a character in itself.

·          The sound design and mixing, particularly during the fire sequences (burning carts and carriages), stood out as highly effective, with layered effects and balanced post-production mixing that enhanced the scene’s intensity.

·          As an outsider of the film industry and fan, I’ve noticed the different parts of filmmaking and post-production processes, such as sound design, mixing, and layering during editing, which enhances my appreciation of how these elements impact the overall viewing experience.

·        See a short from Episode #67 discussing the score and sound design of this film:

Tornado - The Score Was Better Than Expected 🎻 -YouTube

https://youtu.be/5CKxBhmd3bI

Spotify | https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/bjCr0b5bTWb

4. Cinematography and Visuals

• Cinematography is praised, especially during key scenes:
• The character of Tornado (Koki) embarks on a “revenge tour” for her father.
• Notable shots include her silhouette against the sun and dynamic sword fight finishes, holding her stances after some of those sword battles, creating some great visuals with the sunlight as the backdrop to her stances.
• The final scene features a classic “walking into the sunset” moment, executed with notable visual flair. It was great timing for that shot.

5. Narrative Structure

• The film uses a non-linear timeline:
• Opens with a confusing sequence set after some critical events.
• Flashes back to earlier events (two days earlier) before returning to real time, similar to certain TV procedural dramas.
• One actor I want to point out is Dennis Okwera; his character was the “Psychotic Bandit. He did not have any lines of dialogue; his performance depended on his facial expression, movement, and a few fighting scenes, which was an interesting choice. Something I did not notice until the end of the film.

6. Conclusion

 I was pleasantly surprised by the film, and I had no idea what to expect from it.

  I commend the director, cast, and crew for delivering a solid and unique film experience.

  See my spoiler review of the film below as I discuss the film in more detail from my point of view. This was a different type of film in a good way, in my opinion.

Companion Podcast & Video

Full episode #67 Tornado (2025) Spoiler Review | What Makes It Different is available to watch and listen to on YouTube | https://youtu.be/nKMrM6oz1Ww

 Spotify 🎧🎬 Tornado: A Quiet Storm of Indie Cinema-EP#67

https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/ewIGtc5bTWb 

Screening Attended on: May 30^th, 2025

Written and recorded by James B. Wreh, creator, host, and producer of The Silly, Nerdy & Wordy Podcast.

Enjoyed the review? Subscribe on YouTube(https://www.youtube.com/@KRUBOY-PRODUCTIONS ) or follow The Silly, Nerdy & Wordy Podcast on your favorite podcast platform for more film, production, and Broadway breakdowns.  You can also find me on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Podbean, and other major podcast platforms.

Follow me on TikTok as well, @nerdypodcaster124  - https://www.tiktok.com/@nerdypodcaster124

 

Thunderbolts* 2025 Film Spoiler Review

 Main Topic  – Thunderbolts Film – 5/2/25 | Blog # 5

Directed by: Jake Schreier
Review Written by: James B. Wreh
Screening Dates: May 2, 2025, and May 9, 2025

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Overall Impression

• Movie: The second MCU film of 2025, Thunderbolts.
• Reception: Excellent and thoroughly enjoyable, with strong character development for the main cast.
• Engagement: Captured my attention from the very beginning.

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Performances

• Florence Pugh: Delivered a standout performance, especially in the opening voiceover scene where her character speaks to someone she has tied up. Her arc—and the emotional journey that came with it—was one of the film’s strongest points
• Lewis Pullman: His character arc felt earned, particularly the way it concluded. Both the writing and Pullman’s execution made Bob/Century’s journey compelling.
• Supporting Cast: Fun and engaging, with each character uniquely contributing to the story.

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Tone and Comedy

• Tone: Established effectively from the start, balancing action, heartfelt moments, and serious beats.
• Comedy: Well-timed and placed appropriately, adding to the experience without overtaking any scene.

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Action and Storytelling

• Action Sequences: Executed well, adding excitement with a clear purpose, the action consistently moved the story forward rather than feeling like a spectacle for its own sake.
• Story Flow: Smooth pacing, with no slow moments for me; the rhythm kept the audience engaged throughout.
• Interconnectedness: Integrated seamlessly into the broader MCU narrative, referencing past events and character arcs. This worked for hardcore fans like me, who’ve seen every MCU film and Disney+ show, while also catching casual viewers up so they weren’t lost in the story.

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Music and Score

• Thunderbolts Theme: A memorable main theme that elevated the film; the score overall was a major strength.
• Score Variety: The music shifted effectively between moments, enhancing the story. A favorite moment for me was near the end when the Thunderbolts theme played after Yelena says to Valentina, “We own you now,” and the composer(s) Son Lux slid in the original Avengers theme just before the credits rolled. Seeing it a second time only made me appreciate it more.

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Character Development and MCU Connections

• Character Arcs: Strong introductions and growth, particularly for the Thunderbolts–New Avengers team. Century’s journey from start to finish was a highlight, with his development feeling well-earned by the end.
• MCU Integration:
• Yelena: References to her sister’s death.
• Bucky/Winter Soldier: Ties to his past storylines.
• Ghost: Further acknowledgment of events from Ant-Man and the Wasp.
• Red Guardian: His integration sets up his presence in future MCU projects.

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Post-Credit Scenes

• First Scene: A humorous grocery store moment with Red Guardian out of costume. Also something I noticed in the Thunderbolts Trailer before the  film released on Disney Plus, the “Red Guardian character” foreshadowed the 1^st post credit scene we  the audience didn’t know at the time check out this short in this link here:

Thunderbolts | We Missed This Mid-Credit Thunderbolts Hint 🤯 https://youtu.be/Vv-74tzu2ZU

• Second Scene: Set up a potential conflict between Sam Wilson as Captain America and the formation of the new Avengers (highlighted by Yelena’s tense and combative phone conversation with him), tying into upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and or and Secret Wars.
• Future Connections:
• Fantastic Four Tease: The final shot showed the Fantastic Four arriving on Earth, with their theme playing as they entered the MCU’s 616 timeline. It raises questions for me as a fan—will the New Avengers (or at least some of them) cross paths with the Fantastic Four in Fantastic Four: First Steps, or will Marvel save that meeting for later MCU projects?
• Upcoming MCU Movies: Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 2025) seem likely to connect to Doomsday or Secret Wars.

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Final Thoughts

• Anticipation: I’m excited to buy the Blu-ray, watch it again, and explore the production features—especially behind-the-scenes looks at filming locations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and U.S.-based sets. I also hope to see how the Thunderbolts theme was created, as well as the process of developing the score, hopefully included in the production features.
• Overall Rating: I truly enjoyed this film, with very little to criticize. I didn’t know I wanted a Thunderbolts film, but I’m glad we got one—especially for Yelena’s progression, which Florence Pugh portrayed brilliantly.

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Additional Notes

• Release Date Mentioned: Fantastic Four set to release July 25, 2025.
• Timeline Integration: Suggests the Fantastic Four will shift from the 1960s into the MCU’s current timeline, setting up major crossovers.

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Conclusion

In my opinion, Thunderbolts stands out as one of the MCU’s stronger entries, with compelling performances—particularly Florence Pugh’s—balanced tone, well-placed humor, engaging action, and seamless MCU integration. It effectively sets up future storylines, especially with the Fantastic Four tease, keeping excitement high for what’s next, though opinions may vary among viewers.

Review Written by: James B. Wreh

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Companion Podcast & Video

Full episode #62- Thunderbolts* Spoiler Review is available to watch and listen to on YouTube and Spotify 🎧🎬

https://youtu.be/hTW_038kahw

https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/OeMm6UVvKWb

Screenings  Attended on: May 2^nd  & May 9^th, 2025
Written and recorded by James B. Wreh, creator, host, and producer of The Silly, Nerdy & Wordy Podcast.

Enjoyed the review? Subscribe on YouTube(https://www.youtube.com/@KRUBOY-PRODUCTIONS) or follow The Silly, Nerdy & Wordy Podcast on your favorite podcast platform for more film, production, and Broadway breakdowns.  You can also find me on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Podbean, and other major podcast platforms.

Follow me on TikTok as well, @nerdypodcaster124  - https://www.tiktok.com/@nerdypodcaster124

Les Misérables Live Broadway Musical Production Review

Main Topic Discussed – Les Misérables Live Broadway Musical Production 

Blog # 4

DPAC (Durham Performing Arts Center) – Thursday, July 17, 2025, Performance
Directed by: Laurence Connor & James Powell
Music Director/Conductor: Glenn Alexander II
Review Written by: James B. Wreh

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General Impressions

• Attended a live Broadway performance of Les Misérables (“Lay Miz”), marking my first time seeing this musical live.
• The production was very good, featuring strong vocal performances and impressive technical execution.

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Structure and Storyline

• The first 20 minutes took some adjustment to fully grasp, as I later realized it served as the prologue before the title Les Misérables appeared on stage and the main narrative began.
• The interconnected storylines and numerous characters made the plot dense and, at times, difficult to follow—especially for a newcomer to this Broadway Production of Les Misérables.
• The story spans from 1815 through the 1830s and into the late 19th century in France, exploring themes of pursuit, loss, guardianship, love, and redemption. Key elements include:

• Jean Valjean, initially a prisoner, is released on parole and pursued throughout his life by Javert, with their paths crossing multiple times.
• Valjean turns his life around, first becoming a factory owner in France and later the Mayor of the same town. He meets Fantine, a factory worker desperate to care for her daughter, Cosette. After Fantine is fired and falls ill, Valjean promises her on her deathbed to care for Cosette.
• Valjean rescues Cosette from a harsh situation and raises her as his own as she grows into a young woman.
• Cosette develops a love story of her own, unfolding against the backdrop of the June Rebellion of 1832.
• Many key characters die during the battle scene.

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Musical and Technical Aspects

• Most of the dialogue is sung, with very few spoken lines, creating an almost opera-like experience unlike other Broadway productions I’ve seen.
• The live orchestra played nearly continuously, with breaks only during scene transitions and intermission. Their endurance and performance deserve high praise.
• Vocal standout: Student actor Christian Mark Gibbs gave a particularly compelling performance until his character’s death.
• The ensemble displayed rich harmonies in group numbers, complemented by strong individual performances.
• A memorable choreography moment involved the company marching in place before moving forward in formation while singing in harmony. Performers entered and exited the formation seamlessly, showcasing careful rehearsal and coordination. This sequence likely required significant practice in rehearsal spaces and stage adjustments during dress rehearsals to achieve the precision seen on stage—well executed by all involved.
• Technical highlights in Act II stood out, including excellent lighting design, strategic positioning, and sound effects—particularly impactful during the battle scenes.

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Personal Experience

• As a first-time viewer of this musical, I found the production fun, interesting, and technically impressive, though the complex plot made it initially hard to follow.

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Dates and Setting

• The story is set between 1815 and the 1830s, with the June Rebellion of 1832 (Young Revolutionaries vs. the French monarchy and government troops) as a central backdrop.
• Performance attended by James Wreh on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC).

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Companion Podcast & Video

Full episode #76 is available to watch and listen to on YouTube and Spotify 🎧🎬

https://youtu.be/BiamdS2YLHc

 https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/dkYJBBVjCWb

https://www.tiktok.com/@nerdypodcaster124 

Performance Attended on: Thursday, July 17^th, 2025
Written and recorded by James B. Wreh, creator, host, and producer of The Silly, Nerdy & Wordy Podcast.

Enjoyed the review? Subscribe or follow The Silly, Nerdy & Wordy Podcast for more film, production, and Broadway breakdowns.

Also available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Podbean, and other major podcast platforms.

Inside My Podcasting, Blogging & Creative Process

Main Topic – Inside the Origin of the Silly Nerdy & Wordy Podcast & Blog 

Blog # 3

Blog Written by: James B. Wreh

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 Section 1: The Beginning

Originally titled The Silly, Nerdy & Sometimes Wordy Podcast (renamed in February 2025), the show was born from my passion for movies, behind-the-scenes filmmaking, and theater — both in front of and behind the scenes, as well as on and off stage.

In the early days of the podcast, I also covered sports topics such as the NFL — in-season and during the off-season — including the NFL Draft, free agency, Black Monday (coaches being fired), trades, owners’ meetings, and more. I even created short series like The Rules of Fantasy Football and Why It’s Fun Pt 1 (of 3) Ep #16 Watch here 👉 https://youtu.be/dM-M1ondeDY

 and NFL TV Contracts Ep #8 Watch here 👉 https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/RB1EjXYXUVb , where I explored front offices, trades, and sports media coverage.

Eventually, I chose to focus more deeply on film production and analysis, Broadway reviews and production, and TV production insights. Despite not having a professional background in sports or the entertainment industry, I leaned into my passion for these topics. With some encouragement, I launched my solo, audio-only podcast in March 2023 using Audacity, a free recording and editing software for podcasters.

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Section 2: Building the Foundation

I began by recording short 2–3-minute test episodes on my Android phone, analyzing voice clarity, pronunciation, content, and pacing. After gathering feedback, I researched podcasting tips, upgraded to a Samson Q2U Handheld Dynamic Microphone (with a small tripod stand) and a pair of OneOdio wired headphones, and learned basic sound editing.

I explored podcast hosting platforms (Buzzsprout, Spotify, etc.) and selected intro, outro, and segment music — including the signature Nerdy Notes sound from Pond5, which I still use today. My first official episode, introducing myself and the show’s premise, debuted on March 6, 2023 – Episode #0 - Who Is BK? Meet the Host with a Surprising Story Watch here 👉 https://youtu.be/MNbeeSG2v-s , followed by Episode 1 - What Really Happens Before Movies Start Watch here 👉 https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/aHOVVD5XUVb .

Since then, I have created and produced 79 episodes, with the latest being Streaming TV Updates: Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max & More Pt 2 (Ep #79), published August 16, 2025, covering the latest streaming TV updates across Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney+, and Peacock Watch here 👉https://youtu.be/cjLq2hXjVyg .

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Section 3: Overcoming Challenges

• Improved my podcast audio editing skills over time
• Learned effective podcast promotion strategies on social media
• Navigated technical issues
• Developed a structured workflow for episode planning and production

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Expanded to Video

Initially hesitant, I began incorporating video podcast content in April 2025. I researched camera setups, YouTube metrics, and tested video episodes (without publishing them), then selected Riverside for video editing. I also adjusted my recording space for a more professional look aligned with my spoiler-heavy film reviews and entertainment coverage.

I upgraded my gear with:

• Maono XLR/USB Dynamic Microphone
• Philips HD 1080P Webcam
• UBeesize Streaming Light
• 6” Ring Light

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Conclusion

This podcast has evolved into a platform — across both video and audio — where I explore film reviews (often heavy on spoilers), film production, Broadway reviews and production, selective TV coverage (still evolving), VFX, behind-the-camera breakdowns, and the many creative departments that bring stories to life.

Now, this blog extends that journey. It’s where I expand on podcast episodes and sometimes share written reviews of films without attached video content. For example, Blog #2 covered Sarah’s Oil movie trailer. While I didn’t record a video for that, I plan to break down the full film after its release on November 7, 2025 — analyzing story choices, production elements, and creative decisions often overlooked by traditional reviewers, in my opinion.

Lastly, I create, produce, and publish everything you see on this blog and the podcast — the written content, video, and audio — myself. I don’t have a team handling editing, marketing, or production support. As I continue applying for full-time work, I manage this platform part-time, but with full-time passion and effort.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading. I hope you’ll join me as I expand this creative journey across video, audio, and now written content.

And as a bonus, here’s one of my earlier Broadway-related episodes, originally audio-only but now updated with captions: Episode #25 - MJ The Musical | 40 Songs. Watch here 👉 https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/c87NEALzZVb , where I share my perspective after seeing MJ The Musical live at DPAC (Durham Performing Arts Center) in 2023. 

-Written by James B. Wreh, creator, host, and producer of The Silly, Nerdy & Wordy Podcast & Blog.

Sarah’s Oil Trailer Review: Acting, Writing, and a Remarkable Young Lead

 

Main Topic – Sarah’s Oil Trailer (2:37) from Amazon MGM Studios | Blog # 2

Directed by: Cyrus Nowrasteh

Review Written by: James B. Wreh

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Introduction

The new Sarah’s Oil trailer from Amazon MGM puts its young lead, Naya Desir-Johnson, in the spotlight — and it’s a reminder of the unique challenges child actors face. I’ve discussed this before on my podcast, from learning lines and blocking to keeping up with school while filming — see link to Episode 1 (2023): https://youtu.be/7Tr_yyehvjg  (specifically at the 24:45 mark, where I start talking about casting kids/teens).

Nerdy note: At a very young age, Naya Desir-Johnson already has an executive producer credit to her name — for the 2023 short film All the Gaps. Whether she was hands-on or more behind the scenes, that’s a rare accomplishment before even headlining a feature film, and it’s something she can carry with her as her career grows.

While I’m not a production insider, I know enough about what happens on set to appreciate the skill here. In this trailer, the writing, the dialogue, and the lead performance — especially from the young actress — work together to deliver something memorable.

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Overall Impressions

This trailer came across my feed a few days ago after its initial release. This isn’t a big tentpole or blockbuster film, but I still believe it’s an important film and an important story — one that probably should have already been out for the world to see, but I’m glad the story will be available for everyone to see and learn about now.

With this trailer and the upcoming November 7th release date (release dates may shift, as is common in the industry), I was intrigued. Once I started watching this 2:37 trailer, it was the young lead, portraying Sarah Richter, who held my attention the entire time — though I also enjoyed Zachary Levi’s presence in the footage, and his accent — I enjoyed that too.

Let me point out that this is only the trailer, and my thoughts are based solely on what I’ve seen in this short preview. From the footage presented, I liked what I saw — but my opinion could change in either direction once I see the full film and its complete story play out.

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Writing & Performance

The standout for me is the combination of the writing by Tonya Bolden, Betsy Giffen Nowrasteh, and Cyrus Nowrasteh (who is also the director) — and the execution of the acting by the young actress, Naya Desir-Johnson. No one knows (except the director, cast, and crew) how the full film will play, but in my personal, outside opinion as a fan of film and the arts, it appears that a good portion of this story will be heavy on dialogue, with some small action set pieces.

Of course, I could be wrong — the movie hasn’t been released yet and won’t until November 2025 — but that’s my takeaway from this trailer. For a young actress to bring this script to life with such nuance is, to me, amazing.

Considering what I mentioned earlier in my introduction, this is high-level acting in my opinion. We’ll all have to wait until the film releases to see how it plays in terms of pacing, her screen time, and her interactions with the other actors — as well as how the dialogue works in those moments, some of which we’ve already seen glimpses of in the trailer.

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Conclusion

Lastly, I will say that this film looks like it will have heart, and even within 2:37 of footage, it seems likely that I’ll enjoy the relationship that develops between Zachary Levi’s character and Naya Desir-Johnson’s.

This is only the trailer, but to me, that relationship might be an essential part of the film — maybe even the heart of it. Of course, we’ll have to wait until November to see. My thoughts now are based solely on this preview, and as always, they’re subject to change after seeing the complete film.

November 2025 is shaping up to be a great month of films with variety — for me, it will include Sarah’s Oil, The Running Man, and Wicked Part 2: Wicked for Good.

Superman (2025) Review – Full Breakdown from Episode #75 of The Silly, Nerdy & Wordy Podcast

Written Review to  transition into blog content below

 

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Main Topic – Superman (2025) Film 7/11/25 | Blog # 1

Directed by – James Gunn
Review Written by - James B.  Wreh

July 11th, 2025, Screening & July 23rd, 2025, Screening

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If the thumbnail didn’t give it away — yes, I was excited. But this blog takes a closer look at James Gunn’s launch of DC Studios’ new era, the story choices, and the on-camera decisions that shape Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters. For those who want to go deeper, the full podcast episode expands on these themes with added context and behind-the-scenes insight.

Summary

• Film Reviewed:
  Superman – The first film in the new DCU, led creatively by James Gunn and on the business/financial side by Peter Safran.
  Starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, among others.
• Overall Impressions:
  This film was fantastic from start to finish. The structure and pacing stood out, especially the innovative way the “crawl” was used to establish the world and its metahumans. The use of time markers—three centuries, three decades, three years, three weeks, three hours ago—set the tone for a universe that already feels lived in.

I appreciated that this isn’t another Superman origin story. The universe is established, metahumans are present, and Clark and Lois are already in a relationship. By the time we first see Lois, she has already earned Clark’s trust and knows his secret identity.

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Storytelling & Worldbuilding

The writing is layered, with strong world-building. “The Justice Gang,” a running joke destined to pay off in future films, includes Mister Terrific, Green Lantern (Guy Gardner), and Hawkgirl, already operating out of a still-developing Hall of Justice.

The introduction of the pocket universe was a strategically placed story beat, setting up a way to bring in heroes and villains from other Earths, alternate versions of characters, and cosmic-level threats—all in the first movie.

The balance between action, comedy, and comic book elements was excellent.

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Cinematography and Visuals

The visual effects from Weta FX and ILM greatly enhanced the film’s immersive feel. Two shots, in particular, stood out:

1. Lois’s Apartment Scene: Lois and Superman talk in her apartment before he turns himself in to the Department of Defense. As they sit, stand, and eventually embrace, the purple, blue, and green backdrop reveals Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mister Terrific battling an interdimensional imp. Cinematographer Henry Braham, in collaboration with director James Gunn, does an excellent job capturing the contrast between the intimacy of the conversation and the chaos outside, using a beautiful color palette to elevate the scene visually.
2. Proton River Sequence: About halfway through the film, Superman is pulled toward a black hole in the proton river, holding Metamorpho’s son while simultaneously holding Krypto. Metamorpho rescues Superman as he uses his freezing breath to push himself away. The slowed camera movement captures shimmering proton particles and the black hole in a stunningly framed shot.

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Performances

All three leads were outstanding, but Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor) delivered the strongest performance. From his posture and blocking to his line delivery, his hatred for Superman felt palpable. As the camera pans close to Hoult’s eyes during his downfall, you can still see the anger and determination to destroy Superman, even as news reports expose his manipulation.

David Corenswet (Superman) embodied the film’s main theme—Superman’s humanity and determination to do good.
Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane): She shined both alongside Corenswet—where their chemistry together was a standout—and in solo moments that highlighted Lois’s strength.
Skyler Gisondo (Jimmy Olsen): Limited screen time, but memorable in both serious and humorous moments.
I’m excited to see more of Edi Gathegi (Mr. Terrific) in future DCU entries.

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Music and Score

John Williams’s iconic Superman theme, woven through different arrangements, elevated both big and small moments.

• James Gunn’s musical influence was also clear. A standout example is when Mr. Terrific shields Lois inside a force-field sphere; the audio of the surrounding chaos fades while the chosen track enhances her awe, with the rotating camera from her perspective adding depth. It gave me Guardians of the Galaxy vibes, Vol. 1(2014 film) when "Star-Lord" was dancing/ entering the ancient temple vault on the planet Morag when he was going after the Power Stone(one of the Infinity Stones).
• At the Fortress of Solitude, the rotating camera and the up-tempo music underscored Superman’s humanity, giving the moment a happy, hopeful tone as photos of “Ma & Pa Kent” appear.

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Noteworthy Appearances & Easter Eggs

• Supergirl (Millie Alcock): A quick but important cameo teasing her role in Supergirl (July 2026). Superman even jokes about her partying on red-sun planets to get drunk, offering early insight into her character.
• Peacemaker: A brief, well-placed cameo, teasing his upcoming DCU project (August 21st, 2025, HBO Max).
• Guardians of the Galaxy Alumni: Bradley Cooper (Jor-El) (Guardians character- Voiced Rocket Raccoon), Pom Klementieff (Superman Robot #5), (Guardians character- Mantis), Michael Rooker (Superman Robot #1), (Guardians character- Yondu), and Sean Gunn (Maxwell Lord) (Guardians character- Kraglin).
• Fun Fact: Sean Gunn also voices characters in Creature Commandos (GI Robot, Weasel).
• Jake Tapper: Appears briefly as a news anchor, a common filmmaking choice for realism, as I’ve seen in many DC and Marvel films.

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Post-Credit Scenes

There are two:

1. A lighthearted moment between Superman and Mr. Terrific, building on-screen chemistry.
2. A slightly different version of a marketing image released before the film’s premiere: Superman and Krypto sitting in space, gazing at Earth.

I understand Warner Bros.’ choice to hold off on big teases until future films. I believe they want to see how this film performs before promising any future storylines, avoiding giving fans false hope if plans shift. Bigger teases—heroes, villains, or threats—can come in later post-credit scenes.

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Recommendations & Final Thoughts

I highly recommend a second viewing. I’m also eager to purchase the Blu-ray to watch behind-the-scenes features, something I’ve always enjoyed. I love seeing how films are made: the decisions by different departments, the creative reasoning behind what we see on screen, and how those choices shaped the final product.

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Dates & Releases Referenced

• Peacemaker – August 21^st, 2025 (HBO Max)
• Supergirl – July 2026 (subject to change, as release date shifts happen frequently in the industry)

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Conclusion

In my opinion, this is a fantastic start to the James Gunn-led DCU. Opening the film with the wounded Superman calling for Krypto was a bold choice and set the tone immediately.

The layered storytelling established world of heroes and metahumans, Clark and Lois’s relationship, and the humanity of Superman—particularly his emotional reaction to the Bravia shop owner’s death—all worked beautifully.

James Gunn, along with Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster(the original creators of Superman, credited for their foundational work on the character), delivered a story with a beginning, middle, and end, setting a strong foundation for future DCU entries. I’m excited for the next time we see Superman and can’t wait for Supergirl in 2026.

Screenings: July 11th & July 23rd, 2025

Written and recorded by James B. Wreh, creator, host, and producer of The Silly, Nerdy & Wordy Podcast.

Enjoyed the review? Subscribe to The Silly, Nerdy & Wordy Podcast for more film, VFX, production insights, behind-the-scenes moments, Broadway breakdowns, and select TV content — from standout shows to industry deep dives, all served with a delightfully nerdy twist.

 Full episode #75 Now Streaming

  📺 YouTube  https://youtu.be/6kFMHOSw28A  

 🎧 Spotify  https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/YbxjtNRrBVb

Also available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and other major platforms.

🎥 Follow on TikTok for bonus clips

https://www.tiktok.com/@nerdypodcaster124