Show Notes

In this episode, Fr. Brian and Fr. Matt discuss the two summer superhero movies of 2025, Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. In particular, they explore how these movies, from two of the biggest superhero franchises of all-time, try to bring new, deeper meaning to the genre.

0:25 – Fr. Matt and Fr. Brian greet each other and catch up on the time since the last episode. They share the news that Cinema Verbi was chosen Podcast of the Year by the Catholic Media Association.

2:16 – Before discussing the two movies that are the focus of this episode, Fr. Matt and Fr. Brian talk about some other movies they’ve seen recently, including Friendship (2024) and Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning (2025).

7:29 – Fr. Matt introduces the two movies that are the focus of this episode, Superman (2025) and The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025).

12:04 – In talking about the ways in which different superhero movies handle character backstories—whether to include it or assume the viewer already knows the backstory—Fr. Matt makes a comparison with the Gospels: Matthew and Luke provide the “backstory” leading up to Jesus’ birth, whereas in the Gospel of John, the backstory is simply: the Word became flesh.  

16:08 – Fr. Brian talks about how Superman (2025) attempts, more so than previous Superman films, to make the character more human and less one-dimensional. He and Fr. Matt talk about how other recent superhero films have done this, and whether it’s done well and in service of the character.

21:00 – Our hosts talk about some of the main themes of the film. Fr. Brian shares about parent-child relationships and Fr. Matt talks about the tension between fate and free-will.

28:40 – Fr. Matt and Fr. Brian give their star ratings for Superman (2025) and introduce the next film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025).

39:15 – After an extended discussion about the film’s plot, Fr. Matt introduces the dilemma at the core of the movie: Do the ends justify the means? Specifically, can one innocent life be offered to save humanity?

45:26 – Fr. Brian and Fr. Matt give their star ratings for The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025).

47:49 – Fr. Matt and Fr. Brian share their seeds of the word for each film and wrap up the episode.