It is one of the catchphrases most associated with Superman; though, for most of his nearly 90-year history, there has been a lingering unease with that last part—just what, exactly, is “the American way”?
The phrase — which was an invention of the radio serials of the 1940s and fully entered the zeitgeist as part of the George Reeves-starring television series of the 1950s—evolved over the years, with different adaptations swapping out “the American Way” for “freedom,” “peace for all mankind,” and “stuff.” In 2021, DC Comics officially changed the motto to “Truth, justice, and a better tomorrow,” aligning it with their global storytelling lens.
These changes hint at a widening gulf between Superman and the American identity. As the American mood has steadily darkened, Superman—invented by sons of Jewish immigrants who wrote him as a superpowered activist taking on corrupt businessmen and other Depression-era criminals—has held onto his hopeful outlook.
Director James Gunn taps into that inherent optimism in “Superman,” the latest cinematic adaptation of the character, opening at The Triplex this Friday. By earnestly embracing the weirdness of the comics (this movie has robots, spaceships, and superpowered dogs), Gunn brings a brightness back to the character that reminds you why he exists in the first place.
It is a Superman fueled by kindness and compassion that shows us what “the American way” once was—and could be again.
Now Playing
“Materialists”
A swoon-worthy rom-com from the director of “Materialists.”
Celine Strong’s “Materialists,” a swoon-worthy deconstruction of the traditional rom-com starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, comes to The Triplex this week! When matchmaker Lucy (Johnson) declares that she will only marry a rich man, her resolve is put to the test when she meets financier Harry (Pascal) on the same night she reconnects with her decidedly imperfect ex-boyfriend John (Evans).
“Jurassic World Rebirth”
A terrifying new take on the world of dinosaurs.
Gear up for director Gareth Edwards’ (“Rogue One,” “Godzilla”) new take on the iconic franchise that sees a group of scientists and mercenaries (including Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey of “Wicked”) venture into the dinosaur hot zone to extract the genetic material needed to make a life-altering drug.
Coming Soon
“Eddington”
In May 2020, a standoff between the sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix) and mayor (Pedro Pascal) of a small New Mexico town threatens to ignite tensions between neighbors during the early days of the pandemic in “Eddington,” the latest from “Midsommar” and “Beau Is Afraid” director Ari Aster. A darkly comedic neo-noir western with a cast that also includes Emma Stone and Austin Butler, “Eddington” is sure to be one of the most talked-about movies of the summer.
Starts July 18.
“The Fantastic Four: First Steps”
Director Matt Shakman (“Wandavision”) brings a retro-futuristic spin to the first family of comics with “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”! When Earth becomes targeted by ravenous space god Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), it is up to Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) to do what they do best: save the world.
Starts July 25.
“Up, Up and Away: The Rise of the Silver Age of Comics”
In the midst of this superhero summer, we are taking a look at the cultural and political influences that shaped the creation and evolution of characters like “The Fantastic Four” and “Superman” in “Up, Up, And Away: The Rise Of The Silver Age Of Comics.”
Join Brendan Mathews, author of the novel “The World Of Tomorrow,” joins us for a discussion about the history of comics as they transitioned from the post-war “Golden Age” into the “Silver Age” of the 1950s and ’60s that saw superhero stories becoming more nuanced and political.
July 27, after the 4:15 p.m. screening of “Superman.”
Triplex Movie Trivia!
Pop quiz, hotshot: Join Triplex Creative Director Ben Elliott for a night of movie trivia on July 30! Put together a team, grab some drinks from our concession stand, and join us for four rounds of trivia in The Triplex lobby starting at 8:30 p.m. Seating is limited, so get there early!
July 30.
