A standing ovation

Dr Fahim Chand | Tuesday August 5, 2025 09:25

Yes, Canada: where winter isn’t a season, it’s a full-time occupation, and where temperatures drop so low that birds, clearly wiser than many of us, migrate to sun-soaked lands where t-shirts, shorts, and iced drinks make far more sense. You might think I need a psychiatrist to explain why I’d profess fondness for a season that freezes your breath mid-sentence.

And truthfully, I didn’t much enjoy Canada’s six-month snow saga. What I loved were the vivid moments in between: the echoing crack of a bat at a Blue Jays game, a car crammed with friends, music pouring from the speakers as we carved memories into summer’s golden space. Those moments still live warmly in my hippocampus, alongside the scent of popcorn and distant cheers. But I digress. The winter I cherish now is the one gifted by Botswana. Mornings are crisp but kind. The air is clean, the chill gentle, and a hoodie feels just right. One feels quietly, but undeniably alive. And today, buoyed by that serene brightness, we had plans. A new Superman film awaited, and for movie buffs like Shabana, Ayaan, Azeem, and me, this was no casual outing. A new face beneath the cape, a new myth to embrace.

The popcorn would crunch, the screen would glow, and in that shared darkened space, winter would warm us in its own quiet but brilliant way. Thanks to our deep love for movies, New Capitol Cinema at Acacia Mall in Phakalane became our unofficial second home, a haven of storytelling where we happily took up residence. And truth be told, we were gloriously spoiled. This wasn’t just a place to watch films, it was a full-sensory upgrade. Let’s start with the popcorn, which is easily the best I’ve ever had in any theater, anywhere. Each bite struck the perfect balance: a crisp, golden shell yielding to a warm, buttery softness that made even the offerings in Sandton, London, and Dubai taste like afterthoughts. But the real scene-stealer? The fully reclining seats. Sink into one, and suddenly you’re not just a viewer, you are royalty, horizontal, relaxed, and ready to be transported. After this, watching a movie upright feels... uncivilised.

This is now the only way I want to experience cinema: slightly reclined, entirely content, and surrounded by the magic of the screen. It was time to be transported once more into the mythic universe where our caped hero, Superman, inevitably shoulders the small task of saving the world. How did I know that? Because saving the world is, as we all know, pretty much clause one in Superman’s job description. But this wasn’t just any Superman film. This was a new chapter, directed by James Gunn, one of Hollywood’s creative elites, and fronted by a fresh face: David Corenswet. We were curious, intrigued. A little skeptical, even. Replacing Henry Cavill is no small feat. It’s not just about the red cape and superhuman abs; it’s about filling the boots of a man who seems genetically engineered to trigger swooning. If you’ve somehow managed to avoid knowing who Cavill is, just ask the nearest woman. But brace yourself. Watch as her eyes light up, a wistful smile blooms, and though immeasurable, I suspect her heart briefly stutters before taking off at top speed. Cavill, with that towering frame, sculpted jaw, and just the right amount of dimpled charm, has perfected the art of stealing hearts with a single smile.

Even we, the mere mortals, can acknowledge the magnetic pull. Still, it begs the age-old question: what is it, exactly, that women find most attractive in a man? Charm? Confidence? Jawline geometry? One of life’s greatest mysteries and one for which many men would gladly trade a superpower or two just to understand. In the largest global study of female attraction, spanning 68,000 participants across 180 countries, researchers found that kindness tops the list of desirable traits. An overwhelming 88.9% of women said it matters more than anything else. Surprised? Then get this: nearly 45% said they prefer “dad bods” over chiseled physiques.

Only 2.5 percent favored the ultra-muscular look. So, it turns out, charm and compassion beat six-packs by a landslide. Conditioned by Hollywood’s glitter and social media’s filters, you’d think the six-pack would reign supreme; abs over authenticity, biceps over basic decency. A real David vs. Goliath showdown.

But credit where it’s due: the ladies flipped the script. No superficial verdicts here, just a standing ovation for kindness and a quiet nod to the dad bod. As for the movie, it delivered exactly what the cape promised with heroics, spectacle, and a fresh face that held its own. Corenswet impressed, and I’m curious to see where he soars next. But here’s what I took away: maybe it’s time I swapped crunches for crusts. Turns out, charm with a side of pizza might be the real superpower.