It’s safe to say that writer-director James Gunn (“Guardians of the Galaxy” series, “Slither”) makes good movies. He accomplishes the feat again by taking on the iconic Man of Steel hero in “Superman.” Gunn puts his own dynamic spin on the character’s persona and mythos.
What I like about this update of the classic hero story is the stand-alone element. In this new incarnation, we first encounter a wounded Superman falling to Earth, obviously the victim of a big battle combat.
Also woven into this tale is a new fortress of solitude, where Superman goes to recover with the help of some robot friends and Krypto the dog. Krypto wants to play constantly, despite Superman’s injuries.
Of course, Superman’s alias, Clark Kent, still works at the Daily Planet and develops a relationship with colleague Lois Lane, portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”).
When it comes to David Corenswet as the title character, he’s OK in the role. But, I’m sorry, there will never be another Christopher Reeve. Reeve, who died in 2004, was perfect in the role. He had the right dimensions to play the Man of Steel. Corenswet is just adequate, a passable Superman.
Nicholas Hoult takes on the iconic villain role of Lex Luthor. He stows his prisoners away underground, which reminds me of what happened in the 2011 horror-comedy “The Cabin in the Woods.” Hoult gives it his all, but he’s no two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman. The late actor’s actor, who died on Feb. 18, will always come up first when someone mentions Lex Luthor.
Gunn knows how to shoot for the big screen. The look of this “Superman” update is impressive. However, this is another movie that needs to be seen on a big screen in a movie theater, not at home.
The new “Superman” delivers in all the right departments and it’s pretty much what I expected. There just seems to be a spice missing in the cinematic pie mixture. Let’s just say that you can do a lot worse at the movie house these days.
Grade: A-
