By DC Studios standards, James Gunn’s new “Superman” movie is passable, thanks in large part to a confident David Corenswet (maybe casting him in the title role because of his D.C. initials was intentional) and his scenes with “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” Emmy winner Rachel Brosnahan, who plays Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane. Gunn was also smart in having this not be a full-blown origin story, picking up the action three years into the public’s knowledge of Superman, and well into Lane’s romantic relationship with Clark Kent.
But what we’re presented with is still a very surface-level ‘good vs. evil’ story. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is, without question, the weakest character. Superman must prove his worth and true hero status to the citizens of Metropolis who now believe (through Luther’s doing) that he’s a bad guy. We just went through a similar saga with Marvel’s “Captain America: Brave New World”, which was a much stronger political thriller.
Gunn’s direction is close-up heavy, and there are a bunch of silly / goofy moments involving the action and dialogue from a host of supporting characters, including Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner (who will be part of an upcoming HBO Max “Lanterns” series). Brosnahan, Isabela Merced (Hawkgirl) and Frank Grillo (as Rick Flag, Sr.) will hopefully be given more to do in an inevitable sequel.
The emotions are a little on the ‘sugary sweet’ side. The cameos feel a little forced. But unlike many non-Christopher Nolan DC efforts over the years (including Gunn’s 2021 “The Suicide Squad”), “Superman” isn’t unwatchable. It’s just pretty lightweight.
LCJ GRADE: C
Running Time: 129 min.