When it comes to superheroes they don’t come more iconic than Superman and indeed the impressive line up of actors who have played him over the years have added to the character’s mystique and appeal. David Corenswet continues this tradition with a brilliant and nuanced performance as the Kryptonian in this year’s Superman. He is a worthy successor to Henry Cavil with solid good looks and a slightly quirky sense of humour.
Unfortunately, his charm and handsomeness is hamstrung in a film that is heavy on realistic and exciting special effects, but short on good dialogue and over reliant on tired superhero tropes.
In this incarnation the super dude has a super dog and is joined by a slew of other DC characters – Mister Terrific, Metamorpho, Green Lantern, and Hawkgirl. The problem with these additions is that they feel overdone and a little trite. Hawkgirl in particular feels weak and adds little to the film. Nicholas Hoult is a capable Lex Luthor, but perhaps a little too highly strung. Rachel Brosnahan does a fine job as Lois Lane and Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen and Wendell Pierce as Perry White are very good, but perhaps Pierce is a little under-utilised.
While the effects and sets are spectacular and some of the fight scenes remarkable, the costumes are very underwhelming, and the one for Superman especially so. When one compares the blue shear rubbery and sexy looking suit that Cavill wore in his time as Superman, this version looks as though it was made in a rookie sewing class. I hate to be mean, but it looks terrible.
Without giving too much away, this film delves into the mysteries of physics and very advanced technology which are a little too outlandish and the subplots and a lot of the attempts at humour and shall I say ‘quirkiness’ just feel overdone and annoying.
Superman movies work best when they concentrate on real soul searching and the strong character development. Sadly this one barely scratched the surface of that and put special effects as its priority over real heart and that is truly disappointing.
Starring: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Editor Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced
Directed by: James Gunn
Duration: 129 minutes
Open in New Zealand 10th July 2025
