‘Superman’ – David Corenswet’s fragile superhero’s in an over-the-top reboot

When I tell you that Krypto, the CGI version of dog-actor Jolene, the foster-dog of Superman (breathtakingly handsome David Corenswet), is the best part of James Gunn’s insanely over-the-top reboot of “Superman” (DC Studios), in IMAX no less, I’m not just throwing you a bone. In a movie packed as tightly as Corenswet in his suit and cape, this version of Superman is unexpectedly fragile (physically and emotionally), and surprisingly open about his identities.
When we first see Superman, he’s been beaten to a pulp by the Hammer of Boravia, an indestructible killing machine created by Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult, who some may remember from Tom Ford’s “A Single Man”). Lying in the frozen Antarctica terrain, near his palatial, glacial fortress, he manages a weak, but distinctive whistle to summon Krypto, and the faithful and playful pup drags the wounded superhero to safety.

Repaired by his robot assistants, Superman listens to the surviving part of the holographic message left by his Kryptonian parents (voices provided by Bradley Cooper and Angela Sarafyan) while he recovers.

In his drag as mild-mannered Daily Planet reporter Clark Kent (Corenswet), he’s involved in a tempestuous romance with fellow reporter Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan, playing the part like Mrs. Maisel with a journalism degree). Unlike previous such relationships, Lane is fully aware of Kent’s alter-ego.

Of course, Superman’s problems are bigger than juggling multiple identities. His interference in the international conflict between Boravia and a neighboring country gets him in trouble with the US government. He’s also dealing with competing superheroes Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (queer actor Isabela Merced), and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), who provide much of the necessary humor in the movie. But nothing can compare to the devious and determined Luthor.

Luthor’s maniacal and envious personality, as well as his talent for distraction and quest for world domination, recalls Trump and Musk at their worst. Additionally, his disdain for Superman’s alien status is so reminiscent of Trump that you’d think he was a consultant on the script.

His seemingly endless array of destructive subordinates, including The Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría), who might be the most terrifying of all, as well as the imprisoned Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan) and the ultimate secret weapon Ultraman (who shares Superman’s DNA) make the Man of Steel’s life hell on earth. Nevertheless, he prevails, and good triumphs over evil.

Many LGBTQ folks will remember Corenswet from his portrayal of River, ex-lover of Payton (Ben Platt) in Ryan Murphy’s “The Politician.” As Clark Kent/Superman, he feels closest in spirit to the universally adored Christopher Reeve, and it’s easy for audiences to connect with him. But did we really need another Superman movie? As far as I’m concerned, DC stands for “Don’t Care.” Rating: C

‘Superman’ opens in cinemas July 11.
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