Brandon Routh’s character is far from super in the horror-comedy “Ick.”
He plays a nebbishy science teacher standing between his hometown and a gooey menace with a singular name.
“Ick.”
Director Joseph Kahn’s film savors ’50s horror tropes while taking a long, hard look at today’s Gen Z mindset. The cultural Left takes it on the chin early and often. So does the Right.
In between, “Ick” provides a fun if exhausting romp led by the erstwhile Man of Steel. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a cult favorite.
In fact, bank on it.
Routh stars as Hank Wallace, a high school heartthrob whose glory days end after a brutal football injury. He loses his gridiron dreams and girlfriend (Mena Suvari) in brutal order. Some modest CGI de-aging fleshes out his sob story.
The movie zooms to the present, showing Hank as a depressed science teacher with a limp from his old injury.
All the while, a mysterious shrub-like growth invades the neighborhood. The curious weed, dubbed the Ick, becomes part of the small town landscape. It’s odd, but harmless, and locals give it little thought.
Until one day the Ick gets hungry.
Now, Hank and a handful of students – including one who might be his biological daughter (a spunky Malina Weissman) – scramble to save their town.
That’s Genre Storytelling 101, down to an homage to “The Blob” (1958). Director/co-writer Kahn brings a twitchy vibe to every part of “Ick.” Visually, it’s a stunner, with dazzling set pieces that outkick the film’s budget coverage.
Think director Edgar Wright’s style, but with more heart and narrative fidelity. The script is relentlessly hip and wise, boosted by a retro soundtrack of early 2000 tunes.
Yes, there will be Hoobastank.
The pulpy horror comedy, ICK, from acclaimed director Joseph Kahn is coming to theatres nationwide July 27, 28, & 29! pic.twitter.com/WfGQBzNuMX
— Fathom Entertainment (@FathomEnt) July 10, 2025
Routh has worked steadily since his 2006 “Superman Returns” closeup, but he never became an A-lister. He’s older and more vulnerable here, qualities the film embraces while alluding to his super audition. Routh instinctively “gets” the film’s fizzy tone, which makes even the few quiet scenes pop.
Very few, to be specific.
“Ick” is like listening to a podcast on 1.5x speed. The visual rat-a-tat is delirious, while the banter brings modern America to life. It ain’t always pretty.
The screenplay pokes fun at false flags, conspiracy mongers and more. Meanwhile, some teens speak as if Lena Dunham demanded they sound as woke as possible. Those characters don’t realize they’re the butt of the joke.
We do. How refreshing.
Kahn’s sense of cultural balance is impressive. Take the Alpha Male gym teacher who overdoses on Alex Jones-style messaging. That “South Park” blueprint – hit both sides – wins the day. Again.
Best of all? The locals aren’t exactly running scared from the Ick, even when it’s hungry. They’re more concerned that they might cancel Prom. Priorities, priorities.
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The beauty of “Ick” is how easily viewers can process the titular threat. The dangers of social media run wild? Check. Ignore Climate Change at your peril?
Check-check.
It’s breezy and open-ended, letting viewers make the final call.
“Ick” can be overwhelming and self-aware, but those feelings never last long. There’s also a perfectly executed quip or clever kill to win us over.
It’s smart, spooky and relentlessly fresh even if some plot beats make less sense than others. No matter. Kahn’s exuberant “Ick” demands repeat viewings.
Here’s betting it’ll generate just that.
HiT or Miss: “Ick” is exactly what the title promises, a gooey horror-comedy with humor, heart and a dizzying sense of real-world chaos.