In general, this is fair game. Absolutely. But by that same reckoning, a hypothetical fan of Cavill’s thespian skills is then entitled to rebut the criticism. At which point, an extended — and off topic — debate might ensue, which is better conducted in a more appropriate thread.
I can honestly say that I’ve appreciated all the various interpretations of Superman by the various actors who’ve played him. To wit: Reeves, Reeve, Cain, Welling, Routh, Cavill and Hoechlin. Sometimes, admittedly, it’s more about a particular scene. I.e., there’s often a “moment” when an actor seems to capture something quintessential about the character — even if his more general portrayal is not to my preference.
With regard to the scene in question — Clark confronting a petulant and insubordinate Jordan — I thought Hoechlin was excellent. (It was one of those “moments.”) However, it was also a somewhat unique circumstance, which has no obvious analogue to any other movie or TV series. Thus, it’s a bit hard to make a broad comparison. Could (for example) Dean Cain as Clark have been just as good, given the same material? Well, maybe. Or maybe not. In any event, Hoechlin’s performance stands on its own; it isn’t, IMO, further elevated only to the degree that that some other performance is lowered.
