Rating: 4.0/5

In his DC debut for Warner Brothers, James Gunn forgoes the oft-told “Superman” origin story. Superman begins in defeat and an ensuing identity crisis to the backdrop of society reckoning with humanity and war, truth and justice, superhumans, and distrustful governments. The result is a movie that feels more expansive than singular, almost as if Superman (David Corenswet) was less important than the worldbuilding around him. Despite shouldering Gunn’s ambitions, Superman succeeds due to Corenswet’s performance, the chemistry of  Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane, its light-hearted nature, and show-stealing Mr. Terrific.

David Corenswet assumes the mantle in the most high-profile effort since Henry Cavill’s unparalleled portrayal in Man of Steel (2013). Where Cavill delivered a grittier, more dramatic hero, Corenswet delivers a humorous and charming character, clinging to optimism, the ideal of truth, and empathy. As Superman, Corenswet feels vulnerable, quirky, funny, and human – a nice change for a character oftentimes regarded as “boring.”

The appeal of Corenswet as Superman hinges in part on his chemistry with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. Brosnahan was the perfect choice to complete the legendary duo. Her efforts and scenes offer a look at the man who yearns to belong, feel love, and find understanding. Lois knows Superman, and fights to rescue him at his lowest, while revealing her own truths in the process.

Though at times Superman could trend dark, Gunn knew where to infuse humor, in a way that becomes reminiscent of his Marvel debut in 2014 with Guardians of the Galaxy. Whether it’s Superman’s tug-of-war with Krypto,  Jimmy Olsen’s (Skyler Gisondo) debacle with Eve Tessmacher (Sara Sampaio), or Ma and Pa Kent (Neva Howell, Pruitt Taylor Vince) on the phone, or the Justice Gang of Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Mr. Terrific (Edi Bathegi), much of Superman is a great time.

As Mr. Terrific, Edi Bathegi emerges as a show-stealer with a magnetic presence, witty dialogue, and a great action sequence involving Lois Lane. His aura is plainly – terrific – in a way that nearly usurps “The Man of Steel” in his own movie. Based on Superman, I suddenly want a Mr. Terrific standalone.

Yet, Superman is not without its flaws: the story is overstuffed (like I said, Superman is saving the world and shouldering Gunn’s ambitions for DC), some of the effects look cheap (namely the kaiju and elements of the pocket universe), and Nicholas Hoult doesn’t quite capture Lex Luthor. As Lex Luthor, Hoult is a reasonably forgettable iteration of Superman’s greatest rival, even if he skillfully delivers in moments – as if Hoult the actor shines, Lex Luthor the character does not.

Superman is rated PG-13 and runs for 2 hours and 9 minutes; with a mid-credit and post-credit scene.