If anyone was worried that newcomer David Corenswet wouldn't be made of the stuff that it takes to fill Superman's shoes, fear not. He's more than capable of the task, bringing a boyish, naive charm while at the same time showing the strength and verve to fight off everything that's thrown at him.
And that's a lot -- one corrupt and wealthy country is invading a poor country when Superman steps in, hoping to save many innocent people from being killed. He's almost taken down, but Krypto, an undisciplined puppy with a cape, pulls him back to the Fortress of Solitude, where robots put him back into shape.
Who's behind the mayhem? Lex Luthor, of course, played by the versatile Nicholas Hoult, who portrays him with a cold and calculated, but human presence. This Superman film is more political than earlier ones, which may not please all longtime fans, but there's much to enjoy about it as well.
Superman not only saves people but is obviously an animal lover as he swoops up a squirrel from being crushed and is devastated when Krypto's kidnapped by Luthor and his tech-savvy gang.
Helping Superman at times are three more DC Universe heroes -- Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi) -- who bring not only aid but comic relief.
Lois Lane, played by Rachel Brosnahan (known for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), is feisty and combative with Clark, whom she already knows is Superman. Jimmy Olsen (Skyler Gisondo) is now a heartthrob who's pursued by models and beautiful Instagrammers, who provide him with intel. Perry White (Wendell Pierce from Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan) also makes an appearance, but none of them are introduced to the audience. Director James Gunn assumes everyone watching the film will already be familiar with Superman lore, so some of this may be confusing for a first-time Superman moviegoer.
Nonetheless, this is a captivating blockbuster that will satisfy and thrill many fans, as evidenced by the standing ovation it received during the advance screening I attended (with an avid but picky Superman fan who loved it).
Fans of Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy films will be happy to see some familiar faces -- Sean Gunn makes a cameo as Maxwell Lord, Michael Rooker and Pom Klementieff play two of Superman's robots, and Bradley Cooper is Superman's father, Jor-El.
Overall, this makes for an enjoyable two hours at the movies. FYI, don't leave at the end of the film -- there are two extra scenes put in there just for fun -- one just as the credits start and the second one at the very end.
4.5 out of 5 stars
If you have seen Superman and would like to rate/review it yourself, click here. ~Alexandra Heilbron