‘Superman’ Makes the Super More Human

James Gunn’s “Superman” is a vivid and warm reintroduction to a hero whose exposure on the global stage obscures his humanitarian intentions.

Written and directed by Gunn (“Guardians of the Galaxy,” “The Suicide Squad”), the film marks the first feature launched by Warner Bros.’ revamped DC Universe, of which Gunn is the co-executive. 

This hero’s journey kicks off not with Superman’s iconic rise to power, as seen in silver-screen adaptations since the character’s creation in 1938, but with his complex fall from grace. 

After losing his first fight, Superman — played affably by David Corenswet — has landed in hot water. A wave of social media hate crashes down on his beloved public image following his well-intentioned intervention in the Boravian invasion into Jorhanpur.

Questions of the Earth defender’s place in international politics flock in by the thousands online. Taking a thematic page out of Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War,” governments around the world begin to ask whether his altruistic motives can be trusted while his Kryptonian powers remain unregulated.

First to confront Superman with these questions is his girlfriend, Lois Lane, played by Rachel Brosnahan. Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “House of Cards”) imbues Lane with earnestness and confidence that make her a well-suited match for her supersuited partner.

While less gruesome and bone-snapping than the battle scenes that whip and whirl around the cape-clad hero, the intellectual volleys between Lane and Clark Kent — Superman’s lumbering, bespectacled civilian identity — are equally engaging. 

As the pair of tenacious Daily Planet reporters, Corenswet (“Twisters,” “Pearl”) and Brosnahan’s chemistry breathes intimacy into a film that rarely allows itself to slow or scale down. 

Conflicts so hyper-energized and frequent they border on exhausting constantly illuminate the screen with streaks of blue, red and the white of Superman’s overzealous canine, Krypto. While soaring and surprising action scenes are commendably executed, their relentlessness eclipses the emotional journey of the protagonist.

His Superman is strong and compassionate, but his Kent — charming, modest and hellbent on following his moral compass — will likely woo audiences more. 

Whether lifting fallen buildings in Metropolis or being teased by his coworkers, the Julliard-trained actor plays the metahuman with humility, presenting the alien’s humanity as his central strength. In turn, Corenswet proves himself the film’s greatest asset.

Opposing the protagonist’s morality, Lex Luthor — a carelessly cruel tech billionaire determined to ruin Superman — is as distinctly villainous as they come. As the CEO of LuthorCorp, Nicholas Hoult (“Nosferatu,” “The Menu”) is comically corrupt, popping his bald head into governmental affairs it doesn’t belong in. His slimy desire for reverence is the yin to Superman’s naturally lovable yang. 

Hoult’s capability to play a complex villain and the audience’s ability to understand subtext both go somewhat underappreciated with an overreliance on expository dialogue to clarify Luthor’s plans and motives. Commonplace in blockbuster action movies, this folly solidifies the film’s status as a genre movie.

Despite the creative constraints of making a movie about one of the most identifiable and iterated characters of all time, Gunn successfully infuses his signature playful humor when he can, developing a Superman with personality that goes beyond the pearly smile and blue tights. 

Introducing a troupe of loveable characters — Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific and Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olson are sure to be crowd favorites — “Superman” preps an eager fandom for a franchise teeming with potential to expand on its social commentary, quippy comedy, tender romance and buzzing electric guitar soundtracks.

With one or two cogs stuck in the status quo of the superhero movie narrative, “Superman” doesn’t reinvent the wheel — but it’s still a dazzling thrill ride. A refreshingly delightful spin on what could’ve been a predictable protagonist, it’s a promising dawn on the new age of DC.

“Superman,” rated PG-13, is in theaters now.