David Corenswet's slightly puppyish Superman radiates a joy in what he's doing, but he’s far from invincible. That lends the film emotional stakes.

David Corenswet gives a star-making performance in James Gunn's breathless epic about what makes Superman super in the 21st century.

James Gunn, writer and director of the off-kilter "Guardians of the Galaxy" films, tussled with various ideas on how to deliver a new take on Superman to the big screen. Gunn said he was aware of the many ways the noble hero had been approached since his 1938 debut,

Superman's foil comes in Hoult's Lex Luthor, a man proudly consumed by envy, who, as Lois deduces, wants to be king (who said comic book allegory needed to be subtle?). Hoult joins Brosnahan and Corenswet in ceding character beats and development to a chaotic, teeming plot.

"Superman" stars David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan were among the cast members to attend the Los Angeles premiere of the film, which arrives in theaters Friday.