It’s a bird! It's a plane! It's another “Superman” movie flying into theaters last Friday, bringing writer and director James Gunn’s first big-screen DC Universe project to audiences. Overall, fans of the superhero genre and the last son of Krypton stand to be pleased with the movie. Lighthearted and colorful, the Gunn production embodies the Golden Age of DC Comics, when Superman was originally introduced. The film serves as a solid introduction to Gunn’s DC Universe. Every scene with flying and fight choreography feels fluid and true to character, with close-ups of Superman’s emblem shown more than once and Hawkgirl’s scream emphasized. However, it isn’t perfect. The movie’s storyline is relatively straightforward, and all the plot twists are glaringly foreshadowed. Some parts linger longer than needed, while others pass by too quickly. As the fifth live-action iteration of the “Man of Steel” in the last 25 years, David Corenswet had big shoes to fill. And he passed with flying colors, embodying the hope Superman is known for while balancing the humanity of Clark Kent. Unlike previous adaptations, “Superman” shows ace reporter Kent already established in the world, donning the red and blue suit, with a partly formed Justice League working in tandem with him. Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific and Guy Gardner’s Green Lantern make up the LordTech-funded version of the league called the “Justice Gang.” The trio, not occupying the screen for long, manage to establish the world’s other heroes without overshadowing Superman. Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane and Corenswet’s Kent are already in a relationship at the start of the movie, not going through the overdone love triangle with Kent, Superman and Lane. The relationship emphasizes that not every relationship is perfect and that everyone is a work in progress. This Kent is more realistic than previous iterations: He isn’t perfect, and he’s sure to remind everyone of that. Gunn said in an interview with Deadline that Kent is a well-adjusted person due to his stable upbringing in a loving household, a rarity in superhero media. He is written to be a corny Kansas farm boy, always wanting to save lives rather than worry about the consequences of his actions. Several instances in the film show Corenswet portraying both Kent and Superman as a person trying to do his best, despite his outbursts while trying to defend himself. Nature versus nurture is explored throughout the film as Kent faces a dilemma between his biological parents’ choice and his own. Lane’s subplot at the Daily Planet plays a significant part in the movie. She's always an investigative journalist first and Kent’s love interest second. She doesn’t hesitate to call out the ethical implications of Kent interviewing his counterpart. This plot point turns full circle, playing a pivotal role in taking down the big bad of the movie. Music also plays an important part in the movie, setting the tone for each scene. The music ebbs and flows, building up to nail-biting moments. “5 Years Time,” Noah And The Whale’s upbeat, stuck-in-your-head tune, plays when Edi Gathegi’s Mister Terrific shows audiences exactly why the smartest member of the gang is called Mister Terrific. Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, Skyler Gisondo’s Jimmy Olsen, and Krypto, Superman’s foster dog, steal every scene they’re in. Hoult’s take on the supervillain makes the audience sympathize with him one moment and despise him the next. Luthor is aware of the consequences of his actions, but in his own sick and twisted way, believes he is the hero of the story, sent to save humanity from the alien Kent. As Olsen, Gisondo takes a character who is usually Kent's sidekick and gives him more importance, gathering laughs along the way as his character helps expose Luthor's malicious plan. Dubbed “the worst dog in the world, with superpowers” by Gunn, Krypto is a menace throughout the film, bringing more chaos into Kent’s life and making him seem more relatable. This movie isn’t the dark and emo Superman that fans of Henry Cavill’s Superman remember. Corenswet’s interpretation of the beloved character is the embodiment of hope and compassion. He may not be the Superman of the past, but he’s the Superman we need. @marupudisairam opinion-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu

From live sports and a murder mystery to swing dancing and artmaking, residents have plenty to do in the Dallas-Fort Worth area this week. Entertainment Step back five decades during “Panic at the Disco!: A 70s Murder Mystery” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at George W. Hawkes Downtown Library. The night will feature a disco dance contest, celebrity drama and major twists. Registration is free, but required to attend. Join Downtown Arlington’s Summer Dance Series from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at George W. Hawkes Downtown Library. The series brings beginner-friendly swing and salsa classes — no partner or experience needed. Registration is free and available through the library’s website. Find antiques and vintage goods at the Rhythm & Relics Flea Market at Binions Ice House on Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. The event will feature vendors selling an assortment of goods, a DJ and food and drinks available in the restaurant. The event is free to attend. Sports All Elite Wrestling comes to Globe Life Field on Saturday for the first-ever professional wrestling event at the venue. “AEW All In: Texas” marks a major moment for professional wrestling fans in Arlington. Tickets can be bought online. The Ultimate OCR 3K Championship takes place Friday at Dallas Market Hall. This course spans a full 3K with over 25 obstacles in between. The event runs in timed waves for different age demographics from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. start times. Top male and female finishers will compete for a $4,000 prize. All finishing participants will receive a medal and shirt. Music Enjoy classic country tunes and family-friendly fun at Johnnie High’s Country Music Reunion at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Arlington Music Hall. The show celebrates Texas country tradition with a mix of heartfelt songs, lively performances and a welcoming atmosphere. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. @samip.parajuli.54 news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu