Interesting to read a cautiously positive view of the film. As this was such a big-budget extravaganza, and unarguably a planned blockbuster, there weren't many voices not complaining about its shallowness. And having Ron Howard helm a picture isn't always a good idea. 
But you and hengcs seem to think it's good entertainment and that it even raises some interesting questions - which is actually quite something for a mainstream studio product