Review of Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman (2006) by Joe B — 29 Sep 2006

Kevin Burns' exhaustive two-hour exploration of the Superman mythos is as fascinating as any entertainment-based documentary I've ever seen, taking us on a comprehensive journey through the history of one of America's most iconic characters.

Executive produced by Bryan Singer and narrated by Kevin Spacey, the film plays out like a love letter to the DC Comics legend without shying away from some of his darker moments, with topics including the mysterious death of actor George Reeves in the '50s, the legendary battles between director Richard Donner and the Salkinds in the '70s, Christopher Reeve's tragic horse-riding accident, and the comic book character's death and rebirth in the '90s.

The only thing that prevents this documentary from getting an even higher rating is the final twenty minutes, in which the movie suddenly transforms into a fluffy promotional featurette that practically promises audiences that Superman Returns will be the greatest motion picture ever made.

(And god, if you thought Kate Bosworth was annoying in the finished film, just wait until you hear her blather on endlessly about her "brave creative choices" and the "dramatic nuances" of her performance as Lois Lane.

Ick.) Still, apart from the wretched climax, this documentary is first-rate "infotainment" all the way.