Review of Superman Returns (2006) by Sidney S — 19 Nov 2013

After being absent from the big screen for 19 years and only able to be found in the comics or various different TV incarnations, the Man of Steel returns! Bryan Singer the director who breathed life into the X-Men franchise takes over to helm this Superman flick but rather than take the formula of a straight reboot, Superman Returns acts as a loose sequel Richard Donner's 1978 film and Superman II ((1981). As a sequel the film even retains the same iconic score, final sequence, and iconic opening title scenes, as well as the very heroic style tone.

Brandon Routh is given big shoes to fill as the man who takes over the big screen Superman after Christopher Reeve...and he succeeds! Routh does bring forth some new personality to Superman as he was gone for 5 years and has returned to an Earth that he no longer knows, and according to Lois Lane "doesn't need a savior." Routh's Superman has emotional complexity that the other Superman films didn't have but as a sequel he does his best to match all the mannerisms of Christopher Reeve's Superman, the confident shining symbol of hope and as Clark Kent being clumsy and awkward. Routh while yes did receive good reviews for his portrayal I don't think was given enough credit, he only had one film to develop his character and I think he did a great job, and is probably one of the better Superman actors (aside from Christopher Reeve, and Henry Cavill! but as Clark Kent no one can match Tom Welling or Dean Cain...). The villain, Lex Luthor, Luthor has always been known as Superman's greatest enemy a mere human with genius intellect but just a lust for power. Kevin Spacey takes over the role made famous by Gene Hackman and surpasses him! Hackman while a great actor, his Lex was too campy. Spacey's Lex did have some camp to it but he was much more scheming, evil and serious, plus was actually bald (Hackman's wig didn't count). Lex again in line with the previous films is a career criminal and has a desire for land, steals crystals from the Fortress of Solidtude and wants to create a Kryptonian landmass on Earth that will solely belong to him and kill millions.."No, Billions!" Spacey is charismatic and unremorseful as Lex Luthor. Even though Man of Steel is a reboot for the sequel I still would like to see Spacey reprise his role of Lex (or better yet Michael Rosenbaum!) Kate Bosworth was ok in her role of Lois but was still no Margot Kidder (or Erica Durance!).

This film had great CGI and effects from Superman's return in the airplane rescue, to any flight sequence, and specifically the creation of New Krypton Island and Superman's rage and ultimate save of Earth. I admire the recreation of Marlon Brando's Jor-El in the Fortress of Solitude scene, its simply great to see the late actor one last time on the big screen.

Superman Returns may not have pleased everyone, between those thinking the Reeve series was awesome but also dated and in need of a fresh take (reboot) or those who thought the film lacked action. I believe Superman Returns was just fine and that it had more emotional substance than any other Superman film. Plus the film even has a great twist regarding Superman and Lois however this plotline will never get any further. I think Superman Returns is spectacular, definitely on par with the first two Reeve films and worthy of being considered a late (very late) sequel, that was nearly 20 years in the making. But at the same time the film is a great close to the original series, and paves the way for the spectacular Man of Steel for a more modern and fresh take on the character.