Review of Superman Returns (2006) by Randall K — 22 Mar 2015

If one were to list the greatest superhero movies of all time, the list would probably include The Avengers, Spider-Man 2, Batman, The Dark Knight, and Unbreakable; and undoubtedly Superman: The Movie would be on that list.

As the filmmakers of Superman Returns have stated, their film is purposely a "vague sequel" to the first two Superman movies starring Christopher Reeve (Superman: The Movie and Superman II). Superman Returns is a film that stands on its own and brings us something new, but nods to the original films are sprinkled throughout, which I loved. There are also key plot points that are tied to the first two movies. However, Superman Returns is designed so that someone unfamiliar with the original films can still enjoy the movie. Still, enjoyment will be greatly enhanced for those familiar with those classic films. During the premier I attended, there were *so* many audience claps and laughter when they recognized these moments that it made me smile every time. Superman Returns does very well at attempting to preserve the elements from the original films that made us love them, and it eliminates the moments that make us roll our eyes or shift in our chairs when we re-watch those movies 20 years later.

It's been stated over and over in other reviews, so I won't go in-depth, but one of the things this film brings us is emotional conflict for the title character. How does a filmmaker create conflict for a man that is invincible to everything but Kryptonite? Emotional conflict! Guess what? Superman comes back after a five year absence to find the world has moved on without him. Lois has won the Pulitzer for writing an article titled "Why the World Doesn't Need Superman". She has a son and a fiancée. How does a man who can leap over mountains get over this obstacle? Really he's too busy saving the world to have much time to worry about it, but it does create good conflict.

Every actor did a tremendous job playing their parts. Sam Huntington is brilliant as Jimmy Olsen. Kate Bosworth is stunning. (While Margot Kidder played an acceptable Lois Lane, Bosworth makes the part her own.) Kevin Spacey is just awesome as the Lex we've always wanted to see; he is definitely evil.

Brandon Routh *is* Clark Kent/Superman! Some have said he seems to be "channelling" Christopher Reeve. Routh has said in interviews that he never was purposely copying any previous incarnation of Superman. I feel that is truly what he's done here. He's not playing the part the way Reeve did; he's simply playing the part! It reminds us of Reeve because of the physical resemblance, but mainly because they both did so well at portraying these characters.

What can I say about the action....*wow*! Robin from The Howard Stern Show said it this way: "You know how you want Superman to fly? *That's* how he flies now!" One sequence in particular was spectacular. I have never, ever had my breath literally taken away by a movie....until now. After that action sequence, I was sitting there thinking "What did I just see?!!" The audience at the premier screening I attended felt the same way. Not only was there applause, but I could literally *feel* everyone's breath being taken away.

Now that I've set your expectations too high, see Superman Returns anyway. He is definitely back.