Review of Superman Returns (2006) by Christopher H — 17 Sep 2012

Certainly better than the atrocious third and fourth installments, but 'X-men' director Byran Singer's attempts at reinvigorating the dead franchise is a complete dud. The film uneasily treads the line between reboot and Singer's homage/sequel to the first two Richard Donner flicks when he should have just instead opted for a complete 'Batman Begins'-style reboot.

Too many plot beats are repeated from the first Superman film, while the weird characterization of Big Blue and a third act twist severely puts this film's continuity as a sequel in question. Not only that, but the bloated runtime and molasses-like delivery of exposition of facts about Superman (We know Supes has super-speed and strength Singer, everybody and their grandmother can tell you that) would drive away any potential new young audience members.

The visuals are pretty impressive, leading to many striking images such as Superman flying above the clouds and absorbing sunlight and Superman rescue of a crashing plane. Bradon Routh does a decent job at channeling Christopher Reeve but these moments are few and far between. Routh is forced by the script to play a more dreary and brooding Superman that is also un-appealingly reckless. The chemistry between him and Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane is virtually nonexistent and lacking in the fun spunk that made Kidder and Reeve such an delightful on-screen couple. Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor (sorry, Spacey playing Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor) brings some life to the film's slogging narrative but even he is not fantastic. Also Luthor's rehashed real-estate scheme is somehow even more ridiculous than in the first film.

Watching this film is the equivalent to hearing an average band covering a classic song, it may superficially hit the right notes but it doesn't nearly have the heart and any attempt at adding new flavor falls flat. Singer is trying to have his Super-cake and eat it too but it does not work. The film's question of whether the world needs a Superman is completely abandoned at the twenty minute mark and rendered mute when pretty much everyone applauds for his return. The script is also riddled with logical inconsistencies such as Supes suddenly having bullet-proof eyes and the inconsistent effects of kryponite.

Lacking in plot, banal story filled with plot holes, lethargically drawn-out climax, and confusion of whether it wants to be a sequel or reboot ends up being the downfall of 'Superman Returns'.