Review of Superman Returns (2006) by Jacky C — 21 Apr 2013

Bryan Singer's attempt to bring Superman back into the public eye after an absence of more than two decades mirrors the plot found in the film itself. Superman's disappeared for several years and when he comes back, is he really still needed? The answer is yes and no.

Yes, Superman's return was stellar and nostalgic. But Brandon Routh's uninspired performance ultimately let the film down, along with its underwhelming finale. I hugely preferred Kevin Spacey over Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor.

Much more in line with the comic depiction, although still keeping the slight camp portrayal by Hackman in the originals. It's a good film, but still not the best Superman film. Man of Steel needs to take the technical aspects of Superman Returns and present them in a new light, without sacrificing good old character development and plot.