Superman Returns

Starring: Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, James Marsden, Parker Posey, Frank Langella, Eva Marie Saint, Kal Penn
Directed by: Bryan Singer
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Adventure
2006

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: Superman (Brandon Routh) leaves Earth to search for the remains of Krypton. Five years later, he returns to find everything has changed- Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth) is married and has a child, and Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey) is free and has a new sinister plan.

Review:

Tim: This is not a bad return for the Man of Steel, but this is a franchise with a lot of baggage, and despite its best effort, the film leaves us wanting something more. I suppose this isn’t bad for restarting the franchise. The story is safe and what you’d expect from a Superman movie.

Brandon Routh was probably the right choice to play the titular superhero. There was rampant speculation as to who would don the red cape. Going with an unknown was a smart move, because it allowed someone fresh and new to step into the role left vacant by Christopher Reeves. Routh looks and moves a great deal like Reeves, and generally does a good job. Kate Bosworth tries hard as Lois Lane, but you can’t help but feel she was a bit miscast (after all, she’s 23, and the movie takes place 5 years after Superman left). She wasn’t particularly strong. Kevin Spacey is more than capable of taking over the Lex Luthor role, and has a great deal of fun in the role.

I was somewhat disappointed in the plot (which involves Luthor trying to create a new continent). It just seemed a bit silly and safe. I have to believe there were better stories out there in the Superman universe from which to choose. I wasn’t particularly impressed with Lois now being married and having a young son (who might be the absolute worst part of the entire movie).

The film’s strength rests in the superb action sequences. The standout has to be when Superman rescues a spaceship and plane thousands of feet in the air. This represents the best reason for continuing the Superman franchise. There are a few other decent moments, but also some silly ones (like Supes getting shot in the eye). All in all, despite being flawed, this movie is a good way to reintroduce the Man of Steel, and I hope additional movies are made.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend:
Superman, Superman II, Superman III, Superman IV: The Quest for Peace