Superman Returns (DVD, 2006, 2-Disc Set, Special Edition)

It's a movie. For every person that loved it, one will hate it. For every person who thought it was poorly done, another will praise it. For me, this was just what was needed at the time. A well done, fairly well acted superhero movie that was released to a nation during a time of trepidation.
The writing? Not spectacular. Good, and certainly enjoyable. Some of it was a little awkward, and certain scenes could probably use another take or two.
The cinematography and effects? Very good, strong but not too flashy, and not so high-tech as to make a generational gap between the first movies and this one.
The acting? Watching Brandon Routh was, occasionally, spooky. At times it seemed like he was channeling Christopher Reeves (God rest his soul). But Brandon didn't just mimic a great performance provided by Reeves, he also made it his own, giving the world a look at a Superman who has things on his mind other than the next bank robbery or natural disaster. I do respect Kate Bosworth and think she has done good work, but I did have trouble buying in to her as Lois Lane. In truth, I had trouble with their whole lost-romance part of the movie, but it was fairly well written, even if I didn't personally care for it. Everyone has said basically the same thing about Kevin Spacey, and far be it from me to disagree: Kevin Spacey was brilliant as Lex Luthor. Absolutely Brilliant. That's it, that's all you need to know about him.

Many have said that they are tired of seeing Lex as the primary opponent in each movie, and there is something to that. The history of Superman is diverse and very, very deep. There are dozens, probably hundreds of super-powered villians that could be used for another movie. And perhaps it is time for a new foe, someone who can really go toe-to-toe with Superman, such as the Kryptonians from Superman II? At least one more imaginative than "Nuclear Man". But at the tame time, Lex Luthor has stood the test of time for one reason: he is Superman's nemesis. Not his foe, not his protagonist, not his enemy. Lex Luthor is Superman's NEMESIS. There is Day and Night. White and Black. Good and Evil, and all manner of shades of grey between. And then there is Superman...and Lex Luthor. One should never discount the level to which a brilliant and fabulously wealthy man will go to get what he wants. What we haven't always seen is the level to which a Superman will go to stop that man. Should Bryan Singer choose to try to bring that aspect of the character to light, I would relish it.

Gene Hackman was great as Lex Luthor...when is Gene Hackman not great? Christopher Reeves will ALWAYS be Superman, at least for those who have seen him. But people, please. Those who tout that this is not a worthy follow-up to the originals, let me just say this: He escaped a maximum security prison in a FREAKING HOT AIR BALLOON. It's 2007. Time to move along folks, and Bryan Singer, with Brandon Routh as his Superman and Kevin Spacey as his Luthor, has taken an excellent first-step in making that happen. Kudos and well wishes to them all.

Directed by Bryan Singer, Director of X-Men and X-Men 2, Superman Returns tells the story of why Superman has been away from earth for five years and when he returns Lois Lane is married, has a kid, and is going to receive the Pulitzer Prize for a paper she has written entitled "Why the World doesn't need Superman."

An excellent combination of drama, action, and Kevin Spacey's acting (as Lex Luthor), makes Superman Returns a fun filled movie.

Christopher Reeves left some very large red boots to fill. I don't think that Brandon Routh even came close to filling them. Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane? Sorry, I'm not feelin' it. Kevin Spacey was brilliant as Lex Luthor. Beyond Spacey, I think that the move was not cast well at all. Bosworth simply didn't live up to the legend that is Margot Kidder's Lois Lane; she's a fine actress, but not right for the roll.

I very reluctantly watched this movie. I was actually very adamant about not seeing it, but finally caved in just to see if was any good. I just didn't think that ANYONE could live up to Christopher Reeves as Clark Kent/Superman and didn't want to see anyone ruin the picture of Superman in my mind.

That being said, you're probably wondering why I rated this movie 4 out of 5. Well, somewhat bad casting choices aside, the movie was, I begrudgingly admit, good. The story, though a little slow in the beginning, was solid thereafter.

Though I thought Spacey did a nice job a Lex Luthor, I would have liked to see a different Superman villian...maybe in the next Superman movie...

Overall, this movie was good. I just had to look past the strange face of Clark Kent.

If you are a die-hard Christopher Reeves is the only Superman, this movie may not be for you. You might want to pull out your VHS copy of the original movies and revisit the only big-screen Superman.

If you're too young to remember (or have ever seen) Christopher Reeves as Superman, you missed out on something, but this movie should tide you over until the next superhero movie comes out.

If you have no idea who I'm talking about but you like Superman, comic books, or superhero movies, give this one a shot.

I didn't think that I would like this movie at all. I was in no rush to see it. However my husband brought it home so I sat down and watched it with him. kevin Spacey makes such a great Lex Luther! You almost feel bad for him lol. He is such a great bad guy! I found it silly how no one recongized Clark but thats how the story goes though. Not the movies fault! I also found it predictable that Lois Lane son was going to be superman's son. I loved how they tied that in though with him saving his mom by throwing the Piano across the room! After that we didn't see any more super powers from little superman besides his ability to see his father in the water. I would have loved to have saw more. I also would have loved to see some more hot romantic action between lois and superman. Overall it was a good movie. It was entertaining, and I hope that another one comes out soon to continue the story of Superman, little superman, and Lois. Will they end up one big family? What about Lois fiancee? So many unanswered questions!

Superman Returns

This movie is spectacular! The cast is spectacular! The effects are mind-blowing!!!

I'll start off by saying I'm not a huge Superman fan. I didn't expect to be blown away by this movie, and I don't think I was, or was I? Still trying to figure it out.

Most of the cast is great. Spacey is wonderful, Brandon Routh IS Superman/Clark Kent (I really didn't think he could pull it off, but wow!!), Sam Huntington is superb as usual, and the rest of the cast is pretty darn impressive as well. The only cast member I wasn't sold on was Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane, no offense to Ms. Bosworth, but she just didn't sell it.

The movie itself is pretty incredible for the most part, your basic Superman stuff. My personal opinion is that it really dragged on in the pre-beginning, the middle beginning, the mid-middle, and the beginning end. Sorry, this movie's pretty long, so I had to break down the time into sub-categories.

The special effects are great, and the overall feel of the movie is incredible. Even though it drags on during certain sequences, there are several parts in this movie that will leave you awestruck.

This movie is already pretty impressive, and with a few changes it could've been one of the best movies I've ever seen. As you can tell I'm kinda confused as to what to think about Superman Returns.

1/3 of the way through the film I thought about shutting it off, I decided to stick it out and am glad I did. Some people might feel the same way I did, just stick it out, this film turns out to be quite spectacular in the long run.

Final Verdict:

5/5

Rent or Buy?: This review came from a non-superman fan, so I don't think I'll be buying Superman Returns, that being said, this is a movie that will blow you away the first time you see it, and you must see it at least once.

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