Superman Returns (HD DVD, 2006)

Bryan Singer (X-MEN 1 and 2), armed with a script by Dan Harris and Michael Dougherty, approaches the red cape with reverence for the lore of the character, and respect for Richard Donner’s SUPERMAN (1980) and Richard Lester’s 1980 sequel, films that ushered in the era of the modern superhero film. Singer’s SUPERMAN is filled with melancholy, and not so subtly suggests the notion of Superman as a Christ figure, sacrificing himself to save mankind. But there are still laughs, mostly courtesy of Spacey (clearly having a blast) and Parker Posey as his moll, Kitty Kowalski, as well as plenty of gasp-inducing set pieces, including a spectacular and terrifying almost-plane crash and a sinking boat. While modern visual effects have allowed Superman to go to entirely new realms, Singer keeps them from becoming the film’s raison d'être, thus keeping the Man of Steel’s gigantic heart intact--heavy though it may be.

When Superman Returns was first being advertised, I was skeptical about how good the movie would, particularly since I was already biased in the direction of Christopher Reeves as "The Man of Steel." However, I went anyway, saw it TWICE in the theatre. As a result, I had to buy the movie.

Superman disappeared from Earth five years ago when he learned that the location of Krypton, his homeworld, had been discovered. At the same time, Clark Kent, the mild-mannered reporter for The Daily Planet (Superman's alter-ego), went on a "sabbatical" to find himself. Five years later, after discovering that there was nothing left of his planet, Kal-El (Superman), returns to Earth to find it a totally different planet than the one he left. Crime is running rampant world-wide, natural disasters and war are everywhere, and Superman's arch enemy, the super-genius Lex Luthor, is out of prison and once again looking to rule the world.

There are several plot twists in this movie, and I will not leave any spoilers. The point is this: Brandon Routh made an EXCEPTIONAL Superman, but Kate Bosworth was only a so-so Lois Lane. Kevin Spacey, one of my all-time favorite actors, was outstanding as Lex Luthor.

See this movie. You'll believe.

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.

Superman Returns is a decent movie, however it pales in comparison to most other recent superhero films. Clark Kent returns as Superman in this romantic, action adventure movie, also featuring Lois Lane and Lex Luthor. The special effects are decent, the acting leaves something to be desired, and the story line is worse than an episode of Days of Our Lives. Many superhero movies these days are showing the mortal side of heros like in the X-Men series as well at the Spiderman movies. Superman Returns tries to do the same thing but instead of having noble flaws, Superman has irresponisble ones like getting Lois pregnant then abandoning her and the rest of the world for selfish reasons. This movie is well done except for the fact that they totally screw up the most important character...Superman. The iresponsible and inconsistent Superman portrayed in this movie certainly shouldn't be looked up to by children around the world as the Superman of old was.

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!