Superman Returns (2006)

The other Superman films are a lot of things, but they are not boring. Superman Returns is a flat out bore that has no intention of delivering anything new. Brandon Routh's performance is nothing more than an impression of Christopher Reeve's take on the character, no new significant characters are introduced, Lex Luthor once again provides a lame real-estate villain plot, and even the John Williams theme is reused. The entire film is absolutely baffling as the story it tells comes off as a follow up to a film we never saw. Dropping the audience into a story with barely any context or connection to the characters will always cause a severe lack of investment. This also isn't one of those superhero movies where you can just sit back and be entertained by the action. Not only is there barely any action in the film, but what action is there isn't exactly the most exciting or memorable despite an admittedly cool plane rescue sequence. Bryan Singer directed the first 2 X-Men films, both of which were fairly serious and void of much visual creativity. However, the X-Men involves characters that are much more grounded, and do not possess many powers that require zany visuals to pull off. When you apply this bleak style to a larger than life boy scout in colourful spandex, it simply won't work as well. The tone of the film just feels confused. As boring and sullen as this Superman is, this film goes out of its way to constantly reuse cheesy lines and music from the Christopher Reeve era and it just doesn't fit with the rest of the movie. Everything wrong with this film can be summed up with its final scene. While reusing the John Williams theme, the film closes with a near shot-for-shot remake of Christopher Reeves classic outro to the Superman films in which he would gracefully fly above a colourful backdrop of planet earth as he cracks a smile and winks to the audience to close out his latest adventure. Now imagine that sequence without any of the vibrant colours, and instead of the classic smile and wink you are treated to a near expressionless Superman flying by the camera. This movie failed to grasp that you need more than just decent visual effects to make people believe a man can fly.

(Flash Review)First time seeing superman not as Christopher Reeve and the new actor was believable. Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor was fitting… although Gene Hackman still reigns supreme. In the movie, Superman had left Earth for a while in search of planet Krypton again or something? That was a bit foggy and I've already forgot. Anyway, he returns to a world that has moved on without him as well as the woman of his heart, Lois. Who now is engaged and has a little boy. Luthor's evil plan this time is to create land of continental proportions, which would cause the oceans to rise and submerge ¾ of the United States making his land values very expensive. How will Superman save the day? Hollywood must have thrown money at this as there are several exciting action scenes, top notch cinematography and a decent script for this genre. If IMDb hadn't removed its Forums section, I may be able to resolve a question I had: Was Superman not fazed by Kryptonite at some key point in the movie? Overall, fun action, dynamic shot framing with really good CGI for 2006 that felt authentic…better than some movies today.

I think I just had a religious experience. Why did no one tell me this was a near-masterpiece?I think the difference this time was viewing it right after Superman: The Movie and Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut. Doing so really heightened how much this complements those, acting as a trilogy capper of sorts. It perfectly encapsulates not only the on- screen film, but the behind the scenes as well. By that I mean, you can feel the passion and the honesty that was put into this production, in the same manner as watching Donner's original masterpiece. Routh is an inspiration, finding the exact balance between playing Christopher Reeve playing the character, and adding in his own mannerisms and ideas as well. Truly, he was robbed of a franchise he worthily inherited. Bosworth is less revelatory but entirely competent as Lois. Marsden does fine in his role, but it's nothing special at all, merely added in for conflict. Spacey steals the show, having what can only be the time of his life as Luthor.The most divisive element of this film is obviously Lois's son, Jason, a possible heir to the Man of Steel. Seemingly randomly thrown in, this plot line stems from a single scene in II, in which we see Lois & Clark unclothed and lying together in the Fortress. This is an exciting addition to the Superman cinematic mythology, and it is mined for all its worth in an introductory capacity.The action is few and far between, but when it comes its in full force. The plane rescue is the easy standout, an exhilarating sequence that is beautifully realized and will leave you breathless. It is, I say confidently, one of the best scenes of superhero action ever committed to film. The climactic fight on the crystal continent is a visceral and heart-stopping setpiece as well.My favorite piece of this puzzle is the timelessness; from the architecture and the clothing to the cars and vocabulary. They never even reveal any event that could date the movie. This allows the film to act both as a sequel to Donner's films when it needs to, but also as a standalone adventure that can take place at any point in Superman's history.I highly suggest watching this in quick succession with the first two films, as it will reveal all the subtle throwbacks and references. Not just perfectly placed lines of dialogue or visual cues, but how this film interacts with and builds upon the other films. It can only be fully appreciated by watching this "trilogy" as just that. I've never enjoyed this film more, and I credit that to my refreshing of Donner's movies. Not only those Easter eggs, but keep an eye out for clever callbacks to Superman's early comic book career.Like Superman himself, the film's greatest strength is also its weakness. It's perhaps too thoughtful at times, too interested in living in every moment to move the plot. In my opinion, though, it's refreshing to see a major franchise film slow down long enough to enjoy a dance or two. It is entirely slavish to what came before. This prevents it from exploring in full force a greater change to the character and cementing a definitive home in the Superman pantheon. While the absence of an origin story is welcoming, it would have been nice to see Singer attempt to reinvent the wheel, perhaps using the Donner films as only a launchpad. Taken as what it is, however, this can only be described as the film Donner would have made in 2006.It's a true crime that Singer will never get to build upon this work. X2: X-Men United was such a leap from its predecessor, I can't imagine what his once-titled Man of Steel would have looked like. Rumour has it we would finally see Brainiac and Doomsday. The biggest loss comes at the expense of the son, whose further exploration we'll never see. Now that's a shame.Simply put, this is a worthy successor to the Donner era, a thinking, romantic, whimsical beast that may have just been to reverent for its own good. Still, there were so many moments of "Wow, THAT'S Superman right there!" Routh nailed the poses with a presence that can't be taught. He flew like he's been doing it all his life. With an exemplary supporting cast, knockout set pieces, and an exciting addition to the mythos, this one earns my highest recommendation, but is destined for under appreciation. Oh well, more for me.

The acting was some of the best I have ever seen in my live and I have seen tons of movies.Keven Spacey gave a brilliant performance as Lex Luther.He was so good you like him even if he is the bad guy. The movie has a fantastic message and there is lots of heart t.It makes me smile every time I see it!!! It was a brilliant concept that Superman has a son.Thank GOD Bryan Singer made use of the classic Superman them song.It is what ads to the perfect Superman movie . I love it!!!!I do not see my review on the page jet.PLEAS SHOW IT TO THE WORLD.I HAVE SEEN LIKE 10 OOO OR MORE MOVIES AND THES WAS SPECTACULAR!The only person how would not like it.Is people how wants insyn amounts of violence in a movie.I am not one of them.I HAVE SEEN SUPERMAN RETURNS 7 TIMES AND EVERY TIME I LOVE IT!!