Superman Returns? Why?

[Phoenix]

Well, I saw Superman Returns tonight... went in with low expectations as I have been doing lately with ALL movies. And even with those low expectations, I still found myself feeling disappointed and bored. Its been awhile since I was watching a big summer blockbuster.

Anyway, I'll give my review... but I must warn you, this review will probably be filled with LOTS of spoilers, so beware. I'll provide some spoiler space. You have been warned.


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That should be enough...


Now, I'll start with the good stuff about this film.
1. The opening credits. Great homage to the original and gave me the slightest chill watching them.
2. Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor. He did quite well and seemingly mixed Gene Hackman's version with CLancy Brown's animated version.
3. Jimmy Olsen. The kid did an excellent job as Olsen and as the comic relief. He sure can stuff his mouth with that burrito.
4. The end credit respects to Christopher and Dana Reeve. Nothing more needs to be said.

The "ok" stuff.
1. James Marsden proved he can act when he tries. Shame this role had as much screen time and lines as all of his X-films combined and that this role made me feel he could actually have done Cyclops properly with the right motivation.
2. The special effects. I loathed the cape floating in space, but loved the action scenes, when they were actually there.
3. Parker Posey as Kitty. Not too bad, not so good. She somewhat complimented Spacey's Lex, but Lex needs Mercy, not these weak, idiotic females.

The bad.
1. The darn kid. Lord... I'd almost say give me Jake Lloyd... ugh... The whole idea of him actually made my stomach churned.
2. The script. Booooooooring. I haven't yawned so much before, not even at a LATE showing.
3. It tried so hard to be the original, that it stole ideas and scenes. We've seen Superman going about and rescuing ordinary people enough already! We know that Luthor's girl betrays him. We've seen Superman and Lois fly around at night. Superman getting his butt kicked while powerless... seen it! Singer could have accomplished sooooo much more.
4. Brandon Routh... poor guy tried so hard to be Christopher Reeve, that his portrayal of Superman/Clark Kent was too flat and unrealistic.
5. Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane. She seemed to timid to be the go-getter reporter that Lane is. I didn't want her to be like Margo Kidder, but still... she just wasn't Lois Lane.
6. The non-John Williams score. The opening credits had John Williams.... why couldn't the rest of the film????
7. I wanted to feel the chills that I feel every time I watch the original. I wanted to feel excited, maybe even nostalgic, but it didn't come close to the original two considering it was suppose to feel the same.

So, all in all, I was disappointed. Sadly, it still remains that my favorite movies of the year are Slither and The Hills Have Eyes.

[Jephael]

Despite your critique, I'm still excited to see the movie because I know how hard they tried to pay homage to the series.



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BTW, I think the point of Lois having the child was to imply that he was concieved in Superman 2 after Lois and Clark made love in the Fortress of Solitude. This is very similar to a plot device they used in Superman 3 when Lana Lang evidently had a son.

[Shredder]

I must admit, I was caught off  gaurd up untill the moment Lex said, 'Are you sure?'...as far as the kid goes. Then again, I stayed away from all spoilers and didn't even know there was a kid in it..

The new Lois.. I must admit, I'm not sure what to make of her either...She's not bad...but nothing rememerable..

As far as what this movie could have been...Keep in mind it was a MUCH worse script years ago, and thankfully it came out as good as it did.  Supermans Outfit giving him powers instead of the sun?  Th ankfully WB got rid of the guy who came up with that idea.  I beleive this movie was just a re-introduction to the franchise, wich is why it was so simple and basic.       Part 2 should hopefully be more interesting...

I think it would be kind of fun if Lois somehow got Supermans powers for a while and had to learn how to deal with them for the short term ...For instance, Lois and supes get married...Lois is complaining about Supers greater responsability and wishes he could spend more nights at home.  She gets his powers, tries to live a normal life with them, finds out it is impossible... Doomsday is introduced...She tries to stop him, falls flat on her face in her inexperience, gives Supes back his powers... and boom.. instant movie ..

[J.A.B.]

I think this movie was pretty bad.  Another anti-climax from Bryan Singer.  However I bought it and watch it every few months.  i guess I jsut like the visuals.  I think Brandon Routh should get another chance as superman in the revamp.

[Phoenix]

Agreed about Brandon Routh. His looks are next to perfect, particularly as Clark Kent.

[J.A.B.]

He was def a great casting decision.  I really liked the updates to the outfit as well.  I mean you can't really update superman too much but the dark red and texture were def a nice touch.