When I first sat down to watch the newest incarnation of this well known icon I had my doubts. To be frankly honest with you I was down right gun shy. You see as I was growing up I was wowed by the late, great Christopher Reeves portrayal of the last son of krypton. My own sense of propriety and nostalgia had me scoffing at the idea of newcomer Brandon Routh donning the cape of earths savior.
I chuckled sarcastically at the idea of Kevin Spacey taking up Gene Hackmans infamously humorous Lex Luthor and I had my doubts that Bryan Singer could pull this all off.
I was wrong. I can honestly can say that I have never been more wrong about a film in my life.
Bryan Singer, the man who brought us The Usual Suspects and the amazingly fun X1 and X2 revitalizes Superman with pure directorial magic. Along with the brilliant use of CG, as well as tradition FX, Singer uses innovative camera techniques and an attention to detail that most directors today only wish they possessed. Everything from our first glimpse of the lost planet krypton, to the rippeling metal of a jumbo jet on terminal descent, to the birth of a whole new continent was captured in such a way that it once again captured our hearts.
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He spins a story so purely fantastic that as I watched it I felt that same magic I did when I first saw Reeves take to the air as child.
Another brilliant strategy of the director was to use a unknown but hightly talented actor for the role of the man of steel. Brandon Routh, who before being cast as Superman was a virtual uknown, brought a familiar feel to character while clearly distinguishing himself from others who have done the role. He managed to set himself apart from his predecessors while retaining that familiar vulnearbility mixed with confidence that in the earmark of the character.
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This movie is a brilliant mix of the old and the new. It is a fusion of the things that cemented Superman in the hearts and minds of the world and a fresh idea of who Superman is. Even the risk of casting Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor seemed to pan out for the best. In this writers opinion using a hollywood star mored renowned for his name than his acting ability was a big risk. After seeing Ben Affleck ruin Dare Devil I was hesitant to see another big hollywood name lay waste to what could otherwise be a good, engrossing adventure.
However when I sat down to watch the movie I was amazed not to see Kevin Spacey on the screen as Lex Luthor but Lex himself. Spacey Astounded me with a cold hearted, stylish villainy that I didn’t think he was capable of. Once again the momentous task of trying to overcome the role popularized by Gene Hackman was a success and then some. With the addition of Kal Penn and the always charming Parker Posey as supporting villains, I found the new Lex Luthor and Co. to be a refreshing change of pace from the original bad guys.
On a different note I wouldn’t feel right about this review if I didn’t include some negative opinions about the subject matter. I found two faults with this film that are worth mentioning. The first problem I found with this film was the subplot of the relationship between Superman and Lois Lane.
I found while I was watching this film that throwing in modern day relationship concept to be a bit T.V melodrama for my tastes.
I felt that Superman coming back to earth to find out that his lady love is in " a long engagement " and has a son to be a bit silly. I understand the concept of using relatable situations to connect with the audience but ultimately I feel that doing this was more distracting from the overall fantasy than anything else.
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I don’t go to the theater to be reminded that the modern idea of the relationship is disposable, especially when it involves a character like Superman. I mean he’s freakin Superman and should be more concerned with saving humanity than with trying to prove to his love interest that he is dependable. I felt that there should have been some cause for understanding from Lois’ point of view, seeing as though he is not an ordinary but freakin Superman.
I understand that he didn’t tell her where he was going and how that can hurt but think about this; What if circumstances had been different and he had been detained somewhere for that period of time against his will ? Would she still have written him off and found someone else ? I sure hope not.
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After all he’s freakin Superman.
The second problem I found with this movie was casting newcomer Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane. This was probably the worst, but ultimately forgivable, mistake of this film. As I sat watching the movie I found myself momentarily distracted from the film at several points by the unconvincing performance she gave as Ms.Lane.
I felt that she gave a lackluster portrayal of one of the key supporting characters in this film. At first I hoped that I would warm up to her but ultimately I found her performance to be less than satisfying.
I didn’t feel that she was the same sassy yet sensitve character brought to life by Margo Kidder in the original series of films. She seemed contrived and a little too uptown for me.
When I see Kate Bosworth I don’t see Lois Lane. I see some rich girl in Hollywood giggling with her friends about hot guys, not a pulitzer prize winning reporter and the love interest of the man of steel.
However I don’t feel that these little tresspasses did anything more than cause momentary distractions from an overall amazing film.
All in all I would say that I greatly enjoyed this film and reccomend it to anyone looking to invest once again in one of the greatest heroes of America as well as the world.
If you ask me if Superman Returned I will look you square in the eye and say "You’re damn straight Sir".
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Written by KidLee - Visit Website
