Superman Returns

[Parm]

The original 'Superman The Movie' is one of my all time favourite movies, ever since I was a little kid I loved everything about it, the movie just blew me away.

Naturally, I've been eagerly awaiting Superman Returns and it's just around the corner now! I can't wait!

Are there any other Superman fans here at Hexus? If so, what are your thoughts on the upcoming movie?

[wedge22]

Its a good movie and I really enjoyed it, I cannot say anymore otherwise I may spoil it for you.

[DavidM]

Sounds like it should be ok.. and certainly better than "Quest for peace"

[davidstone28]

It's lightyears better than the original Superman films. The first film was quite good but then the series got progressively worse and more ridiculous. I saw the film on Saturday (at the Premiere) and there's no comparison.

This was thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable film. Brian Singer really has done a superb job. Its a great example of a director being true to the original film but doing away with all of the cheesy elements of the Superman franchise whilst at the same time adding new layers of complexity and subtlety to the Superman character. If X-Men3 is an example of how badly a superhero film can turn out without Brian Singer's magic touch (X-Men, X-Men 2, The Usual Suspects), Superman Returns is clearly in the latter category.

The action sequences are excellent - after the space shuttle scene I really did feel like cheering! However, the action is not at the expense of a good story and good characterisation. There's a interesting love triangle going on with Superman/Clarke Kent, Lois Lane and Lois' new fella, which adds subtlety to the relationships. Wouldn't it be boring if it only about Superman and Lois? There's also a very interesting twist to the whole Superman/Lois/new boyfriend situation which only gets revealed towards the end of the film. I certainly didn't expect it but will not say anymore so as not to give it away!

Brandan Routh, Kate Bosworth and Kevin Spacey are all good and none of them too dominant which keeps the film balanced. The most interesting thing for me is the interpretation given to the Superman character. Instead of portraying him as simply a one dimensional Mr Perfect that rescues cats from trees, they've added a suble but signifcant subtext, with him feeling like an outsider, the last of a kind (the Kyrptonians), burdened with saving a society that doesn't always want him. It was interesting reading an intereview with Brian Singer where he talks about Judao-Christianity themes of Superman being a Christ like figure. There are some great photographic shots in the film of him flying above the earth with his arms outretched a bit like Salvidor Dali's Christ of St John, and other shots of heavens opening and him flying through shafts of light.

Kevin Spacey gives the Lex Luthor character a brooding menance though he's balanced well the ditzy humour of 'Kitty'. Kate Bosworth is good and portrays the anger of Louis pretty well. Although, when she said "We have to go back", it reminded me of Princess Leia in Empire Strikes Back.

Definitely one to watch on the big screen, particuarly with some of the actions sequences and photography.

[Parm]

I did a whole big write up on this one: http://www.parmmann.com/?p=58