Superman Returns

Genres: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Adaptation
Running Time: 2 hrs. 34 min.
Release Date: June 28th, 2006 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some intense action violence.
Distributors: Warner Bros. Pictures International, Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution

Directed by: Bryan Singer

JJ Rating: B+

I bought the soundtrack to Superman Returns because it was done by John Ottman and that was the man that did X2’s soundtrack. So it was almost a duh that I would like it. I do like it so that proves the theory. So I sit here listening to the new sound of Superman’s theme while I previously listened to John William’s version and they are similar to a point but I like both of them enough to switch back and forth.

Another thing this movie has that is X-Men’s first is Bryan Singer as the director and James Marsden. He would be the man behind the visor of Cyclops. He always seems to play the “other man” though and that stinks. So maybe one day he’ll get to be “the” man. But it was awesome to see him get more screen time then he practically did through out 3 X-Men movies.

I wore my Superman shirt and hat because I thought I must….I MUST!!! And, well, I did. But I must admit that I am not a huge Superman fan. I’m more of a X-Men fan. Just keep that in mind when you filter through this review.

Over all I was much impressed with the Superman Returns. I have to say that Bryan Singer did a great job. Brandon Routh was great as Superman. It seems he did some studying of Christopher Reeves because he sounded like him but not. It was a nice touch. Kate Bosworth was a good Lois Lane. She got beat up like Lois Lane seemed to always get beat up so that is a nice throw back. Kevin Spacey was a very good Lex Luther. Nice touch of dry humor and a bite that was full of wit. Parker Posey is always fun and I cannot think of one time she has been a disappointment. She has been in disappointing movies but she has never been disappointing.

The beginning with the credits flying towards the screen was very “super” because it was like the original. It made the movie more comfortable as I viewed it. As odd as that might seem it really did and I liked that touch. Superman’s Theme is one of the best, if not best, superhero theme music ever created. It is very well known. If you do not know it you must live under kryptonite.

The over all story was good. It was not impressive as was the sub story that was going on but it was good. It reminded me a lot of my poem I wrote two weeks ago so I’ll share and you’ll get the gist of what Superman Returns is about. It’s called “The Hero”:

An entire city population was entrapped in a danger that was not seen
The city was perfect as everyone could tell; with clear skies and several sun beams
People party all day and night not knowing within moments they’ll be no more
Having no idea the vindictive evil that’s in store
One man does know of the darkness to come
He could take stock and flee from the city; just run
But he has abilities that lie secret because popular belief is he’s a zero
However, on this day he’ll celebrate by being a hero
He will save the city from evil’s grasp
Right then time was stopped and the hero gasped
Evil said, “It is not possible to save them all dear heroic boy.”
The hero took a stance and said, “This city is not your toy.
I will stop you from your plans. I do have the power.”
“Let’s get it on,” Evil said as he shot up as tall as a tower.
Evil stomped and kicked the hero all over the place
Evil kept up the pounding at a very graceful pace
Some kicking here some punching there
The hero seemed to take it all for it was something he could bare
Evil laughed and taunted the hero saying the city doesn’t care
The hero smiled a bloody smile as the pounding continued giving a hopeful stare
Evil grew tired from the massacre of attacks he had bestowed
His energy was dying blow after mighty blow
Soon evil fell to the ground exhausted from his barrage of anger and hate
Evil huffed out,“What is wrong? Are you fighting back? Why are you in a smiling state?”
The hero opened his chest revealing a weapon he had saved for a moment like this
He took every hit all his life but never fought back using his fist
The weapon locked on to Evil and without a moment lost
Evil was gone but at what cost?
The weapon glowed so bright in his chest.
It was the strongest of all it was the very best
His heart beat slower and slower as the chest was sealed
No one would know the good that was done for nothing would be revealed
The hero’s hands peeled a part and there was a glowing peaceful dove
For the city was saved by the hero’s unconditional love
The dove will keep peace for years to follow
And their chest with hearts will grow to fill in the hollow
Tethered from the beating to protect the city he held dear
He lay bloodied on the ground and many gasped in fear
All they saw was no one special just a beat up zero
But on that day, unbeknownst to them, he was a hero….their hero
Because every abusive action he took to protect them from a disgraceful fall
Was not just done to save one or two…but to save them all.

Excluding the “zero” part that’s how the movie sort of went from the moment Superman faced off against Lex Luther to the end.

My problem with DC characters is that they are flat characters. They have no umph to them. They always come across as one sided and boring. But I like different spins on characters and such. Superman is difficult to make round and interesting because of what people know about him already. However, there is one scene in this movie that is by far my favorite part. Superman is above the earth and he closes his eyes. All he does is listen to the world. It was just a different spin on him that not too many have shown.

Superman Returns is a long movie. It almost clocks 3 hours. Does it feel like 3 hours? Nah not really. It does well with allotting time to the correct places. What is really well done is the flirting between Superman and Lois. It’s not what is said it’s the looks they give each other and that’s a nice touch. If you just read the words that are said it’s not flirt revealing. The Superman costume is great. I like it as I do the noise of the cape. It’s very subtle but smooth. I was entertained.

I do not believe I’ll be buying this movie nor will I probably go pay and see it again as I’ve done with the X-Men movies but that’s my own bias playing out. Superman Returns does very well having me wonder where has he been? Because it’s has been so long since last the theater has seen the “S” and it’s nice to see it and believe that what’s to come next will not be a let down for nothing is as cool as hearing the corny conversation:

“Look up in the sky!”

“What is it?”

“It’s a bird!”

“It’s a plane!”

“No it’s Superman…..”

……and he’s returned and bless be us for we get to witness it.