Superman Returns
Review by John Wordsworth authored on Saturday 22 July 2006 (962)
Plot Summary: The all-powerful Man of Steel returns to Earth following an unexplained absence for several years. Upon his return, Superman is distraught to find that Lois Lane has started a family in his absence. His self-worth is further dampened to find that Metropolis has become accustomed to life without a hero's protection but Superman soon finds out that his old foe, Lex Luthor, is masterminding a plot to end the lives of billions for his own vicious ends.
Review: The film wastes no time at all in bringing the Man of Steel back to the big screen and only minutes into the film we're struck with fantastic effects and the start of an intriguing storyline. The plot does a surprisingly good job of keeping interest levels high throughout this lengthy flick. With a screenplay that manages to present a wondeful comic-book style arc alongside the compulsory romance with Lois Lane, the film also manages to maintain a wonderful feel reminiscent to the original films - with over the top scenes of our hero sweeping in at the last minute to save unwitting lives.
The acting holds up well on all fronts throughout the film with yet another reasonably unknown actor playing the part of Superman. Brandon Routh takes on the demanding role and performs admirably capturing the Clark Kent of Christopher Reeve perfectly while also portraying the Man of Steel to almost the same standard. Lex Luthor couldn't have been cast better with Kevin Spacey adding his usual maniacal brilliance to the film's villain. Without a doubt, the perfect casting for the eccentric megalomaniac that strives to strip Superman of his powers. While not shining to quite the same degree one can't fault the performance of Kate Bosworth as Lous Lane and her part in the film's love interest.
The film's extortionate visual effects budget has clearly paid off with a massive amount of the film being set in computer generated environments. Whilst not particularly ahead of it's time, the effects really do bring this film to life and nearly always fit seamlessly into the living world with just the right amount of actor/visualised-set interaction the film gets to show off without screaming CGI throughout.
My only slight gripe with the film is that it I think it might have benefited from a little harsher cutting in the editing room. While there are no parts of the film that are particularly boring in themselves, it does feel a little bit of a long haul at the end of the 2 and a half hours. Certainly nothing to be concerned about, but I think that a bit more elitism in what to keep could have made the film a little more concise to keep entertainment levels at the top throughout.
In Short: For what was expected to be a mediocre return to an old classic Superman Returns really does bring the Man of Steel back in style. With an intriguing and twisting plot, an entertaining super-villain to balance the pinnacle of good and great acting and effects to match, this film really captures the feel of the classics whilst bringing Superman to the 21st century. Definitely one to catch.
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