Superman Returns is a great film and a loving tribute to Christopher Reeve’s memory! Director Bryan Singer created a loose sequel to the first two Superman films directed by Richard Donner. The film goes beyond Superman’s physical superpowers and into his emotions.
Singer and his screenwriting partners came up with a new conflict that is more threatening to the man of steel then Kryptonite and Lex Luthor put together. Superman’s character has more dimensions this time around. Even though this is a deeply emotional story there’s still enough action and flying to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Brandon Routh bears a striking resemblance to Christopher Reeve. He kept the late actor’s spirit alive by using some of the little gestures and facial expressions that Christopher Reeve was known for. Routh, however, makes the role his own when he expresses, sadness, anger or hopelessness. Routh’s portrayal of Superman is more than an iconic superhero.
Kevin Spacey brings sinister menace and cutting wit in his portrayal of Lex Luthor. Spacey and Routh were truly outstanding as villain and hero. In this film, Clark and Lois’s relationship still remained the same love-hate rivalry. This time Lois actually saves Superman for once.
The young actor who played Jimmy Olsen and legendary film actor Frank Langella who played the editor, Perry White, truly resemble their predecessors from the original films.
The flying scenes as well as his heroic rescues in this film truly top the ones from the original films. It was hard to tell when they used CGI or actual actors for the flying sequences. This time Superman flies faster than the speed of sound reaching mach one creating sonic booms which was a new and exciting detail. It added oomph to the action.
A new composer updated John Williams’ classic soundtrack. It wouldn’t be a Superman movie without the famous Superman March.
The new film takes place five years after Superman left our planet in search of the remains of his home planet, Krypton. When he returns he finds that his true love Lois Lane has moved on with her life and is engaged to another man and has a five-year-old son. Superman faces a dilemma because it is against his moral code to destroy a loving family. His sadness and remorse for having left and for losing his chance for true happiness and love threatens to crush him.
Our hero sees that he also has to move on with his life. There’s a twist in the story that gives the audience and Superman a glimmer of hope.
If you’re a comic book fan like I am or just a fan of Superman mythology there are little super gems sprinkled throughout the film such as cameos with original Jimmy Olsen actor Jack Larsen and the original Lois Lane from the 1950s Superman TV series.
There are also references to iconic Superman imagery like the cover to Action Comics #1 Superman’s first appearance. Even Batman’s fair city of Gotham is mentioned in the film.
Superman Returns is a great film. It’s intelligent, smart, thrilling, moving and funny. These ingredients made for a great summer movie. Superman really has returned. Superman’s return to the silver screen brings up an interesting question. Why is Superman still relevant to movie audiences and comic book readers? There are many reasons. We all need a hero especially in this time of war and uncertainty.
The baby boomer generation is a giant community in this country who look back nostalgically and fondly at their childhood heroes such as Superman. He fights for truth, justice and the American way. He has integrity and his moral code and ethics never change.
We are all Supermen underneath Clark Kent business suits and glasses. Clark Kent is an everyman who isn’t that remarkable but underneath everything he is a hero and a symbol of goodness that we all can aspire to. A final reason, Superman is just cool with all the superpowers and the ability to soar through the sky like a bird or a plane.