Superman Returns was released on June 28, 2006. It was directed by Bryan Singer, written by Michael Dougherty, and Dan Harris, and stars Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, and Kevin Spacey.
I remember seeing this when it first came out. I was 13 years old, and I remember my dad saying that he enjoyed it. I liked it, but thought that it was a bit long. Nowadays, it's generally thought to be average, leaning on negative. I agree with this, but I still enjoy it.
Let me start with the negative. Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane. To me, Lois Lane has always been a strong independent woman, and a good role model for young girls. They really screw that up here. Here, she is married (or in a prolonged engagement), with a young boy, sour over Superman leaving without saying goodbye, and whiny, not getting her stuff done. If Margot Kidder's Lois Lane wanted something done, she would do it, no matter what anyone said. As opposed to Kidder doing what needs to be done, Bosworth whines, mopes over Superman, and then goes for a smoke. Not a good role model for young girls. Also, I can't stand Kate Bosworth. You know how most people don't like the word moist, for no particular reason? Kate Bosworth is my moist. I just don't like her. *SPOILERS* Also, the whole lifting the kryptonite island thing is rather stupid, considering how it's made of kryptonite, and Superman can't be near it. Another negative for me is Frank Langella as Perry White. Perry White was a guy who wanted to get the job done, very similar to J. Jonah Jameson, but not as brash, and doesn't hate Superman. Here, he's quieter, nicer, and overall more friendly. Not the Perry White of the comics or former films.
Now, the positive. Brandon Routh. He ain't no Christopher Reeve, but he sure does look like him. And honestly, that's a big plus here. Christopher Reeve IS Superman. And he'll never be replaced. So looking like him isn't as good as the real thing, but it's the next best thing. Henry Cavill might come close in next year's The Man of Steel, but he sure ain't no Christopher Reeve. Brandon Routh does genuinely look like him, so it does help the transition. However, I think that if they wanted to go in an entirely new direction, they should've used James Marsden. That's right, Lois' husband in this film. If you ask me, he's the perfect Superman, aside from Christopher Reeve. But I'm happy with Brandon Routh just the same. Also, this version of Jimmy Olsen is hands down, the best Jimmy Olsen ever portrayed on screen. 'Nuff said. Also, Kevin Spacey is not the best Lex Luthor (that would be Michael Rosenbaum, from Smallville), but he's still pretty good, and he always does a good performance. Technically, he's doing the same stuff as Gene Hackman did years ago, but that's a good thing, as it reminds me of the original film. Parker Posey is also a pleasant addition to any film, including this one, as she always fleshes out her characters, and creates the most interesting of characters in her films, whether she's the star, or in a cameo.
There are two other things that make this film great for me. Without them, I couldn't enjoy this film as much as I do. The first is the opening credits. They're fancy, for 1975. Just like the credits of the original film.
The second is Marlon Brando. Despite dying a few years before this film came out, they were able to use his footage from the first film, combined with CGI, to give him a quick scene early in this film. I'm very glad that they did this, because it reminds me of the first film.
As you may have realized, I really like the first film. To me, that is the perfect Superman film, and there will never be another good one. Superman II came close, but wasn't quite as good. So, the main reason why I enjoy this film is because it reminds me so much of the first film. Forget the negatives, you've got a nice little tribute to the first film, which makes me happy any day.
Overall, for enjoyment, I give this film a 7/10. An enjoyable tribute to the first, with some negatives that do drag it down. And if you're wondering what my opinion is on the new reboot, I think Zack Snyder is style over substance, and this film will need both, especially substance, and Henry Cavill doesn't look like Superman. However, the rest of the cast is perfect, especially Michael Shannon as General Zod. I can already feel chills shivering down my spine.
Next time, I'm watching Jailhouse Rock, one of Elvis' most famous films.
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