Paradise Reel

Superman Returns

Synopsis: Superman returns to Earth after a 5-year absence only to find that the world has learned to live without him. As much as the world Superman knew has changed, there are some things that still remain the same.

Superman first flew onto the silver screens for the first time in 1978, and for the first time, we believed that a man could fly. Almost three decades later, and a host of lesser sequels I would rather forget, Superman returns not only to the public consciousness but also to his thematic roots. This film is not just your typical action blockbuster but also a nostalgic tribute to what the very first film established some 28 years back.

Bryan Singer (“Apt Pupil” and “X-men”) is a bloody romantic and it is plainly evident in his latest comic book to screen offering. Marketed as the go-to man if you want your comic book franchise to be taken seriously in the celluloid world, he chose to drop his directorial duties of X-men 3 to helm the return of the Man of Steel (which was a brilliant career move in my honest opinion). And in another move, he chose not to re-invent the franchise but rather update it, using the 1978 “Superman” as the backbone for his movie. Not wanting to throw away all the mythology that was established, Singer based his story on the themes and concepts Richard Donner developed in the first movie. Having Superman returned after an absence mirrors his absence in the public’s mind both in and out of the film.

Brandon Routh was a little known soap opera star that was handpicked by Singer to don the iconic red cape. Routh does a spot of decent acting, from the antics of the bungling Clark Kent to the righteous and steadfast last son of Krypton. It also helps that he is the splitting image of the late Christopher Reeves. To the point where you will be compelled to do a double take to confirm which actor actually inhabits the red underwear and blue tights. One could not have asked for a more suited individual to fill the boots left behind by the late Mr. Reeves, one who can comfortably shift from Clark Kent to Kal-El (That is Superman’s real name for those not in the know).

Lois Lane is a hard-edged reporter that knows what she wants and how to get it. Which leads me to think that Kate Bosworth (“Beyond the Sea” and “Win a Date with Ted Hamilton”) is ever so slightly miscast in this role. She does try to put on a front of intimidation as a Pulitzer Prize winning reporter would probably possess but her girl-next-door puppy dog eyes just screams otherwise. Kate just has a face that everyone wants to fall in love with. Perhaps her character mellowed after having a child but Bosworth’s characterization of Lois Lane is still a departure from the Lois Lane that we have come to know and love.

The scene-stealer award has to be given to Kevin Spacey (“The Usual Suspects” and “Pay it Forward”) for undeniably being the only Lex Luthor in the history of the Superman franchise to look like he is really having fun doing the things he does. Spacey is one of the rare actors who are able to completely disappear into a character leaving behind no traces of his previous self. This is the case with Superman Returns as he delivers once again a performance that is a delectable treat. The measure of an actor’s talent should not be confined just to that one role which he/she plays well, but the variety of roles that he or she portrays in their career. Mr. Spacey has reminded us time and time again that he is still a master at his craft.

I must admit that I came out of the theater a pretty satisfied customer. This is more of a romance than an all out summer action mega blockbuster. In his tongue-firmly-in-cheek kind of way, Bryan presents us with the unpleasant scenario of what to expect if ever Superman is in love with your girlfriend or fiancée (word of the wise, just find a new one). This film is more or less tailored to the majority of the people who grew up with Superman. But do not let that deter you from catching this in the cinema as film works beautifully on two levels, one for the fans and on another level for those who are coming to this for the first time. Either way, you will believe, once again, that a man can fly.

This post goes to all the people who were young enough to embrace the psychedelic 90’s cartoon sub culture. You had talking ponies and along with muscular men fighting off evil in hairy loin cloths. But nothing tops the spaced out, pothead idea of having talking tortoises who practice the art of ninjitsu. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) holds a such a special place in my heart. I collected the toys, bought the comics and even synthesized my name with the coolest character in the team (but lets not get into that shall we?). The awesome foursome is poised to take on the 21st century by way of a 3D animated feature that is set for a spring 2007 release. No word on actually what happens in this movie but with the trend of old franchise resuscitations, it most likely will be an origin story. Check out the trailer here to see some nifty computer generated ninja turtle action! Click here!

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

Synopsis: Captain Jack is back and enlists the help of Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann and a host of familiar characters from the first movie to free his soul from the clutches of the barnacled buccaneer Davy Jones and his minions of sea specters.

“Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” has to be the most successful pirate movie that has ever sailed to the silver screens. Now with the addition of the latest installment of the series, Disney has the most successful pirate franchise in all of modern day history. “Dead Man’s Chest” is an intelligent romp through the Caribbean that not only manages to capture the essence of the Eroll Flynn pirate ‘epics’ but to also combine it with uproarious adventure and daring-do in the vein of Indiana Jones and many other classic action films. Dir. Gore Verbinski (”The Weather Man” and “The Mexican”) literally struck gold with “Pearl” by bringing his talent for creating complex yet engaging characters to a little known project that was the spawn of a children’s ride at a theme park.

Everyone is back for this 2 ½ hour voyage into Caribbean (yes, including the evil dead monkey). Johnny Depp (“Sleepy Hollow” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) is absolutely sublime as the spineless Captain Jack Sparrow. He manages to meander good ol’ Capt’ Jack through his willowy conscience to emerge with still an imprint of dignity in his stature. Essentially he plays the classic “rogue harbouring a heart of gold” (and at some point in the film, a barnacled one as well), his “piratey” nature is just his well worn disguise. Johnny Depp is a character actor of variety and not known to play the same part twice. To have him return for not one but TWO sequels (”Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” is being filmed as I type) basically means that we are in for a jolly good ride.

Keira Knightly (“Bend it like Beckam” and “Love Actually”) and Orlando Bloom (“Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “Elizabethtown”) return as the pair of unfortunate to-be-weds, Elizabeth Swain and Will Turner respectively. Orlando still sports the dogged determination of the first film and Keira upholds the personality and tenacity of a 21st century damsel trapped in a corset. The two main leads (other than Depp) both deliver very solid performances from that build upon their characters from the first movie.

Two of the most underrated performances of Dead Man’s Chest are Bill Nighy’s (“Love Actually” and “Underworld”) Davy Jones and Stellan Skarsgård’s (“Good Will Hunting” and “Exorcist: The Beginning”) Bill ‘Bootstrap’ Turner. Nighy plays the eccentric yet diabolical octopus of a pirate, Davy Jones. He imbues the character with slight facial nuances that fleshes out what would have been a very stereotypical villain. In whatever screen time he had (which is not much mind you), Stellan conveys the tortured soul of a father who made a deal with the devil to offset his Judgment day, perfectly. There is a look of loss that shines through even from under all that layered facial prosthetics.

Clocking in at 150 minutes, “Dead Man’s Chest” promises our money’s worth. Some may argue that the film is slightly draggy in the middle but it hardly detrimental on the enjoyment of the movie. Bookend by two really innovative action sequences that will leave you clutching your sides in laughter as well as the edge of your seat, witty dialogue and spectacular visuals; this is one of the few recent adventure films that really manages to ensnare the audience. Just one piece of advice, take a bathroom break just before the film or you’ll be battling with your bladder half way through the film. This is a pirate movie; there is water EVERYWHERE.

This is one of the few Bruckheimer productions that actually lives up to its initial hype (”Bad Boys 2″ was rather repetitive) of an all round hearty action/adventure blockbuster as latest reports tells of record breaking earnings for this money making vessel. A definite must watch for anyone between 5-80 years of age as it serves up a little something for everyone. There are some benefits of watching “The Curse of the Black Pearl” again (and if you have not before, shame on you, go rent it now!) as there are some in jokes in this film that references the first film. Oh, and do stay to the end of the credits as there is a tiny reward for all you movie buffs out there. Savvy?