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.
It’s1 me3 again. Finally a movie that I DID see, so hopefully my comment will make some sense this time.
Although I wasn’t party to the original (i.e., Christopher Reeves’) Superman films, I did use to watch the TV version starring Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher. As such, I do know *a little* about the Superman franchise:
1) Clark Kent and Superman look identical, except that CK wears nerdy glasses and Superman does not. However, people are somehow programed with the inability to tell that one is the other, and vice versa. OK lah, maybe it’s the Superman attire, or difference in hairstyle (see point no. 2).
2) Superman’s stylish hair (specifically: the curl on his forehead) stays impeccable throughout the show, even when he’s been completely smashed to a pulp, lying on his deathbed, flying towards the sun, beo-ing Lois Lane.. OK, you get the idea.
3) He’s SUPERMAN. That’s why he possesses abilities to get himself and anyone else out of any sticky situation. In Kevin’s words: “MAI HE EVERYTHING ALSO CAN LAH!”
Keep in mind points 1) to 3) above, and I’m sure your experience watching Superman Returns will be completely enjoyable. Like mine was
Comment by starshaped — July 31, 2006 @ 11:07 pm
“Superman first flew onto the silver screens for the first time in 1978, …also a nostalgic tribute to what the very first film established some 18 years back.”
Wah jie, I didn’t know you were only 18 years old.
Comment by Goi — August 1, 2006 @ 12:29 am
“It also helps that he is the spitting image of the late Christopher Reeves.”
PUI!
Comment by Goi — August 1, 2006 @ 12:33 am
I don’t quite know how to comment on this movie.
It has lotsa of elements to invite my hardo gay loving, e.g. uber effects, continuation from where the last Superman movie left off, hard man in red underwear, very Superman (the bullet hitting his eyes left a very strong impression of that)…etc.
However, things just doesn’t feel very right for me to stand up and say its a smashing film! Maybe like you said, it has a making of a romance movie rather than an all-out action mega hit.
I also do not like the casting of for both the main leads, with the exception of Kevin Spacey. The rest just don’t fit in. Brandon tries to act blurr and awkward as Clark, but its very artificial. End up, he just looks blurr and awkward as Brandon. And yes, Kate Bosworth doesn’t have that hard look of the original Lois Lane…and end up only making Superman hard.
If a rating has to be given, I would give it only 7 or 7.5 out of 10.
Faster review Fast & Furious - Tokyo Dick!
Comment by Teilexu — August 1, 2006 @ 2:51 am
me-Starshaped: Hahaha. Mai you followed “Lois and Clark” lah. That series was quite campy which reminded me of another campy superhero television series that was released around the same time called “The Flash”. And don’t worry about our comments not making sense, in the words of Goi: “Inane comments, HooooOOOOO!”
me-Goi: That is why I have you guys reading my blog. You all are my spell checkers, continuity consultants and data verifiers…
me-Teilexu: Hor hor hor. Good stuff. “Critical Comments HoooooOOOOO!” Bosworth just looks too sweet to be Lois Lane. I can remember even in the cartoon that Lois was a bit like a vixen rather than a sweetie pie. As for Superman, they should just get Hardo-Gay to wear the cape (and nothing else) and fly around Tokyo. Say Say Say!
Comment by cineaste — August 1, 2006 @ 6:46 am
I guess many (me included) can agree that the original 1978 Superman is still the best superman movie ever. But as a tribute, Superman Returns is awesome. Sure, Christopher Reeves is still the undisputed Superman but Routh still does a decent imitation. Hey, at least his voice sounds just like Reeves’. The only part that left me a bit scratching my head was the revealation of Superman’s son - when did Ms Lane and Superman “get together” for this outcome? But ultimately, it is still an excellent treat for fans of the original. Like Lois Lane says, “He’s Superman. Everyone loves him!” To that, I agree with Ms Lane wholeheartedly.
Comment by waihoe — August 5, 2006 @ 6:56 pm
Splitting image of facial structure momentarily at a glance. Then it differs. The late CR had more pronouced sharp chiselled facial features which ensued strength but appeared cool and distant. Whereas BR, same features and all that but has a softer edge of a sensual mouth and engaging eyes. More charming and warm. Isn’t that more in line with the image of The Man of Steel with a golden heart for the woes of humanity, no ? In this instance, director Bryan Singer would want BR to act more humanly this time round for a romance genre. In any genre as Superman, BR likely is the potential and will do well. Clark Kent aka Superman. We are expected politely to turn a blind eye to the similarities in looks. Their differences in personality are supposedly enough to suffice. CK’s fumbling, mumbling, blurry, awkward moves of a goondo to the suavity, cock-sure dependability of steely and manly Superman. Unless
someone decided to remodel the appearance of CK drastically in deterrence of a reality check against Superman. And if that happened, it will be a heinous act against our staunch loyality to the original story of our beloved Man of Steel. Let it be the way as it is and has been. As it is it has been pure joy, excitement and nostalgia.
Lois Lane is supposed to be a hard-nosed reporter with femininity. And Superman is smitten. Margot Kidder’s portrayal was all that but femininity, rather crude. Looks
mismatched. Kate Bosworth is lovely and a match. But Singer turned her into putty in this romantic version. Given a different setting, KB has the face, spirit and pout to be the original LL , vibrant and versatile. Overall, a good package and timely. Rating 8.
Comment by nocturne — August 6, 2006 @ 11:29 am
me-Waihoe: The whole *spoiler alert* son of Superman plotline was a bit of a shocker but considering that the comic books has introduced characters like “Super-dog” and “Bat-mite”, i’ll let it slide. By introducing his son, Bryan Singer has found the only other weakness Superman has besides Kryptonite, his compassion.
me-Nocturne: I agree that Margot Kidder had the looks of a hard-nose reporter but I cannot imagine Superman falling for her. Haha. Kate is someone who everyone can fall in love with but she does not have that edge. Kate Bosworth just has the ‘look’ of a damsel in distress.
Thanks so much for your in-depth comments. That is basically what I started this blog in the first place, am avenue in where we can share (or vent) our views and frustrations about the latest movies with different people and have them respond to them. Thanks so much guys!
Comment by cineaste — August 7, 2006 @ 8:04 am