Movie Review Superman Returns ***
I found the latest installment of the Superman franchise entertaining and action-packed - well worth seeing. All such long-range sequels face at least three daunting challenges: casting actors who can equal the original stars, developing a new plot that increases the depth of the characters, and if possible, adding new special effects that the originals did not include. In all three challenges, "something new" is the imperative for the creators. In all three areas, "Superman Returns" delivers.
The new Superman, amazingly, lives up to Christopher Reeve's standard. Brandon Routh makes no changes at all to the character of Superman and the director clearly arranged several scenes to mimic the previous movies. Perry even says, "Great Caesar's Ghost!" which was his favorite expression from the old TV series. Kevin Spacey is a villain equal to Gene Hackman in both charisma and sense of humor. Jarel is only a voice among the crystals, so the late Marlon Brando manages to reprise as Superman's father. Kate Bosworth was less-than-inspiring as Lois, but she was the cast's only weak link. Having seen only the first two Superman movies, this film picked up where they left off and never attempted to do too much with action, characters or effects.
The basic plot involves Superman's arrival on earth after a five-year disappearance. Naturally, Lex Luthor has a new diabolical scheme that is, amazingly, bigger and more sinister than any he has tried before. The personal tensions between Superman and Lois over his abandonment of her without explanation gets some treatment, but avoids tedium, which is extremely important for an action movie. The sudden re-appearance of Clark Kent after five years goes unexplained, which is the only real weakness in the plot structure. On the other hand, he is so unremarkable to his co-workers that no one really notices him, so the few brief words of "welcome back" that his fellow journalists say are understandable.
Finally, the special effects in "Superman Returns" are spectacular. The scenes of Superman using his X-Ray vision look exactly as I would imagine X-Ray vision and provide the new feature for which sequels always strive. When he flys, he uses his arms to steer himself, which makes his flying more dynamic and realistic than were flying scenes in previous movies. The typical earthquake/explosion/storm effects seem routine now, but the creators did them all very well also.
On the moral front, it is definitely 2006. In this world, people date, but don't necessarily get married, and have children with or without plans for marriage. The film also communicates a positive message about self-sacrifice. Lois questions whether the world needs a "savior" and Superman daily risks his life to save the world. His climactic self-sacrificial deed is not one you will want to miss.
The new Superman, amazingly, lives up to Christopher Reeve's standard. Brandon Routh makes no changes at all to the character of Superman and the director clearly arranged several scenes to mimic the previous movies. Perry even says, "Great Caesar's Ghost!" which was his favorite expression from the old TV series. Kevin Spacey is a villain equal to Gene Hackman in both charisma and sense of humor. Jarel is only a voice among the crystals, so the late Marlon Brando manages to reprise as Superman's father. Kate Bosworth was less-than-inspiring as Lois, but she was the cast's only weak link. Having seen only the first two Superman movies, this film picked up where they left off and never attempted to do too much with action, characters or effects.
The basic plot involves Superman's arrival on earth after a five-year disappearance. Naturally, Lex Luthor has a new diabolical scheme that is, amazingly, bigger and more sinister than any he has tried before. The personal tensions between Superman and Lois over his abandonment of her without explanation gets some treatment, but avoids tedium, which is extremely important for an action movie. The sudden re-appearance of Clark Kent after five years goes unexplained, which is the only real weakness in the plot structure. On the other hand, he is so unremarkable to his co-workers that no one really notices him, so the few brief words of "welcome back" that his fellow journalists say are understandable.
Finally, the special effects in "Superman Returns" are spectacular. The scenes of Superman using his X-Ray vision look exactly as I would imagine X-Ray vision and provide the new feature for which sequels always strive. When he flys, he uses his arms to steer himself, which makes his flying more dynamic and realistic than were flying scenes in previous movies. The typical earthquake/explosion/storm effects seem routine now, but the creators did them all very well also.
On the moral front, it is definitely 2006. In this world, people date, but don't necessarily get married, and have children with or without plans for marriage. The film also communicates a positive message about self-sacrifice. Lois questions whether the world needs a "savior" and Superman daily risks his life to save the world. His climactic self-sacrificial deed is not one you will want to miss.
posted by Bountyhawk at 3:52 PM
2 Comments:
*spoilers if you haven't seen the movie*
Just read this now; sorry I am commenting rather late. We watched this recently too, and enjoyed it. Yet, the "moral front" you refer to bothered me. Apparently, our society is now OK with even Superman having a child out of wedlock. Methinks this would have been anathema 50 (or perhaps even 20) years ago.
Yes, I found that feature of the plot quite disturbing. The burning question of our day is, "Whose responsibility is it to raise a child?" I belive his parents bear the responsibility, but many counter, "It takes a village!" and, "Who are you to judge and stigmatize 'different' families?" We can take on the task of raising our kids and do our best to impart our values to them. In less than six months, I'll get initiated into parenthood, Lord willing.
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