I liked this movie. No, it's not as good as Superman 1 or Superman 2 but it honors the spirit of those movies. As a fan of those movies and a person who was the target generation as a child in the late 70's, early 80's, Superman Returns was thrilling to see.
What I am beginning to despise is how a lot of male reviewers think that the Superman franchise belongs solely to them. Superman means something to both men and women and I'm glad Singer erred on the side of "chick flick" and realized that some of us wanted to place Lois Lane back squarely in the movie (as opposed to how she was largely removed in pt. 3 & 4). It's funny that the female audience going to see "Prada" would also like this movie. I believe the box office of this movie will increase by word of mouth. It was surprisingly emotional. This is strange for a summer movie. Routh is perfectly cast in this part. He continues the progression of the development of the Superman character from Reeves' under-appreciated, comedic work as Clark Kent, to the exploration of the psychological aspect of Kent/Supes (via Cain and Welling) in TV shows until now. Routh is understated and capable of emoting quite a bit w/o saying much. I was nervous about the casting of Bosworth but felt she did fine. Marsden plays the third wheel so well (i.e. X-Men, The Notebook). The new Jimmy Olsen is well cast too.
I appreciate the continuity of themes and writing in this movie. I also liked that unlike other summer movies, it gives you time to breathe after each scene.
*SPOILERS* Unlike most, I did not have a problem with the kid being so subdued. I think that was for the purpose of surprise but not unlike Clark Kent who lives so quietly and hides his uniqueness. The confirmation that Jason is Supes' biological son and the flight Supes and Lois take together over the city are all pay offs for people much in love with the romantic part of the Supes story line. Yeah, Spacey had a silly plot line but it was fun to watch him chew up the scenery. Posey was good as the empty-headed side-kick.
What I am beginning to despise is how a lot of male reviewers think that the Superman franchise belongs solely to them. Superman means something to both men and women and I'm glad Singer erred on the side of "chick flick" and realized that some of us wanted to place Lois Lane back squarely in the movie (as opposed to how she was largely removed in pt. 3 & 4). It's funny that the female audience going to see "Prada" would also like this movie. I believe the box office of this movie will increase by word of mouth. It was surprisingly emotional. This is strange for a summer movie. Routh is perfectly cast in this part. He continues the progression of the development of the Superman character from Reeves' under-appreciated, comedic work as Clark Kent, to the exploration of the psychological aspect of Kent/Supes (via Cain and Welling) in TV shows until now. Routh is understated and capable of emoting quite a bit w/o saying much. I was nervous about the casting of Bosworth but felt she did fine. Marsden plays the third wheel so well (i.e. X-Men, The Notebook). The new Jimmy Olsen is well cast too.
I appreciate the continuity of themes and writing in this movie. I also liked that unlike other summer movies, it gives you time to breathe after each scene.
*SPOILERS* Unlike most, I did not have a problem with the kid being so subdued. I think that was for the purpose of surprise but not unlike Clark Kent who lives so quietly and hides his uniqueness. The confirmation that Jason is Supes' biological son and the flight Supes and Lois take together over the city are all pay offs for people much in love with the romantic part of the Supes story line. Yeah, Spacey had a silly plot line but it was fun to watch him chew up the scenery. Posey was good as the empty-headed side-kick.
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