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PRODUCER: |
Brian Singer (X2, The Usual Suspects), Gilbert Alder (Constantine, Starsky and Hutch), Jon Peters (Batman, Batman Returns) |
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Look, up into the sky . . . it's a bird, it's a plane, it's . . . Superman . . . the comic book? . . . Superman, the television series? . . . Superman, the movie? . . . Superman, the other movie? . . . Superman, the other other
movie? . . . Superman, the other television series? . . . Superman, the other other television series? Nope! It's Supermannnnn . . . uh, Returns!?
Superman Returns introduces audiences to the new Superman, Brandon Routh. As with his predecessors, he is a meek newspaper man by day, and a great superhero by night (or whenever he’s needed). The movie begins when Superman returns after he left planet earth unprotected for five years in order to discover if there are any other survivors from his planet Krypton. Before he left unannounced, he and Lois (Kate Bosworth) declared their love for each other. A lot can happen in five years. Lois has now committed herself to another man and has had a child. While trying to figure out if Lois still has feelings for him, Superman is confronted by his biggest nemesis, Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey). In a story that weaves elements from the original Superman movies and TV series, the comic strip and even some pieces from Smallville, the decisions Superman must make will shape the future of mankind forever. Lex is determined to use Superman’s powers against him while creating a powerful kingdom for himself. The movie is packed with super hero moves, human vulnerability and even a twist that creates a whole new future for superman.
Superman Returns represents another giant leap for the franchise. Brandon Routh, much to our surprise, is superb in the role, and this generation’s special effects bring the character to life more than ever before, creating an entertaining and enjoyable movie experience overall. The superhero stuff in the movie is exceptional and exciting – spectacular good triumphing over colossal evil with all the fanfare you would expect from the biggest comic book character of all time. But, for better or worse, there’s a great deal of human . . . rather, superhuman . . . drama, making the movie somewhat lengthy and less action packed than some may have hoped. The “new adventures of Superman” this movie most definitely is not – he has all the baggage and faces many of the same challenges documented in the character’s long history of comic books, television shows, and movies. Those familiar with and loyal to his legacy will likely love it. But, those who favor the character concept more than his pop-culture portrayal may find Superman Returns somewhat less than super.
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