I can’t remember how many times as a kid I dressed up as Superman for Halloween. I had one hell of a badass Superman costume as a child, one that my grandmother made me, and it was the real deal. I loved that costume as a kid, and I can remember all the kids in school being jealous because they had the plastic Superman costumes. I was also a huge fan of the Superman films as a kid. Christopher Reeves was an icon to me as a child. Back then I only knew him as Superman, not Christopher Reeves, but as you know as I got older I knew who he was because not only in the movies was he the man of steel, but he was a real life Superman.
When I first heard they were making another Superman movie, I was not too thrilled. I thought how the heck can they make another Superman film without Christopher Reeves. I kind of blew it off after a while because the film did go though pre-production hell over the last few years, until finally X-men director Brian Singer got things going. I was kind of happy when I heard he was going to direct, it kind of gave me hope, but yet I was still unsure about it. So today almost a month after it was first released I decided to go and check it out. And well the film just blew me away.
First off, Superman Returns is not a remake, but in fact a reworked sequel. The film pretty much takes place somewhat after the last one left off. Superman has left earth for five years to go look for the remains of him home planet Krypton. He find nothing after his long trip though space and now has finally returned to earth. Since then many things have changed. Lex Luthor has been released from prison on account that Superman never showed up to testify at his trial. Lois Lane got married and has a son, and the world seems to be doing ok without him. However Lex Luthor in his quest to become a god, has found the fortress of solitude, and had stolen the special crystals that are the last remains of Krypton. With these crystals he plans to create a new continent. (You’ll under stand how when you see the film). Meanwhile Superman returns to the Daily Planet as Clark Kent, who many believe left go on a trip around the world. However when Lex Luthor decides to experiment using the crystals, he cause a major power outage and a plane that on a test run to launch a rocket into space becomes a danger. Lois Lane is on board the plane which spirals out of control towards space. Superman is then forced to come out of hiding and return to the limelight as the worlds best crime fighter, and savior.
I was very pleased with the script, I mean this film could of not have been written any better. I mean this was a story that even did the comic book justice. The film has the glory of the old Superman films as well as quite a few plot twists and developments. The story had unbelievable character development right down to Lex Luthor’s henchmen. Brian Singer took this story and made it true to the comic book and the original films. Perfectly directed by him.
As far as acting goes, well let me say this. As someone is probably on the Z scale of reviewers in the world. If I was part of the academy awards, I would no doubt add Brandon Routh to my voters ballot. I mean what a great actor. He really did the part justice. I mean he was just like the same Superman that Christopher Reeves was. Right down to the voice and everything. If he ever had the thought that he might upset the sprit of Christopher Reeves by taking this part, well buddy. I think in spirit he hand picked you play this role. Because in my mind you made you became not only Superman, but the Christopher Reeves Superman. You were outstanding. I also think that Kevin Spacey was awesome as Lex Luthor. Gene Hackman was good as a funny Lex Luthor, I’ll give him that. But as a mean son of bitch Lex Luthor, Spacey takes the cake on that one. Kate Bosworth was also a very good Lois Lane, however you really can’t compare Bosworths Lois Lane to that of Margot Kidders Lois Lane. Bosworth was a more sexy Lois Lane, and bought great strength to the character. Where Kidder’s Lane was more of a wimp, when it came to fighting the bad guys. The rest of the supporting cast was great as well. I especially enjoyed the performance of Tristan Lake Leabu as Lois Lane’s son Jason. That kid did such a great job with his part.
As far as special effects go we get a lot of great CGI effects. I mean the film is full of a lot of major special effects. All which look great. My only complaint is, and I also complained about this with Spiderman as well, is that when they introduce characters in CGI then tend to look very fake when doing a close-up shot of the characters. You can notice in the close-up shots of Superman Flying really fast that it’s just a CGI Superman, and it kind of takes away from the film in that split second of a shot.
However, overall! I loved this film, and it is by far one of the best films I’ve seen this year. I’ll even go as far as to say that I think this is better than Spider-man 2, which most people consider the best Superhero film ever made. If your a fan of comic books, or just a fan of action films in general, you best get your ass to the theater and see Superman Returns. It’s one hell of a great film, that needs to be viewed in theaters, before watching it on your television.
– Horror Bob
- Interview with J.R. Bookwalter - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Andrew J. Rausch - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Rick Popko and Dan West - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Director Stevan Mena (Malevolence) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Screenwriter Jeffery Reddick (Day of the Dead 2007) - January 22, 2015
- Teleconference interview with Mick Garris (Masters of Horror) - January 22, 2015
- A Day at the Morgue with Corri English (Unrest) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Writer/Director Nacho Cerda (The Abandoned, Aftermath) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Actress Thora Birch (Dark Corners, The Hole, American Beauty) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Actor Jason Behr, Plus Skinwalkers Press Coverage - January 22, 2015
