Jul 20 2006
Superman Returns
Dir: Bryan Singer
Writ: Michael Dougherty & Dan Harris, Bryan Singer, Jerry Siegel (characters)
- Brandon Routh - Superman
- Kate Bosworth - Lois Lane
- Kevin Spacey - Lex Luthor
- James Marsden - Richard White
- Parker Posey - Kitty Kowalski
- Tristan Lake Leabu - Jason White
Superman has never really been a superhero that I was a fan of. Sure, he is faster than a speeding bullet and has saved the world on numerous times, but I’ve just never had a grá for him. So I wasn’t all that fussed about this film, apart from the fact that is took Singer away from X-Men. But I figured, big block-buster movie, might as well take a look.
And I’m glad I did, because despite the fact that it has many flaws this is still a highly enjoyable film with plenty to recommend it. Of course, the central problem with any Superman film is that you know, without a shadow of a doubt, that by the end of the film all will be well. A fact that makes it a little hard to build tension over Supes being in trouble, but this film actually manages to make you feel slightly concerned for the man of steel.
I have to say that Routh does a great job at looking all heroic. And all bumbly as Clark, but Clark isn’t really all that central to the story. This is all about Superman. Superman and Lois Lane.
Lois’s character is a bit bland. She gets in trouble, gets saved. Has issues. But nothing overly intriguing. Although plus points must be awarded for not having a pointlessly annoying kid. Jason, her son, is in some respects another “item to be saved” but unlike in Poseidon he doesn’t do any stupid pointless wandering or looking about and gain more trouble for himself. Spacey does the job as Lex Luthor, but doesn’t have much character. And like many a superhero villian his plan makes no real sense. However Parker, playing Kitty does a lot with her limited screen time.
I’m also thinking that we should get a petition together to try and find James Marsden a role where he isn’t involved in some sort of a love triangle.
All in all, well worth seeing, and despite being 154 minutes long it doesn’t drag, although it probably could’ve stood to be trimmed a little.
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Tags: 9 Stars, awwww, Brandon Routh, Bryan Singer, Dan Harris, highly enjoyable, James Marsden, Jerry Siegel, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, Michael Dougherty, Parker Posey, sff, superheroes, Superman Returns, Tristan Lake Leabu