Film Review: Superman Returns

Superman Returns restores the dignity and interest in what was surely a long dead franchise

Having suffered an unceremonious death in 1987’s Superman IV (the franchise that is, not the character), Bryan Singer’s enormous task of bringing back to life one of Earth’s most cherished superheroes was by no measure, an easy feat. And with the recent success of the Spider-Man and X-Men series, the Man of Steel seemed to have been left behind in the recent flurry of big screen comic book adaptations- prompting questions of whether a modern update would work. Having been in development for countless years, Singer’s Superman Returns finally hits the big screens and without doubt, restores the dignity and interest in what was surely a long dead franchise.

From the opening credits, it is clear that Singer wants to keep what made the first two Superman films great; paying homage with a throwback opening that will undoubtedly excite viewers of Richard Donner’s 1978 film. From here we see that the film brings together two periods in film history- the almost goofy nature of 1970s filmmaking and the lush modern visual explosion that has become the staple of big summer films, and Superman Returns makes good on both- becoming the most expensive film ever made. No expense was spared either as it boasts some of the most convincing CGI ever to hit the big screen- whether it is Superman saving a falling airplane, flying through buildings and elevator shafts, or that whole saving the world thing, it all looks very lush and believable. Coupled with Singer’s knowledge of the films and his willingness to pay homage (characters that appeared in previous installments make their subtle cameos while Superman trademarks like “It’s a bird, it’s a plane…" come through in one way or another) makes Superman Returns quite a treat for fans old and new.

Newcomer Brandon Routh does a fair Superman, while he’s not quite Christopher Reeve, or Tom Welling for that matter, he does more than an amicable job at bringing to life a long thought forgotten superhero- nailing Clark Kent’s nerdy demeanor and balancing it well with Superman’s rather stoic nature. Although as the caped superhero, he tends to be a little bland in displaying emotions other than, “yes, I’m really strong and I can fly.” It is perhaps the cast around him that shines a little more, with Kate Bosworth doing a great Lois Lane and Kevin Spacey doing his best Donald Trump impression as Lex Luthor (he’s not after world domination as much as he is after prime real estate). The characters are strong, and the dialogue between them makes for some great drama. It’s never too cheesy or ridiculous, and credit Singer and the writing team for making the plot and surrounding ins-and-outs more than often, captivating and interesting. While those who have not seen the original films may find some aspects (mainly the history between the characters) disorienting, Singer has done enough with the story to keep new audiences through the twists and turns of history.

The story itself isn’t too complicated- after traveling to his home world in search of answers, Superman returns to Earth to find that Lex Luthor is up to old tricks, and that his love for Lois Lane is still very much there. Upon his return, he discovers some truly important, life-altering questions that were once passed down to him by his father Jor-El. And so here is where it shines- Superman Returns is not so much an action flick saddled with heavy computer additions waiting for the next big explosion, or a film to keep audiences on the edge of their seats in waiting anticipation. It is rather a fascinating drama dealing with the complexities of father/son relationships, human values, love thought lost, and the struggle to answer whether humanity is in need of saviors, saints, and heroes. And it does so with smarts.

In the end, the film unfolds with great conviction and subtlety not seen in recent comic-to-screen adaptations. It shies away from illusions of epic grandeur, and sticks to value in depth (albeit, very glossy looking). In its warmth, the results are compelling. Call it a resurrection- Superman has returned, and it’s better than ever. 

SUPERMAN RETURNS
Directed by: Bryan Singer
Cast: Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Parker Posey, Kevin Spacey