Source:
THN Date: 30h June, 2006 Posted by:
Lucas Taitt
First
things first, is Superman Returns worth the price of admission? Yes. Bryan Singer
shows tons of respect to the character of Superman and the Donner Films in his
interviews and while I enjoyed the film, I really wished he would have restarted
the franchise, or begin it with an established Superman with established relationships.
But
I'll tell you what I liked about the movie and if anyone's worried about Spoilers,
don't worry, I chose not to put them in this review.
The
film is light on action besides the obvious sequence everyone's talking about.
It goes for the more character driven moments and if you're a hopeless romantic,
you'll deffinitely enjoy this movie.
Routh
was good as Superman/Clark Kent. He's obviously basing some of his performance
on Reeve. In this film we spend more time with Superman while he's alone looking
down at earth as he listens to the crying voices, and when he tells Lois everyday
he hears the world needs a savior, we believe him. Ultimately, Routh's brooding
Superman fits within the context of the story and it works.
Everyone's
been complaining about Bosworth's Lois Lane but I thought she was decent. While
she doesn't hold a candle to Kidder's performance, I thought she played a mother
and someone who was left in the dust rather well.
The
film looks beautiful. Singer and his DP shot this on the new Panavision Genesis
HD camera and it really paid off. The exterior setting at the Kent farm looked
calm and relaxing.
The
flying in the movie looked great too. In scenes where Superman begins to descend
on a building or onto the ground, it makes you wonder where the hell are the wires?
We've come along way since 1978 as far as Superman's flying and it shows.
I
thought James Marsden was really good as Richard White, and he came off as a true
Superman even though he doesn't have any powers. Overall, the performances were
good all around. All of the central players put a lot of heart into their roles
and it shows.
The
music was beautiful. A lot of John Ottman and a Sprinkle of John Williams. If
I'm not mistaken, all the intimate scenes with Superman and Lois had their own
theme and while some of Williams music was used and updated, he really did a seamless
job adding to the film while still honoring William's brilliant music.
Keep
your ears open when a Reporter mentions a familiar city.
Here's
what I wasn't to fond about.
As
far as Spacey's Lex Luther, I wish they went the Smallville Route with Luthor
and made him more dominant and realistic. I don't think anyone with Lex's supposed
intelligence would surround himself with idiots to foil his plans. I thought Lex's
plan was extremely foolish.
The
fact that this film keeps Superman and Superman 2 in a "Vague" history.
I can't even tell you how many plot holes this film has. I know if a man's flying
in a movie I have to suspend disbelief a little but Singer and his writers are
asking for a lot.
But
you can tell this film was made with heart and that Singer respected the Superman
character that existed in the Donner universe, but ultimately, he took some major
liberties that'll have a huge effect if/when a sequel is made. Don't get me wrong,
I enjoyed the film and the opening credits brought back memories, but I think
you'll leave the theatre attempting to put together plot holes, instead of talking
about the film as a whole.
