Review #295: 'Superman Returns' (2006)

Wisely ignoring the two farcical sequels (Superman III (1983) and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)), Superman Returns uses the original two - which were both originally to be directed by Richard Donner but was fired during the filming of the back-to-back shoot - as a starting point for the narrative of this first "super" film for 20 years. Many attempts had been made over the years to get a new Superman film greenlit. Bryan Singer had previously rejuvenated the superhero film with his two X-Men movies, so this (along with the death of Marlon Brando) made this particular story possible.

Superman (Brandon Routh - who has an uncanny resemblance to '70's/'80's Superman incarnation, Chrisopher Reeve) has been away from Earth for 5 years, due to astronomers discovering what may have been Kryptonite (Superman's home planet). Returning, he assimilates himself back into his role as Clark Kent at the Daily Planet newspaper, where he discovers that Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth) has had a little boy, and is in a relationship with Richard White (James Marsden), son of newspaper editor, Perry White (Frank Langella).

Meanwhile, the uber-criminal Lex Luthor (brilliantly played by Kevin Spacey) , has discovered Superman's hidden fortress of solitude. Luthor discovers all of Superman's secrets through the crystals of Jor-el (the aforementioned Marlon Brando - who would have requested an immense sum of money had he still been alive), and finds that one of these crystals can create land. Obviously, Luthor's main criminal activity throughout the Superman world, is the accumulation of land and property.

I first saw this film at the cinema in 2006, and have to say that I was very disappointed with the result - although I have to confess that at the start (when the familiar John Williams theme tune, and the swooshing titles), I was excited. Perhaps my expectations were a little too high, and the expectation of "super" action was palpable. However, this film offers very little in action, and focuses mainly on the relationship between Supes and Lane.

Moving forward, the film was shown on television, and it seemed like a perfect time to revisit the film. Thankfully, the film holds up very well, and I enjoyed the experience so much more than at first. Singer and writers, Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris have conjured up an almost perfect follow up to Richard Donner's originals, keeping thoroughly in line with his philosophy of verisimilitude. The emotional arc of Superman is very well handled and the film feels more like a drama at times. I stated previously that there is little action, but the two action set-pieces here are effective, and work very well in the context of the narrative. Here's hoping that next years Superman film has as much to offer (hopefully more) than this subdued delve into the Superman universe.


Directed by: Bryan Singer
Starring: Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, James Marsden, Parker Posey, Frank Langella
Country: USA

Rating: ****

Marc Ivamy