Superman Returns to the big screen - (7/5)
by Jason Boyd, Reporter
Superman Returns, 2006
Warner Bros. Pictures Inc.
Directed by Bryan Singer
Written by Michael Dougherty & Dan Harris
Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, James Marsden and Parker Posey
Superman returns and it was well worth the wait.
It’s a story about heroism. Clark Kent isn’t real he’s just the persona Superman wears. Superman is the man underneath, in his heart and mind. When the world, or the love of his life, needs him he steps up and does what must be done. This movie makes it clear, through the story of the more human characters, that we all have a hero inside of us it just doesn’t often have the chance to fly.
The story, which is a direct sequel to the 1980 “Superman 2,” opens with Superman returning from an off-screen detour to visit his own home world’s remains. He finds the world may have moved on without the man of steel.
And the man, Brandon Routh, does an iconic job. He’s understated in his emotional portrayals, but has a larger than human aura. Superman strikes you as pure of character. He’s entirely composed of virtues, without vices – he’s the best a man could hope to be and the thematic qualities makes it clear the superhuman strength is just an extension of his inner-self.
Film making like this is what sets great movies apart from summer blockbusters and superhero romps.
Bryan Singer did well on “X-Men,” making it the first successful Marvel Entertainment Inc. movie franchise, but Superman breaks the barrier. He takes classic filmmaking, where all the tricks of the trade are tools to tell a story, not just tricks. This story could have easily been ridiculous in the hands of an amateur director.
Amateur acting is another pitfall for superhero movies. Other than the lead, most of the other actors are seasoned and even the younger faces always seem to know what they’re doing. One of the best parts, though a minor one, comes from Lois Lane’s son Jason, played by Tristan Lake Leabu. He pulls off a believable performance without relying on being cutesy.
Veteran Kevin Spacey plays Lex Luthor. It’s a slightly comedic Lex Luthor and the worst scenes come from him and his henchmen, because the comedy isn’t needed. He does get some well-earned laughs but I could have done without some of the gags played off by Parker Posey, who plays Lex’s girlfriend Kitty Kowlaski.
The love triangle between Superman, Lois Lane, and her new boyfriend Richard White, played by James Marsden, is shown throughout, but it never threatens to take over the film. It’s a good triangle too, because it’s played with maturity and doesn’t resort to making Richard a jerk simply to make Superman be better.
The theme of inner heroism is best displayed with Richard, who shows you don’t have to be from Krypton to be a hero. This character isn’t seen much but when he is, Marsden, who also played Cyclops in “X-Men,” does a great job with the minor role he’s given. He shows strength of character on the same level of Superman – and he can fly too, it’s just by piloting a plane.
Kate Bosworth does a decent job as Lois Lane. She’s tough, she’s smart and she may still be in love with Superman. She doesn’t shine as brightly as the other characters, but she does a solid job.
This movie is more than special effects and men in tight spandex with muscular bodies. If you’re a fan of movies, even if you hate superhero movies, see this one. |
