(Movies) "Superman Returns"

"Superman Returns" is, in a word, a ride. It seems since the out-of-nowhere success of the original Spiderman movie that we, the people, have been bombarded with a barrage of superhero movies. So far, there really hasn't been an example of an "OK" superhero movie in this new generation of the genre. Spiderman 1 & 2 were excellent, as was Batman Begins and the X-Men flicks, and on the other end of the spectrum we have Hulk, Daredevil, Elektra, and Fantastic Four. It seems that up until now there have been two paths to take when making a superhero movie: the path of greatness and the path of imminent damnation. "Superman Returns," as fate would have it, makes its own path...right down the middle.

It begins well enough. Brandon Routh is phenominal as Superman (though the part isn't exactly demanding) and Kevin Spacey is particularly intriguing and dynamic as Lex Luthor. While I'm dishing out the compliments to the cast, I have to go ahead and give major props to Kate Bosworth who makes the leap from cute teen roles to Lois Lane quite effortlessly and, by all means, flawlessly. The casting of the film was terrific and I really couldn't have asked for a better cast (Even Parker Posey was great!). I suppose my only complaint about casting is that Kal Penn is really underused (like, no speaking part, underused).

Now that all that's out of the way I have to say that the plot, for the most part, is very good. The idea of Superman coming back after a 5-year haitus and adjusting to the changes that have occurred since his departure is a truly fascinating one. In essence, it adds a weakness to a character who otherwise has none (ok, kryptonite, sure....but that's so rare that he hardly encounters it). What this weakness adds is a bit of humanity to an alien character and it makes the film a little more complex. My only complaint with the plot is Lex Luthor's laughable attempt at world-conquest (through real-estate). I don't think I'll be the only one with an irritated scalp from all the head-scratching incurred from this plot. Is this the best the writers could come up with? Really? I wonder what Kevin Spacey thought when he read this. I wonder if he saw it as completely ludicrous idea as well. Who knows? Additionally, while we're on the topic of ludicrous plots, (I hope I'm not giving too much away) is it ridiculous to others that in one scene, Superman is an outright pansy around kryptonite and in the next he's man-handling the stuff like margarine? It makes no sense!

*sigh*

Aside from this, the movie is still very fun to watch and a great comeback for Superman. The special effects are amazing, and I am typically not impressed with CG Effects. In "Superman Returns," however, they are used effectively and done in a very high-quality manner. Also, the movie keeps the cheesiness to an absolute minimum and it is never really an issue. Good job!

At this point it's not sure whether they're planning a sequel, but at this point, I'd be thrilled to see one.

Writing: 3 out of 5 Stars

Acting: 4 out of 5 Stars

Directing: 4 out of 5 Stars

Overall: 4 out of 5 Stars