Its been over 20 years since the first Superman movie came out, I think sometime in the late 70s. It was before I was born, but I did get to see it and its sequels on video/tv as I grew up. U'd believe a man can fly and looked cool even when wearing the red & blue spandex. Looking back... the 1st was a classic, the 2nd was ok I suppose ('cept for the part when Superman kissed Lois Lane n she magically forgets that Superman's secret identity is Clark Kent, how stupid is that!), the 3rd was campy (n crap!), and the 4th...don't get me started on that. Well, generally speaking... all 4 were a product of its time, special effects and production wise but the thing that people will remember to this day is that Christopher Reeve is "the" Superman, and the inspiring musical score of the movies.
Finally, after years of development hell, Superman returns to the big screen. I had my doubts whether it would be any good, my fears were raised when I heard that they were going to follow the continuity of the first 2 movies since they differ from the comics (both Clark Kent's parents are alive in the comics). I cringe in fear imagining that it would retain some of the campiness/silliness of the old movies (I guess back then it was ok, tho some people think its the essence of comicbook movies...damn u Joel Schumacher for giving us Batman & Robin!). Come movie day, all my fears faded away and a wondrous spectacle came before me.
Instead of rebooting the Superman movie franchise and retelling the origin story with a modern setting (possibly more faithful to the comics like Batman Begins), the new movie tells the story of Superman's return after a 5 year absence. In essence, it reflects on how it has been so long since people have seen Superman on the big screen; its magic a distant memory. Like the citizens of metropolis and the rest of the world in this movie, we too get to rekindle that feeling of awe; u will believe a man can fly... and still look cool wearing the red & blue.
From the begining of the movie with the intro accompanied by the classic inspiring Superman theme, I was excited like a kid! Nothing can beat that music! Brandon Routh filled the role perfectly; nothin' new or different from the late Christopher Reeve; but what is there to change? The movie does well in showing how Clark Kent and Superman can't possibly be the same person to the people in the movie. Clark's mannerism and awkwardness hides his presence whereas Superman's iconic presence is felt and exudes confidence. Kate Bosworth played Lois Lane well, and any weakness to her character is probably due to the way she's written on script. I've heard some people disagree on her casting; saying she looks too young for the role, but I'm ok with that. Beats having someone old.. hhaha... Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor; perfect casting! The problem with Gene Hackman's portrayal as Lex in the old movies tho highly regarded, is that he doesn't seem to exude an evil persona; a more funny and camp villain then a cruel and evil mastermind. Some people probably think that Lex in the Smallville tv series is a better portrayal of the character; complex and serious; however Lex Luthor in this movie is still a formidable villain and well characterized with respect to the previous movies.
All other characters in the movie were done quite good; even James Marsden role is better here then it ever was in the X-Men movies! The action, the flying, the effects....u just have to watch this movie! Overall, it's a classic superman movie; nothing ground-breaking in the plot but still worth watching. Now the twist in the story can be quite controversial for fans; either love it or hate it since its probably never been considered in the comics. At first I was kinda unsure of it, since it'll definitely verve in a different direction from the comics unless they too follow suit. In the end I think it's gonna be an interesting story to follow up on in future sequels as I believe they are in good hands. Watch Superman Returns NOW!
Look! Up in the sky!
