Saturday Review Episode IV

Movie Review
Superman Returns (2006)


One thing you can be certain of, newcomer Brandon Routh looks a lot like Christopher Reeve, and by extension, Superman. He looks like the man of steel, but did he give the role the multi-dimension that Christopher Reeve brought to the part? The answer to this is: somewhat. Routh doesn’t say very much in his role, so his acting cred is left up in the air, but there is no doubt he projects the aura of Superman and Clark Kent. Director Bryan Singer did well in picking a newcomer to the role, as the character is so iconic that a known actor would not be able to pull off the part.

The opening scenes are stirring, especially since the original score is brought back, reminding you of the initial 1979 experience. Oddly, one of the most memorable moments of the movie is when the voice of long dead, Marlon Brando as Jor-el (come to think of it, they’re both dead) gives sage advice to Kal-el in his typical mumbling voice. Its decidedly Judeo-Christian overtones notwithstanding, the words and voice of Brando are stirring. There is much Christian imagery with a few homages to pop-culture thrown in for good measure: see if you can pick out Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane from the George Reeves television show. An Action Comics #1 scene is thrown in for good measure, which will appeal to fanboys everywhere.

Early on we see the Kent family farm in Kansas, a bit of background bio. for Supes; and we soon find Clark back at his old gig at the Daily Planet. Lois Lane is there, but since Superman has been gone for five years visiting a destroyed Krypton, she’s matched up with Richard and has had a child. My first thought was that this rivalry would test the old truth, justice and the American way. Wait a minute, after watching Jerry Springer, a good ‘ol brawl just might be the American way! Of course, there’s a big leap in special effects as compared to the original movies; Superman’s flying is almost seamless. The movie moves forward at a good pace and there’s a plot/development twist that I shan’t reveal.

In the end, this movie is a very good super-hero flick. Three out of five stars. I wouldn’t put it in the first tier with Batman Begins and the two Spidey masterpieces, but it’s a nice addition to the Superman canon. The only thing left to wonder is what kind of 10k can Supes run?