Superman Returns (2006)

[StingingVelvet]

Originally Posted by jess1581

Superman Returns is a frustration for me. I'm a fan of the classic Reeve movies and can even watch 3 and 4. So I appreciate Returns' evident affection for Donner's aesthetic. Bryan Singer put together a loving tribute, and a top notch technical presentation.

On the other hand, it is also TOO MUCH of an homage. Bryan Singer approached it more as a fan than a filmmaker which I believe limited his imagination. Routh was fine as Superman, though I think he was under utilized. Bosworth was just plain WRONG for Lois. Parker Posey would have made a better Lois than Luthor's babe. Spacey however was spot on as Lex Luthor.

I do also think the action feels more obligatory than exhilarating. The plane sequence was impressive, but beyond that there just wasn't enough wow factor.

The running time is also strenuous at 154 minutes. It could have used a much tighter pace. There's an alternate opening scene of Superman in his ship scoping out the ruins of his home world. They should have kept it in as it was a much better intro for Kal El. If anything most of the deleted scenes were of better use than what was kept in.

3/5 because it is a competently made film and entertaining to a point, but Singer should have dialed back his fandom and focused on making a more original worthwhile Superman film to justify his "return".

I agree with pretty much all of this. I can't believe that deleted opening wasn't in the movie, it's great. I really hope someday we get a new disc with that scene able to be watched at the front. Lois Lane casting, weak action/climax I also fully agree with. The somber tone is unique and I like it somewhat, but it perhaps was a little overdone.

It's an enjoyable movie but flawed. Like so, so many before and after it. The classics are classics for a reason.