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Movie: Superman Returns
Director: Bryan Singer
Actors: Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, James Marsden, Parker Posey, Frank Langella, Sam Huntington
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It's difficult to write an objective review because Superman plays an important part of my life. I won't bore you with the whole history but to sum things up, the comics were a big inspirational source for me to become an illustrator and Richard Donner's 1978 Superman film kick-started my passion for cinema. So I was pretty much looking forward to see a new adventure of our man in the blue tights and the red underpants, a fashion statement that's a bit hard to understand for some people, especially here in Holland where they're very down to earth. But for many, including me, he was more than just a superhero and he's part of the American culture.
It took a while before the movie finally got made. Tim Burton and Nicolas Cage took a shot at bringing the franchise back to life, followed by resultless attempts of McG and Brett Ratner, but finally Bryan Singer managed to get the project on track. Singer, who also directed the superb X-Men flicks, came up with a fresh and very original idea that was a semi-sequel to the first two Superman movies.
The story in a nutshell:
Superman disappears, and returns after six years. The world learned how to survive without him and Superman's love of his life, Lois Lane, also moved on. Lois is engaged and to Superman's surprise, she also became a mother of a young boy.
Bryan Singer's biggest challenge was to find the new Superman. He managed to find an unknown Hugh Jackman to play the important role of X-Men's Wolverine, and also found the right guy to play the biggest superhero of all time.
His name is Brandon Routh and without a doubt this guy is the new Superman! He plays the part of Clark Kent, Kal-El and Superman with dignity and respect. And despite the fact that he sometimes looks and sounds like Christopher Reeve, he managed to make the part his own. Kate Bosworth provides the perfect chemistry as the role of the fast-talking reporter Lois Lane. Frank Langella doesn't do the cliche stressed out, screaming editor-in-chief, but portrays a very quiet and charming Perry White. There are also some very funny moments, which are created by Sam Huntington as Jimmy Olsen and Parker Posey as Kitty. Kevin Spacey who got his big break-through in Bryan Singer's The Usual Suspects, is the infamous Lex Luthor. His version of Luther is rough, a bit kinky and ultimately sadistic, excellent!
I'm very relieved that Bryan Singer doesn't deliver another origin story (that's been told too many times) but presents an exiting new adventure about a superhero who feels like an alien trying to find a place in society. He also has to cope with Lois Lane's new life, making him feel more alone on this planet. Singer's film has it all, romance, drama, surprises and ultra-spectacular Superman-action. The impressive sets, special effects and flying sequences are absolutely breathtaking. Singer also gives the film a wonderful style, combining a classic Art-Deco look with modern day high-tech.
Superman Returns is an overwhelming epic film, like a Man of Steel film ought to be. A film, that becomes even better after multiple viewing. He's back, guys, Superman finally returns!
Written by Reggy 16/07/06
© wb 2006
© wb 2006
© wb 2006
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