Superman Returns Review
by Tim Voon (winklebeck AT hotmail DOT com)November 12th, 2006
Superman Returns (2006)
A film review by Timothy Voon
Copyright 2006 Timothy Voon
3.5 out of 5 stars
Cast: Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey
Director: Bryan Singer
I first saw this movie during my travels through South East Asia. I was in Bangkok when it was released in theatres and attended a Gold Class screening for 1000 Baht. I have to note that the Thai service and hospitality is one of the best I have experienced in any cinema in the world. There was a buffet of Thai snacks that you can munch on whilst waiting to be served; and the theatre attendants are reminiscent of air hostesses as they lead you to your seat, providing you with an ample supply of complimentary drinks and popcorn.
The screen was huge and Superman looked even more impressive on it.
My first question was, is Brandon Routh believable as the new man of steel? My answer is yes. I would have to say that Routh emits a strong yet sensitive interpretation of superman. The strength of body is initially what the audience will see, but the sensitivity of character beneath the toned muscle and beautiful face is what makes Routh ideal for this role. In particular, his dreamy eyes will capture the hearts of many women around the world. I believe these are the characteristics that make him believable as the venerated superhero. Both Christopher Reeve and George Reeves, the predecessors to Routh in the title role, also embody similar qualities of strength and sensitivity.
As for Lois Lane, I am not as convinced that Kate Bosworth was the ideal choice for this role. She certainly is pretty and feisty enough for the role, but I was not convinced that she was the best choice.
The movie begins with the return of Superman to the planet earth. He has been missing for a number of years due to his departure to visit his birth planet Krypton, in search of answers to his past. Lois Lane has also moved on with her life without Superman, and in his absence has gotten married and now has a son. However, she is a working mom and is still one of the best investigative reporters around town.
This movie brings some interesting issues to surface. It explores Superman's virility. I am sure many women have fantasized about being in bed with the man of steel, but I have never thought about whether it was possible for him to father children. After all he is an alien from Krypton and not a human. I think to myself as Superman towers on the large screen, cape flowing, every muscle highlighted nicely by his tight fitting suit, and well the groin certainly suggests that he has the functional capabilities to become a father; but is it genetically possible?
Other questions were, if Lois Lane were married would there still be enough romantic chemistry left between Lane and Superman to keep the viewer interested? At first I thought it would be risky to have Lois attached, because you really do not want Superman coming across as a wife stealer. And he doesn't. Bryan Singer instead decides to play with the theme of impossible love - 'you can love her, but you can't touch her'. This dilemma works well on two levels - Lois secretly loves Superman but cannot express her true feelings because she is already married, and Clark secretly loves Lois but cannot reveal his true identity.
Singer is an ideal choice for directing this movie. He has clearly shown sensitivity in the past when dealing with mutants in the X-men franchise, and in this movie explores the personal side of the man of steel. I felt that Kevin Spacey was a little over the top in his interpretation of Lex Luther, and was more mad than cunning. Overall, I was quite impressed by this movie, and was happy that the man of steel had made a satisfying return to our screens.
Timothy Voon
Email - winklebeck@hotmail.com
Web - 'Movies in Melbourne'
http://home.iprimus.com.au/winklebeck/index.htm
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