Superman Returns

Superman Returns is a substandard superhero film that fails to capture any of the spark or fun of the original 1978 Superman. Fueled by Christopher Reeves perfectly capturing the essence of the comic and by Margot Kidder brining a zest, snappy Lois Lane to life, the original Superman easily outshines this lifeless hulk of a film.

Bryan Singer’s version of Superman is sullen and brooding at times, he seems depressed and is constantly in a state of reflection. It’s as though Singer confused him with the darker Batman character. Played by Brandon Routh the character fails to come to life and offers zero chemistry with the equally ho-hum Lois Lane played by Kate Bosworth.

Routh has little screen presence and, in fairness to the newcomer, is offered very little to work with. The dialogue is virtually non-existent and all his moods are dark ones. He is called upon to look sad, speak little and do great blue screen work. Clark Kent is virtually forgotten in this film and the movie completely ignores the fun that the Kent character brought to the Lois Lane relationship.

As for Bosworth, all I can say is that she appears to have phoned in this performance. The Margot Kidder Lois Lane was tough in a sassy sort of way, she was funny and capable of working herself into a lather. The Bosworth version is more hard-as-nails and listless than anything.

Singer gives Lois and Superman a child for reasons that never really become clear. The child is from their prior relationship and Lane’s current fiancée, Richard White, believe the boy to be his. The problem is the film does nothing with the kid. He stares off into space a lot, seems rather sickly for some unknown reason, and utters the occasional sentence. He’s not really a plot device of any kind and does little to further the story.

Also sinking this film is the fact that it’s plain old anti-climatic. Kevin Spacey plays Lex Luthor in a performance that seems without passion or wit. He’s not bumbling like some previous incarnations of Luthor nor is he particularly sarcastic or witty. He’s just sort of mean and pathological. He beats the stuffing out of Superman in what I believed would be the start of a brilliant battle but it just sort of fizzles out.

In the end Superman returns is an underwhelming film that captures none of the essence of joy of the character or the previous films. Yes, there is a spectacular plane rescue that’s visually stunning but practically offers no suspense or tension. Much like the film that is way too long, poorly paced and just plain lifeless. If you want a superhero movie that offers passionate acting, excitement and characters that seem genuine to us, rent Batman Begins and watch it again. If your Bryan Singer or Brandon Routh rent the original Superman and watch the pros at work.