Superman Returns (DVD, 2006, Widescreen Edition)

Superman Returns

Really great super-hero film, full of action and excitement!

I'll start off by saying I'm not a huge Superman fan. I didn't expect to be blown away by this movie, and I don't think I was, or was I? Still trying to figure it out.

Most of the cast is great. Spacey is wonderful, Brandon Routh IS Superman/Clark Kent (I really didn't think he could pull it off, but wow!!), Sam Huntington is superb as usual, and the rest of the cast is pretty darn impressive as well. The only cast member I wasn't sold on was Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane, no offense to Ms. Bosworth, but she just didn't sell it.

The movie itself is pretty incredible for the most part, your basic Superman stuff. My personal opinion is that it really dragged on in the pre-beginning, the middle beginning, the mid-middle, and the beginning end. Sorry, this movie's pretty long, so I had to break down the time into sub-categories.

The special effects are great, and the overall feel of the movie is incredible. Even though it drags on during certain sequences, there are several parts in this movie that will leave you awestruck.

This movie is already pretty impressive, and with a few changes it could've been one of the best movies I've ever seen. As you can tell I'm kinda confused as to what to think about Superman Returns.

1/3 of the way through the film I thought about shutting it off, I decided to stick it out and am glad I did. Some people might feel the same way I did, just stick it out, this film turns out to be quite spectacular in the long run.

Final Verdict:

5/5

Rent or Buy?: This review came from a non-superman fan, so I don't think I'll be buying Superman Returns, that being said, this is a movie that will blow you away the first time you see it, and you must see it at least once.

IF YOU FIND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE. Thank you.

More than a standard-issue superhero action/drama, Superman Returns is a spiritual, poignant character study for one of the industry's most enduring icons. This time around, the Man of Steel has abandoned Earth for five long years; in his absence, Lois Lane has written a scathing, Pulitzer Prize-winning piece called "Why the World Doesn't Need Superman" (ouch!), having also become a mother and soon-to-be wife. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor has conned his way into a fortune, using the proceeds to seek out crystals from the Fortress of Solitude; naturally, he'd use these crystals to shift the planet's landscape for his own benefit. After all, what kind of super-villain would Luthor be if he didn't?

Over the course of this three-hour adventure, Superman reassures Lois and the rest of the world that yes, they need Superman more than ever. It almost borders on "What If?" territory, yet the sweeping, dramatic story is told with such care and conviction that it's easy to get behind. Routh handles the dual role perfectly---almost too perfectly, as he's an uncanny match for the late Christopher Reeve in both likeness and demeanor. From clumsy and bumbling to confident and heroic, Routh keeps the transition smooth. With that said, you'd think more citizens of Metropolis would be able to make the Clark/Superman connection: as usual, the glasses and parted hair are enough to fool everyone.

There are, of course, a few nitpicks that make themselves known during Superman Returns. Kate Bosworth does a fine job as the spirited Lois Lane, but she just doesn't seem old or experienced enough to be a seasoned, Pulitzer-winning journalist. Kevin Spacey chews the scenery nicely as the dastardly Lex Luthor, yet a few of his goombas are played too much for comedy relief to seem like a genuine threat to the city. There's one issue that corrects itself quickly, involving a certain younger character who comes of age: he's thankfully pushed to the background during the last third of the film, but at least his eventual "introduction" provides a nice jolt during the second act.

All things considered, Superman Returns is a fantastic film that mixes familiar elements with a contemporary style to keep everything fresh. It's also nice to see a few familiar faces and winks at Superman lore, including the opening title sequence, the "resurrection" of Marlon Brando as Superman's father, Jor-El (via digital trickery) and a clever nod to the famous Action Comics #1 cover. Superman Returns was obviously a labor of love for the cast and crew, proving to be as invaluable to the franchise as Batman Begins was to DC's other cultural icon. The DVD presentation by Warner Bros. pairs the main feature with an excellent technical presentation and a nice spread of bonus material, though a slimmer single-disc edition is also available for casual fans. Let's take a closer look, shall we?


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Superman Returns DVD Released This Past Tuesday!
Posted Dec-12-06 13:29:47 PST


The awaited Superman Returns DVD was released this past Tuesday.... and seems to be mildly received at our local BlockBuster store. There are usually at least 25% of the DVDs in stock at any time we are there, versus 5% for the poorly made 'Nacho Libre' for instance.

We ourselves have not yet rented it, as we have seen it on the Big Screen at our local movie theatre, and are only interested in the xtras that the DVD has. There are plenty of bonus features, so we will definitely rent it to see the bonuses.

Tina was not that thrilled by the movie on the Big Screen, and I would have to give it a '7' on a '10' scale, definitely not liking the Lois Lane portrayal.

The web site that contains the updated info for the DVD is at: Superman Returns .

Updated 04-22-07 We rented the DVD, basically for the extras, as part of our Blockbuster rental package. It will Not be a DVD that we would own.

Michael

The Superhero Genre Lives On !!!! After the revival of the Batman Installments in "Batman Begins", I thank producers for the exceptionally well-done "Superman Returns". Bringing the "Man of Steel" back to us in full-throttle to enjoy. -- It's 5 years later and Metropolis has been without Superman. But when Lex Luther returns the mayhem and Terrorism to the City , the "Man of Steel" returns to save it....and of course Louis Lane. With revered respect to the Superman's previously filmed and carried by Christopher Reeve (God Bless Him), "Superman Returns" is done so well it remains respectively nodding Reeve's previous work, not trying to "redo" it....and brings Superman to us again to continue on. Special-Effects clearly run wild, like they do in "Batman Begins" and the 2 "Spiderman Installments". The movie is jam-packed with everything you could possibly hope to see and more you never thought you'd see....all in the name of great entertainment for ALL. Don't hesitate to have your kids tune in either. This one is for everyone to enjoy !!!! This SuperHero movie is very very far from letting down. It is nice to say, that another Comic Book Hero is brought to the big screen successfully and we can clearly count of the sequels!!!! -- SEE THIS !!!!

PLEASE SEE MY OTHER REVIEWS FOR GREAT FILMS !!!!

Superman is back like never before. Special effects dazzle the eyes in this update to the classic Superman movies. This is really more like a "How much can Superman do?" movie than having any real plot involved. Its just the usual Lex and his evil scheme plot. I would have like to seen a super villain but there is enough things that keep Superman busy in this movie. And it's about three hours long as well. Some will call it an epic and it is. A surprise ending leaves you wondering,"What will come next?" I do recommend picking this one up because it is a lot of fun for the whole family and just a really great movie. 4.5/5

When I heard of a new Superman Movie, I was hoping they'd just shelve it and never release it, how can you ever replace Christopher Reeves??? Well as a movie buff I decided to go see it anyway and I'M GLAD I DID!!!! Thank you Brian Singer for putting together a fabulous creation of players who made this enjoyable and still a stunning movie. Putting Kevin Spacey in as Lex Luthor was brilliant, he's a great villain. Brandon Rooth pulls off a good Superman, at times a bit like Reeves, he does come off well as the new Superman. I like the way the turn took you back and forth, in giving you the story of Superman, remember that the other movies are from the 80's and people today had to be re-introduced to the character. I was really impressed with it and glad to see it was made, can't wait for the sequel.

I'd recommend this movie to all ages and would definitely add this movie to my collection.

If you found this to be good and helpful them please vote!!!

I was suprised about this film. The villain can not act evil enough. Kevin Spacey made me want to make me laugh- although I did not. I found myself feeling sorry for him. His woman is not very supportive he does not seem to care if the plan works or not.

I had a thought that maybe he just wanted to take over the world because he had the power to do so.

Superman seemed too young. Lois was right to leave find someone new. She needed a life not some young looking playboy who just wants some lemony fun and then trys to find his old home. Superman can see thought clothing. He would have known that Lois was pregnet before she did. I think this film made Superman into an ass.

Why does Jimmy Olson not have a girl, yet? That makes no sence to me. He is very cute. But he spends his nights eating with Lois and her new man. Why would the creator of the comic do this?

Lois should be the one not finding anyone. How did she find the time?

And, Clark getting his old job back because someone died is a loud of bull.(sorry for almost cursing.) There has to be someone more quilified out there then Clark.

They also mentioned Gothum being part of the black out but Batman must be so tied up in buying Lex's new North America to care. The rest of the DC universe must be asleep or in commas.

Rent this one first, please!

Superman returns to earth after having visited his home planet that was apparently found by astronomers. He returns to an engaged Louis Lane with child. Lex Luthor gets a hold of kryptonite and memory crystals from Superman's fortress of Solitude. Surprise ending leaves movie open for sequels.

Although I was never a great fan of the Superman comic book, I did watch the movies. When you first here that theme song again it gets your blood pumping. I was looking for a lot more action, but hey its Superman not much can stop him except kryptonite or Doomsday. It has some great CG affects, but if you're picky you can catch the flaws.

Being a HUGE superman fan since age five, and really being blown away by the first superman movie, i was really looking forward to seeing this move for years. I saw it opening day, and LOVED it!!! The only thing i found to be a dissapointment was the lack of action sceens. I would highly recamend seeing this superman installment, and i am already looking forward to the next one in 2009.Also brandon was a great pick for superman/clark kent. He did a great job, people just need to give him a chance. I also like the fact that noel neil and jack larson where in the movie as well!!! kal-el forever

He's back. A hero for our millennium. And not a moment too soon, because during the five years (much longer in movie-fan years!) Superman sought his home planet, things changed on his adopted planet earth. Nations moved on without him. Lois Lane now has a son, a fiance and a Pulitzer for "Why the World Doesn't Need Superman." And Lex Luthor has a plan that will destroy millions - no, billions - of lives. Filmmaker Bryan Singer (X-Men) gives the world the Superman it needs, honoring the legend everyone loves while taking it in a powerful new direction. Brandon Routh proves a perfect choice to wear the hero's cape, leading a top cast that includes Kate Bosworth as Lois and Kevin Spacey as Lex. And the thrills - from a sky-grapple with a tumbling jumbo jet to a continent-convulsing showdown - redefine Wow. "I'm always around," Superman tells Lois. You'll be glad he is. Makes a nice addition to your collection. Granted Christopher Reeves is the KING of superman in our hearts, but Brandon Routh is VERY convincing in this role!!

I enjoy this movie that director Bryan Sunger brought 2 years ago. I'm a fan of the orignal Superman movies but this comeback sure kicks.

Another in the "Comic Book goes to the Big Screen" genre' that is so in vogue' these days. This version of the Superman story gives kudos to the original film starring Christopher Reeves in that original footage of Marlan Brando was used in the Fortress of Solitude scene. Of course, modern visual effects brought some amazing story board ideas to life. Not to spoil anyone's fun, but there are some events in the movie that lend themselves to the idea a sequel may be in the works. In my humble opinion, this movie franchise is not complete. I recommend seeing this movie if you are at all a fan of the comics. Superman's powers are not exaggerated nor are any added that are not disclosed in the comic books. His x-ray vision, heat vision, telescopic sight, super strength and flight ability as well as being bulletproof are all used extensively. I give it five stars.

Very good movie, a very big difference versus the others. Mostly due to better special effects, but the main character took on the characteristics of the previous Superman actor.

No one could ever replace Christopher Reeve but Brandon Routh comes very close. Absolutely convincing as Superman and Clark Kent, you can buy into him as the hero or the geek. This movie makes you remember why we were captivated with the tale of Superman and how much we loved the original films. A must see!

Its a good action movie, the special effects are good and up to date. I would recomend this film for children over 13.

Why do they make you wait so long for great superhero movie like this..The bottom line is that i cannot wait for part two..

It has to be tough making a movie with a title like Superman without over doing it but this movie was a compliment to all other Superman movies. It was not over done. Filmmaker Bryan Singer gave Superman Returns everything it needed and not a bit more or less.
What I enjoyed about the movie is that it showed that time still went on without Superman and the world changed in his absence. With movies such as these I sometimes want to see everything as I remembered it but then I think that if it is going to be somewhat convincing and realistic, time is a factor and it's probably the biggest challenge a filmmaker must have.
Upon the return of Superman all of those thoughts soon went away. All I really wanted to see was Superman back in action helping save the world from its own defects, faults and sins.
Superman Returns has super spiritual underlying tone and theme throughout it. Superman is absolutely a symbolic Messiah (i.e. Jesus Christ). He shows the world that life can go on without him here on earth but it's certainly better to have him around and in your life, especially if you're one of the good guys.
Superman Returns reminds me that we all need a little help and that good must be on the offense against evil, not on the defense.
I have to give Brandon Routh a lot of credit for bringing Superman back. He had a large pair of shoes to fill and he did just that without shadowing our past favorites. I loved the new Lois Lane and Kevin Spacey as Lex was a instant hit.
It's a great movie for the family. It's a great way to introduce new generations to one of our favorite heroes.
Long Live Superman!!!

can't wait for the second movie to come out if it is going to be as good or better than this one. if you are into comics and love superman then this is a movie to get.

THE SURROUND SOUND COULD HAVE BEEN A LITTLE BETTER MADE WITH 7.1
OTHERWISE, THE MOVIE'S GREAT. HOPE THERE WILL BE ANOTHER.

my son is 5 and my daughter is 3 and they like this movie and can watch it all over and over. no bad worlds, and really movie about love family for the girls and fiction and acion for the boys. will recomend a lot.

I have to say, this was a great movie. Great cast, great action, great fx, great acting. Well worth buying.

When I had seen that another superman movie was coming out I was sooo disappointed! Not another one! When I seen the movie and actually gave it a chance, I WAS SO IMPRESSED! WOW! I really didn't think they would be able to pull off another Superman, but this was awesome!

Such a great love story and the actor who played superman?! WOW is all I can say! Not only does he have great looks but I think that he was almost as good if not better then the first superman. Of course now that we have better graphics, and we have come a long way with television... it makes this movie so much better then all the rest! Of course all the previous ones will still be classics.. but this one is worth the money!

I loved this movie and highly recommend it to others to watch. Just a Great Movie to have in your collection!