My Superman Returns Review - Page 2

irishjayhawk · 06-27-2006, 11:08 AM

So I took a shift last night and was working projection when the Superman prints arrived. Each print consisted of 3 cannisters to hold the massive 9 reels. I quickly alerted the build-up people - it seemed like the equivalent to alerting the Super Friends. Anyway, at about 10:40PM, the movie finally went up.

Now, I must preface this with my view on Superman. I find him plain. I don’t find him nearly as exciting as say Spiderman, any of the X-Men and Batman. Perhaps it’s because he only has one weakness and therefore doesn’t carry enough of the human characteristics I like in the other ’superheros’. Moreover, I just can’t help but laugh when people can’t see Clark is Superman. I mean the glasses don’t add that much! Thus, I wasn’t really watching this movie for Superman, as much as I was for Bryan Singer’s direction and John Ottman’s score. I also haven’t read any of the comic books, so I wasn’t expecting to pick out errors or constantly having to correct things that did or didn’t happen.

The movie opens with a neat CGI outer space recreation accompanied by a seemingly reversed Star Wars text intro, with its own spin. Combined with the music, it was actually really entertaining and easy to watch, despite it’s considerable length for the opening credits.

After the intro, the story switches between Lex Luther’s start to his master plan and Superman actually returning on an asteroid. It focuses on the farm and then on Clark’s memories about discovering his powers. It was a bit slow for my liking - though bearable - but in retrospect, it was a nice touch. The movie quickly picks up as Clark returns to the Daily Planet and meets Jimmy Olsen and the editor. Enough plot as I hate when the plot is given out.

First, let me say that Brandon Routh looks and acts the part. Kevin Spacey is the best Lex Luther either the movies or television series ever had. He’s energetic just looks the part all around. Both offer a great side to the movie and counter each other perfectly. Kate Bosworth isn’t exactly what I pictured Lois Lane to look like, though my mind could be fixated on the Teri Hatcher Lois Lane of the television series. Regardless, she did do a pretty good job with her part. Struggling between her married man and her love of Superman, she showed the torn nature of her character. James Marsden, who had worked with Singer on X-Men and X2, plays the part of Lois’ husband. Though his red sunglasses seen in X-Men definitely highlight him, he does a really nice job with such a small part (and no super powers). All in all, the acting is very good and everyone looks nice on screen.

The movie does have a somewhat slow beginning and end, but it is more than made up for for the good two hours of seemingly non-stop action. Accented by Ottman’s score (plus John Williams’ Main Title), the movie really takes on a life of it’s own. I have purchased the Superman score and can say, without a doubt, it’s a fantastic score and one I will listen to for a long time. It also goes hand in hand with the movie.

Singer has accomplished what I wanted accomplished from X3. See, Singer balanced character development with action. It was the exact same kind of balance found in both X1 and X2, though more in X2. It was what upset me about X3. Singer’s employ of odd camera angles, well done CGI and effects, as well as the direction of Kevin Spacey, in particular, was marvelous. Also, in what was another difference between X3 and ‘Superman’ was the fact that Singer was involved in the story. It seems he likes to alter the script or story to help suit his vision, thus earning himself a writing credit. In any case, like X2, this was probably what catapulted ‘Superman’ from just above mediocre to extraordinary. In the same way, it is what doomed X3. In my opinion, Singer the new age Stephen Spielberg.

There’s one major complaint I have about ‘Superman’, it’s the fact that Singer couldn’t do ‘Superman’ and X3.

Bottom-line: Must see! By the way, the IMAX version has some 3D parts. (20 minutes of 3D or 4-5 scenes lasting 4-5 minutes.)
DVD Bottom-line: Must own. Period. Same goes for the soundtrack.
Rating: 3.5 out of 4.

Just for what it's worth.

P.S. I didn't know if this should be posted in the lounge or MCE subforum. Please move, if necessary.

**Tribal Warfare** · 06-28-2006, 02:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

And, God, they finally got it right...they made him powerful.

I concur, Superman shouldn't have trouble carrying 10 ton objects and ect..

Singer did the right thing. He made Superman the baddest mother****er on the planet

keg in kc · 06-28-2006, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcan

I was astonished at how well Roush was able to capture Reeves' Clark Kent... The sideturned grin, the "sorry"s, the goofiness. It's spot on, and it was almost like watching Reeves all over again. Very cool.

Yeah, I thought Routh was great. I'd read comments about him in several reviews, and I guess I just don't know what the reviewers were looking for. To me, he was Superman and Clark Kent both, but I've followed the comic and cartoons for years, and he gave me what I expected. And any people who were concerned that he was too small or not buff enough for the role can relax now. I'm sure it was in part due to construction of the suit, but he appreared to be way, way more muscular than Reeve ever was.

And I loved Spacey's Lex. He seemed...diabolical. Not campy, not comical, just out for himself, everyone else be damned, with a little dash of insanity on the side.

keg in kc · 06-28-2006, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

The Puff Daddy type of origina,l yes their were nuances but not totally noticably. I loved how Ottman strategically placed The Superman March hook at the heavy action scenes.

That's an insult to Ottoman; it wasn't a Williams remix or sample at all. I actually loved that they used the themes they did the way that they did, because, to me, it helped tie to film to the Donner version, which was exactly what Singer was going for. It enhanced the film I thought.

**Tribal Warfare** · 06-28-2006, 02:31 AM

Which villians next Brainiac or Dakseid?????

keg in kc · 06-28-2006, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

Singer did the right thing. He made Superman the baddest mother****er on the planet

God, was he ever. Some of the stuff he did in the movie...

keg in kc · 06-28-2006, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

Which villians next Brainiac or Dakseid?????

Braniac.

Save Darkseid or Doomsday for the end of the trilogy.

And can we please have Batman vs. Superman?

**Tribal Warfare** · 06-28-2006, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

That's an insult to Ottoman; it wasn't a Williams remix or sample at all. I actually loved that they used the themes they did the way that they did, because, to me, it helped tie to film to the Donner version, which was exactly what Singer was going for. It enhanced the film I thought.

it wasn't totally original that's all I'm saying, because one can't get away from the original John Williams score. Singer even admitted to that

tk13 · 06-28-2006, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

Braniac.

Save Darkseid or Doomsday for the end of the trilogy.

And can we please have Batman vs. Superman?

SPOILER

----------

I thought that was a really nice touch in the sequence where Superman is "back", flying all over the world saving people. In one of the news reports, you hear them say he was in Gotham. Real nice touch. Hint toward something in the future maybe? At least a nod to the DC universe.

-----------

I thought Singer put all kinds of little subtle touches in the movie like that. Very well thought out. But you have to be paying attention.

keg in kc · 06-28-2006, 02:42 AM

I noticed that, too, tk.

**Tribal Warfare** · 06-28-2006, 02:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

And can we please have Batman vs. Superman?

This could be an introduction to the Justice League too.

Hammock Parties · 06-28-2006, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tk13

SPOILER

----------

I thought that was a really nice touch in the sequence where Superman is "back", flying all over the world saving people. In one of the news reports, you hear them say he was in Gotham. Real nice touch. Hint toward something in the future maybe? At least a nod to the DC universe.

-----------

I thought Singer put all kinds of little subtle touches in the movie like that. Very well thought out. But you have to be paying attention.

Yeah I heard that. The crowd did, too. I was all like, sup, Batman?

Miles · 06-28-2006, 02:54 AM

Im not much of a Superman fan at all but this is definitly sounding like one that may be worth the stiff price of seeing it in IMAX.

Chiefs_Fan_n_64081 · 06-28-2006, 03:05 AM

I guess I am a little more critical than most, but I will also point out some strengths as well.
Personally I thought the main plot device was sluggish in it's pacing, and lazy to connect the dots as to how things are workable with the plot in question.
I also felt that there was not nearly enough details about his attempt to journey home, and it might have helped to have a few seconds of flashback footage of what he experienced.
I am thrilled with the care that went into the CGI shots. If there's one thing that grates my nerves, it's CGI that is obvious. This film had virtually none of those glitches.
Brian Singer did a fantastic job making this film look beautiful.

I highly reccomend this film for viewing at the theater, as it was made to be experienced on the big screen.

tk13 · 06-28-2006, 03:11 AM

I'd definitely agree with that last point above all else. I'm usually content to just wait for movies to come to DVD. But this movie is definitely a reminder about why you go to the movie theater.

**Tribal Warfare** · 06-28-2006, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg in kc

Braniac.

I concur, since he did make the comment I'm the only one which would flow into the Brainiac realm

06-27-2006, 11:08 AM
irishjayhawk Feelin' Alright Join Date: Aug 2004 Casino cash: $10004900	My Superman Returns Review So I took a shift last night and was working projection when the Superman prints arrived. Each print consisted of 3 cannisters to hold the massive 9 reels. I quickly alerted the build-up people - it seemed like the equivalent to alerting the Super Friends. Anyway, at about 10:40PM, the movie finally went up. Now, I must preface this with my view on Superman. I find him plain. I don’t find him nearly as exciting as say Spiderman, any of the X-Men and Batman. Perhaps it’s because he only has one weakness and therefore doesn’t carry enough of the human characteristics I like in the other ’superheros’. Moreover, I just can’t help but laugh when people can’t see Clark is Superman. I mean the glasses don’t add that much! Thus, I wasn’t really watching this movie for Superman, as much as I was for Bryan Singer’s direction and John Ottman’s score. I also haven’t read any of the comic books, so I wasn’t expecting to pick out errors or constantly having to correct things that did or didn’t happen. The movie opens with a neat CGI outer space recreation accompanied by a seemingly reversed Star Wars text intro, with its own spin. Combined with the music, it was actually really entertaining and easy to watch, despite it’s considerable length for the opening credits. After the intro, the story switches between Lex Luther’s start to his master plan and Superman actually returning on an asteroid. It focuses on the farm and then on Clark’s memories about discovering his powers. It was a bit slow for my liking - though bearable - but in retrospect, it was a nice touch. The movie quickly picks up as Clark returns to the Daily Planet and meets Jimmy Olsen and the editor. Enough plot as I hate when the plot is given out. First, let me say that Brandon Routh looks and acts the part. Kevin Spacey is the best Lex Luther either the movies or television series ever had. He’s energetic just looks the part all around. Both offer a great side to the movie and counter each other perfectly. Kate Bosworth isn’t exactly what I pictured Lois Lane to look like, though my mind could be fixated on the Teri Hatcher Lois Lane of the television series. Regardless, she did do a pretty good job with her part. Struggling between her married man and her love of Superman, she showed the torn nature of her character. James Marsden, who had worked with Singer on X-Men and X2, plays the part of Lois’ husband. Though his red sunglasses seen in X-Men definitely highlight him, he does a really nice job with such a small part (and no super powers). All in all, the acting is very good and everyone looks nice on screen. The movie does have a somewhat slow beginning and end, but it is more than made up for for the good two hours of seemingly non-stop action. Accented by Ottman’s score (plus John Williams’ Main Title), the movie really takes on a life of it’s own. I have purchased the Superman score and can say, without a doubt, it’s a fantastic score and one I will listen to for a long time. It also goes hand in hand with the movie. Singer has accomplished what I wanted accomplished from X3. See, Singer balanced character development with action. It was the exact same kind of balance found in both X1 and X2, though more in X2. It was what upset me about X3. Singer’s employ of odd camera angles, well done CGI and effects, as well as the direction of Kevin Spacey, in particular, was marvelous. Also, in what was another difference between X3 and ‘Superman’ was the fact that Singer was involved in the story. It seems he likes to alter the script or story to help suit his vision, thus earning himself a writing credit. In any case, like X2, this was probably what catapulted ‘Superman’ from just above mediocre to extraordinary. In the same way, it is what doomed X3. In my opinion, Singer the new age Stephen Spielberg. There’s one major complaint I have about ‘Superman’, it’s the fact that Singer couldn’t do ‘Superman’ and X3. Bottom-line: Must see! By the way, the IMAX version has some 3D parts. (20 minutes of 3D or 4-5 scenes lasting 4-5 minutes.) DVD Bottom-line: Must own. Period. Same goes for the soundtrack. Rating: 3.5 out of 4. Just for what it's worth. P.S. I didn't know if this should be posted in the lounge or MCE subforum. Please move, if necessary.
Posts: 16,887

06-28-2006, 02:31 AM	#19
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2937187	Which villians next Brainiac or Dakseid????? __________________
Posts: 43,447

06-28-2006, 02:42 AM	#24
keg in kc oxymoron Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: OP/KC/Whatever Casino cash: $9556299	I noticed that, too, tk.
Posts: 58,682

06-28-2006, 02:54 AM	#27
Miles MVP Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Dallas, TX Casino cash: $-1647600	Im not much of a Superman fan at all but this is definitly sounding like one that may be worth the stiff price of seeing it in IMAX.
Posts: 14,541

06-28-2006, 03:05 AM	#28
Chiefs_Fan_n_64081 Royal Sex Machine Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: where ever I happen to be Casino cash: $10004900	I guess I am a little more critical than most, but I will also point out some strengths as well. Personally I thought the main plot device was sluggish in it's pacing, and lazy to connect the dots as to how things are workable with the plot in question. I also felt that there was not nearly enough details about his attempt to journey home, and it might have helped to have a few seconds of flashback footage of what he experienced. I am thrilled with the care that went into the CGI shots. If there's one thing that grates my nerves, it's CGI that is obvious. This film had virtually none of those glitches. Brian Singer did a fantastic job making this film look beautiful. I highly reccomend this film for viewing at the theater, as it was made to be experienced on the big screen.
Posts: 186

06-28-2006, 03:11 AM	#29
tk13 ... Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $-1837500	I'd definitely agree with that last point above all else. I'm usually content to just wait for movies to come to DVD. But this movie is definitely a reminder about why you go to the movie theater.
Posts: 56,683