Superman Returns Review

[thapunisher67]

I saw the movie this past sunday and Really Enjoyed it. This film is definiteley Singers Best Work and you can tell alot of care went into making this movie. The running time is right at 3 hours and at times it feels like it. For example after Superman makes his big re-entry and saves a few lives and fights a madman with a mini-gun (which was really cool by the way) there is a good hour dedicated to just plot and character development. The FX are top notch and VERY well done, there is only one scene at the end of the film where Superman looks a bit cartoonish while he flies above the planet but other than that all the other scenes are fantastic. I was unaware that it was to be a continuation of the previous movies but I soon realized it was when the introduction credits rolled just as they do in the previous films and the music is just as I remembered as the Iconic "Superman Music". All in all is was a great movie and I'd say its a safe bet that now their will be an actual cinematic rival to Spiderman.

B+

[Andrey83]

All in all is was a great movie and I'd say its a safe bet that now their will be an actual cinematic rival to Spiderman.

Haha, like Batman Begins wasnt 10 leagues better then Spiderman.

Anyway, 3 hours eh? Wow, thats pretty long for a summer blockbuster. Was it dragging alot, or just in the period after the introduction?

[thapunisher67]

Haha, like Batman Begins wasnt 10 leagues better then Spiderman.

Anyway, 3 hours eh? Wow, thats pretty long for a summer blockbuster. Was it dragging alot, or just in the period after the introduction?





LOL... this is true.

It really only drags at that halfway point when Superman and Lois get reaquainted and it shows her homelife and How she just happens to "Stumble" her way on board Lex Luthors Amazing Yacht and he gives his classic Villainous Plot Speech. From there it picks up the pace rather quickly and things flow pretty fast for the remainder of the film

[adt100]

Well, if the budget is as high as has been suggested (which is damn high for ANY movie, but particularly one based in modern day Earth (therefore somewhat limiting the need for vast set builds, CGI etc) then I'd expect a long film!

Does seem that Hollywood directors love the long epic films these days, (something I think the LOTR success has made studio bosses more comfortbale of doing). Personally I like long films, particularly if this enhances character and plot development. As long as they don't drag.

[sec127]

Thats good to hear. Critics are loving it as well. But the real question is that if audiences are going to see it. I think it will do good opening weekend but then drop off quick and its final gross will end out to be between 175-210 million. But I cant wait to see it.

[Tornado]

I'm pretty sure the running time was confirmed to be roughly 2 hrs and 30 min... not three hours like the original poster claims.

[thapunisher67]

I'm pretty sure the running time was confirmed to be roughly 2 hrs and 30 min... not three hours like the original poster claims.


The Movie Started at 2 p.m. and we left the theater at around 4:50. We did sit through the credits also which where around 15 mins, but the entire run time from start to finish is almost 3 hours.

[hammerhedd11]

The Movie Started at 2 p.m. and we left the theater at around 4:50. We did sit through the credits also which where around 15 mins, but the entire run time from start to finish is almost 3 hours.

The movie doesn't start right on time and there are usually 10- 15 mins of previews. Anyway, this is good to hear as I was really looking forward to this movie.

[FilmJerk]

cant frggn wait. How is Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor?

[thapunisher67]

The movie doesn't start right on time and there are usually 10- 15 mins of previews. Anyway, this is good to hear as I was really looking forward to this movie.


There was just the one Trailer of M. Night's New Movie Lady in the Water (which looks crazy as hell) but the movie did start at 2 p.m. on the dot, because I was the one that started it, Im a projectionist at the Theater it was being screened at.

And Spacey plays Luthor very well, although he doesnt really seem evil in the movie just a bit.... eccentric I guess the word would be. All he wants is to be rid of superman and use his crystals he finds at the Fortress of Solitude to build new Continent that he will in turn sell off to other countries to become even more rich than he already is. But he does have some great lines that are just funny like when he suggests eating his pet pomerainian.

[DVDAVE]

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/superman_returns/ well it's getting good reviews so far.

[quiksilver022]

Nothing can even TOUCH Batman Begins.

[bbf2]

Nothing can even TOUCH Batman Begins.

You're right. The only one allowed to touch Batman is Robin.

[Fanible]

I don't think it'd be going too far to say that Batman Begins is probably the best comic-based created film to date. Some may argue it's X-Men or X-Men 2, but while good or great, I couldn't really say that in the context.

[FVD]

Wow 3 hours eh. Well I'll be going to see the IMAX version next week so I hope I don't get a big headache wearing those 3-D glasses for that length of time.

[darthspielberg]

You're right. The only one allowed to touch Batman is Robin.

Awe. Some.

[kel thuzad]

I don't think it'd be going too far to say that Batman Begins is probably the best comic-based created film to date. Some may argue it's X-Men or X-Men 2, but while good or great, I couldn't really say that in the context.
What about Road to Perdition?
Or that doesnt count because theres no superhero in it ?
:confused:

edit: Hm, maybe that doesnt really count cause it wasnt a comic book rather than graphic novel?
Or is is the same thing?? Im very confused, im going to eat some strawberries...

[spide-ed]

Nothing can even TOUCH Batman Begins.

I agree i think Batman Begins was the greatest collection of acting, directing, writing talent yet assembled for a comic book movie.

Id say the closest competitors are Spiderman 2, X-2 and Sin City.

But if anyone can match BB, im sure Singer can.....and to think all the people that said Superman would be crap and X3 would rule (manaically laughs)

Oh yeh and as for Road to Perdition, it does count but IMO it wasnt as good as those films i mentioned above, its more of a 3 1/2 star film....it did look very good though.

[Fanible]

What about Road to Perdition?
Or that doesnt count because theres no superhero in it ?
:confused:

edit: Hm, maybe that doesnt really count cause it wasnt a comic book rather than graphic novel?
Or is is the same thing?? Im very confused, im going to eat some strawberries...

Yeah, I was thinking of just superheroes actually. But I think Sin City is the best comic adaption in the overall sense, ie including "graphic novels", although Road to Perdition was great as well.

[hammerhedd11]

Wow 3 hours eh. Well I'll be going to see the IMAX version next week so I hope I don't get a big headache wearing those 3-D glasses for that length of time.

Don't worry, there are only 20 mins of 3-D.

[sshuttari]

Yeah, I was thinking of just superheroes actually. But I think Sin City is the best comic adaption in the overall sense, ie including "graphic novels", although Road to Perdition was great as well.

Sin City was good, but V for Vendetta i think blows all the other comic book adaptions out of the water.

[Fanible]

Sin City was good, but V for Vendetta i think blows all the other comic book adaptions out of the water.

Yeah V for Vendetta was a lot of fun. Sin City is the most true adaption I've ever seen though. It's frame for frame from the comic pages. They essentially used the comics as the story board references. No other adaption has been more true to the source. That's more along the lines I'm speaking.

[Glordreen]

Sin City was good, but V for Vendetta i think blows all the other comic book adaptions out of the water.


Totally.

[matthall]

Yeah V for Vendetta was a lot of fun. Sin City is the most true adaption I've ever seen though. It's frame for frame from the comic pages. They essentially used the comics as the story board references. No other adaption has been more true to the source. That's more along the lines I'm speaking.


And that's why it was barely mediocre.

[Jack]

As far as capturing the spirit of the super-hero, the fun of the comics, the stylistic coloring of the frames, and putting it all together in a consistent cinematic fashion, Spider-Man 2 remains the best I think.

[hammerhedd11]

I've heard that there isn't much action. Is it true?

[NEo881]

cant wait for this movie this and pirates to have been my most anticpated movies to see this sumer our theater has it clocked at 2:52 with previews also got confirmed that the spiderman 3 teaser will be on and be about be 2min 20seconds

[FVD]

As far as capturing the spirit of the super-hero, the fun of the comics, the stylistic coloring of the frames, and putting it all together in a consistent cinematic fashion, Spider-Man 2 remains the best I think.

I think the X-Men films to me have been adapted better than the Spider-Man movies. While I enjoyed the Spidey flicks I do feel there is something missing. I think Raimi needs to tone down the drama a bit. It's just a bit too dramatic for my liking.

[Fanible]

And that's why it was barely mediocre.

Yes, I'd say it was barely mediocre, because it was more near amazing.

[SaltyDog]

I don't think it'd be going too far to say that Batman Begins is probably the best comic-based created film to date. Some may argue it's X-Men or X-Men 2, but while good or great, I couldn't really say that in the context.

"Batman Begins" is the best of the BATMaN movies and Christian Bale is the best Batman. I also think "Spiderman two" was excellent. Now if "Superman Returns" can top or just be as good. WOW. As for the Xmen movies I really don't care for them that much although the "last stand" was the best of the three. I am also looking forward to the follow up to "Fantastic 4". Hopefully this one will be better than the first one which wasn't too bad but could have being better.

[Doc Savage]

That Sin City was so closely adapted to the comic was not a positive thing because the dialogue and the stories were terrible. Rodriguez did an admirable job but he shouldn't have gotten Frank Miller so closely involved. As for Superman Returns, I have higher hope than I imagined, say, a month ago. As long as it isn't as corny as the Spider-man movies or as longwinded as Batman Begins and Hulk, it'll be alright. Bryan Singer did craft two of the best comic book movies (only to have that franchise ruined by a man named Ratner), so I have confidence in him here.

[sshuttari]

look at the reviews on rottentomatoes, its doing great! so my anticipation has gotten even higher!!!

[KaMiKaZi]

I hope Superman ain't really 3 hours long, because thats what i hated about the LOTR movies (which i never really liked anyway, thank god i didn't watch the 3rd film). King kong was good however the first hour which was mostly character and story development was quite boring. Buts as long as the movie doesn't lag as much and that there is plenty of action to keep one entertained then i guess ish ok. But still for me 3hrs is pretty long, 2hrs-2.5hrs is good enough i reckon.

[insaneMoViEgoer]

its 2hr 37mins

[carnage4u]

What about captain america movie. that was just like reading the comic. and by just like it, i meant they were both crap

[DVDAVE]

That Sin City was so closely adapted to the comic was not a positive thing because the dialogue and the stories were terrible. Rodriguez did an admirable job but he shouldn't have gotten Frank Miller so closely involved. As for Superman Returns, I have higher hope than I imagined, say, a month ago. As long as it isn't as corny as the Spider-man movies or as longwinded as Batman Begins and Hulk, it'll be alright. Bryan Singer did craft two of the best comic book movies (only to have that franchise ruined by a man named Ratner), so I have confidence in him here.
First of all The Dialogue is amazing. Thats what Frank Miller is known for is his pop Noir Dialogue. It's just your opinion that you think it sux. Go back and and read the comics dude or watch the movie again. It's the pulp fiction of comics. I take it your not really a comic book fan. Cause if you were you would no the Frank Miller is a god and he writes some of the best stuff.

[cg124]

I hope Superman ain't really 3 hours long, because thats what i hated about the LOTR movies (which i never really liked anyway, thank god i didn't watch the 3rd film). King kong was good however the first hour which was mostly character and story development was quite boring. Buts as long as the movie doesn't lag as much and that there is plenty of action to keep one entertained then i guess ish ok. But still for me 3hrs is pretty long, 2hrs-2.5hrs is good enough i reckon.


The thing about lord of the rings is that they had to be 3 hours long to tell the story. Unlike King Kong which could have cut some things out. If you can't sit through a three hour movie then watch it half one day and watch the second half later. I know not everyone has time to sit through long movies,but not all movies are meant to be 90 minutes long. If Lord of the Rings was 90 minutes or even 2 hours so much would have been left out and many fans would be pissed.

[The WupZter]

The length of the movie doesn't bother me at all. I just hope it's as spectacular as everyone said it is. And hopefully the presense of POTC won't affect it's run at the box office too much.

[matthall]

First of all The Dialogue is amazing. Thats what Frank Miller is known for is his pop Noir Dialogue. It's just your opinion that you think it sux. Go back and and read the comics dude or watch the movie again. It's the pulp fiction of comics. I take it your not really a comic book fan. Cause if you were you would no the Frank Miller is a god and he writes some of the best stuff.

I don't see how any of that validates the film. The dialogue didn't bother me, but the things that were directly translated from comic to film were what brought the movie down, it's not Rodriguez's fault it's Frank Miller's. He needs to stick to what he's good at-comics.

[the elmo zombie]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y191/ultyone/ebert.jpg

this may be faked but if not then ebert doesnt feel we should see it. doeasnt change a thing for me though

[FilmJerk]

searched eberts site and sun times. nothing of a superman review came up.

[Wolverine]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y191/ultyone/ebert.jpg

this may be faked but if not then ebert doesnt feel we should see it. doeasnt change a thing for me though

That is fake look at the Time of the film. 140 Min. That's 2 hours 20 Min. I think we already heard the Film is 2 Hours and 37 min. So it should have said 157 Min.

[SaltyDog]

I just love critics. What we do without them. LOL. One critic will say its the best film of the year while another critic will tell you the same flick is the worse of the year. Makes one wonder just what they were looking at or thinking about while watching the film. Ah Well, I never take a critics review all that serious.

[PsYkOoOoO]

I think the X-Men films to me have been adapted better than the Spider-Man movies. While I enjoyed the Spidey flicks I do feel there is something missing. I think Raimi needs to tone down the drama a bit. It's just a bit too dramatic for my liking.

Yeah.The X-Men films raise issues.

Spider-Man was pure popcorn.

[thapunisher67]

Apparently the Superman I saw was the Un-Edited Version. I was notified that there was around 20 mins cut out which puts it at nice 2 1/2 hours without trailers.

[KaMiKaZi]

The thing about lord of the rings is that they had to be 3 hours long to tell the story. Unlike King Kong which could have cut some things out. If you can't sit through a three hour movie then watch it half one day and watch the second half later. I know not everyone has time to sit through long movies,but not all movies are meant to be 90 minutes long. If Lord of the Rings was 90 minutes or even 2 hours so much would have been left out and many fans would be pissed.

Hehe I like that idea, watch half today n the other half tomorrow. True to a point what u said, but then again some people's bottoms start to hurt after 2 hrs lol.

[DVDAVE]

I don't see how any of that validates the film. The dialogue didn't bother me, but the things that were directly translated from comic to film were what brought the movie down, it's not Rodriguez's fault it's Frank Miller's. He needs to stick to what he's good at-comics.
Ok but can't you just simply say that you don't like the film other then saying it sux or it was poorly made. Cause you are in he minority here cause ill dissagree with you till the day I die, Me and many other people say it's amazing.

[matthall]

Ok but can't you just simply say that you don't like the film other then saying it sux or it was poorly made. Cause you are in he minority here cause ill dissagree with you till the day I die, Me and many other people say it's amazing.

I never said it sucks, nor did I say it was poorly made. I think as do many others (in fact I have physically met only one person that really liked the movie, most people I know hated it) that it was seriously flawed.

You cannot say I am in the minority, you don't know that and I think it is pretty much 50/50 and go ahead and keep disagreeing with me because I am happy for you that you have such blind admiration for it.

[yeyeman9]

Sounds pretty good! It hits theaters on Thursday here, but I am going to the first showing for sure! Lol. Anyways, it is not three hours...I mean make the math yourself: the movie started at 2 Pm, they left at 4:50. That is 2 hours and 50 minutes...now, he said they stayed for the credits which were like 15 minutes, that leaves us with 2:35 of movie...like they reported. Not 3 hours.

[FilmJerk]

Apparently the Superman I saw was the Un-Edited Version. I was notified that there was around 20 mins cut out which puts it at nice 2 1/2 hours without trailers.
if thats the case, should we expect a DC for dvd, douple dip of course

[SaltyDog]

Apparently the Superman I saw was the Un-Edited Version. I was notified that there was around 20 mins cut out which puts it at nice 2 1/2 hours without trailers.

I read a review that says the 2 and a half hour long "SR" is a bit long and thus the reason for the film not having that much action but he goes on to say that the first hour will bring delight and thrill the audience as the first superman did. He also says that every actor is perfect for the part he or she plays and that Kevin Spacey does a marvelous job (some critics say he is the weak link) and is a much more menacing villian than Gene Hackman was. He goes on to say there are a few twists and surprises at the great finale. Can't wait for this one, but on the other hand I am going to have too...at least till Tuesday night which I understand are already selling out faster than one can say "superman returns".

[DVDAVE]

I never said it sucks, nor did I say it was poorly made. I think as do many others (in fact I have physically met only one person that really liked the movie, most people I know hated it) that it was seriously flawed.

You cannot say I am in the minority, you don't know that and I think it is pretty much 50/50 and go ahead and keep disagreeing with me because I am happy for you that you have such blind admiration for it.
Well I can say that you have a blind hatred for it so our argrument is going no where. I think it's and amazing film acting, Art direction , story , dialogue everything. And you don't like it lets leave it at that :P. Plus your basing it on people that you know im going by what I think plus countless other critics and film goers alike>

[matthall]

Well I can say that you have a blind hatred for it so our argrument is going no where. I think it's and amazing film acting, Art direction , story , dialogue everything. And you don't like it lets leave it at that :P. Plus your basing it on people that you know im going by what I think plus countless other critics and film goers alike>

Stop putting words in my mouth. I didn't hate it, it was okay, but people praise it which it does not deserve IMO. Also I know many film goers and critics that hated it. This is going nowhere, not because of my blind hatred (because I don't hate it) but because of your blind fanboy admiration/

[the elmo zombie]

well its official ebert gave it 2 stars. posted on his website. i dont understand him. he thinks we should see garfield over this

[Andrey83]

well its official ebert gave it 2 stars. posted on his website. i dont understand him. he thinks we should see garfield over this

Not really. If you check out how he rates movies you can see why. 2 stars for superman might be better then 3 stars for Garfield because he grades movies with stars relative to the other movies in the same genre.

So if he gave say....X men 3 stars then yes, he would rate that higher. But he doesnt compare cross genre like that.

[sshuttari]

Yeah i read eberts review, hes comparing this movie to Superman I & II. He doesnt think the acting, story and plot live up to those movies.

anyways it doesnt matter, Ill make my own opinion of it after tuesday night

[Citizen Kane]

well its official ebert gave it 2 stars. posted on his website. i dont understand him. he thinks we should see garfield over this

Maybe it's no good.

[droidguy1119]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/droidguy1119c/Review%20Threads/superman_returns_ver8.jpg

I'm Too Super For My Cape
Superman Returns in time to save the day over, and over, and over, and over, and over...
A Review by Tyler Foster
for The Following Preview (http://www.followingpreview.com)

I've never liked Superman very much. He just seems too simple when compared to Spider-Man or Batman; the caveman version of a superhero. Unfortunately, while Bryan Singer's Superman Returns is a passably entertaining action adventure (I didn't mind watching it), it doesn't bring any new depth to the character (I don't care to watch it again). I know I believe a man can fly, but I can't believe he can fail: complain about spoilers if you must but I doubt anyone would be too surprised to learn that no matter what's going wrong, you can count on Superman (Brandon Routh) to show up at the last minute, John Williams' theme surging in the background, while onlookers applaud their favorite superhero.

Superman's back after a trip away from Earth, and he's arrived to find Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey) angry, and ready with a plan. There is some creepiness to the plan, but I think the movie's biggest flaw is the story. It seems so big, so preposterously far-fetched, that there's never any worry it's going to happen. Coupled with Superman's unending ability to save the day, the story falls back as the least interesting thing about the movie, which probably isn't a good thing. I want to say that Superman Returns deserved a few more rewrites, but the project's been through so many writers and directors that I really can't be anything more than disappointed that the kinks still weren't worked out of the idea.

If you had asked me before, I would have named Kevin Spacey as the defining reason to see this movie. Warner Brothers must have agreed with me, because it turns out almost 75% or more of his performance (minus some rather uninteresting shots of him traveling from place to place, brushing his teeth and wearing various wigs) is in the TV spots and trailers. Disappointing to say the least (not to get too detailed, but his send-off isn't particularly satisfying either). Brandon Routh and Kate Bosworth, meanwhile, blend perfectly into the background. Whether or not you like their performances depends on whether or not you like the movie. Of the cast, Sam Huntington's Jimmy Olsen stands out the most, and his comic relief will either irritate or amuse you. I liked it.

As for the visuals, I think I'm just tired of the plasticine, computer-lit worlds that so many movies today inhabit. Everything looks slightly synthesized, and the same goes for this film. Having said that, Sony Pictures Imageworks does a reasonably good job, although their images suffer from a tendency to look flat (when Superman flies past the camera like a speeding bullet, you think you've seen a photograph of Routh flung by on a board). Also, ILM's mindset of "if it's not a setpiece, do it later" seems to have seeped through (a scene with young Clark leaping around the Kent farm looks like garbage). Singer's direction left me as uninspired as the rest of the film: it's perfectly passable but nothing special.

I'm not the foremost authority on Superman (nor any comic book character, for that matter), and I'm really not here to dissuade you from seeing Superman. It's not like there's anything better out right now, and I'm sure in IMAX 3D you'll really get your money's worth, watching such dizzying visuals as the airplane they've been hyping in the ads -- statistically, still the safest way to travel -- hurtles towards Earth from the skies far, far above with Superman right behind. To myself, however, Superman is about as interesting as vanilla ice cream...not bad, but I'd rather be having something else. Maybe advertising Spider-Man 3 in front of the film isn't the best idea...

Stars (out of four): **1/2

Starring Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, James Marsden, Sam Huntington and Kevin Spacey
Written by Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris | Directed by Bryan Singer
Warner Brothers Pictures (2006) | 154 Minutes
Rated PG-13 for some intense action violence

[darthspielberg]

Wow, for the first time in a long while, i have totally disagreed with droid on a movie.

To sum up how I feel about Superman Returns: The Opening Credits, which are a modern update on the versions in the previous films, entertained me more than most entire films i have seen this year, like X3, DaVinci Code, Omen, and so on. The only film that I have seen this year that compares to this, is oddly another DC/Warner Bros film. V for Vendetta is still in my mind one of the best movies of the year, if not longer, But I liked Superman Returns just a tad bit more.

Routh was a fantastic Superman as well as a damned enjoyable Clark Kent, while Bosworth blinded me with beauty, but was a bit underwhelming in her Lois (although as Harry from AICN said, she was indeed the hottest Lois since the 40's Cartoons) She was decent, but could have been much better. Spacey was...Spacey..and awesome as Lex Luthor, giving a much more rounded preformance than Gene Hackman gave in the 1,2, and 4. The rest of the cast was great as well, with me walking out with particular admiration for Parker Posey, which makes me a minority, as most people say she tried too hard. She made me laugh quite often, but then again, she had my favorite line in the film. "It's like fricken Gone with the Wind and I was very impressed with James "I'm not dead...yet" Marsden, who gave a more convicing portrayal of the helpful, and likeable obstacle in Superman's quest to get Lois back, then he ever did in XMen as Cylops, even when Singer was in charge. He is better without the Oakleys.

The direction was spot on for a Pop Epic of this sort, and Bryan proves that he knows what he is doing in the genre, even if isn't a huge comic fan. What is evident is that he is a big Supes fan, and even more so of Richard Donner's film from 1978, as references abound, and were a fun game to pick them out. Look when the thing of Kryptonite that Lex steals was discovered. Hmmmmm...wonder why?

The Summer has picked up from its proclaimed epic saviors in may (whee for Christ's Heir and Dark Pheonix) and is underway quickly. let's hope Pirates 2 keeps the momentum going.

Acting 9/10
Direction 9/10
Story 8/10

Final Score: 8.7/10

[Fiverrabbit]

I can't wait!
Wow 3 hours!

[Ewok Droppings]

It's funny that the budget for this movie was around $260 million (according to Box Office Mojo). With ho-hum reviews I'm wondering if Superman will ever return again if they don't make their money back. This will do fairly well I'm sure, but will it do $260 million well? This could be bad for the man of steel. I'm still planning on seeing it though.

[halo7]

I know I already have my tickets.

and the majority of the IMAX shows in this area are sold out now.

but we will have to see.

[adt100]

this may be faked but if not then ebert doesnt feel we should see it. doeasnt change a thing for me though

I've only ever heard of this Ebert guy from sites like this, but presume he's a big name film critic in the US. Looking at those review scores though I don't really see how anyone can take him too seriously, his scores are all over the place!

Wow, for the first time in a long while, i have totally disagreed with droid on a movie.

To sum up how I feel about Superman Returns: The Opening Credits, which are a modern update on the versions in the previous films, entertained me more than most entire films i have seen this year, like X3, DaVinci Code, Omen, and so on.


I really hope that's the case, being that so far this Summer there's been precisely nothing of any worth that's been out in cinemas.

[Wolverine]

Don't forget Ebert gave Garfield Two Thumbs up honstely the man has weird tastes.

[DVDAVE]

Stop putting words in my mouth. I didn't hate it, it was okay, but people praise it which it does not deserve IMO. Also I know many film goers and critics that hated it. This is going nowhere, not because of my blind hatred (because I don't hate it) but because of your blind fanboy admiration/
I'm not putting words in youyr mouth you obviously don't like so thats that. But you quoted me first and you started to say that thing translated directly from the comics to the movie didn't work. I and many other people do feel it works bud so lets leave it at that I love you don't, thats not putting words in your mouth is it :D . Oh and your clearly saying I only like the film cause i'm a blind fanboy so what does that say about you. What I can't like the film because I feel it's amazing on every level hmmm :cool:

[darthspielberg]

Don't forget Ebert gave Garfield Two Thumbs up honstely the man has weird tastes.

I never trust Ebert. ever. If he happens to like a film I like, than cool, but I do not look to him as the pantheon of Film Knowledge. For my reviews i search sites like Aint it Cool, CHUD, and of course, i always hit up the boards to see what my CS friends have to say.

[Tornado]

Oh boy, I'm seeing this tonight with a few of my closest friends (and a few stragglers too). I'm so pumped. I watched Superman: The Movie and Superman II today as a refresher course, and the only thing I really want out of this film is to be able to say that there are three good Superman movies out there. I've got my hopes set so high, I just hope that I'm not disappointed.

[SuperRyan]

To me, nobody can top the greatest Superman of them all....













http://www.theredsaint.de/images/schauspiel-international/cain.jpg

;)

[Tornado]

Oh man, Dean Cain. Haha!

Personally, I think Superman Returns will blow me away. I really like what I've seen of Brandon Routh, Kevin Spacey is always great, I don't dislike Kate Bosworth, Bryan Singer is one of my favorite directors, John Ottman always puts out great film scores, the CGI looks great, Superman is by far my favorite superhero, etc. etc. The complete list of reasons why I would like this movie would be quite long.

My only real concern is this: can Brandon Routh even come close to touching the greatness of Christopher Reeve? And if he can't, how much will that bother me?

[SuperRyan]

Don't get too caught up with this stuff. Clear your mind and watch it, then think about it.

[boydston_14]

That's what I'll do. But how would I be able to clear my mind of Spider-Man 3?!?

[Dracula]

Don't forget Ebert gave Garfield Two Thumbs up honstely the man has weird tastes.
you obviously never bothered to read any of his reviews or you'd know he can never give any more then one thumb up

[matthall]

It's funny that the budget for this movie was around $260 million (according to Box Office Mojo). With ho-hum reviews I'm wondering if Superman will ever return again if they don't make their money back. This will do fairly well I'm sure, but will it do $260 million well? This could be bad for the man of steel. I'm still planning on seeing it though.

I wouldn't say the reviews are ho-hum. Almost, if not all pre-reviews were very positive. Now that your average viewer is seeing it a few negative reviews have come in, still wouldn't say it's ho-hum though.

[matthall]

I'm not putting words in youyr mouth you obviously don't like so thats that. But you quoted me first and you started to say that thing translated directly from the comics to the movie didn't work. I and many other people do feel it works bud so lets leave it at that I love you don't, thats not putting words in your mouth is it :D . Oh and your clearly saying I only like the film cause i'm a blind fanboy so what does that say about you. What I can't like the film because I feel it's amazing on every level hmmm :cool:

You're wierd...or probably just young. Like the movie, I don't care. You said I have blind hatred, thus I reciprocated with "blind fanboy", saying if I fall into the blind hatred category you must fall in the blind fanboy category. Grow up, and I am dropping this.

[FVD]

Just one more night until I see the IMAX version tomorrow. I just watched Superman 1 last night and will watch Superman II tonight. Damn I couldn't get over the cheesiness of the first movie. But it was still pretty good for it's time. And I never realised that Margot Kidder was actually quite attractive back then.

Looking forward to SR. Can't wait.....

[SaltyDog]

I never trust Ebert. ever. If he happens to like a film I like, than cool, but I do not look to him as the pantheon of Film Knowledge. For my reviews i search sites like Aint it Cool, CHUD, and of course, i always hit up the boards to see what my CS friends have to say.

YIKES. I can't believe Ebert gave this film thumbs down. You would think that with almost every advertisment of just about every dull flick out there so far this year with the Header saying "Two Thumbs UP" Ebert would make a radical turn and give "SR" one thumb down. I be seeing it tonight and will give my review tomorrow. But I just can't believe it is so bad that Ebert is not recommending it.....I will see tonight...

[FVD]

Oh screw Ebert. I watch a movie regardless of his opinions. I don't trust critics but I'd take Leonard Maltin over Ebert anyday of the week.

[darthspielberg]

Oh screw Ebert. I watch a movie regardless of his opinions. I don't trust critics but I'd take Leonard Maltin over Ebert anyday of the week.

I like Maltin because he doesn't take himself so seriously...he knows that he isn't the authority, just one of the many with his own take on it. Ebert seems to think that he is movie review God...

and Maltin made fun of himself in Gremlins 2...so he's really cool in my book. :D

[halo7]

Just got back.

...

10/10.

Superman Returns is a true marvel. I dont understand some of the points critics made. I thought all the acting was great. The effects and score top notch. It all was just...perfect.

Heres how I can best describe how I liked the movie:
Nat Tenenbaum: I got something with Superman I didnt really ever feel with Batman or Spiderman in their movies.
Nat Tenenbaum: I cant really describe it.
Nat Tenenbaum: but I will put it this way
Nat Tenenbaum: either you will feel it
Nat Tenenbaum: or you wont
Nat Tenenbaum: and that will decide how you rate the movie my friend.

[A Guy]

Just saw it....and LOVED IT! It had great story, special effects, characters and heart.

[fsustage]

I just saw it and I enjoyed many aspects of the movie but felt it was missing something. I didnt feel any passion between Superman and Lois. Lois seemed to be missing some Spunk and Lex seemed to be missing a scene. However they did a fabulous job of keeping the feel of the previous movies and including pieces from Smallville as well. The effects were fabulous and enjoyed the modern touches to the flight sequences. The action scenes were great but sparse. The kid was just plain ackward. I would say about a solid B.

[the elmo zombie]

9.9/10

cant give it the whole 10 due to the superboy thing

edit: 10/10

[Citizen Kane]

For me, it was about a ***-**1/2 movie. I guess Superman has never really captivated me.

[Kitty]

Holy wowzers. Freakin awesome is all I can say right now because I can't think cause its so early in the morning. I'll put up some sort of review later on today (and explain why I didn't give it a ten).

9/10

[bbf2]

OK.

Lois: Doesn't have any pizazz. Worst mother ever. No chemistry with Routh. Still, didn't mind her too much.

Superman: I never really connected him, which may be a good thing. For some reason it seemed to me like after the first hour, the movie wasn't really from his perspective. We never really connected with him on a personal level, and he didn't even seem like the main character. He wasn't Clark for very long, and didn't get much explanation or perspective after the first hour. It really seemed like the movie was focused on Lois and Superman was kinda like an icon, Jesus-like character. I mean, the scenes in the ocean with him and Lois's family were definately from the perspective of Lois and her family and Superman was an otherworldly figure. I know this sounds weird, but it reminded me of Passion of The Christ when he was being tortured by Lex with the kryptonite, like this semi-godly figure being tortured and humiliated which was heartbreaking. And then when he was hurling the giant kryptonite rock thing into space and "died." Also great. Like I said, after the first hour we didn't really see much emotion from him which was a good thing.

Lex: It seemed like all but a couple of his scenes were things we already saw in the previews. And WHY does he always carry around an annoying not-that attractive mid-30s lady who will always have a conscience crisis and save Superman? If this is really following continuity, he should know better. That being said, he was way more evil than Hackman's version (thank God there wasn't another Otis) which I appreciated greatly, especially during the scene where he's torturing Superman with kryptonite. I loved that scene, but at times it seemed like they couldn't decide whether he was a sinister serious threat or comic relief. Which is still a step up from Hackman's version who was entirely comic relief. His last scene on the island with the stupid eating the dog joke was horrible, especially since it was interspersed with such serious scenes.

Cyclops: Geez, this guy always plays "The Other Guy," doesn't he? Superman, X-Men, The Notebook. I expected him to either be a jerk or die, so I guess I was pleasantly surprised. It seemed like Singer was making up to Marsden for Cyclops being such a dumb prat.

The Kid: He didn't bug me so much. He seemed like a normal kid and occasionally made me laugh, which was good. He sure looked older than 4 years old, though.

I have a lot of complaints about the way it was structured and some of the plot holes. Lois could have had more sparks and Lex had a lot of squandered potential by establishing him as a sinister person and then making him engaged in slapstick comedy. But overall, after the first hour which was about Superman integrating himself and coming back, the movie seemed to not be from Superman's perspective and make him seem to be a Jesus-type figure, which gave the film some extreme majesty and made the scenes of him being tortured (and dying) heartbreaking. I felt real power and awe when he was onscreen. Routh wasn't a fantastic actor, but he didn't need to be, he made the effect work well enough.

[adt100]

Heres how I can best describe how I liked the movie:
Nat Tenenbaum: I got something with Superman I didnt really ever feel with Batman or Spiderman in their movies.
Nat Tenenbaum: I cant really describe it.
Nat Tenenbaum: but I will put it this way
Nat Tenenbaum: either you will feel it
Nat Tenenbaum: or you wont
Nat Tenenbaum: and that will decide how you rate the movie my friend.

Yep, at the end of the day that's how it is a lot of the time with this kind of film. :)

Won't find out for another 2 weeks though when it comes out in the UK. (which makes me wonder - why is POTC2 coming out a week before Superman in the UK yet the reverse in the USA?)

[Tornado]

All right, so I ended up seeing the film last night at the special screening with some friends. I'll cover the "why" later on, but I was shocked. I was shocked that Bryan Singer was not only able to come up with his own Superman story, but was also able to pay so much hommage to the original film, Superman: The Movie. There were a few things I didn't like, but there weren't nearly enough of those to keep this film from becoming the best movie of 2006 (and the past few years as well).

Brandon Routh did a great job portraying Superman, and Clark Kent. While he was kind of wooden as Superman, I've always felt that was part of the character anyway. But when he needed to, he was still able to convey the right amount of emotion in a given scene; from his post comments after saving the plane to his discussion with the kid in his room at the end, Routh was great. Back when Singer was casting the role, I was disappointed to find out that Tom Welling (Smallville's Clark Kent) had been passed over for the role. But looking back, there's just no way that Welling could have done the character justice the way Routh did.

As for the other actors, while I'm not sure Kate Bosworth (Lois Lane) was a great choice in the first place, she managed to make the character her own and make us genuinely care for her when she and her family were in peril. Most of the other smaller characters (Jimmy Olsen, Perry White, Richard White, etc.) were all well done, and were on screen just long enough for us to make a connection with them. But Kevin Spacey really stole the show. His Lex Luthor was a much darker and much less campy version of the character than Gene Hackman in the original films ever created, which is a good thing. But I love that Kevin Spacey kept the arrogant tone in his voice that Hackman perfected in his portrayal of the character.

The visuals were very well done, the soundtrack was great (I'm going to head out to Best Buy to pick it up as soon as I post this), everything was just... great.

But honestly, my favorite aspect of the film was the sheer amount of references and hommages to other Superman-related material. I really appreciated the opening credits moreso than pretty much any other film I've ever seen, because they were so similar to the original films in that aspect (well, until the camera started flying through space, it was still neat though). I loved that Superman floated over Earth just... listening to people, trying to hear a specific call for help before he dashed back to do everything he could. Before he commited one of his final super-acts near the end, he flew up above the clouds towards a sky lit up by the sun. Most people probably don't know what he was doing. Superman's powers come from our yellow sun, so he flew up into the heavens and essentially charged himself.

But the one shot that sold me was the very final shot of the film. In the original films, the closing shot was always Superman flying in space. After a few seconds he would turn to the camera and smile, then fly past us. Routh pulled the same move here. If I wasn't such a manly man, I might have shed a tear at realizing how amazing the film that I just finished watching truly was.

10/10

[teewee1432]

I'll see this friday can't wait

[Glordreen]

seeing it today.

by the way hows Kevin Spacey, is he good in this?

[halo7]

Bringing my grade down a couple decimal points when some of the flaws are pointed out.

9.5/10 ;)

[hei1spawn1]

For me, the best thing in the movie was the Spidey 3 teaser. Not that I didnt like the move, I actually loved it, but that teaser made me the happiest man on earth.

As for the movie itself, the one thing I didnt like was the inclusion of Superman's son, I just really didnt like it

9/10

[DangerMouse]

Apart from the credits, how did they tie in this movie to Sup 1 and 2? Is Zod mentioned?

[SaltyDog]

I got to experience a truly once in a lifetime, maybe two, events last night at a movie theater. I decided to go to a 10pm showing of the movie last night and needless to say it was sold out plus. There were some five kids dressed up in Superman outfits and were walking the front of the theater from side to side talking to people. At first I thought they were employees but found out they were just kids out to see a movie. Well, the lights went out and when the "Spiderman 3" trailer came on there was a loud cheer in the theatre. Then the movie started. Almost from the first sound of the Thunderous John Williams Superman Anthem (the same as the original Superman movie) the applause and cheering and whistling roars out across the theater as each name and credits was presented on screen especially Brandon Routh (this guy will be huge after today) as his name scrawled across the screen in 3D. Let me say up front this guy was PERFECT as the new Superman Character. The rest of the movie was pretty much the same as Superman did his heroics the people applauded and cheered. Kate Bosworth (I was impressed at how good she was in this role) and Kevin Spacey did a fine job as well. Overall with a few exceptions, such as no one seemed to care that Clark Kent was away as long as Superman and when he came back no one seems to have missed Clark all that much. The other scene where Superman mom is seen outside the hospital with no follow up seemed to be out of place. And the scene at the steps with Superman when Lois Lane makes her final romantic decision seemed incomplete. Other than these few quibbles I thought the movie was excellent and well worth your time and money. Some Critics say the film is "superb", "Superman soars", "worth the hype". etc and I find these all expressing my views. I also agree that by sticking to the original music and the presenting of the credit of the film as homage to the Original sets up the audience acceleration of anticipation of watching Superman in action once again. This movie will be HUGE HUGE.....

[RiddleMeThis?]

I'll be honest. I've always liked Batman over Superman. When I saw BEGINS, I was literally shaking when I left the theater. It was that good. But last night when I saw Supes, I saw the absolutely PERFECT comic book movie adaption. Aside from their questionable casting choice for Lois Lane, the movie was beyond anything I thought possible in 21st century Hollywood.

Routh is literally Christopher Reeve reborn, Spacey is Luthor redefined, the cast of the Daily Planet are true yet believeable, and the special effects are nothing short of spectacular! (this coming from a guy who puts little value in SFX)

I tell you, there is not a person on this planet who shouldn't see this movie.

LONG LIVE THE MAN OF STEEL!!!!!!!!

[Skinny]

Unfortunately, I am obliged to see it again...

Babies crying many times throughout the entire film and the fact that there were annoying specs on the sides of the screen took a good chunk out of the Superman Returns movie experience. I should have walked out when I had the chance and went to another screen.

But I loved Routh as Supes. He was good in both parts. And the intro... WOW, that literally made me tingle all over. I mean, hah it HAS been 20 years.

[EmpireOfDust]

Superman Returns is a rousing and triumphant film that made me giddy. From the amazing opening shots to the somber last five minutes the movie floored me. Superman has never been one of my favorite Super Heroes I think it might have something to do with the fact that all the Superman films all came out before I was really conscious about film. You watch Superman 1 and 2 now and while fun and charming films they are incredibly dated. However you can't doubt Christopher Reeves charm in the role, he was perfect. So how about this new version of Superman? No this is not a remake, it is actually a continuation of the first two films with enough origin details to help newbies find their footing.

The first big question people will have about the film Im sure is, How is Brandon Routh? The man who dons the suit this time around. To answer that question I must say that he does an excellent job, I never once questioned whether or not he was Superman I just knew that he was. Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane while not outstanding held her own and did a decent job, she wasnt like Katie Holmes in Batman Begins where she got swallowed up by the enormous talent around her. I never questioned either that she was Lois Lane. The real deal in this film though is Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor, all his scenes are a blast to watch and extremely fun. From when I first heard that Spacey was cast as Luthor it just seemed so incredibly perfect and obvious. I wouldnt have chosen any one else for the role. Of course the bad guy always has to have faceless henchman and that is no different here except in the case of Kitty Kowalski played by Parker Posey who is the smartass right hand lady. And she plays that part well.

One thing that might surprise movie-goers is that Superman Returns is surprisingly light on action, now there is plenty of awesome set pieces and action scenes but not as much as a lot of people probably expect there to be. Similar to Spider Man 2, this film is more focused on character and the internal drama that Superman has with Lois Lane. Some of the most amazing scenes in the movie just deal with Superman flying high into the air and pausing up there, listening, seeing who needs help in the world. Those scenes took my breath away, they were visually stunning and the music by John Ottman was terrific and really brought a lot of emotional depth to the film.

One downfall with the film is that unlike last years incredible Batman Begins which juggled tons of different ideas and characters into a seamless story Superman Returns has too many ideas and too many characters to fit into its story seamlessly. Which will most likely lead many people to complain about its length which is 157 minutes long. Now this didnt bother me, but I heard more casual moviegoers in the theater sighing towards the end.

For someone like me who is not a huge fan of Superman, what I enjoyed about the film was the emotional complexity of the characters and their Dilemmas. There is also a lot of humor in this film and amazing action sequences it more than deserves the title of a Blockbuster. The main problem with Superman is that he can't be destroyed except for one special substance, but the filmmakers keep the suspence up nontheless, which I applaud them for. Remember The Matrix once Neo could fly and not be killed in the Matrix and how that killed all the suspense? They thankfully avoid this.

While Superman Returns isnt as great as Batman Begins was last year, it still ranks up there with one of the best Super Hero films ever made.

I havent mentioned Bryan Singer yet, who directed this film. He had to ditch directing duties on X-men 3 for this film and it is obvious why, because you can tell in every frame how much passion he has for this character and story. There are amazing things here in this film and he deserves much credit. Lets hope Superman returns again very soon.

9/10

[Sable]

Brandon Routh was a really good Superman. He played both Clark Kent and Superman very well. The problem is that the movie doesn't really focus on Superman enough and has long scenes that drag on, such as the one with Lex Luthor and the train set. The pacing was really bad. Also, the airplane sequence just wasn't that exciting. Superman is too powerful to cause any real suspense. Parts were interesting, but some parts were horribly boring. Overall, I'd give it an 8/10. Maybe a 7.5..

[sec127]

I know this is old news but Ebert's review is absurd. He called "Superman Returns" a glum, lackluster movie. Its like when hes in a bad mood the movies he reviews get bad ratings. He gave "Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties" 3 stars for crying out loud. Even "Superman III" and "Batman Forever" got a higher star rating that "Superman Returns". I just dont get him sometimes. I reality I was expecting a 4 star review, I would have been shocked to see it get 3. But 2, thats just wrong.

[iv3rdawG]

Awesome movie. Every time the theme song came on I got chills. The movie didn't even feel like it was 2 hours and 34 minutes. Kate was great as Lois. I think this surpasses Batman Begins in my book also the Spiderman films by far, 10/10

[hammerhedd11]

I never liked Superman that much but Singer has done the impossible and made a 3-dimesional character and I almost cried at the end when superman "died" . I don't why people said this dragged. I was wishing there was more! 9.5/10

[iv3rdawG]

Oh and that line, Superman: "You wrote that the world doesn't need a saviour, but every day I hear people crying for one." Brilliant stuff. In my sig now :) Also, the intro was awesome.

[Cikas47]

i know im the oddball here but WOW was i dissapointed, Routh did Awesome as Superman, but everything else Sucked and was misplaced, this could have been 1000 times better and this was def a half assed project they churned out. Special effects where Horrible considering the money they had to use. too many moves made just a few years back had a lot more going for them. Storyline, okayy lets give Sup a kid. ummm WRONG. thats too easy on him for that storyline, much better to make him live knowing she has other priorities. just not enough too it, anouther lex wants real estate that wouldnt work anyway plan, not smart enough for lex. not with the real estate reason. With a better director this could have been special. i think singer dropped the ball on this one. i loved xmen, but this was very very Unsuper.

[Kitty]

I'm going to watch it again in a little bit. I'd post a review but I think I would wanna do that after I watch the film...without people talking...and without the projector going on and out of focus for the first twenty minutes...

[slade]

I've been a lurker on this board for a couple of years and signed up to talk about Superman as I am shocked to see the overwhelmingly positive response to this movie. Superman Returns was an awful movie. The movie dragged and was terribly cast. Brandon Routh did an excellent job, and removed all of my doubts of him playing Superman that i initially had. Spacey did okay but didnt have enough scenes. James Marsden also played the nice guy role well. But the others: Terrible! Kate Botchworth did a horrible job as Lois Lane and I was actually hoping Superman wouldn't save her to get her out of the film. Everybody working for the daily planet were cookie cutter characters, and Superman's mom was done a great diservice by being treated as a second class character. Kumar was in the movie, nuff said. There are plenty of other things wrong with this movie, but it would take me hours to write them all. Thank you Bryan Singer, not only did we get a crap Superman movie, we also got a crap X-men 3. What a douche!

[FVD]

Well it's all purely your opinion my friend. Me, well I'll find out tonight. I'm sure I'll like it.

[pootietang]

Here's what I thought!

Wow! Superman Returns brought excitement and fun to a new level on the big screen. The film brought superior entertainment, even from the opening credits, with the John Williams score and fantastic imagery of Superman’s legendary flight from Krypton to Earth.

Superman Returns includes the best acting performance of not one, but ALL Superman characters involved. Brandon Routh brought a touch of realism and a relate-ability to Superman and Clark. Kate Bosworth was charming and emotionally touching in her role as Lois. Kevin Spacey was down-right brilliant in his role as Lex Luthor – making it appear that Lex could be a real person! (not one that I would want living in my city).

The spectacular quality of film and all the graphics involved made it easy on the eyes, which is not true for many “Superhero” movies.

After 20 years without Superman on the big screen, Bryan Singer pulled off a flawless hit that is sure to be a legendary film mentioned in the ranks of “Star Wars” and “The Lord of the Rings”.

I can’t wait to see it again!

[slade]

Well it's all purely your opinion my friend. Me, well I'll find out tonight. I'm sure I'll like it.

Please post your opinions after seeing the movie, i'd be interested in reading what you thought. I wasn't totally disappointed though since that Spiderman 3 trailer was kick ass!

[SaltyDog]

I'm pretty sure the running time was confirmed to be roughly 2 hrs and 30 min... not three hours like the original poster claims.

Running time is 2 hr 37 minutes is what the newspaper stated. Thought i chime in with my two cents. How about crowd reports. Were all shows sold out etc etc...

[halo7]

My 10:00 showing was completley sold out with people in full Superman attire and everything.

[darthspielberg]

I was at work today, and I popped in during the intro/opening credits, and I must say how much of a thrill it is to watch those. The voice over from Brando brought a chill to my spine and a tear to my eye.

"The son becomes the father, and the father, the son" Awesome.

[droidguy1119]

I was at work today, and I popped in during the intro/opening credits, and I must say how much of a thrill it is to watch those. The voice over from Brando brought a chill to my spine and a tear to my eye.

"The son becomes the father, and the father, the son" Awesome.I loved the teaser trailer, it gave me chills.

"Even though you've been raised as a human, you are not one of them. They can be a great people, Kal-El; they wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. It is for this reason, above all...their capacity for good...I have sent them you, my only son."

[darthspielberg]

I loved the teaser trailer, it gave me chills.

"Even though you've been raised as a human, you are not one of them. They can be a great people, Kal-El; they wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. It is for this reason, above all...their capacity for good...I have sent them you, my only son."

I have always loved Brando as Jor-El, he is eaisly one of my favorite parts of the original film, even if he was in his "I'm awesome, give me loads of cash" era. His additude and delivery was perfect for the man who would be the father of the Man of Steel.

Needless to say every time he spoke in Returns i was sooo happy, even so much as to make me phsyically upset when Lex takes the crystal...i was like "No Brando...Supes is pissed"

and I like the fact that the model of Krypton in the intro, while very much made today by Guy Dyas, looks so much like the one from the original, until we pan into space to see it go...boom.

[sshuttari]

Running time is 2 hr 37 minutes is what the newspaper stated. Thought i chime in with my two cents. How about crowd reports. Were all shows sold out etc etc...

Ok this is a experience to talk about,

I go to the 12pm show today opening day at IMAX 3D @ AMC Forum 30.

First thing i get told as im buying my tickets is the 3D isnt working, but the movie will still be in digital quality. I tell the guy selling the tickets its alright as long as its digital i wont mind. now ive been sitting in the theatre for the last 1 or so waiting for the movie, its 12 pm now, the theatre is pretty full but not enough too be sold out.

time goes by and now its 12:15, and the movie should have started at noon, one of the manager comes in and i realize hey! its sarah she was in class of graduation of 05. Anyways she's the manager now and she tells us there having some difficulties but the theatre should be up and running in 10-15 minutes. The people start booing her and give her attitude but i realize its not her fault, plus she said shes giving us our money back at the end of the movie, and she apologizes.

So im not mad but it is irratatting since ive been waiting for this movie for like a year.

anyways 20minutes pass by and now she comes back and tells us something is wrong with the projector and they wont be able to play the movie and we have to come back for the next showing and they should have everything running then and that they will give us money back plus give us 2 free tickets to come back see Superman at IMAX and another free movie so now i got superman and Pirates 2 covered so again i wasnt too mad.

so anyways its 115 me my friend and sister go get lunch and come back around 230 an hour early we pretty much talking and chatting with people around us who we saw at the 12pm showing and how mad they are cuz they drove an hour to come here to watch this movie in IMAX 3D and everything and that they didnt get to see it. We agreed that would suck but i only live 10min for the theatre so i didnt mind that much.

They promised us this time that the 3D is working and they passed out all the 3D glasses. so now its 3PM and they come in and tell us that the 3D is not going to work and that we again will get another free ticket and they apologize. And it will be another 10-15 mintues til the movie starts.

I go outside cuz i couldnt stand being around the people in the theatre anymore for fresh air and to get some refreshments. I see Sarah and i talked to her and she asked how i was doing and stuff, she tries explaining why the projection isnt working and how this is the first time they have gotten a 3D IMAX movie and how there not used to the print and stuff, and how the print came to there theatre at the last minute.

But again i understood it wasnt her fault, just sometimes **** happens... i felt a little bad for her to deal with the crowd. Plus she gave me free refreshments for me and friend :) so it wasnt all too bad.

But i come inside and were talking to the people around us they come and collect the 3D glasses each row, which took another 10minutes.

Finally its 345 and they start the movie and the crowd is cheering, funny how fast the crowds reaction changed for being so mad to happy when the lights dimmed and the IMAX advertisement started.

Anyways Good movie Not amazing but good, Brandon Routh is a great replecement of Reeves he did a surprisingly good job. But I still think Batman Begins and Spiderman 2 are alot better.

9/10

[insaneMoViEgoer]

Ok this is a experience to talk about,

I go to the 12pm show today opening day at IMAX 3D @ AMC Forum 30.

First thing i get told as im buying my tickets is the 3D isnt working, but the movie will still be in digital quality. I tell the guy selling the tickets its alright as long as its digital i wont mind. now ive been sitting in the theatre for the last 1 or so waiting for the movie, its 12 pm now, the theatre is pretty full but not enough too be sold out.

time goes by and now its 12:15, and the movie should have started at noon, one of the manager comes in and i realize hey! its sarah she was in class of graduation of 05. Anyways she's the manager now and she tells us there having some difficulties but the theatre should be up and running in 10-15 minutes. The people start booing her and give her attitude but i realize its not her fault, plus she said shes giving us our money back at the end of the movie, and she apologizes.

So im not mad but it is irratatting since ive been waiting for this movie for like a year.

anyways 20minutes pass by and now she comes back and tells us something is wrong with the projector and they wont be able to play the movie and we have to come back for the next showing and they should have everything running then and that they will give us money back plus give us 2 free tickets to come back see Superman at IMAX and another free movie so now i got superman and Pirates 2 covered so again i wasnt too mad.

holy crap, that happened to me too! i saw that damn Happy Feet trailer 2 times. everyone was so pissed that it didnt work, it was about to be the opeing credits and then it just stopped. i was even more pissed cause i waited one hour in line (i wasnt even in the front of the line), and then another hour and a half inside the theater to be told "we're not going to try and fix it again, just get your refunds" :angry:

i saw the movie the day before, but still, 3D!!!!!!!! the ant bully trailer in 3d was awesome though, i admit, but that Happy Feet trailer pisses me off....

[droidguy1119]

Expanded my Superman review on page 3.

[Stytch]

i know im the oddball here but WOW was i dissapointed, Routh did Awesome as Superman, but everything else Sucked and was misplaced, this could have been 1000 times better and this was def a half assed project they churned out. Special effects where Horrible considering the money they had to use. too many moves made just a few years back had a lot more going for them. Storyline, okayy lets give Sup a kid. ummm WRONG. thats too easy on him for that storyline, much better to make him live knowing she has other priorities. just not enough too it, anouther lex wants real estate that wouldnt work anyway plan, not smart enough for lex. not with the real estate reason. With a better director this could have been special. i think singer dropped the ball on this one. i loved xmen, but this was very very Unsuper.


NOW SEE...this is exactly Y U can't please EVERYBODY. Personally, I thought that the movie was good, but as U said that Super kid plot was a cop out, nothing really spectacular. But Honestly, what was so wrong about this movie, besides the kid, that U really didn't like for U to say that Singer dropped that ball. I mean it had to entertain U at least a couple of times, the movie was long as hell.

(sidenote), somebody on the C.S. forum said that a Spiderman 3 preview would be showing before Superman Returns, but when I saw the movie 2day it never played...

[adt100]

So could this signal the revival of this year's Summer Season of films given that most releases thus far have been generally lacklustre?

I've not heard na awful lot about the score is it as good/similar to the original?

[RiddleMeThis?]

You can always tell a great film by its many memorable lines (much like Tim Burton's BATMAN).

I've also found that many are throwing cold water on the film by emphasizing on the Spidey 3 teaser. Yeah, sure. Great! Spidey 3 may hit or miss but one thing is certain, in 5 years time, people will hold Superman Returns in much higher regard than SpiderMan 3. Sorry. Just the facts.

[sshuttari]

holy crap, that happened to me too! i saw that damn Happy Feet trailer 2 times. everyone was so pissed that it didnt work, it was about to be the opeing credits and then it just stopped. i was even more pissed cause i waited one hour in line (i wasnt even in the front of the line), and then another hour and a half inside the theater to be told "we're not going to try and fix it again, just get your refunds" :angry:

i saw the movie the day before, but still, 3D!!!!!!!! the ant bully trailer in 3d was awesome though, i admit, but that Happy Feet trailer pisses me off....

dude they showed previews of happy feet, open season, and ant bully and at the begginig, and everyone in the theatre were laughing and saying dont come to this theatre or not in this theatre.

[BuDMaN]

You can always tell a great film by its many memorable lines (much like Tim Burton's BATMAN).

I've also found that many are throwing cold water on the film by emphasizing on the Spidey 3 teaser. Yeah, sure. Great! Spidey 3 may hit or miss but one thing is certain, in 5 years time, people will hold Superman Returns in much higher regard than SpiderMan 3. Sorry. Just the facts.

Thats absouloutely correct. I enjoyed this movie and recommend it to anyone who have the slightest interest in superman.

[sshuttari]

You can always tell a great film by its many memorable lines (much like Tim Burton's BATMAN).

I've also found that many are throwing cold water on the film by emphasizing on the Spidey 3 teaser. Yeah, sure. Great! Spidey 3 may hit or miss but one thing is certain, in 5 years time, people will hold Superman Returns in much higher regard than SpiderMan 3. Sorry. Just the facts.

I disagree I think people will hold Batman Begins and Spiderman 2 in higher regard then SR.

[halo7]

Who cares they will all be remade by the time people look back on it anyway ;).

[BuDMaN]

also can we please use spoiler tags that superman has a son and yes Batman Begins i still enjoyed a lil more the Superman Returns. That movie was truly a masterpiece.

[Citizen Kane]

You can always tell a great film by its many memorable lines (much like Tim Burton's BATMAN).

I've also found that many are throwing cold water on the film by emphasizing on the Spidey 3 teaser. Yeah, sure. Great! Spidey 3 may hit or miss but one thing is certain, in 5 years time, people will hold Superman Returns in much higher regard than SpiderMan 3. Sorry. Just the facts.

How can you possibly say that without having seen Spiderman 3? :rolleyes:

[quiksilver022]

Maybe I'm alone on this one, but I think Ebert's reviews are almost always relevant. I haven't seen SR yet, so it very well could be a lacklustre disappointment.

[halo7]

I agree with Ebert sometimes.

But there have been just as many times I have Disagreed with him.

[ILOVEKATIE]

I saw it last night.

Let me start by saying I was never a fan of the Superman movies, they never caught my attention. But after watching Superman Returns, I'm officially a Superman fan.
Wow, the film was awesome. For some reason after watching the first trailers and stuff, I thought the film was going to be cheesy as hell but to my surprise the film wasn't, it was real, the emotions felt real, superman flying looked real...I became a believer.
The action and visual effects were amazing, the airplane sequence was jaw-dropping, so cool, I loved the result of that scene. The shot/scene of Superman out in space listening for his next person to safe was breathtaking.
The visual effects were clean and very cool. They never once looked fake in my opinion.
The story and characters was also fantastic, it had heart. I never once looked at my watch even though its a 2 hrs and 45 mins. film, the acting and story got my attention from early on.
The guy who played Superman did awesome, I believed in him as both Superman and Clark, everyone else played their roles very well.
Overall another great comic book film, I was very surprise on how good it was, Singer hit a homerun once again.
10/10

[SaltyDog]

I disagree I think people will hold Batman Begins and Spiderman 2 in higher regard then SR..

Both BATMAN BEGINS and Spiderman 2 were excellent films. However, I think today's youths, and I could be wrong, find these two more appealing because they have grown up with BATMEN and Spiderman. I mean, its being almost 20 years since the last Superman appear on the BIG SCREEN and many of the people posting on this board weren't even born then. It isn't as appealing to look at a video or dvd of the first four Superman films on a small screen at home and it isn't comparable to watching it on todays high tech screening processes. I suppose that is why a survey showed that SR is attracking as many older viewers as younger ones and many of the young people were in the 25 age group. So I would think based on these statistics that SR will have legs well into the summer and i also think the younger crowd will get back once again into the Superman mode much like they did with Spiderman of a few years back.

[ILOVEKATIE]

Oh and that line, Superman: "You wrote that the world doesn't need a saviour, but every day I hear people crying for one." Brilliant stuff. In my sig now :) Also, the intro was awesome.
Totally agree. That scene and line was indeed brilliant.

[SaltyDog]

I agree with Ebert sometimes.

But there have been just as many times I have Disagreed with him..

EBERT. He probably was on Chemo Therapy the night he saw Superman Returns. I mean he gives Garfield and DavinciCode thumbs up, two of the worst reviewed movies of the year according to critical consensus and one being the DAVINCICode which i thought was terrible. However, lately this last couple of years since his cancer surgeries he has given more films thumbs up than down. I mean look at your advertising on your friday paper and the majority of films say "Two Thumbs up". Maybe he is sensing the end is near and wants to leave on a "thumbs up" note.

[John Hartigan]

"You wrote that the world doesn't need a savior, but ever day I hear people crying for one."

Marlon Brando voice-over, John Williams' theme, retro-styled credits, and I half expected Christopher Reeves' name to pop up; no folks it's not Richard Donner's 'Superman: The Movie', but it IS perhaps the biggest homage to it ever created - this is Bryan Singer's 'Superman Returns'.

Last year Batman Begun and this year Superman has Returned, and both legends have done so in fine-form. Personally I've always thought of Superman and Batman as two sides of the same coin (one is dark, and one is light. Guess which-is-which), but at the end of the day, they're still that SAME coin. So it's interesting then that both films should suffer from the SAME problem: Neither quite achieves the Epic that it was going for, but at the same time everything is in place for the sequel to be what we were originally promised. Superman MUCH more than Batman; while we may see the return of The Joker come 2008, where Big Blue goes from here is limited only by the imagination's of Screenwriter's Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris, and Director Bryan Singer.

Rating: B.

[EmpireOfDust]

Last year Batman Begun and this year Superman has Returned, and both legends have done so in fine-form. Personally I've always thought of Superman and Batman as two sides of the same coin (one is dark, and one is light. Guess which-is-which), but at the end of the day, they're still that SAME coin. So it's interesting then that both films should suffer from the SAME problem: Neither quite achieves the Epic that it was going for



Ya know I highly disagree, while I enjoyed Superman Returns emmensly, I think Batman Begins truly did have an epic scale to it and achieved it extremely well... The pace of the film and the way it juggled multiple characters was perfect and suited the story very comfortably. Which I would say is the only problem I have with Superman Returns, it doesn't juggle things quite as well. But I still prefer it over the first Spider Man film, and a little bit above the 2nd one. Batman begins just had a poetic quality to it that few superhero films will be able to match. Superman returns had extremely beautiful moments though, everytime Superman flew high into the air and the music soared allong with him gave me the chills, beautiful stuff. Anyways just thought I'd drop by 2 cents on that quote.

I agree with your last part though, I think where the filmmakers go with the next Superman film, it won't be that hard to outdo themselves. I think it is going to be more tough for Christopher Nolan to deliver another high caliber Batman film, especially after Batman Begins. I think they'll be able to do it though.

[Cikas47]

What was Wrong, well i guess for 250million dollars i expected much more,
things i felt wrong are.
1. too many USELESS scenes, such as the Train Scene, Lex knew what he wanted to do after he got the information from Supermans dad, we did not need to see him Test it. Waste of Time.
2. Superman Reflect on him as a kid, this is a Sequal not a Remake, we did not need to see that Scene at all, Useless. If they really really had to do a useless flashback they could of done something much better than what they shown, CG cornfield....
3.Lets have Sup deal with a Little bit of Kryptonite and get hurt, then deal with a LOT and be okay. it didnt make scence, it was not a Threat.
4. the Quake, It was also too Cookie Cutter of him saving people, but not impressivly, not as impressivly as it should of been.
5..the kid subplot= could of been good till they made the Lame "surprise"
6. i honestly wasnt that impressed with the Plane Scene, i had more of a feeling of accomplishment from Eowyn (LOTR) killed the Nazgul. The StayPuft MarshMello guy gettin it from the Ghostbusters.
I understand its hard to make superman be that exciting because he is Super but i belive its in the choices, such as when Spiderman has Maryjane and a boxcar of people fall at the same time, thats Drama!
7. the robbery with the guy shoot sup in the Face...also not needed.
8. its a SUPERMAN movie with little SUPERMAN, it seemed to me they where unsure of him and didnt give him the screentime he needed. or dialoge.
9. Way too many Horrible CG when it could of been shot Live and not pulled you out of the story because you had that little "hey this is CG" run around in your mind.
10...i could go on and on, honestly i agree with EBERTS review exept that Routh was bad, not true, he was the Perfect superman. great job for the casting director.

I know its easy to complain but i can address what i didnt like and how i would of made it better, for everyone. for the people who loved this movie would of just Creamed themselves if this movie was done with the potential it had.

Things i would of done to make it better...

the whole "KID" plot would of been reworked, because of the kid it lowered the drama of them being on the boat. we where not worried for them because of the "kid" thats an easy fix, its called umm leave the kid alone.

the Real estate scam of lex would of been out from the start. Could use the Idea of it, but not as a real estate issue. that wasnt a valid reason to do such a thing.

The Quake scene would of been Much Much MUCH bigger, because thats what superman can handle, he had about 4-5 issues to handle when it should of been more like 15...at once. it was too lets do this first then this second, it was too neat, in order... for example, the scene where he catches the guy from falling...great! but it should of been in Every Scene of that. like catching the globe.. why not catch it while also saving falling people at the same time..and even during the fall, he is capable so show it! and even then while holding the globe he should of been using his lazer sight or cold breath at the SAME TIME to handle other issues, that is what superman can do. he is not a one trick pony.

Perhaps i am greedy, but i have seen thousands of movies (worked for blockbuster for years) soo many other movies have done Sooo much more, to me this should of been BIG, this just felt like it was on too small of a scale for superman.

3/10 was my vote, perhaps the next sequal, (since they are all contracted to 3 movies...) they will not be afraid to show is what superman can really do.

...and hopefully they kill off the kid so the 3rd movie is not just plain stupid..

[FVD]

Please post your opinions after seeing the movie, i'd be interested in reading what you thought. I wasn't totally disappointed though since that Spiderman 3 trailer was kick ass!

Well I will say this about Superman Returns. I actually quite enjoyed it to be honest. I wasn't expecting too much from the film but Singer really did pay homage to the first two Superman films. I thought the pacing was fine and being a film student myself I did enjoy some of the camera angles in that film.

Brandon Routh was a great Clark/Superman, Kevin Spacey was brilliant as Lex Luthor. It also made me laugh how former Aussie Rugby League star Ian Roberts was one of his thugs. He was the guy with the camera btw. Kate Bosworth was pretty good as Lois. I had reservations about her but I thought she did okay. Quite frankly the casting of each character couldn't be more flawless. It was nice to see Frank Langella play a good guy for once. He was a pretty good Perry White as was Sam Huntington as Jimmy.

I went to see the 3-D feature last night and at the beginning there were some technical difficulties with picture showing but no audio. It even cut out at times where I was enjoying the opening credits sequence.

Rating: 9/10. I still think Batman Begins was better only marginally.

[SaltyDog]

I love the BATMAN character more than the Superman Character and thought BATMAN BEGINS was an excellent film although I had quibbles with the quick cut editing of the action sequences in the film. However after seeing SR it is by far the best Superman Film to date or at least on a par with the first film. Anyone can pick any movie apart if you work on it hard enough but this film was on Par with BATMAN BEGINS and SpiderMan 2. And who in the sam hill gave this film a 3. We need to have a talk.

[jtracy]

Superman Returns was a good movie. Despite several story flaws, the movie keeps your interest from beginning to end. And the way Superman returns to Metropolis (the first time the public sees him) makes you want to stand up and cheer with the crowd.

(Spoilers Below)
There were some flaws. The whole "real estate" storyline was a bit far-fetched. First off, who will want to by "real estate" on land that is nothing but pointy crystals? Second, a sudden land mass appearing like that in the ocean would have caused massive tidal waves and tsunamis to hit Metropolis. Yet there was nothing. There were other flaws too, but none-the-less, it was still an exciting movie and a worthy addition to the franchise.

Most media loved the movie, but some hated it. Leading th "hated it" group was Roger Ebert. His review is worth a read as what he says is true (about the "reality" flaws), however, Ebert also fails to see the big picture. How can he give a Thumbs Up to Pokemon and a Thumbs Down to Superman Returns? Some answers we'll never know.

It's definitely worth a repeat viewing.

[sshuttari]

I love the BATMAN character more than the Superman Character and thought BATMAN BEGINS was an excellent film although I had quibbles with the quick cut editing of the action sequences in the film. However after seeing SR it is by far the best Superman Film to date or at least on a par with the first film. Anyone can pick any movie apart if you work on it hard enough but this film was on Par with BATMAN BEGINS and SpiderMan 2. And who in the sam hill gave this film a 3. We need to have a talk.

everyones in titled to their opinion,

anyways one notice the part of the movie where they were showing superman saving people from around the world on TV, and they were naming cities and they mentioned Gotham.

I thought it was pretty neat, put a smile on my face.

[darthspielberg]

I wish people would stop comparing this to Batman Begins. Begins was a relaunch of the series, whereas Superman Returns is a continuation, a followup.

I love Batman Begins, so much so, as I am a life long Batman fan, and Batman is my number one man in a cape, so I was astounded by the awesome job they did, and yes, I like it better than Returns, but more because I grew up with Bats, not Supes.

Returns was fantastic none the less...i wish people would see it for it, not how it freaking compares to other comic movies.

*sighs*

[darthspielberg]

everyones in titled to their opinion,

anyways one notice the part of the movie where they were showing superman saving people from around the world on TV, and they were naming cities and they mentioned Gotham.

I thought it was pretty neat, put a smile on my face.

a smile was brought to my face as well. Its like the Metropolis reference in Batman Forever, only in a much better movie...a MUCH better movie.

[halo7]

anyone else notice that people that dont like the film as much. They dont like the Idea of Superman. They dont like the Idea that nothing can stop him. They dont like the Idea that people cant tell the difference between Superman and Clark Kent. I'm sorry people but if you dont like the story or character why on earth do you think you would like the movie?

[iv3rdawG]

Well I don't understand why people can't tell Superman from Clark Kent :P But that doesn't stop me from liking the movie.

[halo7]

Its because if you had a geeky friend who always stumbles around and is pretty much an emotional loser. Would you be more willing to say "Oh man you look a lot like Superman" or "Oh my god! YOU'RE SUPERMAN!!"

[JBond]

I'm fine with the idea of Superman, I jsut don't think the film was done very well. The second half really dragged on and there were a bunch of mistakes and nuisances. They've already been pointed out I'm sure, but I'll list what bugged me:

- Superman got his butt kicked on the krypton island, but later he could lift it into orbit.
- The kid...they just didn't know what to do with him, that whole subplot should have been removed.
- The whole main villian plot...there was no impending doom for humans. It was like...ok, this island is growing...and I guess eventually it will grow over USA?....it just didn't interest me at all.
- ER: Superman....I was just laughing at the obsurdity of this. I wasn't the only one.

Oh yeah, and ok, peopel dont notice Kent is Superman because he's so boring...I get. But both Kent and Superman were gone for 5 years and came back on the same day? Is no one intelligent?

[donny]

I enjoyed Superman Returns. It had good acting and top notch special effects.

The one question I had, was completely out of curiousty. I had a debate with one of my friends, who said the film had the biggest budget ever. I disagreed with him, and said while it was very big, it wasnt the biggest. I could of sworn films like King Kong, Star Wars Episode III and Spider-Man 2 had an even bigger one. I know its up there, just dont think its the highest. If Some one knows the answer, i would appreciate it

[Citizen Kane]

Ok, time for some of my criticisms

1. Superman is too powerful. I know this has been said before, but it just bugs me. I remember droid told me that during the freeway sequence of M:i:III, he had no idea how Ethan would get away. With Superman, you never have that. He can basically save anyone, at anytime. He can even be stabbed by kryptonite and get easily revived.
2. The plotting was poor. The Lex Luthor plot, while entertaining in its own right, seemed like it was part of another movie. Superman stumbled upon it almost by accident. It should have been better integrated into the rest of the film.
3. Superboy didn't work.

I mean, it was entertaining I guess, but I don't know, in a world with films like Batman Begins and Spider-Man 2, it comes up lacking.

[Boro]

i saw this opening night.
meh, it was entertaining i guess but i really see no reason to ever watch it again. i voted 8, but i think that may have been too generous.

[SaltyDog]

I enjoyed Superman Returns. It had good acting and top notch special effects.

The one question I had, was completely out of curiousty. I had a debate with one of my friends, who said the film had the biggest budget ever. I disagreed with him, and said while it was very big, it wasnt the biggest. I could of sworn films like King Kong, Star Wars Episode III and Spider-Man 2 had an even bigger one. I know its up there, just dont think its the highest. If Some one knows the answer, i would appreciate it.

Based on what has being reported SR budget is at $250 million plus some 70 million for marketing. This would make it the most expensive film. However if you take into account inflation and adjusted dollars "Cleopatra" with Elizabeth Taylor still remains the number one Budgeted film. Something like over 350 million in todays dollars....

On the top ten Film Budget list....the list goes like this...

Chronicles of Narnia....216 million
Spiderman 2......200 million
Titanic......200 million
troy.......185 million
waterworld....175 million
Terminator 3......170 million....

and this doesn't include the now skyrocketing average marketing costs of 70 million....

[FVD]

Should a potential sequel appear on the horizon, I'd like to see Braniac or Darkseid. We've never seen them on the silver screen before. Or some other iconic Superman villain. Bring on Lobo even.

[Citizen Kane]

.

Based on what has being reported SR budget is at $250 million plus some 70 million for marketing. This would make it the most expensive film. However if you take into account inflation and adjusted dollars "Cleopatra" with Elizabeth Taylor still remains the number one Budgeted film. Something like over 350 million in todays dollars....


286 million.

[John Hartigan]

Ya know I highly disagree, while I enjoyed Superman Returns emmensly, I think Batman Begins truly did have an epic scale to it and achieved it extremely well... The pace of the film and the way it juggled multiple characters was perfect and suited the story very comfortably. Which I would say is the only problem I have with Superman Returns, it doesn't juggle things quite as well. But I still prefer it over the first Spider Man film, and a little bit above the 2nd one. Batman begins just had a poetic quality to it that few superhero films will be able to match. Superman returns had extremely beautiful moments though, everytime Superman flew high into the air and the music soared allong with him gave me the chills, beautiful stuff. Anyways just thought I'd drop by 2 cents on that quote.

I agree with your last part though, I think where the filmmakers go with the next Superman film, it won't be that hard to outdo themselves. I think it is going to be more tough for Christopher Nolan to deliver another high caliber Batman film, especially after Batman Begins. I think they'll be able to do it though.
While I agree that Batman Begins was the better film, both it and Superman Returns felt like necessary-evils to me. It was great to see Batman's origin on film, and it was equally good to see Superman's return, but beyond that I didn't feel either had a very strong plot. In my opinion, neither rised-above what it's title states: Batman begun, and Superman returned. These are the stories you have to tell for the series to make sense - for example; the original Spiderman left us wanting more, in a good way, and so too did Batman Begins, and so does Superman Returns. Just as Spidey FINALLY has his Venom, The Dark Knight WILL Return, and The Man of Steel WILL soar again, eventually...

[John Hartigan]

Should a potential sequel appear on the horizon, I'd like to see Braniac or Darkseid. We've never seen them on the silver screen before. Or some other iconic Superman villain. Bring on Lobo even.
Finger's-crossed for Brainiac :D.

[Jspitalieri]

154 minutes. Last time I checked that is just barely over 2 hours.

[matthall]

I'm fine with the idea of Superman, I jsut don't think the film was done very well. The second half really dragged on and there were a bunch of mistakes and nuisances. They've already been pointed out I'm sure, but I'll list what bugged me:

- Superman got his butt kicked on the krypton island, but later he could lift it into orbit.
- The kid...they just didn't know what to do with him, that whole subplot should have been removed.
- The whole main villian plot...there was no impending doom for humans. It was like...ok, this island is growing...and I guess eventually it will grow over USA?....it just didn't interest me at all.
- ER: Superman....I was just laughing at the obsurdity of this. I wasn't the only one.

Oh yeah, and ok, peopel dont notice Kent is Superman because he's so boring...I get. But both Kent and Superman were gone for 5 years and came back on the same day? Is no one intelligent?


You hear that? Listen really closely...it sounds like NITPICKING!

The part where he got his ass kicked on that Island was because it was right there next to him (he was on it) and people were beating him, then he got stabbed with it. When he picks it up, he just near it, nobody is beating him while he's near it, not to mention it almost killed him anyway.

Also myself as well as everyone else in the theater (so it seemed) were really taken back by the ER scene and is stronger than any single part of Batman Begins.

[slade]

What was Wrong, well i guess for 250million dollars i expected much more,
things i felt wrong are.
1. too many USELESS scenes, such as the Train Scene, Lex knew what he wanted to do after he got the information from Supermans dad, we did not need to see him Test it. Waste of Time.
2. Superman Reflect on him as a kid, this is a Sequal not a Remake, we did not need to see that Scene at all, Useless. If they really really had to do a useless flashback they could of done something much better than what they shown, CG cornfield....
3.Lets have Sup deal with a Little bit of Kryptonite and get hurt, then deal with a LOT and be okay. it didnt make scence, it was not a Threat.
4. the Quake, It was also too Cookie Cutter of him saving people, but not impressivly, not as impressivly as it should of been.
5..the kid subplot= could of been good till they made the Lame "surprise"
6. i honestly wasnt that impressed with the Plane Scene, i had more of a feeling of accomplishment from Eowyn (LOTR) killed the Nazgul. The StayPuft MarshMello guy gettin it from the Ghostbusters.
I understand its hard to make superman be that exciting because he is Super but i belive its in the choices, such as when Spiderman has Maryjane and a boxcar of people fall at the same time, thats Drama!
7. the robbery with the guy shoot sup in the Face...also not needed.
8. its a SUPERMAN movie with little SUPERMAN, it seemed to me they where unsure of him and didnt give him the screentime he needed. or dialoge.
9. Way too many Horrible CG when it could of been shot Live and not pulled you out of the story because you had that little "hey this is CG" run around in your mind.
10...i could go on and on, honestly i agree with EBERTS review exept that Routh was bad, not true, he was the Perfect superman. great job for the casting director.

I know its easy to complain but i can address what i didnt like and how i would of made it better, for everyone. for the people who loved this movie would of just Creamed themselves if this movie was done with the potential it had.

Things i would of done to make it better...

the whole "KID" plot would of been reworked, because of the kid it lowered the drama of them being on the boat. we where not worried for them because of the "kid" thats an easy fix, its called umm leave the kid alone.

the Real estate scam of lex would of been out from the start. Could use the Idea of it, but not as a real estate issue. that wasnt a valid reason to do such a thing.

The Quake scene would of been Much Much MUCH bigger, because thats what superman can handle, he had about 4-5 issues to handle when it should of been more like 15...at once. it was too lets do this first then this second, it was too neat, in order... for example, the scene where he catches the guy from falling...great! but it should of been in Every Scene of that. like catching the globe.. why not catch it while also saving falling people at the same time..and even during the fall, he is capable so show it! and even then while holding the globe he should of been using his lazer sight or cold breath at the SAME TIME to handle other issues, that is what superman can do. he is not a one trick pony.

Perhaps i am greedy, but i have seen thousands of movies (worked for blockbuster for years) soo many other movies have done Sooo much more, to me this should of been BIG, this just felt like it was on too small of a scale for superman.

3/10 was my vote, perhaps the next sequal, (since they are all contracted to 3 movies...) they will not be afraid to show is what superman can really do.

...and hopefully they kill off the kid so the 3rd movie is not just plain stupid..

I agree with you 100%, but we seem to be the minority on the board.

[drzarius]

I agree also, so you guys aren't alone at all. This **definately** seems like a remake & composite of the 1st 2 films (minus all the cool super fights from part 2 sadly). I enjoyed Xmen 3 alot more than this movie and felt it had more emotive empact and draw for me as a comic book fan. Other points:

- Routh just seems too young for me. I kept thinking: Damn, he went away five years and he looks like he's 25!! (Time effect from his space travel?? Hmm..but why does Lois look young also?) How old was he when he became a reporter and did he even go to college at all?! Also, I couldn't stop thinking that he looks SO SO much like a younger if taller and more physique Peter Gallagher! (The O.C., American Beauty, Summer Lovers)

- Lois Lane was a total miscast IMO. Yeah, she's too young *and* she's too generic/plain/ordinary/conformed, etc. Oh yeah, she can't act worth spit.

- Soundtrack music isn't what it used to be. No Superman movie score will top John William's masterpiece, but having bits and pieces of it floating around in SR definately didn't help immerse me in this movie. I kept thinking how better the original was.

- The quoted poster said it, but I want to reemphasize it. The CGI was bad. Spiderman 2's was better.

- W33t! Spiderman 3 trailer!! Looking good!

- Superman and the island (Even diehards have to shake their head at what he does) Oh well, this *is* a DC character, I don't suppose reality or realism has even been that high on their standards.

- Bring back the 'cup' jocks. I don't think I can even get used to the lowcut bikini briefs (Not that I'm *too* aware of them!) though I'm sure the women love it.

- Lex Luthor needs more hardcore evil mastermind chicks. :-)

Not worth the 200+ million price quote that's floating around (I read one article that said the overall may be as high as 600 million with every it and bit tabulated), but bring on Superman 6 and let's see if he can do better.

[matthall]

The FX were better than Spiderman 2

[SaltyDog]

The FX were better than Spiderman 2.

Bryan Singer and Brandon Routh have already signed up for the next Superman due out in 2009. If this film is as entertaining as SR then the sequel can't come soon enough. The actors are perfect in their parts and the action sequences are marvelous and magically executed in SR. And although some of the scenes may drag some due to its running time the overall experience seemed to pass by in a hurry. This SR lives up to its hype and after watching the Original Superman and Superman 2 movies last night on CABLE TV I find myself thinking this SR was better than the first two. Going back for seconds and possibly thirds..... maybe fourths.....

[straightupridah]

LMFAO! U say X-Men was better than Superman Returns. Poseidon was better than X3. NUFF SAID!

[WuTical]

154 minutes. Last time I checked that is just barely over 2 hours.
2 hrs 34 mins

[Ewok Droppings]

I think Kate Bosworth was a horrible choice for Lois Lane. Brandon Routh did an excellent job IMO as Superman, and I especially liked his nerdy Clark Kent. He was great - but Kate Bosworth was completely and utterly wrong for the part I think. I had a hard time getting into the movie because I couldn't get past how crappy she was as Lois Lane. Bad, bad casting choice. Overall, a decent flick with some slow parts. One thing I couldn't understand though was if Lex Luthor wanted to create an entire continent of his own, wouldn't this be more or less uninhabitable land because it is creating one big rock formation and no sustainable land to farm, cultivate, etc.? Also, where the hell did this "just add water" idea come from? Maybe I missed this in the comics, or maybe it has just been too long since watching the original Superman, but I don't remember that being the specific reason why Superman's little home sprouted up. On this point though, I could be wrong, not sure. Overall it was decent.

8/10

[Citizen Kane]

.

EBERT. He probably was on Chemo Therapy the night he saw Superman Returns. I mean he gives Garfield and DavinciCode thumbs up, two of the worst reviewed movies of the year according to critical consensus and one being the DAVINCICode which i thought was terrible. However, lately this last couple of years since his cancer surgeries he has given more films thumbs up than down. I mean look at your advertising on your friday paper and the majority of films say "Two Thumbs up". Maybe he is sensing the end is near and wants to leave on a "thumbs up" note.

Please. When are people going to learn that you can't judge a critic because his taste doesn't match yours? These guys are paid to write about films, not to agree with you.

[Citizen Kane]

everyones in titled to their opinion,

anyways one notice the part of the movie where they were showing superman saving people from around the world on TV, and they were naming cities and they mentioned Gotham.

I thought it was pretty neat, put a smile on my face.

I was kind of pissed at that, it almost felt like a subtle diss to Batman, the suggestion that he can't be counted on to take care of Gotham on his own.

[JBond]

You hear that? Listen really closely...it sounds like NITPICKING!

The part where he got his ass kicked on that Island was because it was right there next to him (he was on it) and people were beating him, then he got stabbed with it. When he picks it up, he just near it, nobody is beating him while he's near it, not to mention it almost killed him anyway.

Also myself as well as everyone else in the theater (so it seemed) were really taken back by the ER scene and is stronger than any single part of Batman Begins.

You hear that? It sounds like you're rationializing. Are you kidding me? Right next to him? How much closer can you get to somethign when you're CARRYING it? How is getting punched by mortal humans worse than the force of million of tons on top of you? And as you pointed out, this was when a piece of krytponite was still in him. If I'm nitpicking, fine, but why can't you admit it's an obvious mistake?

And as for "nitpicking", there's a quote I like using: "A 'great movie' needs 3 great scenes and no bad ones." Think about that when you're attacking someone who's pointing out mistakes, and you're fighting back with the good scenes. (though I'm sorry I didn't list the parts I liked)

[FilmJerk]

never seen Superman II, but I assume The Man of Steel gave Lois his steel?

[the elmo zombie]

did superman wipe lois's mind of knowing who clark really was in superman 2? i forgot

[Citizen Kane]

never seen Superman II, but I assume The Man of Steel gave Lois his steel?

Yes. ;)

[griffolyon12]

I loved this movie,I thought it was amazing!Everything was perfect:acting,directing,FX,score you name it I loved it.There are just so many scenes in this movie I'll never forget.I just can't describe how much I loved this movie.I'm a huge Superman fan and I am happy Singer and Co. made a great movie.This is a strong contender for one of my favorite movies of all time.It does have a few pacing problems,but they didn't ruin this movie for me.

A perfect 10 out of 10!

[sshuttari]

I was kind of pissed at that, it almost felt like a subtle diss to Batman, the suggestion that he can't be counted on to take care of Gotham on his own.

I Think your reading to much into it, they did it as a way of showing respect for Gotham and its dark knight, not the other way around.

[Sora Kahn]

Hey, if Superman went to Gotham, he probably went there to say hello to Batman( after all Supe was gone for 5 years).

Anyway, I saw the film on Wednesday and I thought the movie was great. The acting was excellent( although I think Kate needs some improvement as Lois), the music was superbe, the effects were incredible, and the storyline was pretty good. The movie did have it's share of flaws though. I think the movie needed that extra footage that was cut including the parts where Superman was looking at the Krypton remains. Plus, I thought they could've done a better job with the kid arc, which means like I said, the movie needed to be longer( if King Kong got his three hours, Superman should've gotten his).

Final note, I hope before this series ends, Superman gets with Lois because if he doesn't he's going to look like a terrible father, which will affect his popularity especially among the female crowd.

All in all, I give Superman Returns a 9/10.

[SaltyDog]

THIS JULY FOURTH......Look...UP in the sky, its a bird, its a plane, no ITS SUPERMAN. HE IS BACK. Of course now they say that he is a character for the UNIVERSE , not just America. But no one can mistake that RED, WHIte and BLUE outfit signifies he is American all the way. Truth, justice and the America Way no longer suffice. It is now truth , justice and all that stuff.

[sshuttari]

Hey, if Superman went to Gotham, he probably went there to say hello to Batman( after all Supe was gone for 5 years).

Anyway, I saw the film on Wednesday and I thought the movie was great. The acting was excellent( although I think Kate needs some improvement as Lois), the music was superbe, the effects were incredible, and the storyline was pretty good. The movie did have it's share of flaws though. I think the movie needed that extra footage that was cut including the parts where Superman was looking at the Krypton remains. Plus, I thought they could've done a better job with the kid arc, which means like I said, the movie needed to be longer( if King Kong got his three hours, Superman should've gotten his).

Final note, I hope before this series ends, Superman gets with Lois because if he doesn't he's going to look like a terrible father, which will affect his popularity especially among the female crowd.

All in all, I give Superman Returns a 9/10.

But if Louis wants to stay married to Richard, he cant do anything about it.

Unless they kill RIchard off hehe

[Sora Kahn]

^Wait, I thought they weren't married. Because I thought Jimmy said Lois put the marriage on hold.

[MikeZ]

My only problem with the concept of this film was that Superman is coming home from going to see if Krypton is still around. How can he travel there and back if he doesn't have our Sun? He would be just like you and me if he were to travel out of our solar system, he would just die in space like you or me.

I saw the movie and I loved it however. I haven't felt so good at the movies since... well you know what I don't think even Starwars got me as giddy as this movie did. Superman was always my childhood favourite and it definately didn't dissapoint. The running time in my opinion was too short! I wish they had another 30 minutes with some amazing climax... but :) I will wait for another 3 hours film for part 2!

[SaltyDog]

My only problem with the concept of this film was that Superman is coming home from going to see if Krypton is still around. How can he travel there and back if he doesn't have our Sun? He would be just like you and me if he were to travel out of our solar system, he would just die in space like you or me.

I saw the movie and I loved it however. I haven't felt so good at the movies since... well you know what I don't think even Starwars got me as giddy as this movie did. Superman was always my childhood favourite and it definately didn't dissapoint. The running time in my opinion was too short! I wish they had another 30 minutes with some amazing climax... but :) I will wait for another 3 hours film for part 2!

I agree with you on the running time. Way too short. Should have being about four hours. One other thing I really liked about the movie is that the character portrayed by James Marsden wasn't a nerd or some knot head ignorant macho guy. He actually is likeable and you understand his side of the issue and he also plays the hero in one of the sequences. Now that is what I call heads up on Bryan Singers part.

[MikeZ]

Salty, I agree that James' Character was awesome! He was likeable and to be honest I was sort of hoping he will get to keep Lois in the end! I know that won't happen but that is how I felt!

The opening credits were already better than X-3...

I dunno about you guys, but when the opening credits are rolling and you can't wipe that grin off your face, what more do you want?

I could tear it apart like most movies I have seen but when I think about how happy and how awesome I felt watching it, why ruin that? I am going to forget it's flaws and hum the Superman tune and await the sequel...

[iv3rdawG]

^Wait, I thought they weren't married. Because I thought Jimmy said Lois put the marriage on hold.
Ya, Jimmy said that they aren't married, it's one of those long engagments.

[RedVader 2004]

It was good but Batman Begins still holds the DC comic current title. They did a desent job casting Luthor and Superman. Kate Bosworth not really. Like in Spiderman they got the wrong actress playing the lead female role.

[matthall]

You hear that? It sounds like you're rationializing. Are you kidding me? Right next to him? How much closer can you get to somethign when you're CARRYING it? How is getting punched by mortal humans worse than the force of million of tons on top of you? And as you pointed out, this was when a piece of krytponite was still in him. If I'm nitpicking, fine, but why can't you admit it's an obvious mistake?

And as for "nitpicking", there's a quote I like using: "A 'great movie' needs 3 great scenes and no bad ones." Think about that when you're attacking someone who's pointing out mistakes, and you're fighting back with the good scenes. (though I'm sorry I didn't list the parts I liked)

I wasn't rationalizing, I just think it wasn't really a flaw, just kind of a grey area sure it could have been handled better but I still don't count it as a flaw. Also he didn't have the piece of Kryptonite in him when he was lifting that.

[Ewok Droppings]

It was good but Batman Begins still holds the DC comic current title. They did a desent job casting Luthor and Superman. Kate Bosworth not really. Like in Spiderman they got the wrong actress playing the lead female role.
I totally agree! Kate Bosworth was a horrible choice!!!

[MikeZ]

Matt actually he did have a peice of kryptonite in him, they pulled it out at the hospital... and that settles that.

[FilmJerk]

Awesome movie! rocked harcore. favorite scene is when the guy is firing the minigun at Supes, then he's like f*** it and unloads a shot at his head. The visuals were some of the best Ive scene, especially the plane sequence. Beautifully shot. Routh did a great job, everyone did a great job, though I honestly didnt care much for Spacey. ending was touching when he quoted his father to his son. Only little problem I had was the ending dragged a little too long, Other than that, great movie. 9.5/10

[matthall]

Matt actually he did have a peice of kryptonite in him, they pulled it out at the hospital... and that settles that.


Oh I forgot about that...though I think that happened while he was lifting it, so he doesn't have it in him the whole time. Anyway it doesn't matter, I know that there were some questionable parts it just seems to me that particular part is well enough rounded I wouldn't consider it a flaw, though obviously others do.

Oh well I liked the movie a lot, even with it's problems, and it's unfortunate others didn't enjoy it as much as I did, but I understand it.

[teewee1432]

saw this yesterday afternoon with my girl at the imax theater around 4pm since the other showings were all sold out. The only bad thing about imax is that they don't show any previews I would have loved to had seen the spiderman one. I enjoyed the movie alot and thats saying something because i was the biggest superman hater when i first say the early previews for the movie I thought it looked like crap and so did my other friend and now we're both seeing it. I like to see a movie where I have low expectations and then the movie totally surprises me then the other way around. Brandon routh did a good job playing superman, and the rest of the cast held their own as well. It did have it's minor flaws but what movie dosent? I even liked the subplot with the kid I thought it was well done and touching. The visuals, and special effects were awesome!! overall grade 9/10!!

[Jspitalieri]

I totally agree! Kate Bosworth was a horrible choice!!!

I saw this last night and that was one of my beefs too. Not sure if it was totally her fault, but in the beginning she was just blatantly annoying.

The action scenes were absolutely awesome, captivating and spectacular. Some of the beginning stuff was drawn out. I think it was a very good movie though, it exceeded my expectations.

[WuTical]

got a question

this is suppose to be like a sequel after part 2 right ?

in Superman II, Lois finds out Clark is Superman....how come she didnt know it was him in this movie ?

[SaltyDog]

I totally agree! Kate Bosworth was a horrible choice!!!

OK. I am taking Kate's side on this because i thought she was great.. She impressed me as the character Lois Lane. I wasn't expecting to see her do that well. But if you read the press clippings from critics they mostly agree she was very impressive in the role. I saw a picture not long before they started shooting Superman with NICKOLAS CAGE in the Superman Outfit and I said then...OH<NO. NO.......But then they cast Brandon Routh and he turned out to be perfect for the role. If you wait for the ending credits they do a nice bit by appreciating and recognizing CHRIS REEVE AND DANA REEVES.

[SaltyDog]

got a question

this is suppose to be like a sequel after part 2 right ?

in Superman II, Lois finds out Clark is Superman....how come she didnt know it was him in this movie ?.

If you go back and see Superman 2 you will notice there is a scene towards the end when Superman sees that Lois will live a life of fustration knowing and loving Superman as Clark Kent and therefore he decides to spare her this anguish and decides to give her a long kiss after which she totally forgets his identity.

[spide-ed]

Can you guys (Americans) get your ass to this film if its so good, tell your friends to go too, tell everyone.....

WE want a sequel to this and its so far not doing as well as expected.

[WuTical]

WE want a sequel to this and its so far not doing as well as expected.


if Brainiac aint in the sequel, they shouldnt even bother making it

[Sora Kahn]

Can you guys (Americans) get your ass to this film if its so good, tell your friends to go too, tell everyone.....

WE want a sequel to this and its so far not doing as well as expected.

Dude, it made 21 million on opening night. The weekend isn't over and since there are hardly any other good movies out, Superman will most likely get all the customers.

[DVDAVE]

Oh I forgot about that...though I think that happened while he was lifting it, so he doesn't have it in him the whole time. Anyway it doesn't matter, I know that there were some questionable parts it just seems to me that particular part is well enough rounded I wouldn't consider it a flaw, though obviously others do.

Oh well I liked the movie a lot, even with it's problems, and it's unfortunate others didn't enjoy it as much as I did, but I understand it.
I kinda see both sides but I see what your saying Matt, He was exposed directly to it when he was beat up. He had only a piece of it left in him when he was lifting the island, and are people forgetting he did do a recharge in the sun to before he dove down to lift the island so that bought him some time before crashed dived.

[ddel54]

.

If you go back and see Superman 2 you will notice there is a scene towards the end when Superman sees that Lois will live a life of fustration knowing and loving Superman as Clark Kent and therefore he decides to spare her this anguish and decides to give her a long kiss after which she totally forgets his identity.

ahhh I was gonna ask the same thing but thanks for already giving the answer. Im not sure how to put spolier tags on so I will just write SPOLIER!!!!!SPOILER!!!!SPOILER!!!!



Now that she knows her son has Powers like Superman does she remember sleeping with Superman at all??

[Ewok Droppings]

ahhh I was gonna ask the same thing but thanks for already giving the answer. Im not sure how to put spolier tags on so I will just write SPOLIER!!!!!SPOILER!!!!SPOILER!!!!
to put spoilers just put these tags around the words:

[ spoiler] words go here [/spoiler]

Just take out the space in front of the word spoiler.

[gar0781]

The movie was pretty good. The story was good and the action scenes were great. Im not much of a Superman fan but I did enjoy the intro and the scenes where the music from the original movie would come on.

[iv3rdawG]

Just saw it again, and I have to say, the first time I saw it was better. I did notice that the Lex Luthor story was quite boring at some parts, but the whole Lois Lane and Superman plot makes up for it.

[spide-ed]

Dude, it made 21 million on opening night. The weekend isn't over and since there are hardly any other good movies out, Superman will most likely get all the customers.

Well lets hope, but at the moment it seems more people went to see Cheaper by the Dozen than this.(sigh). Lets hope the numbers keep racking up. Oh yeh and POTC is out soon and people are gonna flock to that no matter how average and overrated it is(which it will be), so Superman needs to be making his money early on.

As for WuTical i agree, the villian ive wanted to see for years (in this film too) is Brainiac.

[Ewok Droppings]

Oh yeh and POTC is out soon and people are gonna flock to that no matter how average and overrated it is(which it will be),
How do you know that it will be overrated? Sounds to me like you just don't like POTC. That doesn't mean that it is going to be overrated though just because you don't like it.

[spide-ed]

How do you know that it will be overrated? Sounds to me like you just don't like POTC. That doesn't mean that it is going to be overrated though just because you don't like it.

Just read a rather dissapointing review from a reliable source....of course, we will see.

http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?FID=9800

Plus the first one was overrated, take Johhny Depp and Jeff Rush out and it would be boring as hell, IMO of course.

Anyways all im saying is i bet Superman is better but will make less money.

[Sparkle~Girl]

It gets a 9 from me, wonderful movie. :)

[moviebuff801]

This is the third best superhero movie I've seen, right behind Batman Begins (#1) and Spider-Man 2 (#2). I also think that this is the first REAL Superman movie to date. Don't get me wrong, I love the Christopher Reeve original, but I found myself enjoying Superman Returns just a little bit better. I was surprised at how good Brandon Routh was. He was the perfect choice for this role. I also really enjoyed Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor. He was more dark and sinister than the way Gene Hackman portrayed him in '78, but I kinda like that. Another thing is that it's not as light as the original. It is a more serious version of Superman, which helps it work tremendously. I personally thought that it wasn't overlong. The 2 1/2 hour running time seemed to fly by. Bryan Singer did an excellent job, as always.

My rating: A

[Brock Landers]

I liked it. Did it seem to anyone else that for such a long movie, it felt like nothing happened? P.S.:

It's impossible, Lois could never have Superman's baby. Do you think her fallopian tubes could handle the sperm? I guarantee you he blows a load like a shotgun right through her back. What about her womb? Do you think it's strong enough to carry her child? He's an alien, for Christ sake. His Kyrptonian biological makeup is enhanced by earth's yellow sun. If Lois gets a tan the kid could kick right through her stomach. Only someone like Wonder Woman has a strong enough uterus to carry his kid. The only way he could bang regular chicks is with a kryptonite condom. That would kill him. -- Mallrats

8/10

[JBond]

Yes, it seemed that way to me too. It's because we never felt the civilians were in much danger.

[EmpireOfDust]

You hear that? Listen really closely...it sounds like NITPICKING!

The part where he got his ass kicked on that Island was because it was right there next to him (he was on it) and people were beating him, then he got stabbed with it. When he picks it up, he just near it, nobody is beating him while he's near it, not to mention it almost killed him anyway.

Also myself as well as everyone else in the theater (so it seemed) were really taken back by the ER scene and is stronger than any single part of Batman Begins.

I'll have to disagree with the part I put in Bold. I was much more affected in Batman Begins at the part where he reveals himself to Rachel Dawes before he flies away to save the day. The way it was done was poetic and goosebump inducing. I loved Superman Returns, but the hospital stuff was a little cheesy, only because it was drug out so long. Aside from that I have no problem with the end.

Batman Begins to me was just a much powerful and solid film.

[JBond]

Many parts in Batman Begins were stronger than Superman Returns scenes. One that sticks to mind is "And you'll never have to".

[Citizen Kane]

I think every part of Btaman Begins is stronger than Superman Returns scenes. Maybe I'm biased because I've always been a big fan of Batman, but that's how I feel. The story was just more compelling, and Bruce Wayne/Batman is a more interesting character than Superman.

[carnage4u]

I enjoyed the movie 8/10

He super, hes suppose to be able to basically anything
film didnt really feel that long to me, it could have been trimmed though.

i saw it in the IMAX. the 3d. was ok, but wish it would have not been in there.

[sshuttari]

Yea the weekend boxoffice take isnt that great, maybe it will pick up internationally.

Anyways,

When superman says, "The Son becomes the Father, and the Father becomes the Son" what the heck does it mean?

[carnage4u]

I dont see why we need to compare batman movie and superman movie

I did enjoy batman but i dont see why that should effect the superman review at all?

i actually disliked a lot of camera angles in batman that made me feel hurt the overall feel of the movie.

[He Said She Said]

For an interesting "he vs. she" take on Superman Returns, follow the link below.

http://www.hesaidshesaidlove.blogspot.com/

[Citizen Kane]

I dont see why we need to compare batman movie and superman movie

I did enjoy batman but i dont see why that should effect the superman review at all?

i actually disliked a lot of camera angles in batman that made me feel hurt the overall feel of the movie.

Well, you know, both of them are recent relaunches of beloved superhero franchises, so...

[JBond]

Yeah, that's what I was going to say. Batman Returns didn't affect my score, I just felt it was relavant to bring it up.

[Hypestyle]

the next film should have more villains..

to some degree, 'Lex-only' plots are 'been there, done that', especially if you follow "Smallville".. I want more villains, and lots of fight scenes--

Brainiac, Metallo, Doomsday, Parasite, Prankster, Cyborg-superman, Bizarro..

[Doomsday]

Was I the only one who thought this entire scheme of submerging land and making new land for Lex Luthor to take over was maybe taken from another movie like, oh I don't know, Superman 1?!?! I enjoyed the movie a lot more than I thought, I read some pretty harsh reviews, so I'm glad it turned out better than I thought, but a huge portion of this movie seemed completely ripped off from the original Superman. I also didn't feel that Kevin Spacey was as convincing as Lex Luthor as he could have been, he had nothing on Gene Hackman (why didn't they ask him to come back in the first place?), and I thought Routh could have done better, especially in regards to him keeping Clark Kent and Superman two separate characters/personalities, at which I thought he failed. But I enjoyed the action and interaction between the characters, it was an entertaining movie, I think it will be interesting to see where they take the franchise now that it's off the ground again. Hopefully they'll keep it strong with Batman at the same time.

I'd say somewhere between B+/A-

[Sora Kahn]

There is one thing I like to see Superman do for once and that's take on another disaster other than an earthquake. For once, I'd like to see him save people from a tsunami or an F5 tornado.

But overall, I though Luthor's plot was threatening even though I'm sick of Superman taking on an Earthquake( Brainiac. If you are the villian in the next movie, you better not cause an earthquake!). And I actually have to say that Superman Returns was slightly more emotional than BB because of the scene where Luthor and his men beat up Superman. The music they played for that sequence made it even more effective.

[Boro]

for me the most emotional scene in the movie was when one of the dogs got eaten. the rest of it was uh oh, he is getting the crap beat out of him. wait nvm, this is superman so he'll be good to go in 10 minutes.

[SaltyDog]

I told you Roger Ebert was not in his right frame of mind when he saw "superman returns". He surely wasn't feeling well that is for sure. Now he is in the hospital.

CHICAGO - Film critic Roger Ebert, who has battled cancer in recent years, was in serious but stable condition Sunday following an emergency operation to repair complications from a previous cancer surgery.

Ah, well, heck.....get well Roger.....You need to see "superman returns" when your doing well and feeling fine. Might even change your review....

[JBond]

Now Ebert's condition is being blamed for bad reviews?..

[Ewok Droppings]

I liked it. Did it seem to anyone else that for such a long movie, it felt like nothing happened? P.S.:

It's impossible, Lois could never have Superman's baby. Do you think her fallopian tubes could handle the sperm? I guarantee you he blows a load like a shotgun right through her back. What about her womb? Do you think it's strong enough to carry her child? He's an alien, for Christ sake. His Kyrptonian biological makeup is enhanced by earth's yellow sun. If Lois gets a tan the kid could kick right through her stomach. Only someone like Wonder Woman has a strong enough uterus to carry his kid. The only way he could bang regular chicks is with a kryptonite condom. That would kill him. -- Mallrats

8/10
If I remember right didn't they sleep together AFTER he had become mortal in Superman 2? Then that raises the question of how the kid has super powers, but solves the mystery of exploding back due to super orgasms.

[Sora Kahn]

I told you Roger Ebert was not in his right frame of mind when he saw "superman returns". He surely wasn't feeling well that is for sure. Now he is in the hospital.

CHICAGO - Film critic Roger Ebert, who has battled cancer in recent years, was in serious but stable condition Sunday following an emergency operation to repair complications from a previous cancer surgery.

Ah, well, heck.....get well Roger.....You need to see "superman returns" when your doing well and feeling fine. Might even change your review....

Man, I hope Ebert's okay.

[Necross]

Now Ebert's condition is being blamed for bad reviews?..

Sometimes conditions can cause stuff like that. I remember I was at camp back in fifth grade and the marine biologist working there one day started swearing at kids and dumped fish guts on some kids head randomly. The next day he was rushed to the hospital with a burst appendix.

As for the movie 9/10 for me. I thought the end was slow at times but thats all, very good.

[sshuttari]

To those who havent seen it yet, the movie is pretty tight (Including the scene where yes, he got shot in the eye, nice effects.).. This was good and I really consider myself a pretty hard critic when it comes to movies.. The only thing is that this film lacked a big, action -packed battle scene, where the hero and villain are essentially equal in terms of power and are entangled in a constant, forever struggle that causes the surrounding landscape to destroy itself through bashing each other through the ground and the mountains.. But this was pretty much the only thing that this lacked but that is expected from a film such as this with a limited number of characters and roles because there is almost nobody that can take on Superman. Now if only they put DarkSeid or Doomsday in the next film, that would be ****ing sick because each of these villains can take Superman to the limit and even beat him and it'll completely go right down to the wire.. Hopefully they'll do that with one of their later films..

Overall rating (Without spoiling anything): 8.5/10

[quiksilver022]

Eh.. 7/10.. Will post a review later. This movie was kind of lack.

[Jspitalieri]

Can you guys (Americans) get your ass to this film if its so good, tell your friends to go too, tell everyone.....

WE want a sequel to this and its so far not doing as well as expected.

It finished first for the weekend with nearly $60 million. Along this line of Genres only Spiderman 2 did better the first weekend. What are you talking about?

[Doomsday]

I dunno if this was discussed or if anyone heard, but I listened to a couple radio stations who said how people should boycott (I kid you not) the movie because of how un-American it is. They said how the worst part of the movie was how they changed "Truth, Justice, and the American way" to "Truth, Justice.....and all that stuff" and claimed that the producers were trying to be too PC and how it was ruining the image of the pro-America Superman. I dunno about you but I think some of that sounds like a bunch of poop.

[carnage4u]

Thats kind of funny, and sad at same time.

people in this country are either too uptight or too apathetic.

[spide-ed]

I dunno if this was discussed or if anyone heard, but I listened to a couple radio stations who said how people should boycott (I kid you not) the movie because of how un-American it is. They said how the worst part of the movie was how they changed "Truth, Justice, and the American way" to "Truth, Justice.....and all that stuff" and claimed that the producers were trying to be too PC and how it was ruining the image of the pro-America Superman. I dunno about you but I think some of that sounds like a bunch of poop.

Thats sad maybe WB cottoned onto the fact that thanks to people in the US government, that whole sentiment is just likely to rile up hatred and tension in certain countries. Or maybe these radio guys would rather have.....

Coming soon to a cinema near you.....

Superman Returns

Starring George W Bush as Clark Kent/ Superman

Condoleeza Rice as Lois Lane

Dick Cheyney as Jimmy Olsen

and introducing Osama Bin Laden as Lex Luthor!

[EmpireOfDust]

While I agree that Batman Begins was the better film, both it and Superman Returns felt like necessary-evils to me. It was great to see Batman's origin on film, and it was equally good to see Superman's return, but beyond that I didn't feel either had a very strong plot. In my opinion, neither rised-above what it's title states: Batman begun, and Superman returned. These are the stories you have to tell for the series to make sense - for example; the original Spiderman left us wanting more, in a good way, and so too did Batman Begins, and so does Superman Returns. Just as Spidey FINALLY has his Venom, The Dark Knight WILL Return, and The Man of Steel WILL soar again, eventually...

Part in Bold: Well said dude

[JBond]

Sometimes conditions can cause stuff like that. I remember I was at camp back in fifth grade and the marine biologist working there one day started swearing at kids and dumped fish guts on some kids head randomly. The next day he was rushed to the hospital with a burst appendix.

I just meant it was in poor taste to all of the sudden mention Ebert in that way to coincide with someone's view on Superman Returns.

But that's an interesting story. ;)

[Boiiinng]

I dunno if this was discussed or if anyone heard, but I listened to a couple radio stations who said how people should boycott (I kid you not) the movie because of how un-American it is. They said how the worst part of the movie was how they changed "Truth, Justice, and the American way" to "Truth, Justice.....and all that stuff" and claimed that the producers were trying to be too PC and how it was ruining the image of the pro-America Superman. I dunno about you but I think some of that sounds like a bunch of poop.

It was also discussed on ABC Nightly News last week. Problem is, they don't realize that Superman is from Smallville, a ficional back-water could be anywhere in the world town, and lives in Metropolis, which is itself the name of any big city in the world. He doesn't belong to America, nor should he only save lives in America, which is evident in the movie when the news describes him saving lives all over the world. It isn't being too PC, it's righting a wrong that was made before.

[Sparkle~Girl]

It was also discussed on ABC Nightly News last week. Problem is, they don't realize that Superman is from Smallville, a ficional back-water could be anywhere in the world town, and lives in Metropolis, which is itself the name of any big city in the world. He doesn't belong to America, nor should he only save lives in America, which is evident in the movie when the news describes him saving lives all over the world. It isn't being too PC, it's righting a wrong that was made before.
I agree totally with this. Superman isn't an american superhero, he is a superhero for the world and that's why I find him much more appealing than the rest.

[ruban]

Saw it last night and was thoroughly impressed. It was just an entertaining movie through & through. Going to watch it in 3D IMAX tonight :)


I dunno about you guys, but when the opening credits are rolling and you can't wipe that grin off your face, what more do you want?

I could tear it apart like most movies I have seen but when I think about how happy and how awesome I felt watching it, why ruin that? I am going to forget it's flaws and hum the Superman tune and await the sequel...

lol, my thoughts exactly. Well said :D

[Drizzt240]

I enjoyed it, but it did have some problems.

It did seem a bit long for the simple plot. Kevin Spacy's performance was good, but I thought his character wasn't really evil enough which has already been mentioned. You never really go the sense that the civillians were in much trouble. Ending dragged a bit.

Great visuals. Great humor. Routhe really suprised me.

8/10

[Necross]

I just meant it was in poor taste to all of the sudden mention Ebert in that way to coincide with someone's view on Superman Returns.

But that's an interesting story. ;)


Hehe yeah, honestly I don't know if thats the reason at all, but I never have an oppurtunity to use that story to make a point. :P

[sec127]

Did anyone else think that Lex's plan was not that evil? I mean, he wanted to grow an island, which intern, would create a huge flood to kill a bunch of people, then sell the island to people

Thats not that evil. They could have thought up something better. I was also very dissapointed by Kevin Spacey's performence. It was pretty ordinary. Same with the rest of the cast. It was all just ordinary. That does not mean it was bad. Brandon Routh and Kate Bosowrth did fine but they just blended in with everything else.

And was it me or did Lois seem to be the main charecter. She got beat up more than Superman, she got to do more, like get kidnaped, save superman, be the point of the love triangle, be the star reporter, survive a plane crash, a boat sinking, discover Lex's evil plan and then find out who her son really is thats a hell of a lot more than Superman and Clark did the entire movie.

"Superman Returns" is a very uneven movie and its not that exciting for most of it. It was overlonged and there were way to many shots of Superman just flying around that were not needed.

But this isnt to say that I hated it. Because in reality when I walked out I have to say that for the most part, oddly it worked. The effects were good and if you ignor the things I listed above you will enjoy it. This movie was made for Superman fans, not for the general public.

3.5 out of 5

[Sora Kahn]

^The only problem I had with Lex's plan is that it resulted in a sequence almost identical to Superman 1. Overall, it was an interesting plan.

I just wish that filmmakers can have Superman take on something different other than an earthquake. It would've been cool if new Krypton started causing tidal waves and Superman had to stop the waves. But no, just another earthquake.

[GreenvilleTexan]

Good thing I watched the movie before reading the last two posts:rolleyes:
Anyway, I thought the movie was wonderful, especially seen as a sequel to Superman II, really more of an homage to the first two movies.
Couple of minor quibbles. One, the minigun scene. Granted, it was cool to watch, but what exactly did it tell us? We already knew Superman was invulnerable. Two, Kate Bosworth's interpretation of Lois Lane tended to vary wildly at the first, between quiet heroine and trash talking hard gal reporter. One minute she's all getting up in Perry White's face and dissing Clark, the next she is about to cry. Granted, she just the shock of her life, but I just had a hard time getting into her character right away, especially the way she just sort of saw Clark and blew him off. Sure, they weren't best buds, but they did have a working relationship. She was much better later in the film.
I thought Spacey was fine as Luthor, I just had a hard time buying into the threat of the island. It shows up in seconds, then, after Superman saves Metropolis, it just sort of sits there. I understand it was still supposed to be expanding, but the danger level of the whole thing kind of ebbed during the time Superman was on the plane.
My final point really isn't a quibble, it is just a thought. The one and only time Superman and Lois got together, Superman later wiped out her memory of the whole thing. Which means, in order for Richard to think it is his kid, they would have had to hook up pretty quick after Superman left. No waiting for the body to get cold, Lois? Now that she knows it is Superman's child, don't you think she might have a few questions about exactly how it all happened?

[Sparkle~Girl]

Lex's plan is a typical "take-over-the-world" plan, but with a twist. :P

[NastyNas04]

As far as capturing the spirit of the super-hero, the fun of the comics, the stylistic coloring of the frames, and putting it all together in a consistent cinematic fashion, Spider-Man 2 remains the best I think.

To me Spider-Man was better than 2 and everyone acts like I'm insane, but 2 to me was over the top and campy, but still enjoyable.

[Sparkle~Girl]

I know everyone will hate me, but neither Spider-Man film impressed me at all.

[Fanible]

I know everyone will hate me, but neither Spider-Man film impressed me at all.

Meh, I wasn't exactly impressed either. They were more like a cheap thrill.

[EmpireOfDust]

I see a lot of people complaining about it mirroring the first two films too much, or Lex's plan being the same plan as it was in the first film. You have to remember that many young people today have not, and probrably will never see the first superman film. That was two decades ago, and yes, it's a classic, but what I think Bryan Singer was trying to do here was make a remake and a continuation. Think about it, you have enough origin for the newbies to find their footing and then you have just enough continuation to (almost) please fans of the originals who want to see an ongoing saga. You keep bickering and complaining but if the film were to have been straight up continuation many of your fellow movie goers would have been lost and confused. With the next film, the skies the limit, this film was simply the groundwork and I personally thought it was highly enjoyable.

[Sora Kahn]

^Oh, no doubt it was enjoyable. It's just I'm really sick and tired of Superman taking on an earthquake( tornadoes in sequel please). The airplane sequence was the best piece of action in the film.

[Ramplate]

I enjoyed the begining but I didn't like how the situation was resolved. sort of a cop out IMO.

6/10

[quiksilver022]

Superman Returns - Quik Review
A one-trick pony that is misses its mark

Perhaps Lois Lane was right, maybe the world really doesn't need Superman anymore. In advertisements for the original Superman movies, Warner used the tagline "You'll believe a man can fly", but at this time and age, who can't fly in the movies? Superman is also coined the Man of Steel.. But what superhero isn't nearly invincible anymore? Perhaps Superman's return was just a few years too late, because there was nothing amazing about 'Returns' at all; nothing you haven't seen a dozen times already in the past few years.

For such a lengthy film, not a whole lot happened either. Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey), a bald maniac with a hilariously dim-witted wife (Parker Posey) has designs of putting the United States under water and forming a continent all his own. Unfortunately for us, this is our villain; he's not a superhero, he's not even a match for Superman, it's pretty much just a battle of wit. Personally, I would have loved to see Superman put his strengths to use and battle a huge villain with equal or greater power and capabilities; then we would have at least had something to watch. 'Superman Returns' is a one-trick pony; watch Superman lift a plane! See him lift a giant globe! Be amazed as he lifts up a giant ship! While there's no denying that some of the special effects were pretty incredible, there's also no denying that watching him, uh, lift things, grows quite tiresome.

Brandon Routh does a respectable job playing the almost schizophrenic Clark Kent; a man of strength and integrity when under the identity of Superman, and an almost nervous teenage boy when with Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth). Speaking of Miss Bosworth, maybe it's just me, but I could name off about a dozen other superior candidates for that role, but that's an entirely different story altogether. Kevin Spacey did a great job playing Lex Luthor, with his maniacal ways and giddy sarcastic wit; Parker Posey, in my opinion, picked this film up when it was down with her spot-on comedic timing and deadpan expression playing Kittie. For the most part, the film was well cast, and they were all under good direction by Bryan Singer. The film also has great production value, and the sets and surroundings are beautiful; very stylish.

Though I mildly enjoyed myself while watching 'Superman Returns', I was by no means impressed or amazed. If any superhero should dominate the big-screen, it should have been the Man of Steel, but unfortunately he was held back by a snoozer of a plot, slow pacing, and the lack of a real villain (I enjoyed Kevin Spacey's character, but he just wasn't villainous enough!) All in all, it was worth the $8.00 to watch, but I honestly can't say I could sit through it again anytime soon. Kittie said it best with her unimpressed sarcastic tone and deadpan expression when she says, "Yeah.. It's freakin' Gone With The Wind.."

Score: 7.0/10

[Sora Kahn]

^I kind of agree with you, quiksilver, that the action just wasn't anything to write home about. Everything Superman took on in the movie was nothing we haven't seen before. That was something I knew was going to be a flaw in the movie: the action. Compared to Batman's amazing struggle with Ra's Alghul and Spidey's fight with Doc Ock, the Superman/Lex angle was really dull.

It would've been better if in this movie Metallo was Lex's top henchman( sort of like how Lady Deathstrike was Stryker's top henchman in X2) and he took on Superman. But unfortunately we got Superman taking on, yep, another earthquake. The visuals were nice, but when it came to action the movie didn't really deliver.

[SaltyDog]

Boxoffice Analyst are out there making ridiculous statements like "POTC 2 will end "Superman Returns" run at the boxoffice". In other words SR is dead. I don't think these so call experts are as smart as they think they are. Everywhere you go, the hair salon, the restaurant, the coffee shop, the talk is... how good and enjoyable the film "Superman Returns" is. I think that SR has a lot of life left in him and while he may not come out on top this weekend he certainly will make it tough on POTC 2 to gets its analyst so call experts numbers. SR numbers should be in the 25 to 30 million range or upwards this weekend. Anybody else agree.

[SaltyDog]

^I kind of agree with you, quiksilver, that the action just wasn't anything to write home about. Everything Superman took on in the movie was nothing we haven't seen before. That was something I knew was going to be a flaw in the movie: the action. Compared to Batman's amazing struggle with Ra's Alghul and Spidey's fight with Doc Ock, the Superman/Lex angle was really dull.

It would've been better if in this movie Metallo was Lex's top henchman( sort of like how Lady Deathstrike was Stryker's top henchman in X2) and he took on Superman. But unfortunately we got Superman taking on, yep, another earthquake. The visuals were nice, but when it came to action the movie didn't really deliver..

How could you equate Superman getting stabbed by Luther with kriptonite and then be kicked around and everywhere like a normal man ...DULL. This was one of the most interesting bits of the movie. Expertly done.

[quiksilver022]

Boxoffice Analyst are out there making ridiculous statements like "POTC 2 will end "Superman Returns" run at the boxoffice". In other words SR is dead. I don't think these so call experts are as smart as they think they are. Everywhere you go, the hair salon, the restaurant, the coffee shop, the talk is... how good and enjoyable the film "Superman Returns" is. I think that SR has a lot of life left in him and while he may not come out on top this weekend he certainly will make it tough on POTC 2 to gets its analyst so call experts numbers. SR numbers should be in the 25 to 30 million range or upwards this weekend. Anybody else agree.
..What kind of hair salons, restaurants and coffee shops are you going to? Lonely Comic Book-Reading Virgin Salons! Where Your Combover Will Be The Envy Of The Internet Forum! ..Honestly, bud.. 'Pirates' will be a nail in 'Superman's' coffin. Even Warner Bros. knew this! They pushed the release date forward two days at last minute to avoid 'Pirates' at all costs! Hell, if Anne Hathaway can steal business from 'Superman' with a movie about clothes and fashion magazines, 'Pirates' has the potential to destroy it. And for a film of its degree, and with its budget, a second weekend of only $25-30 million is very unimpressive.

[quiksilver022]

.

How could you equate Superman getting stabbed by Luther with kriptonite and then be kicked around and everywhere like a normal man ...DULL. This was one of the most interesting bits of the movie. Expertly done.
You're so right! I mean, people have never been stabbed and kicked before! I just watched the 'Scream' trilogy the other night, and that only happened about 27 times throughout! But honestly! EXPERTLY done! Totally original idea! WOW!

[halo7]

Hey quicksilver. How about you stop being a Jackass?