Superman Returns In Theaters!(Spoiler Warning!)

[Sulley]

I was on vacation and was fortunate enough to see SUPERMAN RETURNS on IMAX 3D last Friday. A religous experience to be sure (no pun intended to the Christ-like comments posted earlier, though I did notice them), but I feel the 3D was just luscious icing on an already incredible cake.

Honestly, I am a huge film buff and a tough critic to most of the modern mainstream fare but I can say this is one of the best movies I've ever seen in my life, definitely one of the best (maybe THE best) moviegoing experience(s). It might help that I've recently become obsessed with the Man of Steel in recent weeks as a proud victim of Warner's shameless (and thorough) promotion. Because I was so excited, I was that much more apprehensive, nervous about a sequel to a 25 year-old movie that was supposed to capture a 2006 audience and keep the classic spirit. I could not have been more thrilled.



***SPOILERS BEGIN***



I knew there were going to be Brando integrations and bits of Williams' original score, but I had know idea how much the recurring themes would show up to complement the new music and invigorate the already gripping activity on the screen. From the moments the notes of the score for the Krypton theme (showcased in the teaser) opened the film with the re-cap captions, I knew I was going to get my money's worth. I didn't know I was going to get so much more.

The new footage of Krypton's destruction shocked and wowed the audience, but it didn't prepare me for the shocking delight of seeing those first few soaring royal blue main titles to the familiar bass notes of one of the greatest movie themes of all time (I know, I'm such a sucker for nostalgia). At that moment, my breath was taken away and damn it all I think there might have been a few tears in my eyes. The film blended nostalgia and originality perfectly for the ultimate theater experience, whether a hardcore fan or a new generation's first encounter with Superman on the big screen.

I did, unfortunately read that one of the main subplots was the mysterious paternity of Jason Lane's father, but it didn't diminish in the slightest the fascination I had in how the film handled it, especially the touching monologue from Superman at the end given to him by Jor-El in the '78 film.



***SPOILERS OVER***


SEE THIS MOVIE!!! IT IS A MUST TO SEE ON THE BIG SCREEN!!! Blew me away with terrfic story, performance, and mind-boggling special effects that DIDN'T look fake thanks to the choice of green screen over CGI (Thank God!)! THUMBS UP TO BRANDON ROUTH, THE NEW SUPERMAN!!!!! (I was also skeptical about him, but he proved me wrong and then some! I truly believed he was Superman!) I haven't gotten this excited over a movie in YEARS, probably since I was a kid!

P.S. I highly recommend "Look, Up In The Sky!: The Amazing Story of Superman" as a very interesting and informative documentary spanning his pop culture adventures from his creation in the comics all the way to the new film (also includes references to biblical parallels mentioned by Disneyfella and Disneykid). It comes on A&E often, but personally I would just spend the ten bucks and by the DVD. It's really addictive, this Superman stuff. Can you tell?

[Spongebob Squarepants]

I got to see Superman Returns this afternoon and I must say that it wasn't as good as I thought it would be.Don't get me worng I thought there were some great action scenes involving Superman and I thought Brandon Routh did a great job as the man of steel and Kevin Spacey did great as Lex while Kate Bosworth wasn't too bad as Lois.It was also great to see references for the Christopher Reeves films and it being similar to them. My biggest problem though is the idea of the kid. It just doesn't seem right for Superman to have a kid and for Lois to have a boyfriend with the kid calling him dad.I thought Superman was suppose to be for truth,justice and the American way. I think if it was Superman he would have waited when he got married to Lois. And the movie doesn't really stay true to the comics as he does marry Lois.I was also expecting a big explosive finish at the end.I hate to see how it would go with the kid,I really don't want him to be Superboy in the sequel.Also there have many references to Superman symbolism to Jesus Christ. I don't see how they can even be compared. Superman has his weaknesses(kryptonite)and he now has this kid. In the end I'm not saying it's a bad movie. I just expected it to be a Superman that stayed true to the comics. I still prefer the Christopher Reeves Superman films. 8/10

[MadonnasManOne]

I have just returned from seeing Superman Returns. I saw it with a group of friends at the IMAX, where certain scenes were in 3D.

Let me just say, I am completely blown away! I really wasn't expecting to like the film, based off of the trailers I've seen, and a few reviews. However, I always keep an open mind, because, as I've said MANY times, a trailer is not a real indication of how the movie will play out.

First, I must give a standing ovation to Bryan Singer, who has crafted a truly inspring, romantic, epic superhero film. This is not only my favorite Superman film, it is by far my favorite film that Bryan Singer has directed! In fact, a standing ovation goes out to everyone involved in the film. The director, the writers, the producers, actors, the composer, etc. This is the true definition of a superhero film, lovingly crafted, well excuted, and with so much depth. I can't exactly point out everything that touched me. I can say that Brandon Routh and Kate Bosworth were perfect in their casting. I didn't think that would be the case, but, I was very wrong. Brandon Routh is Clark Kent/Superman. The casting in almost EVERY case is perfect. I love how there were so many scenes where the eyes did the acting. I love how they framed scenes so close to the faces of these actors, because their eyes, and facial expressions spoke volumes.

The special effects, action sequences, and cinematography of this film are amazing. The special effects were beautiful, and did not look fake, and the action sequences were some of the most intense I've ever seen. As I said, the cinematography of this film is brilliant. Excellent work! Newton Thomas Sigel deserves an Academy Award for his work. I also think Bryan Singer deserves an Academy Award for his direction of this film.

The score took what John Williams created, and brought the brilliance, beauty, and depth out even more. I believe that John Ottman paid such homage to John Williams' original score, made it even more sweeping, and beautiful.

All in all, I am very impressed with Superman Returns. I didn't think I would be, and that's made me even more excited. If you haven't seen this, yet, you must. It is such an awesome film. I believe I'll have to take another trip back to the theater, soon, to see it, again. I don't think I will be able to wait until this film hits DVD.

As a side note: The 3D was not of the quality of one filmed specifically in 3D. It lacked the depth of a 3D created film. I would say that this process of taking 2D films, and turning them into 3D, is going to take some more work, before it is convincing enough as 3D.

[Sulley]

MadonnasManOne, I couldn't have said it better myself. I know I've already given my two cents, but every word you said holds my exact sentiments. I walked out of the theater thinking, "Brian Singer made the new Superman movie the way George Lucas should have made the new Star Wars films," and, with the exception of my intense devotion to Lois & Clark, I am a relatively new Superman geek, when Star Wars consumed most of my later childhood (EVERYTHING before age 7 of course was Disney ).

Everyone, SEE THIS MOVIE!!!

[GhostHost]

This was a great movie, far better than Superman 3 and 4, it was on par with the first two. I wish it had made more money opening weekend though. Please hurry with the sequel Warner Bros.

[CJ]

I went to see it yesterday. I loved it. I was not expecting it to be so good. In fact, I would not have went to see the movie at all, if my dad had not wanted to go. The special effects were great, and Kevin Spacey makes an excellent Lex Luthor.

[Spongebob Squarepants]

I still like the other movies with Christopher Reeve as Superman better though.

[Lazario]

The movie didn't perform at the box-office as the studio and analysts predicted / hoped. Oh well.

[The Little Merman]

Damn Pirates! Naturally, I'm sure I'll love Dead Man's Chest, but I really wanted Superman Returns to do well -- I suppose it'll have to rely more on international success.

*tlm

[Lazario]

I think Superman is the kind of thing that exists better in people's fantasies than he ever did in the movies. Or comic books, take your pref. Plus, Superman had to really build up his return through hype and advertising tie-ins, and take a chance that the hordes of people who went to see Batman Begins will want to see Superman begin / come back too. The Pirates already had scores of fans waiting for a part 2.

No, I don't get it either.

[The Little Merman]

I think Superman is the kind of thing that exists better in people's fantasies than he ever did in the movies. Or comic books, take your pref. Plus, Superman had to really build up his return through hype and advertising tie-ins, and take a chance that the hordes of people who went to see Batman Begins will want to see Superman begin / come back too. The Pirates already had scores of fans waiting for a part 2.

No, I don't get it either.

Brandon Routh should bring in some revenue, anyhow. Look at him!



*tlm

[dvdjunkie]

SpongebobSquarepants wrote:

while Kate Beckinsale wasn't too bad as Lois.

Did you even see the movie? How can one mistake the beautiful Kate Bosworth for the also beautiful Kate Beckinsale? They are two different people and have two different looks.

Did you really go see the movie, or are you just full of water?

[AwallaceUNC]

Did you really go see the movie, or are you just full of water?

Most people don't claim to see movies they haven't, despite the frequent accusations of that around here. Maybe, just maybe, he got the names mixed up.



-Aaron

[2099net]

Did you really go see the movie, or are you just full of water?

My guess is, like all of us, he's 72% water.

[AwallaceUNC]

My guess is, like all of us, he's 72% water.

[The Little Merman]

My guess is, like all of us, he's 72% water.

, indeed.

*tlm

[Lazario]

Brandon Routh should bring in some revenue, anyhow. Look at him!

I know, I know. But, all anyone was seeing of him on TV were him in his Superman suit or him overly coiffed (and overly dressed) at the MTV Movie Awards. So as far as most people are concerned, he's just a guy in a suit - like Christian Bale was in Batman Begins and all the guys in X-Men 3.

[MadonnasManOne]

Brandon Routh should bring in some revenue, anyhow. Look at him!



*tlm

He has to be one of the most beautiful men that has ever graced this earth! Gorgeous!

[Spongebob Squarepants]

What do you mean water!? Yes the body is made up of water! I just made a common mistake. Their first names start with Kate..so I just happened to stay Kate Beckinsale. Nobody's perfect. People can't even spell one word wrong on this board without someone correcting them.I've seen that dvdjunkie is the most common person associated with this. No offense or anything..but get a grip! If you would like I'll edit Beckinsale and put Bosworth. You knew what I meant didn't you!? We all make mistakes..no one's perfect. And if you would have read my review,you would know that I'm not what you are calling water. I doubt you even did that much. Some people on this board sure do know how to make people feel bad instead of cheering them on.

[JiminyCrick91]

I finally saw it. I went to the Henry Ford to go see it in a sold out IMAX 3-D Matinee. Only 4 selected scenes in 3-D but it was still an amazing film.

A Single Spoiler (Or Two) Forward.....
My ONLY complaint was the dog cannibalism (it was funny with Lex contemplating eating the last dog on the island but the one eating the other was a tad to disgusting for a Superman picture).