Superman Returns (2006) Movie Review

Synopsis:

After his many years away, Superman (Brandon Routh) returns to Earth. He discovers that his love, Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth), has moved on without him. Superman also learns that the criminal mastermind Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey) has escaped prison.

Review:

Following the commercial and critical failure of Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) came Superman Returns (2006).

Directed by Bryan Singer, Superman Returns references many elements of Richard Donner’s original film.

This includes uses of John Williams’s original score and dialogue references. This also includes Superman’s portrayal.

While these attempts are earnest, Superman Returns lacks the charm and style of Donner’s film.

Take the overuse of CGI, a meandering plot, and a lack of originality.

Considering the film had a budget of over 200 million dollars, there should have been more visual creativity.

Superman Returns has inconsistent green screen effects and CGI. As a result, this takes the viewer out of the experience.

Compare that to Richard Donner’s use of practical effects in his original 1978 film.

While those practical effects could look outdated at times, they were creative. Superman Returns lacks many of those scenes.

As a result, it results in your standard effects-heavy superhero fair.

This also applies to the film’s visual style, which is flat. Although there are good shots throughout, they are very rare.

Superman Returns’ action applies a similar principle. Due to the overuse of green screen effects and drab visuals, the action fails to stand out.

One creative moment is when a henchman shoots a bullet at Superman.

As expected, the bullet bounces off him, hitting his eye. It is a creative shot in a film that could have innovated more.

This is also applicable to the film’s plot and pacing. As the film focuses so much on references to the original, it forgets to forge an interesting story.

Much of Lex Luthor’s plot involves using crystals to form Kryptonite and take down Superman. Otherwise, his motives are either underexplored or glossed over.

This film’s extensive 2-hour 30-minute runtime also contributes to its uneven pacing. Take its melodramatic approach to Brandon’s Superman and Kate’s Lois.

With Superman Returns, Bryan Singer wanted to evoke Margot Kidder and Christopher Reeve. Despite his attempts, it is not as charming in this film.

Though both Kate Bosworth and Brandon Routh are decent, their chemistry is not as believable.

Superman Returns’ melodramatic approach also involves Lois’s fiancé, Richard (James Marsden).

As a whole, James gives an above-average performance as the character.

While his character has a limited purpose at first, he contributes more in the film’s final act.

Where this film finds strength is with Brandon’s Superman and Kevin Spacey’s Luthor.

For Christopher Reeve Superman fans, it’s clear that Brandon took inspiration.

This ranges from the way his Superman speaks to the classic red, yellow, and blue spandex.

Although he is not as charismatic as Reeve, Brandon attempts to make the most of it. This same rule applies to Kevin Spacey’s Lex Luthor.

Whilst Gene’s Lex was energetic and carefree, Kevin’s is cold and methodical. This is evident in the scene where Lex uses Kryptonite on Superman.

Kevin’s Lex relishes the opportunity to break Superman down. This is evident in Kevin’s acting performance, berating Superman in the process.

For some, Kevin’s Lex may not be charming enough. Despite that, others enjoy seeing a more ruthless version of the character.

Last of all, John Ottman’s original score accompanies the film.

Last of all, John Ottman’s original score accompanies the film. John Williams’s score is also used during the opening credits as an homage.

Superman Returns sees the resurgence of many of John Williams’s original tracks.

Each one is well-used, even if the rest of John Ottman’s score fails to leave an impression.

Conclusion:

As a whole, Bryan Singer’s portrayal of Superman is your standard superhero film.

Its main positives are Brandon’s Superman, Kevin’s Lex, and good homages to the original.

While its attempts to pay respect to the original film are earnest, its main plot is not that inspiring.

What contributed to this was the film’s plodding runtime and melodramatic approach.

This film’s characters (outside of a couple) lack the charm of Richard Donner’s original. Yet another negative is the film’s over-reliance on CGI and visual effects.

Superman Returns does not even attempt to hide the green screen effects. They are often distracting, to say the least.

This film’s visual style is also dull, despite some good shots. These also detract from the action sequences.

John Ottman’s original score has its moments. These include points where John Williams’s original Superman score comes into play. Outside of this, Ottman’s score fails to soar any higher.

Superman Returns has some good character moments and references to the original.

Despite this, Superman fans may have wished for a more cohesive narrative and less CGI.

For long-time Superman fans, Superman Returns is a decent watch.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 6/10

Story - 6/10

Action - 6/10

CGI and visuals - 6/10

Soundtrack - 6.5/10

Overall score: 6.1 out of 10