Superman Returns - movie review

I was a little girl in the early 80s and I loved the Superman movies. If you are also someone who enjoyed the first flight with Lois, the moment in the pool with the kryptonite at the hands of Lex Luther, the frozen lake being pushed through the sky, the jumpsuit-clad trio led by Terence Stamp, the fight between Superman and his evil self and the awshucks grin of Reeve's Clark Kent then you are like me. And, from the evidence in this most recent Superman installment, Bryan Singer is one of us.

Upfront I must admit to being Singer's bitch on occassion. Afterall, he is the guy that made The Usual Suspects and the director that brought texture and life to the first two X-Men films. In truth I was saddened to hear that X3 would not be under his guidance. The reason? He was bringing Superman back to us instead. And Singer's Superman is made for those of us who grew up watching the previous films.

The first complaint that anyone will make about Superman Returns is that it is a film that doesn't really go anywhere new. The story is simplistic and the famous romance is decidedly underwhelming. As well, the film feels almost relaxed compared to action films these days. But these elements (structure, style and pacing) are part of the experience. The movie flows in the same beats as the originals. From the moment the credits flash across the screen to the re-mixed theme to the last time Superman lifts into the air the entire feature is an exercise in BEING the Superman we remember. It is an homage, not a reinvention, and it succeeds wonderfully.

Beyond the structural symmetry, the film offers basic action sequences with flair. An in-flight disaster, a sinking ship, and a downtown earthquake are stock disaster moments. In the end, the strength comes in the seamless effects and excellent integration of Superman to the action. It is hard to not get giddy watching Superman slowly bring an out of control jumbo jet to a safe thud in the midst of a baseball diamond. When the audience feels they are IN the action, then it is done well - I didn't even see the 3-D version!

Perhaps the greatest challenge for the film is Superman himself. I confess to being skeptical that anyone could replace Christopher Reeve. But we are offered Brandon Routh who appears to have sprung fully-formed as Superman. He is flawless - just as Superman should be. He has the height. The kind eyes. The grin. The perfect curl on the brow despite the circumstances. Singer takes time to linger on the form of Routh and no complaints will come from me in that area. The performance never feels like charicature nor does it ring false. He is satisfying in all respects.

Outside of Superman, we get a crew of adequate supporting players. Although no one stands out as exceptional, no one grates as a distraction either (ok - I could have done without Parker Posey - but even her 80s-inspired moll fits the mood of the film). The use of a post-humour Marlon Brando is a tad overdone but effective as well. As Lois Lane, a brunette Kate Bosworth is passable. Her one "romantic" scene with Routh contains comfortable chemistry but a complete lack of kissage is disappointing. Kevin Spacey is an acceptable next-generation Lex and his moment of strolling a black crystal landmass in a white cashmere coat allows his personality to shine.

By the end, Superman has returned in a style that any fan will recognize. And like all great homecomings the feelings are in what you remember and not in the what has changed.