Superman Returns (spoilers)

**Fox** · 06-29-2006, 08:59 PM

I saw this last night and I have to say that I was mildly disappointed.

There was good action, good suspense, and of course, the special effects were off the charts. However, my only one glaring problem is a truly powerful one:

Brandon Routh is no fucking Superman.

**AareDub** · 06-30-2006, 12:22 AM

Eh, I didn't have high expectations, but I thought it was fine. A little slow, but tolerable.

**Joey Slugs** · 06-30-2006, 12:41 AM

Fuck all that. Hello? He has a son? Bullshit. Mythology anyone?

**Fox** · 06-30-2006, 12:44 AM

Lois Lane as a mother? Yeah fucking right. The "real Lois" would kill her son or daughter if it made an interesting enough story to report.

**Buzzkill** · 06-30-2006, 02:01 AM

I think the fact that I didn't follow the comics made the movie better for me.

**Triple A** · 06-30-2006, 02:25 AM

I actually liked it. And I never ever like comic book movies. I saw it in IMAX 3D too which was ridiculously awesome. The 3D parts were pretty crazy.

**mitchables** · 06-30-2006, 03:24 AM

I'm a huge comics geek, and I had no issue with the movie. I really enjoyed it.

**Kalyx triaD** · 06-30-2006, 01:56 PM

When I got my ticket it read, "Superman 5". Interesting; wouldn't it be Superman 3? Or just Superman Returns? I have a right to be confused, because its pretty clear Bryan Singer is confused as well. He doesn't know whether to make his own movie or make a sequel (which is what this is). When I read everything about the movie prior to it's release I seen things like 'nods' and 'homages' to the Donner/Lester films. To my joy/disappointment, he relied much to heavily on these 'nods' to the point where knowledge of the first two films were required to enjoy the movie (lines, jokes, blah-blah). Singer is a good director, but I can't help but feel his own Reeves Era fanboyism gave us an inferior Superman movie. It's only as good as the Donner films, but never surpasses.

Sounds Like Superman 3:
Make no mistake, its a sequel. Not 'spiritual sequel'; sequel. The music composer said in an interview that he was gonna use bits of the Williams' score along with an original piece. It's John Williams all the way, which isn't bad at all. Some notes were changed and lines were extended, but it's the same soundtrack. A running theme in my review here will be Creative Laziness. Where does the homages stop and the shortcuts begin? This movie sadly blurs the line quite a bit.

Looks Like Superman 3:
Here's the biggest problem with use of Reeves era production visuals; Smallville's doing the same thing. The Reeves Era movies are one of those film adaptions that are so well done, they end up influencing further adaptions of the franchise. As far as Krypton is concerned in live action, it MUST be the crystal version. At this point it's all we know. Knowing this going in, couldn't Singer have tied this movie to Smallville in some way? It's abit jumbled to have two different versions of Superman right now sharing the Reeves Era mythology. This isn't a problem to me, a Kal-El geek; but the masses wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

Creative Laziness:
I'm not gonna call Singer untalented, but he took the easiest way out possible in doing a Superman movie: Pick the most well-known and popular version and add to it. Unlike X3 director Bret Rattner who had little choice but to work off Singer's work, Bryan willingly went for an established route, most of the work in production being recasting, remodeling, and updating the suit. Its as if Singer hid behind Richard Donner's legs as he feared backlash from fanboys who's words hit harder than Doomsday. Why, Singer, couldn't you just reintroduce us to the Man of Steel with a origin story? Batman Begins did nothing but benefit from it. What urks me is Singer spent alot of interview time talking about homages and in-jokes, when it wasn't the case. Smallville has homages and in-jokes to previous Superman products; Superman Returns downright needs these refferences to stand on. Superman 3 (2006) is good, but Superman Begins would've been awesome.

Superboy:
Now that I'm past that rant, let's move on. Superman has a little boy. Cute throwback to part 2's offscreen love scene between Supes and Lois. Singer even expected us to remember that her memory was erased (that's not a rant). The cool thing is I was surprised at something I should've thought possible. It's just that I didn't know the extend of the connection 'Returns was gonna be to the Reeves Era. Singer kept it very low-key, with only three scenes motioning us to the point (Lex's inquiry being the only one needed). I would've liked that Superman never really finds out, and the kid be named Conner as well. That's me.

Kitty:
I actually like her place in the movie. It was clearly underhyped as compared to Kal Penn's place in the film. She kinda frizzled out at the end, though. No clear redemption to speak of. Would Lex really keep her around after she literally tosses out Lex's plans at "giving fire to the people (and getting his cut)"? Hope she returns for part 4.

Richard:
I wonder how James Mardsen feels to be given more screen time and resonance in a movie barely about him than he did in a team superhero movie where he was playing the leader? Anyway, I really wanna dislike Richard (fictionally speaking). He took Superman's girl! Knocked her up even! But he's a real good guy in the end. Any of his jokes against Clark are well recieved. I mean, don't we all think little of the shy geeky dude in the office? I hope he returns as well.

I'm very happy story-wise that Superman doesn't get Lois in the end. I guess Superboy is his own personal victory in that plot. Unless he calls Maury.

Clark Kent:
I see what reviewers mean by this Clark lacking the dept of Reeves Clark. Routh more or less gets the basics down anyway, so I don't mind. Remember, this kid is super-new to the game. I suspect he'll be the best Superman/Clark/Kal-El after a movie or two down the line.

Lois:
Aside from throwbacks to her smoking, spelling, and fainting after a save from Superman; this just isn't a believable Lois. Smallville's Lois hits it home in better fashion.

Luther:
Perfect. Moving on.

Superman:
I love Routh as Superman. He's like Michael Turner's streamlined Superman come to life. He's much more convincing in action than on the (intentionally) bad press photos released way back. I already got used to the suit, but you really don't notice the difference when he's going to work. Absolutly loved the 1st Appearance cover shot, the Atlas homage (that's a homage), the Christ pose, yellowish heat-vision (makes sense!), and just that super-boyscout look in his eye when he's being of all things polite for us lowly humans. It seems like you can hurt his feelings by saying something wrong, which is a true face for Superman and an awesome contrast to Batman's demonic mask (can't wait till they put those two on screen).

"Birthday Clown Massacre"? Get it? Get it?!?

I loved the movie, I just feel like others can't love it as I can because of what I know and they don't with the Reeves Era movies. Maybe everybody seen them anyway. Maybe no one cares. It's Superman, not the best it could be, but as good as it gets for now.

Bryan Singer and Ang Lee should hang out. They both have the same beliefs on comic-movie action...

**What Would Kevin Do?** · 07-01-2006, 06:45 PM

I have no problem saying that I pretty much hated this movie. I swear the only character I even remotely liked was Lex. He was also the only character as far as I'm concerned (outside of Clark being awkward) that had any personality. The movie had a few redeeming seens **SPOILERS** Ala the bullet to the eye, and when Superman is getting the shit kicked out of him. **END SPOILERS** Besides that, meh.

**mitchables** · 07-01-2006, 10:20 PM

I thought the scene where all the cronies were beating him down was done really well.

**Innovator** · 07-01-2006, 11:07 PM

I loved the movie, but for the love of God someone get Kate Bosworth a sandwich, double meat, load on the cheese

**Kane Knight** · 07-02-2006, 12:04 AM

I thought it said in the credits that John Williams was the composer.

I liked the movie, I knew it was supposed to take place after Superman 2, and I like the way it picked back up. I liked the subdued tones of the movie, almost as though it was from another era in film (Much like Sky Captain, one of that movies few redeeming qualities), I loved the softer focus sort of deal, the banality of Kansas and even the Planet.

This movie had some dumb moments, and I can see why people are pissed at Supes with a kid (But come on, how many times have they reinvented the Superman mythos?), but it was an ooverall solid movie.

My biggest gripe was the chick who played lois.

**Kalyx triaD** · 07-02-2006, 12:41 AM

Nobody likes Kate.

**D Mac** · 07-02-2006, 01:03 AM

Saw it today. Pretty good. I think Routh did a good job. But I also didn't like the Superboy shit. I'm already looking forward to the next one.

**Fox** · 07-02-2006, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mitchanthropic

I thought the scene where all the cronies were beating him down was done really well.

I definitely agree that it was a well performed and choreographed scene, but my biggest problem was that I just didn't give a shit if they were about to kill him. Brandon Routh's performance had very little sympathy to it, so when they were beating him up, to me it was the equivalent of them beating up a robot. Given, a pretty bad ass robot, but still just a robot.

**Boondock Saint** · 07-02-2006, 11:02 PM

Just saw it. Loved it.

**Blitz** · 07-06-2006, 06:08 PM

Man, I just thought it was so perfectly average. The performances weren't terrible, but nothing to write home about (except Kevin Spacey

), the story was a little on the boring side, but servicable, excetera.

Not terrible, just really, really average.

**Downunder** · 07-07-2006, 04:35 AM

I just downloaded it, I probably won't enjoy it, but what the hell it's free.

**Optimus Bone 69** · 07-07-2006, 09:20 PM

Love the comics. Love the film afterall it is only a film

**Downunder** · 07-07-2006, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blitz

Man, I just thought it was so perfectly average. The performances weren't terrible, but nothing to write home about (except Kevin Spacey

), the story was a little on the boring side, but servicable, excetera.

Not terrible, just really, really average.

I concur

**Kane Knight** · 07-08-2006, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel Mac

Saw it today. Pretty good. I think Routh did a good job. But I also didn't like the Superboy shit. I'm already looking forward to the next one.

The thing that worries me is the Superboy elements in the next one.

**Kane Knight** · 07-08-2006, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fox

I definitely agree that it was a well performed and choreographed scene, but my biggest problem was that I just didn't give a shit if they were about to kill him. Brandon Routh's performance had very little sympathy to it, so when they were beating him up, to me it was the equivalent of them beating up a robot. Given, a pretty bad ass robot, but still just a robot.

I don't know. I think he was far more human than almost every Superman on TV or the Silver Screen. The major exception is Dean Cain, and when he was less iconic and more human, people pissed, moaned, and screamed. Generally he's a paragon in the movies, rather 2D and such.

**Requiem** · 07-08-2006, 06:36 PM

I never thought I'd agree with anything Kalyx says, but he hit it pretty much right on.

I loved it. I thought the new guy was great as Superman. Like was said, he is really new to the acting world in general. I think it was on HBO today where they did a behind the scenes thing on the movie, and he was a pretty much no-name actor. After a couple movies he is going to be awesome.

Lex Luther.. again.. perfect.

**Savio** · 07-09-2006, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fox

There was little to no action.

Fixed

**John la Rock** · 07-11-2006, 09:28 PM

it was good but i could never get into Superman. He's probably the super hero i hate the most.

The Spider-man 3 teaser was worth the price of admission though

**Disturbed316** · 07-19-2006, 05:13 PM

Saw it earlier, loved every minute of it.

Superman having a child was abit of a WTF moment, but it was pretty funny how the audience found out the truth when the kid smashed the piano on that dude.

Although Gene Hackman's Lex was great, Spacey's Lex is how he should have always been, simply brilliant.

When I left the cinema I overheard a couple of geeks talking about the film, was one of the funniest conversations ever!

**Innovator** · 07-19-2006, 05:19 PM

which nerd talk is funnier, that or this one:

**Disturbed316** · 07-19-2006, 05:23 PM

ROFL dear god.

**alvarado52** · 07-19-2006, 06:53 PM

Wait, Superman RETURNS!? I DIDNT KNOW THAT! Fuck...thanks for the spoiler.

**Downunder** · 07-20-2006, 07:50 AM

ROFL

Now I know what one of CREDO's LAN parties sounds like

**Kalyx triaD** · 07-20-2006, 08:07 AM

Leeroy's cool.

**alvarado52** · 07-20-2006, 06:15 PM

I heart Leeroy

**Joey Slugs** · 07-20-2006, 06:26 PM

GOD BLESS LEEROY!

**Rammsteinmad** · 07-21-2006, 04:26 PM

33% of suvival!!! OMFG!!!! GEEKS!!! What game is that?

**Rammsteinmad** · 07-21-2006, 04:26 PM

Also Innovator, I'm suing you for wasting three minutes of my life.

**Blitz** · 07-22-2006, 02:06 AM

LEEEEEEEEEEEROOOY JENKINNNNNNNNNSSSSSSSSSSSS

06-29-2006, 08:59 PM	#1
Fox "Ask him!" Posts: 10,075	Superman Returns (spoilers) I saw this last night and I have to say that I was mildly disappointed. There was good action, good suspense, and of course, the special effects were off the charts. However, my only one glaring problem is a truly powerful one: Brandon Routh is no fucking Superman.

06-30-2006, 12:22 AM	#2
AareDub I Hate Bottles Posts: 4,362	Eh, I didn't have high expectations, but I thought it was fine. A little slow, but tolerable.

06-30-2006, 12:41 AM	#3
Joey Slugs Second City Saint Posts: 5,806	Fuck all that. Hello? He has a son? Bullshit. Mythology anyone?

06-30-2006, 12:44 AM	#4
Fox "Ask him!" Posts: 10,075	Lois Lane as a mother? Yeah fucking right. The "real Lois" would kill her son or daughter if it made an interesting enough story to report.

06-30-2006, 02:01 AM	#5
Buzzkill Jamiroquai Bodega Posts: 18,627	I think the fact that I didn't follow the comics made the movie better for me.

06-30-2006, 02:25 AM	#6
Triple A Triple A Posts: 133,040	I actually liked it. And I never ever like comic book movies. I saw it in IMAX 3D too which was ridiculously awesome. The 3D parts were pretty crazy.

06-30-2006, 03:24 AM	#7
mitchables bonjour Posts: 27,814	I'm a huge comics geek, and I had no issue with the movie. I really enjoyed it.

06-30-2006, 01:56 PM	#8
Kalyx triaD Raw Video Footage Posts: 45,950	When I got my ticket it read, "Superman 5". Interesting; wouldn't it be Superman 3? Or just Superman Returns? I have a right to be confused, because its pretty clear Bryan Singer is confused as well. He doesn't know whether to make his own movie or make a sequel (which is what this is). When I read everything about the movie prior to it's release I seen things like 'nods' and 'homages' to the Donner/Lester films. To my joy/disappointment, he relied much to heavily on these 'nods' to the point where knowledge of the first two films were required to enjoy the movie (lines, jokes, blah-blah). Singer is a good director, but I can't help but feel his own Reeves Era fanboyism gave us an inferior Superman movie. It's only as good as the Donner films, but never surpasses. Sounds Like Superman 3: Make no mistake, its a sequel. Not 'spiritual sequel'; sequel. The music composer said in an interview that he was gonna use bits of the Williams' score along with an original piece. It's John Williams all the way, which isn't bad at all. Some notes were changed and lines were extended, but it's the same soundtrack. A running theme in my review here will be Creative Laziness. Where does the homages stop and the shortcuts begin? This movie sadly blurs the line quite a bit. Looks Like Superman 3: Here's the biggest problem with use of Reeves era production visuals; Smallville's doing the same thing. The Reeves Era movies are one of those film adaptions that are so well done, they end up influencing further adaptions of the franchise. As far as Krypton is concerned in live action, it MUST be the crystal version. At this point it's all we know. Knowing this going in, couldn't Singer have tied this movie to Smallville in some way? It's abit jumbled to have two different versions of Superman right now sharing the Reeves Era mythology. This isn't a problem to me, a Kal-El geek; but the masses wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Creative Laziness: I'm not gonna call Singer untalented, but he took the easiest way out possible in doing a Superman movie: Pick the most well-known and popular version and add to it. Unlike X3 director Bret Rattner who had little choice but to work off Singer's work, Bryan willingly went for an established route, most of the work in production being recasting, remodeling, and updating the suit. Its as if Singer hid behind Richard Donner's legs as he feared backlash from fanboys who's words hit harder than Doomsday. Why, Singer, couldn't you just reintroduce us to the Man of Steel with a origin story? Batman Begins did nothing but benefit from it. What urks me is Singer spent alot of interview time talking about homages and in-jokes, when it wasn't the case. Smallville has homages and in-jokes to previous Superman products; Superman Returns downright needs these refferences to stand on. Superman 3 (2006) is good, but Superman Begins would've been awesome. Superboy: Now that I'm past that rant, let's move on. Superman has a little boy. Cute throwback to part 2's offscreen love scene between Supes and Lois. Singer even expected us to remember that her memory was erased (that's not a rant). The cool thing is I was surprised at something I should've thought possible. It's just that I didn't know the extend of the connection 'Returns was gonna be to the Reeves Era. Singer kept it very low-key, with only three scenes motioning us to the point (Lex's inquiry being the only one needed). I would've liked that Superman never really finds out, and the kid be named Conner as well. That's me. Kitty: I actually like her place in the movie. It was clearly underhyped as compared to Kal Penn's place in the film. She kinda frizzled out at the end, though. No clear redemption to speak of. Would Lex really keep her around after she literally tosses out Lex's plans at "giving fire to the people (and getting his cut)"? Hope she returns for part 4. Richard: I wonder how James Mardsen feels to be given more screen time and resonance in a movie barely about him than he did in a team superhero movie where he was playing the leader? Anyway, I really wanna dislike Richard (fictionally speaking). He took Superman's girl! Knocked her up even! But he's a real good guy in the end. Any of his jokes against Clark are well recieved. I mean, don't we all think little of the shy geeky dude in the office? I hope he returns as well. I'm very happy story-wise that Superman doesn't get Lois in the end. I guess Superboy is his own personal victory in that plot. Unless he calls Maury. Clark Kent: I see what reviewers mean by this Clark lacking the dept of Reeves Clark. Routh more or less gets the basics down anyway, so I don't mind. Remember, this kid is super-new to the game. I suspect he'll be the best Superman/Clark/Kal-El after a movie or two down the line. Lois: Aside from throwbacks to her smoking, spelling, and fainting after a save from Superman; this just isn't a believable Lois. Smallville's Lois hits it home in better fashion. Luther: Perfect. Moving on. Superman: I love Routh as Superman. He's like Michael Turner's streamlined Superman come to life. He's much more convincing in action than on the (intentionally) bad press photos released way back. I already got used to the suit, but you really don't notice the difference when he's going to work. Absolutly loved the 1st Appearance cover shot, the Atlas homage (that's a homage), the Christ pose, yellowish heat-vision (makes sense!), and just that super-boyscout look in his eye when he's being of all things polite for us lowly humans. It seems like you can hurt his feelings by saying something wrong, which is a true face for Superman and an awesome contrast to Batman's demonic mask (can't wait till they put those two on screen). "Birthday Clown Massacre"? Get it? Get it?!? I loved the movie, I just feel like others can't love it as I can because of what I know and they don't with the Reeves Era movies. Maybe everybody seen them anyway. Maybe no one cares. It's Superman, not the best it could be, but as good as it gets for now. Bryan Singer and Ang Lee should hang out. They both have the same beliefs on comic-movie action...

07-01-2006, 06:45 PM	#9
What Would Kevin Do? Ninja Mod, Esquire Posts: 12,676	I have no problem saying that I pretty much hated this movie. I swear the only character I even remotely liked was Lex. He was also the only character as far as I'm concerned (outside of Clark being awkward) that had any personality. The movie had a few redeeming seens SPOILERS Ala the bullet to the eye, and when Superman is getting the shit kicked out of him. END SPOILERS Besides that, meh.

07-01-2006, 10:20 PM	#10
mitchables bonjour Posts: 27,814	I thought the scene where all the cronies were beating him down was done really well.

07-01-2006, 11:07 PM	#11
Innovator Inno Knows. Posts: 43,710	I loved the movie, but for the love of God someone get Kate Bosworth a sandwich, double meat, load on the cheese

07-02-2006, 11:02 PM	#16
Boondock Saint Posts: 8,795	Just saw it. Loved it.

07-02-2006, 12:04 AM	#12
Kane Knight Ron Paul 4 EVA Posts: 152,467	I thought it said in the credits that John Williams was the composer. I liked the movie, I knew it was supposed to take place after Superman 2, and I like the way it picked back up. I liked the subdued tones of the movie, almost as though it was from another era in film (Much like Sky Captain, one of that movies few redeeming qualities), I loved the softer focus sort of deal, the banality of Kansas and even the Planet. This movie had some dumb moments, and I can see why people are pissed at Supes with a kid (But come on, how many times have they reinvented the Superman mythos?), but it was an ooverall solid movie. My biggest gripe was the chick who played lois.

07-02-2006, 12:41 AM	#13
Kalyx triaD Raw Video Footage Posts: 45,950	Nobody likes Kate.

07-02-2006, 01:03 AM	#14
D Mac Posts: 21,603	Saw it today. Pretty good. I think Routh did a good job. But I also didn't like the Superboy shit. I'm already looking forward to the next one.

07-06-2006, 06:08 PM	#17
Blitz Angel Headed Hipster Posts: 37,942	Man, I just thought it was so perfectly average. The performances weren't terrible, but nothing to write home about (except Kevin Spacey ), the story was a little on the boring side, but servicable, excetera. Not terrible, just really, really average.

07-07-2006, 04:35 AM	#18
Downunder God Bless America Posts: 37,905	I just downloaded it, I probably won't enjoy it, but what the hell it's free.

07-07-2006, 09:20 PM	#19
Optimus Bone 69 One Shall Stand One Shall Posts: 1,271	Love the comics. Love the film afterall it is only a film

07-08-2006, 06:36 PM	#23
Requiem Posts: 19,299	I never thought I'd agree with anything Kalyx says, but he hit it pretty much right on. I loved it. I thought the new guy was great as Superman. Like was said, he is really new to the acting world in general. I think it was on HBO today where they did a behind the scenes thing on the movie, and he was a pretty much no-name actor. After a couple movies he is going to be awesome. Lex Luther.. again.. perfect.

07-11-2006, 09:28 PM	#25
John la Rock That's how I roll!!! Posts: 4,437	it was good but i could never get into Superman. He's probably the super hero i hate the most. The Spider-man 3 teaser was worth the price of admission though

07-19-2006, 05:13 PM	#26
Disturbed316 Posts: 22,695	Saw it earlier, loved every minute of it. Superman having a child was abit of a WTF moment, but it was pretty funny how the audience found out the truth when the kid smashed the piano on that dude. Although Gene Hackman's Lex was great, Spacey's Lex is how he should have always been, simply brilliant. When I left the cinema I overheard a couple of geeks talking about the film, was one of the funniest conversations ever!

07-19-2006, 05:19 PM	#27
Innovator Inno Knows. Posts: 43,710	which nerd talk is funnier, that or this one:

07-19-2006, 05:23 PM	#28
Disturbed316 Posts: 22,695	ROFL dear god.

07-19-2006, 06:53 PM	#29
alvarado52 Two weeks. Posts: 6,406	Wait, Superman RETURNS!? I DIDNT KNOW THAT! Fuck...thanks for the spoiler.

07-20-2006, 07:50 AM	#30
Downunder God Bless America Posts: 37,905	ROFL Now I know what one of CREDO's LAN parties sounds like

07-20-2006, 08:07 AM	#31
Kalyx triaD Raw Video Footage Posts: 45,950	Leeroy's cool.

07-20-2006, 06:15 PM	#32
alvarado52 Two weeks. Posts: 6,406	I heart Leeroy

07-20-2006, 06:26 PM	#33
Joey Slugs Second City Saint Posts: 5,806	GOD BLESS LEEROY!

07-21-2006, 04:26 PM	#34
Rammsteinmad TPWW's #3 Peep Posts: 20,903	33% of suvival!!! OMFG!!!! GEEKS!!! What game is that?

07-22-2006, 02:06 AM	#36
Blitz Angel Headed Hipster Posts: 37,942	LEEEEEEEEEEEROOOY JENKINNNNNNNNNSSSSSSSSSSSS