So, I think its easy to say that I have become a pretty big Superman fan.  At first, I didn't really see what the big deal about Superman was.  Then I started watching Smallville (on the new CW) and I pretty much got hooked to Superman.  So, when I heard that the troubled Superman movie (now known as Superman Returns) was finally coming out, I got intrigued.  Luckily I got a chance to witness Superman's Return, but was it a good thing that he returned?

                                  
                                             One part the Clark Kent of the 80s...

           Superman Returns takes place after the first two 80s Superman movies (Superman & Superman II).  After visiting the remains of Planet Krypton, Clark Kent/Superman (Brandon Routh) returns to Earth and the life that he once knew.  However, most of the world has moved on with him being gone for five years, including his one time love Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth), who is now engaged to the  Perry White's nephew (James Marsden)   Meanwhile, after being pardoned (due to Superman's absence at a court hearing), Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey) returns to cause more havoc.  After discovering the Fortress of Solitude, he plans to use its crystals to make his own island and destroy most of North America.  Its up to Superman to return to a world that has forgotten him, and be the hero that he was meant to be.

                             
                                  ...another part Superman of the 21st Century

             Before I continue on with my review, let me say this.  If you're a fan of Smallville, do not expect this movie to be like Smallville, for you will be disappointed.  This is based upon the movies, not the series, which is a retelling of the Superman mythos.  So, if you're expecting a Michael Rosenbaum Lex Luthor, or a Tom Welling Clark Kent then go watch Season Six of Smallville.  If you keep an open mind, then you'll be fine.  That being said I will continue.
             In all honesty, I did not think Superman Returns was a bad movie.  In fact I enjoyed it a lot.  After seeing the opening credits, and hearing the famous Superman Theme by John Williams, I had a good feeling about this movie.  Seeing as how its been about 10 years since the last Superman movie (Superman IV - The Quest for Peace...the less said the better), its nice to see Superman back on the big screen.  However, there were a few issues I had with the film, which will be discussed throughout my review.
            One of my many fears of the film was the casting of the characters, especially Brandon Routh as Clark Kent/Superman, Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor, and Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane.  For the most part, I was happy with most of the casting choices.  Brandon Routh did a great job playing the mild mannered reporter.  There were even times where I felt that he was almost exactly like the late Christopher Reeve.  That's how good it was.  The choice of casting Kevin Spacey was excellent, and I think it paid off.  He was awesome as Lex Luthor, and in my opinion much better than Gene Hackman.  His version was witty, and had some dark humor to go with it as well, which is how I think Lex Luthor should be.  As for Lois, well, I went in optimistic, but unfortunately I was not impressed with Kate Bosworth's performance as Lois Lane.  To me, Lois Lane is a character who is tough, smart, and clever, and I've seen it done so well by other actresses (Margot Kidder and Teri Hatcher to name a few).  Kate Bosworth just didn't have that as Lois, and she turned it into a more whiny Lois Lane.  Not cool.  Aside from the main characters, the cast of supporting characters did a pretty good job as well.  A notable stand out performance was Frank Langella as Daily Planet editor-in-chief Perry White.  He brought a lot of life into the role, and made you almost as eager as he was to bring Superman back to the headlines.

                      
                         Jimmy Olsen (Sam Huntington) discusses his photos with
                                                          Lois and Perry White.
            The movie really shines when it comes to the special effects.  Especially during the first action scene where Superman has to save people in a falling plane.  It rocked, and I especially liked how they finally (in my opinion) got heat vision right with actual heat beams coming from Superman's eyes (like in Smallville) rather than laser beams.  Another factor that I liked is how they digitally added the late Marlon Brando into the picture as Jor-El, the biological father of Clark.  Yes, he died before production began, but if you remember, he was in the original Superman Movie.  So what they decided to do was digitally enhance the old footage of him in the original movie, and put in into this one.  Its a real brief appearance, but its a nice homage to both the original movie, and to the great Marlon Brando.
             Now for my main criticism about this movie: the story.  I think one of the things that might confuse people is the placement of Superman Returns in the movie timeline.  It takes place 5 years after Superman II, and Superman III and Superman IV are no longer a part of the movie canon (for better or worse).  The premise of Superman leaving to return to the remains of planet Krypton was an excellent idea.  Unfortunately, it was executed very poorly.  Basically, it was summed up in one brief conversation that basically said, "...there was nothing there." and then they moved on.  It would have been better had there been more of an explanation, or a scene of Superman actually at the remains of Krypton discovering something.  Also, another good idea was the concept of Lois moving on from Superman.  This was also executed poorly.  One reason being that there was no chemistry between Brandon Routh and Kate Bosworth, but the main reason would be the addition of Lois's child.  I really saw no point in her having a child in the movie.  It barely added to the storyline, and I honestly think they could have sacrificed the child (not literally) for more character development between Lois and Clark/Superman.  The movie had a lot of flashy effects, and tried to end the movie on a bang, but unfortunately the ending kind of leaves you hanging and wanting more.

                                   
                                  Gene Hackman?  WRONG!!!  Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor
           Overall, I thought Superman Returns was a good attempt at bring the Man of Steel back to the silver screen.  The movie had some great special effects, some good acting, and a lot of references to the older Superman movies which fanboys (and girls) might enjoy.  However, the story just had too many plot holes, and it left you expecting more.  It's not a bad movie at all, it just falls a tad bit short. 

6/10

Moral Rating:
Superman Returns is rated PG-13 for Intense Action Violence.  While this is true, the violence isn't bloody or over the top, so it isn't anything that a child couldn't watch.  There also isn't too much profanity in the film either, save for a few minor swears (like h*ll).  Minus the fact that Lois had a child out of wedlock, there was no sexual material in it whatsoever.  Its very easy to say that this film is pretty safe for viewing.