Go See Superman Returns!

I don't care what it takes, you must go and see this film. This is not a good superhero film, it's way more than that. This is, without a doubt, my pick for best movie of the year. Superman Returns is an ASTOUNDING film.

Now, take my words with a grain of salt. I was 4 when Superman came out in 1978, and I've probably seen Superman and Superman II about 20 times each over the last 28 years, usually with my brother Dave, who was as excited about this movie as anything I've ever seen him excited about in his life.

I know that every other website and major news source is reviewing the film, and my take probably isn't any different - I just want to make sure whoever comes here sees this and says "Yeah, I'll go to that!".

Let's talk about the man in the cape. Brandon Routh *IS* Superman. I've only had Christopher Reeve as Superman for my whole life - he's what popped into my brain whenever I thought of the blue-tighted hero. No more. Brandon Routh owns this character now. It may be a shame too, as like Chris Reeve it may be tough for him to break out and be something else. I'm hoping he gets a major role in the World of Warcraft movie, but we'll see what time brings.

Routh's Superman is everything a superhero can be, and while (as the film hammers in) an alien, this guy really has some human pathos in his eyes. That's what really grabbed me. Chris Reeve was a GREAT Clark Kent, and a fantastic Superman, but Mr. Routh gives Supes a depth I'd never though possible in a comic character, and he does it all without saying too much. I think combined kudos goes to Routh and the director, Bryan Singer, for capturing a nuanced performance in a big summer blockbuster film.

I really had doubts about Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane. I'd only seen her in a coupla films, notably Blue Crush, and always as a blonde. I really didn't think she had much more than a hot bod and a pretty face. In the words of Lex Luthor, "WRONG!" Ms. Bosworth blew me away. I could feel her pain and her conflict when it came to Superman, saw the conviction when she wanted the non-Superman story as a reporter, and loved the way she was with her fiance and son. Again, when I think Lois Lane, I'm thinking Bosworth now.

Lex Luthor. Okay, I already love Spacey in everything he does that he's not singing or dancing in. Yes, I know the man loves his singing and dancing, but he's best when he plays a little off-kilter. Here, he brings a bit of his psychopathic side out from his role in Se7en, and throws in a tiny bit of that song-and-dance-man comedy. Singer could not have chosen a better Lex Luthor. That's all that needs to be said. Kaiser Soze is Lex Luthor!

The nitty gritty - the movie is 157 minutes (just over 2 1/2 hours) long, and feels maybe about 2 hours long. It ends, you want more. The first 30 minutes or so is a bit slow for those of us who know the Superman character, but the slow build REALLY pays off.

I couldn't recommend a film more. In fact, Warner Brothers could've gone with "You'll believe a man can fly AGAIN!" as a tag line, and I'd still be there.

This is the only movie in YEARS that's made me want to pay to go back and see it in the theatre a second time. Send me an email, and I'll join you when you're going.