Superman Returns Review

Overall Rating

The effects in Superman Returns are brilliant! You are really convinced that Brandon Routh is actually flying as the man of steel.

There is not enough action in the film. It has aspects of a drama/romantic film.
Lex Luthor's plot of world domination seems a bit too confusing and complex most of the time.

Following the disappointment that was Superman IV: Quest of peace, that was released in 1987, director Bryan Singer had high expectations to live up to, and in some cases Superman Returns has delivered that.

Brandon Routh, an Unknown actor, puts on the cape to play Superman, following in the footsteps of the late Christopher Reeve who died in October 2004.

Kevin Spacey has replaced veteran actor Gene Hackman to play the big, bald baddie that is Lex Luthor.

Kate Bosworth takes the role of talkative super Journalist Lois Lane, following on from Margot Kidder who played Lois In Superman 1, 2 and 4.

The Story of Superman is fairly simple. Although, unless you are a die-hard fan, Lex Luthor's plot would seem a bit too complex.


The Story continues on after Superman 4. Superman has been away from Earth for five years, trying to find what's left of his home planet. While he's been gone his old girlfriend Lois Lane has had a baby, and villain Lex Luthor has been released from prison.

When Supes gets back, he finds everything has changed, and not everyone wants him around.

Of course, Lex comes up with a plan to take over the planet, and only Superman can save us. But there's a twist. Lex Luthor is hoping to make a country that would result in the United States going underwater and millions of people dying. To make matters worse for Superman, the country would be made entirely from Kryptonite; which is the only thing that can kill Superman.

Overall:-
A good attempt from the the director, although in some areas of the film it fails to add that WOW factor we normally see in superhero films.
The fact that Lex Luthor has been used again has made the plot almost predictable for the viewer, but it is still an enjoyable film, and it is probably one of the best superhero films out.

7.5/10 - good, but there is room for improvement.

Members' Comments onUsmanKhan's Review

• Anonymous101 on 11th Aug 2006

  I think I'll go and see this movie, cheers. I agree that different "baddies" are needed, I enjoyed General Zod's performance in Superman II, maybe they could have drafted in a baddie from another comic/cartoon like Skeletor (He-man) or Mum-Ra (Thundercats).