“I’m always around.” —Superman
Today’s quick review: Superman Returns. Five years after he left Earth to search for Krypton, Clark Kent (Brandon Routh) returns to find the world has changed. Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth) has a son (Tristan Lake Leabu) with Richard White (James Marsden), Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey) has been released from prison, and the public has moved on from Superman. Donning his cape again, Clark sets out to protect the people of Metropolis and give them hope.
Superman Returns is a superhero action movie directed by Bryan Singer. Superman Returns acts as a loose sequel to Superman II, following Clark Kent as he picks up as Superman after a five-year absence. In many ways, the movie is a love letter to the character, capturing Superman’s timeless world and unflinching heroism. However, the choices that Superman Returns makes with its characters, action, and story will leave some viewers unsatisfied.
At its best, Superman Returns reflects the best parts of the character: his idealism, his strength, and his determination. Even though the world Clark comes back to is more complicated than the one he left, he still tries to be a role model for those around him. This gives the movie a heroic core and leads to a nicely balanced story: personal drama related to Clark’s absence that’s punctuated with action as Superman protects the innocent.
However, some aspects of Superman Returns will be polarizing. The story puts Clark in an odd position as part of a love triangle with Lois and Richard, which precludes the type of storybook romance typically associated with Clark and Lois. Clark’s five-year absence is integral to the plot, yet it is thinly motivated and only explained in passing. Also, the action is tamer than other superhero movies, with no villain for Superman to fight as an equal.
Superman Returns offers a unique take on an iconic character. Classic heroism, personal drama, and some memorable moments of triumph make the movie an enjoyable watch for the right viewer, one that blends old-school idealism with modern complexities. But the same choices that give the movie its identity will also limit its appeal for the wrong viewer. Approach with caution if you are particular about Superman’s character and status quo.
For the film’s predecessors, try Superman and Superman II. For a darker, more action-oriented, and similarly polarizing take on the character, try Man of Steel. For an animated version of Superman with more of a comic book storyline, try The Death of Superman.
[6.0 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0348150/). I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for a robust story and a heroic tone; your score will vary.