Superman Returns: The Man of Steel Falls Short

After two decades off the silver screen, "The Man of Steel" returned in $204,000,000 wonder. Studio execs merely hoped the return to outshine the iconic super heroes' predecessors, "Spider-man" and "Batman", triumphant returns the silver screen but anticipated it would beat last year's July 4th opener "War of the Worlds" $77 Million opening. As somewhat predicted, "Superman Returns," hit the ground running to become the number one film in the country upon release and ranking third for 4th of July releases of all-time. Ticket sales by no means reached the levels that Warner Bros. had planned, matching "Worlds" opening day of $21 Million but only grossing $52 Million over the weekend. These numbers are a far cry from the $114 Million opening weekend results of "Spider-Man" and the subsequent $115 Million success of "Spider-Man 2."
Even with its less than stellar performance in the box office, this movie is definite must see. If you happen to be one of the few people have yet to see "Superman Returns", now is a more perfect time than ever. Especially since everyone and their mother wants to see "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest". "Superman Returns" starts off where "Superman II" left, the film ignores the final parts of the series. The film begins with Superman's return to Earth after his search for what was left of his home world Krypton. The Bryan Singer film is cinematically stunning. As usual, Singer "wows" audience with breathtaking and innovative special effects. While the film effects are a major role the picture, "Superman Returns" is extremely story driven. The films acting falls far from short also well-done. Kevin Spacey's Lex Luthor is a slight darker version to Gene Hackman's Luthor. While Spacey maintains the oddly humorous veneer, he exudes a frightening depth that wasn't present in Hackman's portrayal. The leading role of Clark Kent / Superman portrayed by the relatively unknown Brandon Routh was freakishly reminiscent of the late Christopher Reeve. Routh imitates the exact same voice of Reeve's Superman. Routh's Kent and Superman were completely different characters, you can almost (emphasis on almost) understand why the people of the Daily Planet never quit recognize him as Superman. The film is story heavy and littered with "Christ-like" reference. The relationship between Lois Lane and Superman, and the world's reaction to Superman's return are paramount in the film. The film is not as jam-packed with action as some people anticipated but is more focused on explaining his return and reestablishing his need. The groundwork is clearly set for a franchise, but there is work ahead for studio execs. to insure that this Superman doesn't meet the same fate of its predecessor.