DVD Review: Superman Returns - 2-Disc Special Edition

After a five year absence, Superman returns to Earth and finds Lois is engaged to be married, with a young son. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor has stolen Kryptonian technology...

The story may claim Superman's been gone for 5 years, but it's actually been far longer than that in reality. It's been 19 years since the movie franchise died with Superman IV: The Quest For Peace, and an incredible 28 years since Christopher Reeve donned the blue tights for Richard Donner's 1978 original. But now, after a decade of failed attempts, director Bryan Singer oversees Superman's triumphant return to the silver screen.

As a gay man, Bryan Singer knows about being different. His personal experiences of homophobia fed into his two X-Men movies, and Superman is another character with an outsider status (literally) that Singer uses to create a more tangible sense of alienation than even Donner's celebrated classic.

Brandon Routh takes the lead as the eponymous Kryptonian hero, an extraordinarily difficult role to get right given its inherent silliness and audience identification with Reeves' performance. Routh's interpretation is generally good — more youthful than Reeves', but with the same quiet confidence. Crucially, he exudes good vibes and looks great in the costume.

As Clark Kent, Routh's emulation of Reeves is more noticeable; his voice, mannerisms and features clearly in homage. However, Routh is less accident prone, just socially awkward. If there are problems with Clark in the film it's more a fault of the script and not Routh.

Kate Bosworth is better than expected as Lois Lane, but her youth and cutie-pie features don't fit with the brassy reporter's demeanor from the comics. I never once believed she was a top investigative reporter, primarily because there's very little reporting to be done in the movie. However, Bosworth isn't totally miscast, as there's believable chemistry with Routh and scenes with boyfriend Richard and son Jason are excellent.

Kevin Spacey gets to ham it up as villain Lex Luthor. He's always a fantastic on-screen presence and a perfect piece of casting. Spacey channels Gene Hackman's flamboyancy, but twists this occasional camp into more ruthless and sadistic areas. Spacey isn't the revelation I was expecting, but he's good fun and looks fantastic with his bald head and white trenchcoat.

Article Author: Dan Owen

I am a film buff and amateur film critic from the UK. My main interests tend to be in the world of horror, sci-fi, action/adventure and comedy. At the moment I'm watching: Heroes, Prison Break, Torchwood, Robin Hood, Battlestar Galactica and Lost.

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