Review: Superman Returns
A man in tights, with his pants over the top, can save the world. It's a ridiculous statement, that, as time goes on has snowballed into somewhat of an open joke. In 2006 people don't want big, bright, brash and openly positive superheroes, full of 'doing the right thing'. They want darkness, inner tourment, and, quite probably, Batman. It's safe to say that Batman Returns drastically changed how the superhero genre worked in the modern age, but where does that leave an All American hero?A valid question, for about five minutes. That's about how long it takes for an inspired reworking of John Williams' quite majestic 1978 theme to appear, and bring all the goosebumps you could wish for with it. Superman flies again, and bloody hell, it's brilliant too.
It's true, everyone's favourite Kryptonian comes swathed in history and religous symbolism, fighting for truth, justice, and quite notably not the American way, it would be near foolish to suggest he's just a big bloke from another planet that can fly.
Bryan Singer isn't just any old director, after all. With the man of steel returning to earth after five years away, only to find Lois Lane both engaged and a mother, there's more than a touch of heartache running throughout. Affairs of the heat, and the pain that comes with them, are more central to the story than ever before, and while that may disappoint some of the action fans, for everyone else it's a masterstroke. Just like in Singer's X-Men] films, inner conflict reigns supreme.
Superman Returns greatest victory, however, has to be Brandon Routh. Possibly pulling off the greatest big screen impersonation of recent memory, he could almost be Christopher Reeve at times. If anything, he betters the iconic Superman of old, bringing a sense of melancholy to the role that adds whole new layers of depth. He may be larger than life, but there's something much more real about Routh's character.
Indeed, everything has just that little bit more. Events take place on a worldwide arena, rather than just the US. Kevin Spacey's Lex Luthor is meaner and further thinking than ever, and, for all the emotional edge, the set pieces are more than meaty enough.
Superman Returns sees an American hero reborn. What could have been sickening is actually uplifting, affirming and more than a bit special. Possibly the best blockbuster of the last couple of years, you'll not only believe a man can fly; you'll believe he can soar.
Stephen Ackroyd
Related Links:
supermanreturns.warnerbros.com
