When this movie hit the theaters I decided to pass on it and wait for the DVD to be released. Well I received it as a Christmas gift and after watching this movie I felt as if I had some HORRIBLE prank pulled on me. First off I cannot take away from Kevin Spacey's portrayal of Lex Luthor. He was more menacing than Gene Hackman ever could be. But his performance aside this is not a good film. Brandon Routh looked like a Christopher Reeve clone (not a bad thing when attempting to maintain continuity within a series) but his performance was weak and unbelievable. The story itself was extremely BORING and lacked any true action or suspense. Superman himself never really faced any truly testing or dangerous situations. Bryan Singer asked for Richard Donnor's permission to direct this film which holds slavish to the first two superman movies. He should have asked Richard Donnor to Kill him instead. The script is terrible and literally steals lines from the first movie " I hope this experience doesn't put you off flying. Statistically speaking it's still the safest way to travel." COME ON doesn't anyone have an ounce of creativity anymore. I mean Superman saved a plane in the first film and here he is AGAIN saving a plane. If Superman returned just to catch planes then hell let them drop. In addition to being more menacing in this film Lex Luthor lacked any true motivation. Here's a clue people if you want to continue making Superman films try a more threatening villain. Braniac or Bizarro would make for some good scenes or even Metallo or Parasite. Superman shouldn't be defined by Lex Luthor solely. Hopefully the sequel will amp up the action ( I actually fell asleep during parts due to boredom )and have a REAL story to tell and actually propel the characters forward. P.S. to Mr. Singer.....You should have stayed with the X-men series where you actually made good movies.
Review of Superman Returns
