Superman Returns

No worries. Superman is alive and well. And living in Metropolis.

During last week’s opening $52.2 million weekend, the film returns with a glossier, more up-to-date Superman who now dominates the big screens. Without forgetting about the old movie series which began in 1978.

Director Brian Singer tossed out another opportunity to do an X-Men movie in favor of something more recognizable… Superman. The comic book icon has been around for generations and he does represent something greater, something bigger.

He represents America.

You can tell he’s an experienced director. He cares about his characters. He loves developing people through dialogue and their personality. He gives Metropolis a soul.

There is another thing. The film offers biblical images and themes: Superman Returns is about redemption. And a hero reborn.

You see the biblical scene when Superman finally returns to earth and falls into his mother’s lap: it looks exactly like the Virgin Mary holding Jesus in the cradle of her arms. Other film scenes returns to this theme which sets it apart from the other superhero type films… the images of him above the skies with his outstretched arms resembles the savior on the cross. I'm surprised they didn't show a painting of the Last Supper anywhere in the film's background.

Singer understands his characters. More importantly, he understands the dynamics of comic books. How they work.

The director doesn’t throw away the prior history of the film series. There are several references to the Christopher Reeve version. Brandon Routh is dead on in his part. His quirky smiles, the awkward charm. It’s all there. He passes for a younger Reeve. It’s an excellent homage to the old films. In fact, the current actor received his blessing from Christopher Reeve’s wife before she passed away.

And here’s the kicker which knots both film series together. Marlon Brando once again is revived as Superman’s biological father. There’s apparently a lot of unused footage of Brando from the old film series according to Singer. There are plenty of opportunities to return to Brando in the next installment of Superman. The current film only touches on the explanation of why Superman left earth five years ago. We know that he returned to where Krypton supposedly is. There’s a reason as to why Superman explored that unknown territory in space.

Lex Luther played by Kevin Spacey is an interesting portrayal. Funny without going overboard. He can mean bad business when he wants to. He’s far more malicious in this with overtones of meglomania. Yes, he’s still bald. But Luther gets to kick Superman around in the most brutal way that reminds one of Jesus’ perilous journey to the cross.

There’s also the nice throwaway music piece from John Williams that truly brings the both film series together. The bombastic resonance, with its intense buildups, works on-screen… it’s a dependable piece of music. Nothing can go wrong with it. I found myself actually shedding a couple tears while the music flooded the theater.

I like to think that Christopher Reeve would have approved of this film. It’s a good homage. You don’t try to forget old history. You should build on it.

Had Singer made a complete remake of Superman, there would've been too many comparisons. He played his cards right by keeping the old history of previous films.

I was lucky enough to see the film down in Madison movie screens with a group of friends… the big IMAX screens works wonders for the Superman film. About twenty minutes of it is in 3-D which makes for unique experience.

In some ways, it’s very appropriate for Superman. The flying sequences are very well done. You can believe Superman flies again. With heart and soul.

I believe Superman fans will be happy with this film. You don’t feel cheated as you watch the film where a man takes to the skies like a messiah to the heavens. You can have something new while still get a little something old. I look forward to the next film. Now I'll have to keep watching the skies...