This movie signaled the rebirth of the superhero in the tight blue suit after years of development-hell (twice the studio started its pre-production, pouring around $40 million into sets and scripts that lead to nothing).Finally, Bryan Singer, the director behind The Usual Suspects and the first two X-Men movies, signed on and delivered a good epic whose only flaw, I thought, was its resemblance, at times, with the original Superman's storyline. For example, in both Superman faces off against Lex Luthor, who is betrayed by his female assistant.
Besides that, however, the movie was very good. The visual effects were superior, and the score appropriate and soaring. The script was leveled and the cinematography engaging.
The casting was good, and Brandon Routh more than proudly fills the shoes that Christopher Reeve left empty almost 20 years ago. Honestly, I saw the original two Superman movies (I won't even mention #3 and #4, since their combined worth is less than that of a wad of gum) so long ago, I can't even remember how Reeve was, therefore, making a comparison between the two is totally impossible. I do think Routh was good as Superman though. Believable, strong, handsome, trustworthy, and wholesome.
Kevin Spacey as the recently released from jail Luthor is mischievously good. He obviously had a jolly good time playing the villain with unlimited resources to spread his badness around. Great choice to replace the awesome Gene Hackman and another memorable role for Spacey to add to his resume.
Kate Bosworth was fine in the role of the "woman with the wounded heart who must learn to trust again," although not spectacular (she sure attracts the most gorgeous of men...). More effective in her role was Parker Posey, as the ditzy bitch with a golden heart that would love to screw Superman and ends up royally screwing Luthor.
The visual effects do deserve to be brought up again. They are Oscar worthy. The airplane scene, the collapsing Metropolis, the emerging continent, all were magnificent, and totally 'real.'
Unfortunately, the movie hasn't (and probably won't) even break the $200 million mark, which is particularly troubling considering it cost $20 million more than that (without considering the costs the studio had already incurred and that are unfairly tagged to Singer's budget figures).
The reasons can be several: superhero movie fatigue, a sequel-tired audience, a darker movie not appreciated by the franchise's most orthodox fans, or even the fact that there is a Superman show on TV alive and well that might have dispelled some of the excitement and the anticipation to see the Man of Steel back in the multiplexes. Who knows.
And who cares? I enjoyed the movie (and watching Brandon Routh flexing his muscles for over two hours) and Singer has already announced plans by the studio to have him direct the next episode of the franchise.
I'll be there.
Grade: 7.5
