SUPERMAN RETURNS PURE MAGIC START TO FINISH. NO SPOILERS!! by OPPYH

GENERAL DISCUSSIONS

SUPERMAN RETURNS PURE MAGIC START TO FINISH. NO SPOILERS!!

POSTED BY: OPPYH
UPDATED: Saturday, July 1, 2006 19:11
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VIEWED: 4427
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Wednesday, June 28, 2006 4:35 PM

Just got back from watching Superman Returns, and all I can say is...WOW.

Does it capture the spirit, and feel of the first two original Superman films?-YEs, and then some.

Is Kevin Spacey a better Lex Luthor than Gene Hackman?-Tough call, but I think so.

Is it the best Super Hero movie since the first 2 Supe films?-Yes

Will there be more Superman films from Bryan Singer?-I hope so.

If Most movies were half as good as this, I would be happy.

Has anyone else seen this yet?

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Wednesday, June 28, 2006 4:38 PM

PDCHARLES

What happened? He see your face?

NO... but I did just see the HBO: First Look on the new Supes Movie. I was encouraged by that...

and now this glowing review... glad u posted

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Wednesday, June 28, 2006 4:47 PM

CALIFORNIAKAYLEE

I saw it last night and I have to say: eh. It's been at least 10 years since I saw the original, and I've never seen any of the other Superman movies, nor read the comics. I spent the first half an hour being completely and totally confused. IMO, it really failed to bring the new fans up to speed.

Kevin Spacey was fantasic though. The movie is worth seeing for his performance if nothing else. And the new Superman did an impressive job with his first leading role. I just wish Bryan Singer hadn't assumed that everyone in the theater would remember the plot lines from the other movies.

~CK

You can't take the sky from me...

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Wednesday, June 28, 2006 5:00 PM

OPPYH

Quote:
Originally posted by CaliforniaKaylee:
I saw it last night and I have to say: eh. It's been at least 10 years since I saw the original, and I've never seen any of the other Superman movies, nor read the comics. I spent the first half an hour being completely and totally confused. IMO, it really failed to bring the new fans up to speed.

Kevin Spacey was fantasic though. The movie is worth seeing for his performance if nothing else. And the new Superman did an impressive job with his first leading role. I just wish Bryan Singer hadn't assumed that everyone in the theater would remember the plot lines from the other movies.

~CK

You can't take the sky from me...

I see your point completely, It's almost as if Bryan Singer Expects people to see the originl, and it's sequel before this. But I have seen them both so many times it's kind of hardwired in my brain. I am also very glad Bryan Singer didn't spend any time retelling Superman's origin I thought that is what brought Batman Begins down just a little.

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Wednesday, June 28, 2006 5:08 PM

CHRISISALL

NOW I'M PSYCHED!!!!!!!!!!!!
Supe 1 & 2 is in my genome, so I 'spect I'll have a grand ole' time.....

Can't wait...
GRRR Arghhh
Miss TeschMACHER!!!!!!
Kneel before ZOD!!!!

Out of his Kryptonian mind Chrisisall

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Wednesday, June 28, 2006 5:11 PM

CALIFORNIAKAYLEE

Yeah, I didn't think he needed to go into who Superman is, where he came from, who raised him, what his secret identity is, or what his powers are. I've never been into Superman at all, and even I know that stuff. But I literally could not figure out where it was in the story. Several times I *did* think that they were flashing back to Superman's arrival on Earth as a baby, so that was fairly confusing. I guess the whole "Returns" part of the title didn't quite stick in my head.

I also had a really hard time figuring out what year it was suppose to be in the movie. The comic first came out in the 1930s and there was enough 1930s/40s era stuff (clothing, etc.) to make me think that it was suppose to be set then (or set in a psuedo-30s, like Sky Captain). I didn't figure it out until Lois Lane's first scene, and once I did it was really jarring.

I think I would have given this movie a thumbs up if I hadn't been so lost during the first half hour. I can't really say more without spoilers, but I would recommend that people see the other movies (just the first two though? Netflix tells me there are four movies before this one) before going to see Superman Returns. :P

~CK

You can't take the sky from me...

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Thursday, June 29, 2006 2:20 AM

OPPYH

Quote:
Originally posted by CaliforniaKaylee:
I think I would have given this movie a thumbs up if I hadn't been so lost during the first half hour. I can't really say more without spoilers, but I would recommend that people see the other movies (just the first two though? Netflix tells me there are four movies before this one) before going to see Superman Returns. :P

~CK

You can't take the sky from me...

There are 4 previous Superman films, and although 3, and 4 were entertaining,(also see campy) they were nowhere near as good as 1, and 2.

Also, Bryan Singer said in an interview he wanted Superman Returns to be a direct sequel to 2, like 3, and 4 never happened. So when Returns comes out on dvd, that is how I will watch them: 1,2, and Superman Returns.

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Thursday, June 29, 2006 3:03 AM

CABRIDGES

This was a really good Superman movie. It wasn't a great one.

I had the excited thrill. I loved the effects, the actors, the look of Metropolis, the attention to detail, the homages to the previous movies and to iconic Superman images from the past.

What didn't work for me was that I was expected to believe three things: that Superman was wildly irresponsible, that Lex Luthor was stupid, and that Lois Lane would hop into bed with someone new before the departing hero broke atmo.

From what I understand some of those things were addressed in the original script (and in the novelization from it) and got cut from the movie, but I'm basing this solely from what's on the screen.

What works in the movies absolutely works and it's incredible to see, but there are some pretty glaring holes in it.

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Thursday, June 29, 2006 3:19 AM

JEDINERD7

I loved Superman Returns more than the first two. The first two were waaaaay too campy for my tastes... not that they weren't good. I personally don't think you had to have seen the first two to have understood this one. Of course, that's me taking for granted that most people know Superman's story. I don't know... but I thought it was really good. The special effects weren't overwhelming, which I liked. Of course, I didn't expect anything less from Bryan Singer. He's never disappointed.

Goodnight, and have a pleasant tomorrow.

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Thursday, June 29, 2006 2:37 PM

CYBERSNARK

The special effects and visuals were top-notch, though I still think Sean Maher would've made a better Superman, and Lane Smith (from Lois & Clark) remains the definitive Perry White, IMHO.

Quote:
Originally posted by CABridges:
What didn't work for me was that I was expected to believe three things: that Superman was wildly irresponsible, that Lex Luthor was stupid, and that Lois Lane would hop into bed with someone new before the departing hero broke atmo.

Ditto. The novel's in my to-read pile, but knowing now that this is a sequel to the original Superman movies doesn't give much hope --they've always treated Lex as an over-the-top goofball (and Clark and Jimmy as Pre-Crisis wimps).

I'm too much of a fan of the DCU tooniverse (Batman/Superman/JLU). I expect Lex Luthor to be frighteningly brilliant and badass.

Quote:
METRON: I should warn you; only a twelfth-level intellect could survive what you're planning.
LUTHOR: Then I'm overqualified.

Plus, as good as Kevin Spacey was, Clancy Brown's voice has become irrevocably tied to "Lex Luthor."

-----
We applied the cortical electrodes but were unable to get a neural reaction from either patient.

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Thursday, June 29, 2006 6:14 PM

NCBROWNCOAT

Saw Superman Returns this afternoon. It was pretty good but of course left some loose ends for a sequel. I had to explain to my daughter about the 2 other movies so that she understood what had happened.

One thing though, Brandon Routh looks a bit too much like Christopher Reeve. Brandon's a smidge lighter but has the same general build. But he did a good job.

My mind kept expecting to hear Christopher Reeves' voice, especially the lowering of the voice he used from Clark to Superman. I also teared up a little when the "Can you read my mind" theme played (I memorized and loved the soundtrack when I was about 18)and Super and Lois had their flying sequence. It wasn't quite as good as the original one. IMHO.

Am I making any sense here?

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Thursday, June 29, 2006 9:42 PM

REGINAROADIE

I just got back from it, and this is all I gotta say.

I nearly cried. When Superman was repeating the message Jor-El gave to to him to his son, I nearly choked up and bawled.

That's how amazing this movie is. Totally met and exceeded expectations.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"There's only one "Return" ok, and it ain't "of the King", it's "of the Jedi."

"Maybe we should start calling your friend 'Padme' because he loves 'Mannequin Skywalker' so much, Right? (imitating robot) Danger...danger...my name is Anakin...my shitty acting is ruining saga."

Excerpt of internet teaser for CLERKS 2.

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Thursday, June 29, 2006 11:55 PM

SERENITYSEEKER

I must say, this is one of the best movies I've seen in awhile for varying reasons. Let me also say that I've never been a big DC comics fan, more of a Marvel reader. With that said, I must say that I truly enjoyed the hours I spent watching this movie.

The effects department did a SUPERB job of creating a believable atmosphere for the viewers IMO. Everything from the flying physics to the heat vision and what-not were excellent.

The storyline: intriguing, and had some twists. I gathered the main storyline from just watching the trailers, but it's the underlying themes and the backstory that really made me enjoy this movie. Yes, I know people complain that it's not the best in terms of being for people who are unfamiliar with the first two Superman movies, but I think the writing dept. and Bryan Singer were able to make it believable and acceptable to most of the die-hard fans and the newcomers.

The acting: this is where I always look when it comes to rating a movie and I have to give it an A. Kevin Spacey was an excellent choice IMO for Lex Luthor. I know some say that he wasn't maniacal enough, but I've always seen Lex as both a joker and a killer. Maybe this is because the only portrayals I've had of him were from the original Superman movies and from Smallville, but it's how I see him. And if ya want maniacal, just watch the 'big fight scene' and tell me it didn't just make your blood go cold when he says "Now fly." Next, Kate Bosworth played Lois to a T. She always portrayed the strong, sassy woman that can handle it working in a 'man's world', but she also showed her vulnerability in many scenes, especially in the roof scene which was important for the romantic aspect of the film. Finally, Brandon Routh, I must say, IS the Man of Steel. I can't see anyone filling Christopher Reeve's shoes after watching his performance. I think it's the innocence of being a fresh faced actor (it's still uncanny how much he looks like Reeve) untainted by the Hollywood lights that seemed to make it work for me. If Tom Cruise or Josh Harnett or whoever had played this role I think they would've added their own lil flare and made the role seem too cheesy, but being new and moldable I think Bryan Singer was able to take Brandon and say "Now THIS is how Superman would do it, not how Brandon would but how he would."

All in all, I must say that this movie is waaaaaay up there on my list now. Singer delivered another great superhero movie and I now forgive him for leaving the X-Men franchise as long as all the other Superman's are this good. This film made me laugh, get a little weepy eyed, and most importantly make ya just wanna believe in good old fashioned kinda movies where the good guy wins. Plus seeing it on a big ol' IMAX 3D helps. But to conclude my review/rant...I would highly recommend this movie to anyone and I hope it soars up the box office charts.

Keep flyin'.

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Friday, June 30, 2006 3:05 AM

COPTERDOC

I saw it last night. it was just allright. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for it. It might have had something to do with the guy on the cell phone and the people with the yelling 2 year old with a 1 minute attention span. I did laugh out loud when I saw the boy was wearing Aquaman PJs.

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Friday, June 30, 2006 6:05 PM

JOLLY

Ebert called this one right. No more than a two star movie. Doesn't Hollywood believe in making movies that make sense?

Spoiler Alert
=============

Select to view spoiler:

So Supes can't stop a mere mortal from stomping on him when he's being exposed to Kryptonite, but he can obtain escape velocity carrying a mass the size of an astroid that is laced with the substance?!?

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Friday, June 30, 2006 6:34 PM

JOLLY

Finally, if you're interested (another spoiler):

Select to view spoiler:

How did Supes and Lois conceive? Think it's pretty straightforward? Think again:

http://www.rawbw.com/~svw/superman.html

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Friday, June 30, 2006 7:11 PM

OPPYH

There is one thing I have to say to everyone who has a negative reaction to this movie, and please note this works perfectly for all sci-fi/fantasy movies:

SUSPEND DISBELIEF.

There ya go. It's ok if you don't like the movie, everyone has an opinion. A friend of mine is overanalytical to a fault. When he sees something on the big screen that he doesn't think is possible in real life he can't stand it, and degrades it. I feel bad that he doesn't have a switch in his brain that tells him it's just a movie, and to relax, and have a good time.

This is also the reason I never ask him to go to the movies with me, because it usually turns out to be a depressing event.

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Friday, June 30, 2006 7:22 PM

JRC

We saw it Fri. afternoon at a DLP theater here in Austin. The movie was exceptional. I would definately see it again. I went with my two daughters, ages 6 and 10, and they both really enjoyed it. The three of us laughed, cried, said "awww" at the right times. When things got really intense, my little one would cover her eyes, only to look at the screen and then clap. But then again, my kids are a little mature for their ages. All in all, a wonderful movie!

Everyone dies alone.

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Friday, June 30, 2006 7:52 PM

JOLLY

"I'm in complete agreement with all those people who say, regarding movies, 'I just want to be entertained.'...that I'm almost never entertained by what entertains other people who just want to be entertained doesn't make us philosophically incompatible. It just means we shouldn't go to movies together."
-Richard Russo, Straight Man

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Saturday, July 1, 2006 2:03 AM

STORMFALCON70

I can agree with everything BUT this.

"Singer delivered another great superhero movie and I now forgive him for leaving the X-Men franchise as long as all the other Superman's are this good."

Your opinion. You have a right to that.

As for me. A part of me will never forgive him for ruining any chance of us finally seeing The X-Men Dark-Phoenix Saga on the big screen. I don't blame the writers and directors of X-3 for this. I blame Singer, for cutting and running before finishing his story arc. The Last Stand should have been X-4. IMHO. But mostly, I am happy the Superman franchise seems to have been saved from the late 80's Richard Pryor/Quest For Cheese camp of 3 & 4. Too bad Chris didn't live to see this resurrection.

"It's my estimation that every man ever got a statue made of him was one kind of sumbitch or another."

Capt Mal Reynolds

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Saturday, July 1, 2006 7:32 AM

JEDINERD7

Yeah, Superman Returns was really good, but I think that, had Singer directed X3, it would have been even better than Superman. I was really digging the X-Men movies and the third was a disappointment to me. But that's just me.

Goodnight, and have a pleasant tomorrow.

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Saturday, July 1, 2006 2:12 PM

STORMFALCON70

Ha ha....try an 11-ish PM screening with wall to wall squalling babies AND the prerequisite cell phone heathens! Superman I can understand, but, this also happened when I went to see The Hulk! Also, the trailers they showed for Hulk were for kidflicks and family films! Whoa! Talk about crossed wires! I feel your pain dude!

Were they Aquaman Underoos? LOL! Namor could kick Aquamans orange and green butt any day! Let him wear them duds to school once. That'll set the kid straight! And traumatize him for life....(name here) is wearing Underoos! Unless he moves to a new state, he'll be hearing that all the way into high school! 'Hey Aquaman!' HaHaHaHaHaHa!!!

In 2007, Hugo Weaving is Namor the Sub-Mariner!
I'm kidding! I'm kidding! (runs away)

"It's my estimation that every man ever got a statue made of him was one kind of sumbitch or another."

Capt Mal Reynolds

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Saturday, July 1, 2006 3:02 PM

ROCKETJOCK

Just saw the movie. Two words. LOVED IT!

No one could ever replace Chris Reeves, but Brandon Routh makes a worthy successor.

Spacey makes a great Luthor; one we can believe derives from the slightly campy Hackman version, but harder edged, and much more viscious.

Select to view spoiler:

One can assume those five years in prison did not take place in the never-never land striped-shirt-and-pants facilty seen in Superman II, but in something more similar to Oz...

Yes, there are some continuity issues with kryptonite's effects -- but don't forget,

Select to view spoiler:

this isn't real kryptonite; it's a simulation of kryptonite, caused by Luthor encasing Jor-El's memory crystal with a sheath of actual kryptonite. The vast majority of the "new continent's" mass was derived from earthborn material -- it's no wonder if it didn't pack as much of a kick as the real stuff.

As for Lois Lane's delicate condition, and its scientific feasibility,

Select to view spoiler:

young Jason must have been conceived during the period where Clark had renounced his powers -- no "Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex" problems involved. This also might explain why the kid's powers are incompletely developed, at least at this stage.

"She's tore up plenty. But she'll fly true." -- Zoë Washburn

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Saturday, July 1, 2006 6:02 PM

SINGATE

Very entertaining movie. There were a few moments in the film where I swear Routh was channeling Christopher Reeve. Not so much his physical appearance but his mannerisms and inflection. It was almost creepy.

Definitely agree about Routh's freshness and wide eyed innocence. Don't know if this is because he hasn't been jaded by Hollywood or if he is just that good of an actor.

Anyone who was expecting an all out action flick is going to be sorely disappointed. While it does have some truly spectacular visuals the film is largely character driven. On a related note I'm glad Singer didn't oversaturate the film with special effects and 'look what Superman can do' moments.

The only beef I have is a bit nitpicky. If I remember my comics correctly Metropolis is supposedly based on Chicago, hence it should be somewhere in the midwest. So then why did they decide to magically relocate it on the East coast?

Finally, if they make a sequel(insert laughter here), I would love to see the Death of Superman story arc. The whole Superman vs. Doomsday battle would be an absolute slugfest.

_________________________________________________

We live on a placid island of ignorance in the midst of black seas of infinity, and it was not meant that we should voyage far.

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Saturday, July 1, 2006 7:11 PM

CABRIDGES

Quote:
Originally posted by OPPYH:
There is one thing I have to say to everyone who has a negative reaction to this movie, and please note this works perfectly for all sci-fi/fantasy movies:

SUSPEND DISBELIEF.

There ya go. It's ok if you don't like the movie, everyone has an opinion. A friend of mine is overanalytical to a fault. When he sees something on the big screen that he doesn't think is possible in real life he can't stand it, and degrades it. I feel bad that he doesn't have a switch in his brain that tells him it's just a movie, and to relax, and have a good time.

This is also the reason I never ask him to go to the movies with me, because it usually turns out to be a depressing event.

I have no problem suspending my disbelief to a point. I know going into a Superman movie I'll have to accept some pretty hefty violations of physics, etc. But the movie has to be internally consistent for me to accept it. The more times I have to say "Oh, that doesn't make sense, but it's only a movie," the more I'm knocked out of the fantasy world and I start looking at the movie more critically.

Or, to put it another way, one of the reasons I love Firefly so much is because it didn't rely on my disbelief suspension. Once you accepted the existence of the 'verse, the show consistantly surprised us with its persistant intelligence and refusal to do the safe thing or fall back on cheesy writing.

No version of any Superman I've ever read, watched, or heard about would have abandoned his duty and loved ones without saying goodbye.

Lex based his plan -- which was inane and unworkable in the first place -- on being able to withstand Superman, but made no provisions against, say, a couple of 500-lb bombs.

And doing the math means that Lois was hopping in the sack with some new guy about the time Superman left atmo.

I accepted this stuff enough to enjoy the movie, and I did enjoy it, but I still felt unsatisified afterwards. This was a really good Superman movie. It should have been a great one.

_________________
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