I hadn’t really looked forward to it. I usually dig comic-based flicks. But I rolled my eyes when I first saw the preview of Superman Returns, thinking “oh great, another remake.” I had thought it would have to tediously rehash the story over again, establishing where he comes from and how he learns of his power, blah, blah… And Lex Luther, again? Please…

hen Suzanne took the kids to her friend’s house to give me some quiet time, I had some free time and so I thought “what the heck, I’ll bite.” I took off to AMC20 to catch it (with low expectations of course). I thought it was awesome, most enjoyable flick for me so far this summer. Liked it more than X-Men 3. The plot although not solid, was refreshing enough to move things along. It didn’t take a lot of time establishing the characters. The special effects were great– the flying scenes were breath-taking. I kept comparing them to the old green-screen effects. Of course, I thought those effects were great then too when I first saw Superman in the 80’s. Kevin Spacey was great, of course, as Lex Luther.

For me, Christopher Reeve was Superman; no doubt about it — Reeve owned the role. Compared to Reeves, this new actor Brandon Routh is a light weight. One positive thing though, when as Superman, he sounds awefully like Reeves. But as Clark Kent, Routhed basically sucked. He doesn’t put on the glasses the same way. I mean, you remember Reeve’s bumblingly pushing his glasses back or the geeky smirk? Classic! Reeve’s stamp of Superman was definitely there, as I find myself constantly comparing the two actors. As Superman though, I thought Routh did okay.

By the way, I really digged the new uniform with the ribbed S logo.

As I was driving back, I was wondering how sad it would be for Reeve’s son when he watches it. Poor kid, lost his Superman dad and his mom in a span of 2 years. Tough! I wonder if Routh believes in the curse of Superman…