A Less than Super Return

After more than a week since it was first shown on local cinemas, I've finally seen the much hyped Superman Returns. I wasn't really excited to see this movie, that's why I didn't join the first day rush like I usually do. hehe. Probably because the premiere superhero of DC comics has become a little bit overexposed lately. I'd be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn't know the character and his origins. There's Smallville on television--- which has basically butchered the Superman Mythos in my opinion. Plus the cartoon series Justice League Unlimited, though it has already ended its five season run, is stil very much alive in syndication. And in my opinion, it had the best portrayal of Superman ever. So do we really need a new Superman movie?

Also, I'm more of a Batman fan than Superman. I can't seem to relate to the character, who was portrayed to be invincible (if not for Kryptonite). He was just too perfect and goody-goody, like an adult boy scout or something. And since I wasn't eager to watch Superman Returns immediately, I thought I'd have my first IMAX experience with this movie.But since screenings were still sold out until monday, with few seats left on the succeeding days, I figured I'd just watch it on an ordinary theater and get it over with. Everybody seems to have the same idea of having their first IMAX experience with Superman. Instead of waiting forever, I'd rather have my IMAX experience with some documentary, where i don't have to partake in the mad scramble for seats.

Anyway, i didn't have high expectations with the movie. I even felt sleepy at first. The first 30-40 minutes or so were a bit dragging. But from that plane sequence up to the near end, it doesn't let up. Sure, there are few action sequences, but the movie was well paced, it didn't feel like more than two hours. And the love angle wasn't as nauseating as others have said. It was just enough, unlike Spiderman 2 which was almost over the top with the love angle, I wondered why so many people thought that movie was excellent. The movie was really well done, but it's no Batman Begins. I thought reviving the franchise this way was a good idea. Portraying Superman somewhat like Jesus Christ was a brilliant idea. I also think the plot was more interesting than an origin story. After all, who doesn't know Superman's origin story these days? An origin story wouldn't spark much interest. They can't really add variety to the origin unlike Batman Begins wherein there were so many gaps in Batman's development that the film makers had the opportunity to add scenes because there was so much more that wasn't shown. Superman's origin was more clear cut.

The very first thing you'll notice upon seeing the opening credits and listening to the score, will be the similarity with the old superman films. Bryan Singer was actually paying homage to the previous Superman Movies. Retaining the old musical score was an excellent decision--- at least most of it. Some sound effects, like when Lois Lane saw the wigs on Lex Luthor's ship, should've stayed in the 70's. Those sound effects, plus the opening credits made the movie seem campy. They don't seem to fit in this era.

Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane was also miscast. She didn't seem to fit in the movie, she's like a sore thumb sticking out because she's like an amateur compared to the others. And does Superman really need a Son this early? (oops--- I should've put a spoiler alert. hehe) I' not some fanboy infuriated because giving superman a son bastardizes his persona in the comics. I just think they could've put such a story angle later, not at the beginning of a new movie franchise. i mean, how will they portray the kid in the sequel? It it going to be about the adventures of Superman and Superboy? The focus won't be about Superman. It would be better if they didn't make sequels at all, with the way they did the movie.

Another gripe? The whole hospital scene didn't seem neccessary. it seeemed anti climactic. They could've cut those scenes out to make the story more streamlined and cohesive. And for an action movie, it didn't have much action. I'd still recommend the movie though. No doubt, it's still way above average. It's more satisfying than X-men: The Last Stand, and better than most Superhero Movies. It's just not the "Super" movie everyone was expecting it to be. In other words, it's no Batman Begins.