I have been a fan of Superman ever since I saw the first two films with Christopher Reeve, directed by Richard Donner. I will not mention the other 2, since I found them to be very silly. Superman Returns, takes place 5 years after Superman goes to try and find his home planet, which had been destroyed after some scientists thought they made the discovery that the planet was in fact still in existence. He comes back to Metropolis expecting to resume his life as if he had never left. He learns quickly that things have changed. The Daily Planet is in trouble, Lois Lane has a son and fiancee, and Lex Luthor is out of prison. Lex infiltrates the Island that Jor-el left behind for Superman to explain who he is , and what Jor-el hopes Superman can do to help mankind. Lex takes some of the crystal and steals Kryptonite, Superman’s only weakness, so he can fuse it with the crystals and create his own crystal-Kryptonite Island and sell the real estate to people for huge profits, at the expense of billions of human lives. The crystal island would put most of the United States under water when the crystals take over the space. It is up to Superman to put a stop to it.
The special effects are great. They try to add more realism to what might be happening to Superman’s body during flight, what he can hear when he listens with his Super hearing, and how is really is the "Man of Steel". The ending was a tad disappointing, but I do not want to give it away Let me just say I wish they did not have Lois Lane becoming a mother. It makes it a bit too complicated for her relationship with Superman.
The casting was very good. Brandon Routh plays Superman, Clark Kent, and Kal-el. Yes, they are all part of the same person, but he plays each identity so uniquely. Plus, he is very cute! Samantha Morton is Lois Lane, and I must admit she does a great job. I thought she looked a little too innocent to play tough reporter Lois Lane, but she proved me wrong. Kevin Spacey is Lex Luthor, Superman’s nemesis. I knew he would do a great job. He was more cold and calculating than Gene Hackman when he played Lex. This time they did not have Lex looking like comic relief.
This is a great film for people who appreciate imagination, great special effects, and do not mind a longer, more complex story. I will say this is not for kids under 13. The film is a bit complicated for those with a short attention span, and a bit of a darker story than previous Superman films.
Guys, do not drag your "girly girl" girlfriend or wife to see it. She will just complain that it is too long, and obstruct my view when I go to see this again, because she will get up and go to the bathroom every 5 minutes after about an hour. Let her stay home and go with people who appreciate superheros and special effects. Ladies, thoise of you who appreciate superheros and special effects, you are in for a treat.