RachaelHP

Crucial critical commentary that masters humour, socio-political awareness and profound compassion in order to defy the darkness of our current times and bring us laughter and intelligent conversation courtesy of its one-of-a-kind host.

Exceptional on all levels.

Superman was so important in my house - any adaptation was analysed, measured and given the criticism or praise it deserved. I recall our collective viewing and analysis of this film. It was a surprisingly rare, unanimous vote - it was an imperfect masterpiece. Flaws and all - it was a worthy and welcomed addition to the canon.

Brandon Routh was the Clark Kent and Superman any fan would appreciate on most, if not all levels. I honestly thought the franchise would erupt with worldwide success based on Routh's casting choice and performance alone. The box office success was impressive along with the official reviews.

I was very young at the time of its release and cannot describe the heartbreak - as an avid Superman fan and general film buff - when it became clear that a sequel was not going to happen. It was one of the first times my heart truly went out to an actor - stupid though some people may think that sounds- but Routh deserved so much better. His career might have been very different but he certainly persevered in the midst of the disappointment in an admirable manner rendering excellent performances in his other projects.

But - what I wouldn't give to see him command the franchise again. It would be worlds better than certain offerings made to us in recent years. We won't go there out of respect. The fact that Routh's return to the character for Arrowverse's Crisis on Infinite Earth's Superman vs Superman commanded such an overwhelming response by fans and ratings says it all. I hope he gets his own show.

Bosworth's Lois, Marsden's Richard, Langella's Perry White and Spacey's Luthor. What a winning ensemble. Parker Posey and Sam Huntington added great charisma and quirky heart. They made an ensemble and chemistry that would've been a joy to continue watching. What an absolute waste of winning ingredients investment-wise.

The film has some major nuanced turns and easily-overlooked details in its scenes. There's something about its energy that makes it easy to take its structure and detail for granted - which is a pro and a con in one. When I rewatched it after years I realised how much I missed.

The one major star-losing downfall is not giving Routh's Superman and Clark more talking time. I couldn't get over it. Limiting his dialogue with Lois and Luthor was an insane mistake. The history between the characters deserved better dialogue time than mere suggestive references. It put a lot of pressure on Routh to tell so much with so little. I read some user and critic remarks saying he looked too "perfect" or with an action-figure blandness. They clearly didn't pay attention but I also think a better script would've clarified things and made it easier for those merely watching the surface!

Other minor details in the effects and continuity were a little jarring but to be expected in this type of film... well up to a point! Still some of the most impressive action scenes from the canon.

This was an overlooked golden egg. A baffling mistake but I am glad we got this installment and to see Routh and Bosworth in these roles.

I would recommend this to anyone who appreciates the story's history and the characters. Watching Routh's return to the character in Crisis on Infinite Earth compelled me to write this review - a shocking 14 years later! Not that anyone actually cares! Lol. But out of respect for the effort made by the cast at the time - I wanted to share my thoughts on the matter.

I'm not comparing it to Thompson's Oscar-winning adaptation. They are both leading adaptations in their own right.

This is an exquisite TV series that has a quiet, mesmerizing tone to it. It's a joy to watch and I'm always compelled to revisit it.

I was so impressed with its Elinor. Hattie Morahan is an exceptional lead and a criminally overlooked actress I constantly hope will get the recognition she deserves. I am a little annoyed she is not given top-billing on IMDB as the lead - Cooper is - to me that's unfair. Morahan's Elinor is compelling, vulnerable, noble and loving with a great resilience that adds to and justifies her rational, practical nature. Elinor's struggle is captured magnificently in her nuanced performance. I watch it again and again. Her presence is enchanting.

Charity Wakefield was not a name or face I had seen before and I was delighted to discover her career. Marianne has been a character I've always struggled to like from the book and other adaptations. Here, Wakefield came into her own at the end and handled Marianne's change of heart (which is quite demanding on every actress who endeavours to play her) in a credible and satisfying way. Her unique chemistry with Morahan strengthened the dynamic of their shared scenes and added a credible dimension to their relationship which I thoroughly enjoyed.

With the likes of Dan Stevens, Janet McTeer, Claire Skinner, David Morrissey, Dominic Cooper, Mark Williams, Linda Bassett, Lucy Boynton and breakout turns from Anna Madeley and Daisy Haggard - the ensemble was perfectly cast. They created a world I was happy to believe in. Claire Skinner is a fabulous actress and real treat in this film - she was made for the role.

David Morrissey hit it out of the park with a wonderful turn as Colonel Brandon. I love that character so much and he did more than do the character justice. He was a joy to watch.

This series has a lot to offer anyone new to Austen's works and to avid readers wanting to enjoy an enchanting take on Sense and Sensibility.

It is unfair how much this is overlooked. It deserves your time. I hope it is discovered by more people and doesn't become a forgotten gem.