themoviebuff71

First of all the proper title of the film I am reviewing is Superman Returns: An IMAX 3D Experience. I can sum up my experience in one word, WOW! What an awesome, awesome movie. The visuals were top-notch and this was by far the most crystal-clear theatrical film I have ever seen. I can only assume that this IMAX film was filmed and projected in High Definition. The 3D aspect of the film was limited to about 4 or 5 scenes, but were very, very cool and were spaced out enough that they did not distract from the overall film.

Brandon Routh emulates Superman, and in many ways Christopher Reeve as well. Having grown up watching all 4 original Superman movies in the theater I went into this one with guarded optimism and was rewarded with a fresh new look at a classic Superhero. I was pleasantly surprised over and over during the film when plot twists and dialogue actually went different directions than I expected and kept me guessing. Kate Bosworth puts in a good turn as a much more likable Lois Lane. While I loved the original films I always thought that Margot Kidder was kind of a hag and could not see what Superman would see in her. Kate Bosworth is a real beauty and did a great job of picking up where the other films left off while re-inventing Lois Lane a bit for us. James Marsden plays her new love interest, and does a commendable job as well, but I could not help thinking, "Hey isn't he Cyclops from X-men?", and "Hey you can't mix DC and Marvel Comics characters!". Kevin Spacey also makes a surprisingly excellent Lex Luthor.

Overall I was blown away by this film both visually and emotionally. I actually got choked up after Superman's first big rescue at the start of the film and several of the 3D scenes had me on the edge of my seat. This was Awesome. Hats off to Bryan Singer for another great job. See it, and if you can, see it an IMAX theater, it is definitely worth the extra admission price. I would suggest seeing a later show to cut down on the little kid audience factor as my viewing would have been even better without all the toddlers talking, crying and walking the aisles during the movie.

This movie is a cult favorite among anyone who spent their summers riding their bikes or skateboards, and featured a killer soundtrack, not to mention a respectable cast considering the obviously low-budget. Very hard to find on VHS and not likely to warrant a DVD release this is a seldom seen piece of 80's movie history. Whatever anyone else might say I liked this film and anyone I have talked to that remembered it liked it too.