DVD : Superman Returns [HD DVD]

In association with Amazon.com

Rating:

- Mistake...
I was so upset over how badly done this movie was I cried. It's an example of what not to do when restarting a franchise. First they pull on the heart-strings and feelings of nostalgia by using Marlon Brando's voice overs and the original John Williams theme. Unfortunately, they then inflict on us a plot with holes and hire good actors but give them horrible dialogue and scenarios to work with. Stitching it together with CGI doesn't make it good.

There's no uplifting feeling at the end of the movie. Such films and heros should pull us out of ourselves and remind us of what we should strive for and can try to achieve. Otherwise, what's the point?

This movie is not what Superman is about. Pick up the comic books or re-watch Christopher Reeves first Superman film, you'll be better off. And for those of you who want "realism" there's plenty of pain and strife and struggle in the comics, without resorting to what this film did.

Rating:

- A Vision of Superman that taps into deep spiritual questions -- and is great for group discussion!
Most comic fans I've met in the last couple of years really like this new movie vision of "Superman" -- and that's high praise because comic fans, like myself, are a pretty skeptical lot when it comes to our beloved heroic icons.

But there's an important aspect to this particular film version that keeps cropping up in discussions, because I'm a journalist who specializes in reporting on the impact of spirituality in people's lives. Over and over again, people tell me that this movie made them think about their faith and their values concerning social responsibility. That's remarkable for a heavy-duty action flick loaded with special effects.

There are thousands of small-discussion groups in congregations across the U.S. looking for ways to kick start their conversations. I'd strongly suggest that groups think of watching this film together and talking about the issues it raises. I know you'll have fun with it -- and countless fans of the film have told me that's precisely where this tale of high-adventure took them.

Rating:

- I Want Lex Luthor's Boat
I thought the original Christopher Reeve movie had its moments, but reversing time was just too stupid for me to take it seriously. I didn't watch the Salkinds finish killing the franchise, although I did read about the destruction on the Agony Booth website, where they treat me like kryptonite. And as a child, I thought the comics were just stupid. Thus, I was hesitant to see this. But one of my Chinese students, whose English name is Bruce Wayne, said he preferred it to BATMAN BEGINS. I love BATMAN BEGINS. So even though Bruce Wayne's loose lips gave me one of the big plot spoilers, I decided I oughta watch it anyway. Then, in Thailand, Jan gave my DVD to a student before I had the chance. No matter. I found another last week.

Superman has always required a willing suspension of disbelief that's been difficult for me to pull off. The flaws in his secret identity really come to light when Superman and Clark Kent both return from five-year absences, and look much alike, and nobody notices.

His supersuit is never harmed by the stresses of his lifestyle but yields to Martha Kent's scissors, needle and thread. It's creepy watching him spy on people with super-hearing and X-ray vision, not for some "greater good" that he has no right to judge, but rather to sort out his love life. Being invincible is boring, kryptonite is contrived, and why were doctors giving him oxygen when he flies through space and apparently doesn't need to breathe?

But Lex Luthor finally makes sense to me. I love his boat.

On the whole, a fresh approach, a good reimagining of the Superman concept, and a watchable movie. But I won't be rushing out looking for any sequels.

Rating:

- A surprise in the story
This movie has a good plot twist that is revealed when one of the henchmen is killed by a piano. The other good thing about this movie is Kate Bosworth, who with black hair looks a bit like Norah Jones. The movie lights up whenever she is on screen. On the downside, the special effects are a bit murky. Kevin Spacey is not that good in the movie. He sucks the life of the movie (which is Kate Bosworth) when he shouts "Wrong!" at Kate when she brings up Superman in their conversation. Parker Posey has a poor role in the movie: at one point, Kate's character (Lois Lane) calls her a hooker. As far as the rest of the plot goes, there are some unanswered questions. When Lex Luthor's executes on his idea to wipe out all of America, Superman only saves a few people in his city. What happens to the rest of the country? We are not shown.

Rating:

- I wish he didn't
I only watched half of the movie and overall I was not happy.The versions starring the late Christopher Reeve were even better.I'm not taking anything away from Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor,he is a good actor,but I like Gene Hackman better.Also,this movie I hear didn't do well like the previous ones.Why?I think the studio rushed this movie out to the public who are still mourning the death of Christopher Reeve.Kate Bosworth and Brandon Routh are in fact too young to play their roles,they should had casted even more older stars.The good thing I like about the movie was the openning credits using John Williams version of the first movie.Attention Bryan Singer,next time make sure you make more movies that are good.

page 10 of 151