Movie Review:Superman Returns (2006)
Directed by Bryan Singer
Superman Returns is... well... a Superman movie. And by this I mean it's a more-or-less traditional comic book film: plot and story are given little priority in order to allow the director to make way for iconic poses, shiny special effects, fanboyism, and beautiful people. But this will by no means be a negative review of the film. Audiences who go to watch a movie like Superman Returns do not expect competent acting, a compelling plot, or, frankly, anything resembling logic that can appeal to the viewer's ability to reason. Realism altogether is thrown out the window, and instead, Superman (played by Brandon Routh) serves primarily as an allegorical figure; a symbol representing sacrifice, love, and inspiration. When Lois Lane meets the Man of Steel for the first time after his return from an exploration of the remains of his homeworld, Krypton, she spitefully declares that the people neither need, nor want a "savior." Then, after a painfully cheesy - albeit obligatory - scene of Superman taking Lois flying with him, he tells her that she's wrong. Thanks to his alien super-hearing, he can hear people all over the world begging for help everyday. His role as a savior; his sacrifices for the human race and his adopted planet were central themes throughout the story, and were frequently expressed, most memorably in one of the most obvious, yet emotionally and visually stunning moments of the film.
One of my problems with having Superman as a Christ allegory is that the people of the fictional world were virtually reduced to mindless sheep. Humanity had no personality to speak of, and had no role other than to be in unending awe of the alien hero. Their only purpose: to gawk at and be inspired by Superman. Only Lois and Lex dared challenge Superman's "god-hood," and I find that particularly distressing. True, Lex Luthor's intentions were evil, but he also represents the potential of man. The strength of the human spirit, the power of the human brain and human imagination... THESE should be our saviors. No deity of any modern-day organized religion respects a society that depends on miracles lead them into the future. Jor-El (voiced by the late-Marlon Brando), Superman's father, spoke to his biological son about the human capacity to do good, but we see very little of that in this film. All we see is the human capacity to take and take and take. Perhaps this is an accurate portrayal of humanity more often than not, but it certainly shouldn't be depicted as a glamorous existence.
Also, there were a number problems with the movie, I felt, that seem to damage Superman's role as the iconic hero he is meant to be. But airing these relatively small grievances will spoil many of the secrets of the movie, so I will refrain from doing so. Sadly, I do not have the time to say everything I want to say about this movie, but perhaps I will continue at a later date. But despite my laundry list of criticism, it was a mildly entertaining movie, and feast for the eyes. It's missable, but it couldn't hurt to watch it. You might even have some fun. I did. But don't expect a miracle. There was no "acting" to speak of, really. Half the movie was filled with actions scenes, the other half were moments in which Superman and Lois would look longingly at each other. But it was effective, so who cares. B-
Past Movie Reviews:
The Da Vinci Code (2006)
King Kong (2005)
X-Men III: The Last Stand (2006)
Missing Impossible III (2006)
Apocalypse Now (1979)
V for Vendetta (2006)
The Bourne Supremacy (2004)
