“Superman Returns” is the fifth and final installment in the original “Superman” movie series that started with “Superman” in 1978, with sequels in 1981, 1983, and 1987. Although well produced by Jon Peters with good direction by Bryan Singer (“Star Trek: Nemesis” 2002), this version may have been a little too cerebral for action-oriented audiences that attend superhero pictures.
The well-written screenplay from Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris provided good dialogue for the cast, headed by Brandon Routh in the title role. This was to be his sole appearance as the Caped Crusader. Kate Bosworth and Kevin Spacey, who play Lois Lane and Lex Luthor, respectively, are reunited from “Beyond the Sea” (2004), where they played Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin. They would appear together again in “21” in 2008.
Co-stars include Frank Langella as Perry White, Eva Marie Saint as Martha Kent, as well as James Marsden, Parker Posey, Kal Penn, Tristan Lake Leabu, Sam Huntington, and Richard Branson in a cameo. Noel Neill and Jack Larson, the Lois Lane and Jimmy Olson of the original television show “Adventures of Superman” (1952-1958), also made cameo appearances. Marlon Brando (1924-2004) makes a posthumous appearance in his old role as Superman’s biological father, Jor-El, from 1978 footage blended with computer generated imagery.
“Superman Returns” was nominated for one Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. Kate Bosworth was nominated for Worst Supporting Actress at the annual Golden Raspberry Awards!
“Superman Returns” was a bit of a financial disappointment for Warner Bros., who canceled plans for another sequel. They waited until 2013 when Warner Bros. Pictures launched the DC Extended Universe with “Man of Steel” starring Henry Cavill in the title role.
Superman Returns (2006)
cinema
My Review
“Superman Returns” is the fifth and final installment in the original “Superman” movie series that started with “Superman” in 1978, with sequels in 1981, 1983, and 1987. Although well produced by Jon Peters with good direction by Bryan Singer (“Star Trek: Nemesis” 2002), this version may have been a little too cerebral for action-oriented audiences that attend superhero pictures.
The well-written screenplay from Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris provided good dialogue for the cast, headed by Brandon Routh in the title role. This was to be his sole appearance as the Caped Crusader. Kate Bosworth and Kevin Spacey, who play Lois Lane and Lex Luthor, respectively, are reunited from “Beyond the Sea” (2004), where they played Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin. They would appear together again in “21” in 2008.
Co-stars include Frank Langella as Perry White, Eva Marie Saint as Martha Kent, as well as James Marsden, Parker Posey, Kal Penn, Tristan Lake Leabu, Sam Huntington, and Richard Branson in a cameo. Noel Neill and Jack Larson, the Lois Lane and Jimmy Olson of the original television show “Adventures of Superman” (1952-1958), also made cameo appearances. Marlon Brando (1924-2004) makes a posthumous appearance in his old role as Superman’s biological father, Jor-El, from 1978 footage blended with computer generated imagery.
“Superman Returns” was nominated for one Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. Kate Bosworth was nominated for Worst Supporting Actress at the annual Golden Raspberry Awards!
“Superman Returns” was a bit of a financial disappointment for Warner Bros., who canceled plans for another sequel. They waited until 2013 when Warner Bros. Pictures launched the DC Extended Universe with “Man of Steel” starring Henry Cavill in the title role.