Superman Returns (2006)

Well, if it is Superman you want, then that's what you'll get. An enjoyable
movie in all respects, which I certainly found so - and I'm not even a fan.
Yes, to me, Superman has always seemed a bit too much muscle and less
brain, and a bit bland; especially when the modern super-hero has other
gimmicks, as in Batman, X-men, Underworld, etc).
But when the hero has super-hearing, x-ray vision, and enormous strength,
plus can fly like lightning, then he's something to be reckoned with.
The movie itself is rather long at 154 minutes, but is worth it, as the
various aspects (action, drama, romance, comedy) are given full scope.
Brandon Routh as Clark Kent/Superman is a worthy replacement for the late
lamented Christopher Reeve (to whom, with wife, the film is dedicated).
Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane is also good; while Kevin Spacey seems to relish
his role as the suave villain, with some humorous sparing with his
gangster's moll, Kitty Kowalski (Parker Posey). I liked the thug who is
also a good piano player.
The special effects are, as is usual nowadays, quite convincing, so that
all seems authentic.
The science element is slightly obscure, as we don't quite know (or I
didn't) what the whole thing was about - with crystals growing ("like sea
monkeys") - but it doesn't matter too much.
Likewise, we see Superman as a youngster learning how to leap about,
even hover; but, again, the physics of all this is vague - after all, he is
a comic book creation!
Superman comes from planet Krypton, so is an alien in human form. This
never shows, as such, unlike the satirical character, Thermoman ( a spoof on
all such superheroes).
I was in Borders Bookshop the other day, and they had a "Graphic Novels"
section. Wondering what this meant, I opened one book to discover it was
full of pictures - of course! What used to be called "comics" (because
humorous) may now be given this new title, as many are simply dramatic, even
horrific.
Superman is a DC Comics creation; makes a change from Marvel.
But back to the movie - a good film, and should do well at the box
office.