Superman Returns

I'll be talking about some spoilers in here, so if you want any surprises you may not want to read.

Over my "break" I was able to get out and see a few movies. My favorite that week was Superman Returns. Initially when I heard about this sequel/reimagining I have to admit that I wasn't overly excited. I don't really know why. I like Superman, I've collected Action Comics and Adventures of Superman for most of my comic collecting career. But Superman has always been the loyal stalwart among superheroes. Not much changes. From the iconic Earth-1 Superman and his grandfatherly icon status among those heroes to the "new" Earth-2 version, he'd always been the rock of the DC Universe. Truth, justice and the American Way. There's only so many ways you can mess with this character before he's no longer Superman. That being said, here are a couple of views on this movie (and they're both out of my mind....kinda schizo, eh?):

Comic Book Geek

I really liked the way the screen writers worked to blend and incorporate the "traditional" origin of Superman developed by Segal and Schuster (Earth-1, as evidence in the original Superman movie) with the eventual recreation by Byrne in the Man of Steel mini-series (Earth-2). Singer directed this movie with an eye toward the iconic image. Many times during the movie there were little nods and winks toward the geeks in the audience. I think my favorite was seeing Jimmy's photo of Superman putting the car back down. It's modernized, but definitely a nod to the original Action Comics #1 cover where Superman was introduced.

Kevin Spacey was perfect as the narcissistic Lex Luthor. Personable, yet psychotic. This is the man that could maintain the positive public businessman image, could become President of the United States, yet could be a stone cold killer. I was buying him in that role.

Kate Bosworth made a good Lois Lane, but not great. Frankly, I've never thought she was that strong a supporting character...even in the comic book. All of the other married characters seemed to have a relationship with their wives that was necessary to them. Jay Garrik needed Joan, Barry Allen needed Iris, Wally West needed Linda (ok, ok...I'm stuck on the Flash and their wives). Heck, Peter Parker needed MJ. But Superman doesn't seem to need anybody. Most of the emotional drama they've ever written for him has centered around the misuse of his power, but rarely have I seen a story about his "need" for Lois that hasn't just seemed like a dues ex machina for the latest story. It never really felt "organic." In the movie it felt like they finally gave her a little more of a hold over Superman than I've seen before. It also helped that they made her more unattainable than in the past. Maybe it's the comics that have messed up? Maybe the marriage of Clark and Lois in Earth-2 (made to coincide with the Lois & Clark tv show) was just a little too forced?

I can live with the whole Superman's kid thing. I thought it was an interesting twist to the movie. Using my mantra, "The movie is not the comic book" helps. Although to tell you the truth, they eventually incorporate all this stuff into the comics anyway. I'm sure this will be popping up sometime soon.

Religious interest

Alot has been made of the "savior" aspects of the movie. In a way I get it. It seems like we want to have someone to come save the day...to help the good guys win in the end. What guy doesn't want to be the hero of his own story? But I think the connections of a savior/hero in Superman and some kind of messiahship have been way overblown. Yeah, I think Singer got a little carried away with his symbolism. Especially the picture of Superman floating with his arms outstretched in the outer atmosphere as he appears to be sacrificing himself to save Earth. I don't necessarily get offended by such things, but I don't take much teaching from them as well. As I reflect on "No greater love has a man than this, that he sacrifices his life for his friends" I don't find myself falling for the gospel of Superman. Get a grip folks, if I'm looking for teaching on the Christian way, Brian Singer is not the teacher I look to. I can understand the story for what it is and nothing more. It's ok. I have yet to confuse him with Jesus. And if myths of self-sacrifice and heroism are told in the popular culture, I can live with that too.

Overall

I like. I really like. I just let myself float away with the story and didn't concern myself with all the crazy little inconsistincies (like how Lois didn't wind up dead and plastered all over the plane as she was out of her seat while the shuttle was reaching speeds that would allow it to break the atmosphere). Just relax. Enjoy. Sometimes good gets to win the day.

By the way...anyone who didn't get a chill each time they heard John Williams' Superman fanfare just didn't deserve to be there....