Superman Returns = Pleasant Surprise

To be very blunt, I did NOT want to go see Superman Returns. After reading so much press about it, and seeing how out of continuity it might be, especially the Lois with a kid hype, I didn't want to bother. I just KNEW I was going to be disapointed.

Well, my husband wasn't going to take "no" for an answer. He went and got tickets before I could protest further. Since I can't stand to waste money, it was a done deal. We went ahead and got in the car and drove to the theatre.

After sitting through three sh*tty trailers and a Spider-Man 3 one, it was time for the movie. When the Superman theme by John Williams started, I got a serious tingle up and down my spine. From there, things only looked up.

I am mad at myself for doubting Bryan Singer and his crew. Once I saw the name "Guy Dyas", the deal was sealed. Dyas was the production guru for X2, and I was fortunate enough to meet him back on the set there. I was very impressed by his work there, and even more impressed with what he did here. Singer has obviously assembled a great crew that knows how to entertain the viewing public.

Brandon Routh was a credible Superman to me. From his overall physical appearance to his general demeanor, I bought him as the man of Steel. I was also pleasantly surprised at his Clark Kent after reading several reviews that called him dorky. What he did worked for me.

Kate Bosworth was the actor I was most concerned about, but she pulled off Lois's swager with aplomb. I loved the inherent curiousness she applied to the character's nature. It worked very well. I felt Kate did Margo Kidder proud.

Campy Kevin Spacey and Quirky Parker Posey were great villains. I had also read about how they didn't pull it off in reviews, and I have to disagree. Spacey oozed Luthor from his pores. I could feel the sliminess all down the walls. I especially loved Parker's sassiness. She grows on me as an actress with each role she takes on.

I loved the one liners, and the audience with me did as well. The script was smart and polished, but not so much that it felt contrived. The actors said their lines with ease, which made the movie flow well.

Visually I really enjoyed the film. The set work by Dyas and his crew was impeccable. My biggest quibble was the CGI at times really horrified me with it's fakeness, but that is to be expected. If that is the biggest complaint I can find, then I can live with it.

James "Scott Summers" Marsden gave a great performance as Richard White. I can see why the X3 crew killed him off so quickly - they were pissed at how great he was going to be in this film. I also enjoyed the Jimmy Olsen and Perry White characters. Sam Huntington and Frank Langella, respectively, were great comedy relief, and held a sense of gravity about the movie.

I was very pleased with Superman Returns, and will definitely get the DVD. I am also thinking of trying to take my nephews to see it, since it was very kid friendly. There was no "sexual content" to speak of, and no really strong language. The most harsh thing I could object to, kid wise, was a beating taken midway through the picture. Otherwise, I was thrilled by the fact that I could take my nephews to it and relax, knowing they could enjoy it.

Have any of you seen it? Carl, what did you think of your two viewings? I am curious!