Post by Rob W. Case on Jul 17, 2006 2:36:53 GMT -6
It has been talked about since the early 1990’s and after some 14 or 15 years later, it has finally arrived to the big screen. I’m talking about the new release of Superman Returns, which opened Wednesday June 28, 2006. The movie begins with a brief explanation of the storyline (you know, Superman being from another planet, learns to adapt to life on earth). Then, there is something new. Once astronauts discover massive chunks of kryptonite floating in space, Superman disappears without a trace. After a long absence from city life, and taking care of his earthly mother, Superman Returns.
In my opinion, I thought that Superman Returns was incredibly unique. Sometimes when you go the movies, you end up tolerating plots that tend to be predictable. In this film, there were surprises at every turn.
Connection with the Old Superman Movies:
If you see this movie, you will notice a connection to the previous full-length feature film series (1978, 1980, 1983, and 1987). Hollywood may have a new way to dish out sequels to films that have long passed on. In a new strategy, Superman Returns tears its hooks mostly within the first two Superman films which starred Christopher Reeve. It’s as if this movie was written for Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, and Gene Hackman, but it was performed by a newer, and younger cast. Casting off such a strategy would allow time for the possibility of additional Superman movies to be made.
Superman a Sign of the Times:
Historically within times of peril, people look for ways of escape the harsh realities that surround us every day. In the 1940’s, during World War II, Superman cartoons were displayed in movie houses. In the 1950’s, during the height of the Cold War, George Reeves played the “man of steel” in the original Television version. In the 1960’s, with Vietnam as well as pressure from the Russians, the airwaves were bombarded with shows that allowed Americans to escape. From I Dream of Jeannie to Bewitched. From Batman to The Munsters. And so on, and so on, and so on. Once again, in an era of Superhero movies (X-Men, Spider-Man, Incredible Hulk, and so on), DC Comics, a division of Warner Bros. Studios is resurrecting the Superman franchise. Of course in 2005, Warner Bros. attempted to resurrect the Batman franchise with Batman Begins, seven years after the box-office disaster that was Batman in Robin.
The Story:
The story begins with an update. When astronauts discover fragments of Kryptonite in space, Superman flees, returning to his Smallville farm to help his earth mother out. As world crisis and the release of Lex Luthor from prison (on account of Superman’s failure to show up at the court hearings) start to wreak havoc, Clark Kent returns to Metropolis, looking for his old job back. Upon returning, Superman still expresses feelings for Lois Lane, who is now married with one child.
Old Elements:
Aside from this film having its hooks in the first two Christopher Reeves movies, some old elements still remain. For one, Marlon Brando is in this movie, circa 1977. Using the original stock footage of Jor-El (Brando) instructing his son through the crystals he sent to earth, we see that stock footage used, but mixed with 21st Century computer technology. Much to the delight of Warner Bros., they do not have to pay Marlon Brando anymore. Marlon Brando, signed on to the first two films (1978, 1980) requesting a stake in the profits and demanding a huge salary. Now that he is dead, his footage is the property of Warner Bros. thus creating an interesting, yet unique effect.
I personally liked this movie a lot. There were surprises at every turn, and there were areas that you would not expect them to delve into. Some of the critics gave harsh reviews, but what do they know? I give it 4 out of 4 stars.
In my opinion, I thought that Superman Returns was incredibly unique. Sometimes when you go the movies, you end up tolerating plots that tend to be predictable. In this film, there were surprises at every turn.
Connection with the Old Superman Movies:
If you see this movie, you will notice a connection to the previous full-length feature film series (1978, 1980, 1983, and 1987). Hollywood may have a new way to dish out sequels to films that have long passed on. In a new strategy, Superman Returns tears its hooks mostly within the first two Superman films which starred Christopher Reeve. It’s as if this movie was written for Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, and Gene Hackman, but it was performed by a newer, and younger cast. Casting off such a strategy would allow time for the possibility of additional Superman movies to be made.
Superman a Sign of the Times:
Historically within times of peril, people look for ways of escape the harsh realities that surround us every day. In the 1940’s, during World War II, Superman cartoons were displayed in movie houses. In the 1950’s, during the height of the Cold War, George Reeves played the “man of steel” in the original Television version. In the 1960’s, with Vietnam as well as pressure from the Russians, the airwaves were bombarded with shows that allowed Americans to escape. From I Dream of Jeannie to Bewitched. From Batman to The Munsters. And so on, and so on, and so on. Once again, in an era of Superhero movies (X-Men, Spider-Man, Incredible Hulk, and so on), DC Comics, a division of Warner Bros. Studios is resurrecting the Superman franchise. Of course in 2005, Warner Bros. attempted to resurrect the Batman franchise with Batman Begins, seven years after the box-office disaster that was Batman in Robin.
The Story:
The story begins with an update. When astronauts discover fragments of Kryptonite in space, Superman flees, returning to his Smallville farm to help his earth mother out. As world crisis and the release of Lex Luthor from prison (on account of Superman’s failure to show up at the court hearings) start to wreak havoc, Clark Kent returns to Metropolis, looking for his old job back. Upon returning, Superman still expresses feelings for Lois Lane, who is now married with one child.
Old Elements:
Aside from this film having its hooks in the first two Christopher Reeves movies, some old elements still remain. For one, Marlon Brando is in this movie, circa 1977. Using the original stock footage of Jor-El (Brando) instructing his son through the crystals he sent to earth, we see that stock footage used, but mixed with 21st Century computer technology. Much to the delight of Warner Bros., they do not have to pay Marlon Brando anymore. Marlon Brando, signed on to the first two films (1978, 1980) requesting a stake in the profits and demanding a huge salary. Now that he is dead, his footage is the property of Warner Bros. thus creating an interesting, yet unique effect.
I personally liked this movie a lot. There were surprises at every turn, and there were areas that you would not expect them to delve into. Some of the critics gave harsh reviews, but what do they know? I give it 4 out of 4 stars.