| Overall Grade: |
C |
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| Story: |
C- |
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| Acting: |
B- |
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|
| Direction: |
C- |
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|
| Visuals: |
B |
|
|
This movie makes you feel "eh"
by SteveG (movies profile)
Jun 16, 2007
45
of
62 people found this review helpful
It's always nice to see superman flying around, but overall, this movie's just a little too so-so to get you excited.
First of all, it's got a sssllllloooww start. I'd be fine waiting 30 minutes for the first appearance of Superman, if something else interesting happens. Instead, there are these drawn-out scenes. When you're watching them, you're ok with sitting through the slow start because you think the movie's going to be filled with spectacular stuff. Trouble is, there's plenty, plenty more boring stuff in this movie.
The story is just slow slow slow overall and there's simply not enough action to make it worthwhile. Even most of Superman's flying is not done in an action stance, but rather David Blaine levitation-style. He looks more like he's being sucked up by a tractor beam than flying like Superman. We all know the real Superman doesn't waste time with levitation - if he's gonna fly, he puts his fists in front of his head and motors!
The whole emotional storyline with Lois is even more boring than it was in the original movies, but with less chemistry and taking place in longer scenes. Also, (spoiler alert) be prepared to watch a movie where Superman is dead or close to dead for WAY too much of the movie. If I wanted to see that movie, I would have just seen "Man Returns". In the original Superman, and even in Superman II, he's never powerless for more than 15 minutes or so. And in Superman II at least you had General Zod and the others to keep you interested with super powers. In this movie, you just have to sit there waiting FOREVER for him to get his powers back.
There are a few laughs in the movie, and it is fun to see Superman on the big screen again. But they could have done SO much more. Here's hoping the sequels are better written.
Routh is ok as Superman, and could be good as Kent, but I don't think the script does enough to bring out the Clark Kent side, which was one of the most fun things about the original series.
Kate Bosworth's Lois Lane is a pretty ridiculous character. She's just too pretty, too young-looking, and too gentle to be the hard-as-nails character she's supposed to be. Plus (spoiler here) if you saw Superman II, you know Lois Lane isn't much of a swimmer, but she demonstrates some incredible lifeguard skills in this movie.
Kevin Spacey's Lex Luthor is basically just Spacey again, being all creepy and completely devoid of conscience. Gene Hackman was at least a little charming. Parker Posey is a high point, as she does an excellent job re-creating the role Miss Tessmacher from the original Superman, and actually gives you new respect for Valerie Perrine's character in the original.
Direction is a low point, as some of the most important action in the movie isn't really seen enough. There's also the typical action movie "it's been way too long for them to have really survived" suspense. This has been done so much now that the times keep getting longer and longer. Do directors really think they need to leave us hanging THAT long for us to enjoy it? I think I'd appreciate rescues that don't insult my intelligence by trying to trick me into thinking someone is already dead.
Overall, it's ok, but nothing to get to excited about. If you like Superman, sure go see it, but realize you're not going to see too much action, and you get a lot of a story you won't care much about. |
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