Featured Audience Ratings

• KJ P

  
  "Superman Returns," with many returning elements from it's original source material, is not as good as the originals for many reasons, however it slides into the franchise nicely, with new levels of excitement. After the ending of "Superman IV: The Quest for… More
  "Superman Returns," with many returning elements from it's original source material, is not as good as the originals for many reasons, however it slides into the franchise nicely, with new levels of excitement. After the ending of "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace," the franchise seems like it has died out, but this reboot/sequel brings everything you loved about the first back to the table. It makes references that will put many smiles on fans faces, some subtle and some not-so-sublte, but that is kind of what I loved about this film. The plot points of the first are shown in greater, much broader detail here, which requires more thought, but less originality, so that is kind of a conflicting element. Overall, it's perfectly directed and the cast is great. My biggest complaint is the look of the film, as it is dull throughout the sky scenes (at night) and the close-ups of Brandon Routh as Superman could have done without the close-up CGI body. It is not as strong as the franchises earliest films, but it definitely makes up for the dip. I think is a very very solid return to form for the series, but I think Superman has ran his course in this series of films!

• Everett J

  
  ***1/2 "Superman Returns" is a sequel to "Superman 2" completely forgetting the events of 3 and 4. Here, Superman(Brandon Routh) has been gone for 5 years and returns to Earth. Upon returning he sees that Lois(Kate Bosworth) now has a fiancée and a 5 year old… More
  ***1/2 "Superman Returns" is a sequel to "Superman 2" completely forgetting the events of 3 and 4. Here, Superman(Brandon Routh) has been gone for 5 years and returns to Earth. Upon returning he sees that Lois(Kate Bosworth) now has a fiancée and a 5 year old son(hmmm). Also, Lex Luthor(Kevin Spacey) is out of prison and planning something new that will destroy Superman, and half of America. This movie gets a pretty bad rap because it's not as action filled as other comic book movies, and shows a much more emotional side of Superman. I hadn't rewatched this since I saw it in the theaters, and I gotta say, it holds up good. It's not as bad as I remember, and if you don't compare it to other superhero movies like "Iron Man" or "Dark Knight", it's good for what it is. Routh does a very solid job as the Man of Steel, even if he looks like a wuss in some parts of the movie. Actually, the whole cast is great, especially Spacey, who is good in anything. Yes there is too much "angst" for a comic book movie, but it was necessary for this particular story. I wish they would have done another one, because I'm curious where it goes with him and the boy. Is it perfect? Not by a long shot. It is very long and drawn out(2 and a half hours is way too long). But is it as bad as people remember? Absolutely not. When comparing this to the Reeve's movies, I think the only one better is number 2, but not by much. Definitely worth another view, and you'll see it's better than what you thought it was.

• Jeff "

  
  Bryan Singer has had much success with the X-Men films and he seemed the perfect choice to helm the Superman remake. The original film was spectacular, fun and entertaining from start to finish. Filled with wonderful special effects, Superman The Movie was a monumental achievement in… More
  Bryan Singer has had much success with the X-Men films and he seemed the perfect choice to helm the Superman remake. The original film was spectacular, fun and entertaining from start to finish. Filled with wonderful special effects, Superman The Movie was a monumental achievement in film, and in the superhero medium altogether. Right off the bat, there is something off about this remake, and you realize that it suffers from everything that makes remakes uninspired. Although this is an entertaining film, it lacks the wonder of the original and leaves you wanting more out of the film by the time the credits roll. The cast do a decent job with the material, but none are truly remarkable. Brandon Routh is no Christopher Reeve and he seems poorly chosen for the title role of Clark Kent / Superman. I thought this was an average film and it could have been much better. If you're looking for mindless thrills, then this is you're film. However for those looking for a great Superman film, this will disappoint you. The Richard Donner films were far better and are a must see. However this one leaves a lot to be desired in terms of a great superhero film. The film is entertaining, but I have a feeling Man of Steel will be much better. Bryan Singer simply can't craft something great here, and most of the time the ideas fall flat. I really recommend the original, and it's definitely the best one. However Brandon Routh really doesn't cut it here and the end result is a film that is good, but leaves a lot to be desired in terms of a memorable superhero flick.

• Eugene B

  
  Bryan Singer's portrayal of the Man of Steel presents as a solid and gratifying blockbuster. Visually coherent as well as superbly acted (Brandon Routh & Kevin Spacey) the 2006 adaptation of the famed comic-book icon is thrilling in an emotional set rather than the… More
  Bryan Singer's portrayal of the Man of Steel presents as a solid and gratifying blockbuster. Visually coherent as well as superbly acted (Brandon Routh & Kevin Spacey) the 2006 adaptation of the famed comic-book icon is thrilling in an emotional set rather than the action-packed physical aspect. 4/5

• Lucas M

  
  Nice, but at the same time boring.

• Jason C

  
  It must be hard to make a really good Superman movie. Superman Returns is another installment that falls short of greatness. There are plenty of problems. First off, the whole movie plays out like a sequel to a movie that doesn't exist. Next, mild complaint, but something… More
  It must be hard to make a really good Superman movie. Superman Returns is another installment that falls short of greatness. There are plenty of problems. First off, the whole movie plays out like a sequel to a movie that doesn't exist. Next, mild complaint, but something honestly has to be done to upgrade the secret identity situation. And the biggest complaint, if you're gonna make a movie about Superman come close to 3 hours, it will require a lot more action than what's provided here. It's not all bad though. It's based on one of the greatest characters ever, and Kevin Spacey owns the role of Lex Luthor. I was just kind of indifferent to this.

• Jens S

  
  I never liked Superman. He was always the most boring super hero in my opinion, knowing everything, being able to do everything. Even more amazing how much I enjoyed this movie. Supie is a really likeable character, also/especially as the clumsy Kent thanks to the promising newcomer… More
  I never liked Superman. He was always the most boring super hero in my opinion, knowing everything, being able to do everything. Even more amazing how much I enjoyed this movie. Supie is a really likeable character, also/especially as the clumsy Kent thanks to the promising newcomer Brandon Routh. The movie was very convincing in its "a hero loved by the world" approach. Like Sufjan Stevens sang: "The Man of Metropolis Steals Our Hearts". But: A movie is only as good as its villain. And Kevin Spacey is awesome as Lex Luthor and has the best lines, while Parker Posey is perfect as ditzy villain-girlfriend. Also: the Marlon Brando voice footage, which already gave me shivers during the trailers works great in the movie as well. The action and special effects are outstanding, the return of John Williams original soundtrack fanfare was a great nod (among many) to the original movies. Singer proves once more to be an expert for comic adaptions. Great fun with only few slow passages.

• Universal D

  
  rethinking this one, as any serious supes fan should, and i come to the conclusion that singer has crafted simply the best superman ever made, best superhero story ...in any medium. the plane sequence at the beginning leaves me breathless. sorry it took me so long to get it, bryan,… More
  rethinking this one, as any serious supes fan should, and i come to the conclusion that singer has crafted simply the best superman ever made, best superhero story ...in any medium. the plane sequence at the beginning leaves me breathless. sorry it took me so long to get it, bryan, and thx for the hard work. cue the tina turner song now...

• Jim C

  
  I found Superman Returns actually fun, the effects are great, and I think Brandon Routh played a very cool Superman. Some cheesy moments and plot holes, but that doesn't take away the fun and coolness that is Superman. I personally thought Kevin Spacey was tremendous, and… More
  I found Superman Returns actually fun, the effects are great, and I think Brandon Routh played a very cool Superman. Some cheesy moments and plot holes, but that doesn't take away the fun and coolness that is Superman. I personally thought Kevin Spacey was tremendous, and greatly increased the Lex Luthor lovers. Although its not Batman Begins, its definently one of the coolest reboots out there.

• Melvin W

  
  Lois Lane: "But millions of people will die!" Lex Luthor: "Billions! Once again, the press underestimates me." Superman Returns is an entertaining and fun spin on the Superman franchise. No it isn't as good as the first or second… More
  Lois Lane: "But millions of people will die!" Lex Luthor: "Billions! Once again, the press underestimates me." Superman Returns is an entertaining and fun spin on the Superman franchise. No it isn't as good as the first or second Superman films, but I don't think any Superman will ever top the first. Bryan Singer did a really good job coming up with a story that fits good with the first two. The casting was also very good. For me , Brandon Routh fit in perfect as Superman. I also really enjoyed Sam Huntington as Jimmy Olson. Kate Bosworth was a little hit and miss in her role as Lois Lane, but she did a decent job overall. Also, I can't think of an actor today who would have fit better into the Lex Luthor character than Kevin Spacey. Overall Superman Returns is exactly what it should be; it's a cool and fun add on to the Superman franchise.

• Jameson W

  
  Kevin Spacey is a great Lux Luthor!

• danny d

  
  a hybrid of terrible scenes with amazing ones, a total reboot might have been a better decision and the script could have been much better.

• Albert K

  
  Well made but horrendously boring. Has drama in it, but fails to engage audiences.

• Steven C

  
  I really enjoy Bryan Singer's "Superman Returns". I love where the story was taken, everything seems deterministic and action, drama and romance stem from the actions of the characters; like any good should. Visually, the special effects and cinematography are dazzling.… More
  I really enjoy Bryan Singer's "Superman Returns". I love where the story was taken, everything seems deterministic and action, drama and romance stem from the actions of the characters; like any good should. Visually, the special effects and cinematography are dazzling. I also really like the performances, Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth and Kevin Spacey are all natural fits for me. In the end it's really the character drama and romance that seal the deal for me. It's a brave vision for those elements to take the center of the story, rather than the action, but it's something that is extremely satisfying and resonant.

• Richard C

  
  B

• Conner R

  
  A sad attempt at trying to continue a dead series. Instead of revamping the series, it continued from the end of Superman II. Brandon Routh was essentially a stand in/impersonator for Christopher Reeves. Lex Luther was literally doing the same thing he did in the other movies.… More
  A sad attempt at trying to continue a dead series. Instead of revamping the series, it continued from the end of Superman II. Brandon Routh was essentially a stand in/impersonator for Christopher Reeves. Lex Luther was literally doing the same thing he did in the other movies. It's just more of the same with very little redeeming qualities. It makes very little sense, the gap of 20 years was unexplained and just ridiculous. Suddenly there's flat-screen HD tv's, but all the characters haven't aged more than two years.

• Wahida K

  
  There is one thing I just dont understand why they keep changing Superman`s Background?

• Ginny  

  
  Saw it again, my rating actually improved the 2nd time around. (Gave it 2 1/2 stars the first time). - review to follow, have a headache right now.<br><br><b>Directed by: Bryan Singer<br>Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-fi</b>

• Jason O

  
  The second best film of my favorite of the superheroes: Superman. Only "Superman II" is better than this one. I don't care if it doesn't strictly follow the comic (never got to read it anyway). I love that Superman has a kid, and certain parts (like when… More
  The second best film of my favorite of the superheroes: Superman. Only "Superman II" is better than this one. I don't care if it doesn't strictly follow the comic (never got to read it anyway). I love that Superman has a kid, and certain parts (like when Superman's flying full speed ahead and slowly turns over on his back and lasers some falling rocks with his eyes) are just amazing and make me smile every time I see them. I think the new actor does a great job as Superman and can't wait to see the sequel! Went to the theater and watched this movie and it was an instant favorite, I bought it on DVD, and it holds up well every time I rewatch it. What more can you ask for?

• Anthony L

  
  I hate this film, I don't know what gave Bryan Singer the audacity to sat 'Forget the last 2 films, I've got a better idea'. How dare he! Start again, you wont be able to top the first film but put your own mark on it! Its just so painfully crap, Singer is very… More
  I hate this film, I don't know what gave Bryan Singer the audacity to sat 'Forget the last 2 films, I've got a better idea'. How dare he! Start again, you wont be able to top the first film but put your own mark on it! Its just so painfully crap, Singer is very overrated and the actors all do a pretty lousy job with their characters (apart from Spacey who is the only saving grace). My biggest problem with it is the storyline. Suddenly a whole continent of Kryptonite can't stop Superman ever though a pebble of the stuff nearly kills him. Don't get me started on the whole 'Superboy' scene. At least Superman fans are united in condemning it, I just hope it has not killed Superman's chances in the future. I'm watching Smallville from now on!

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