Before I start, I have to state that I'm not a Superman fan. I've never read the comics. I believe the character and the premise are antiquated and out-dated. Frankly, the idea of a perfect, flawless, alien being, devoid of evil and utterly impervious to anything in the Universe but one substance of which he, for ALL his power, can't seem to keep away from the few people on the planet evil enough to want to kill him a touch ludicrous. To say nothing of the fact that Metropolis' supposed ace reporter, Lois Lane, doesn't have the rudimentary observation capability to wonder, "Gee, if Clark took off his glasses.....hmmmm." Now, I'll try to give as even-keeled and fair a review as I am capable of.
Brandon Routh was perfectly caste in the role of Superman/Clark Kent. I mean if I didn't know any better, I'd swear those crackpots in Ireland cloned this guy from a locket of Christopher Reeve's hair alongside their sheep, Dolly. In fact all the casting was incredibly good. Singer decided to bring on his old partner from "The Usual Suspects", Kevin Spacey (Verbal Kint) to play the follicly challenged genius we love to hate, Lex Luthor. 75% of the reason I was excited to see this flick was watching Mr. Kevin Spacey at work and he sure doesn't disappoint. James Marsden, caste as Lane's fiancee, is perfectly chosen to play the "great guy" boyfriend. Sam Huntington (Jimmy Olsen) gets his share of screentime in the film and really makes good use of it, even though as usual was relegated to comic relief. Frank Langella was very weak in the role of Perry White, coming off as a suit instead of that feisty curmudgeon.
As expected, Bryan Singer does a masterful job behind the camera. He knows how to strike the balance between letting the story dictate the effects while at the same time giving the audience those "Woowwww!" moments. My opinion when it comes to photographic skills and cinematography, Singer is one of the top 5 Directors working today.
The characterization, from what I can tell, was done well. The Superman/Jesus/Moses archetype was laid on thick, which normally I'd find cheesy but in conjuction with the mood of the film gives the character a certain gravitas. Luthor was done with dead-panned lunacy and dour seriousness in equal measure. The zanier dialogue while discussing the most morbid scenarios was a nice, chilling touch. Kent was very much under-developed in the film which didn't irk me so much. There are those who say Superman 'IS' Clark Kent and Superman is what he 'DOES'. I say Superman, the figure, stands on his own as personality, motivations, and actions. Kent is a mere alter-ego that serves the purpose of relating to humanity while deflecting any thoughts of who Superman might actually be (in action if not appearance--don't get me started again).
The plot is horribly bad. There is no kinder way to say it, believe me, I tried. Luthor's grandiose plan (another Land grab for no other reason than to become rich) isn't terribly original and visually-speaking (you'll understand when you see) makes absolutely no sense at all. The movie premise is based on the idea that everything that happened in Superman I and II actually happened. Superman III and IV were quietly (and mercifully) forgotten. The idea is that astronomer's published an article stating that the planet Krypton was actually still around and orbitting, so our hero takes off in a crystal ship to see for himself. Fast-forward five years later (from the end of Superman II) and Superman returns (tearing into the Kansas cornfields of the Kent family again) to Earth just as alienated and lonesome as ever.
As you can tell, the writers and Singer remain steadfastly dedicated to the original two Superman's in both story and appearance. Something which irked me at times, yet still came off intelligent and reverent. Computer wizardry bring Marlon Brando back to life as Jor-El. While the opening credits used the exact same effects as the original movies coming off the screen at you to the same, venerable John Williams Superman theme (still an awesome piece of music!!). Though I didn't mind the obvious hommage to the past, especially the 1978 Richard Donner classic, I can definitely see where people longing for something fresh and original would be greatly disappointed.
The action, pacing, and casting were strong enough to make up for a woefully under-achieving plot and overall lack of originality. The movie has a strong sense of self-importance but then again isn't that what a Superman movie is all about.
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