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-   -   "Superman Returns"...the reviews thread. (https://forum.dvdtalk.com/movie-talk/468316-superman-returns-reviews-thread.html)

jiggawhat 07-06-06 03:05 PM


Originally Posted by Richard Malloy
Now there's a manifesto any moron can get behind.

"Superman" aside, people would rather see great films than have to make excuses or lower their expectations, and excellence isn't necessarily synonymous with elitism.

It's just a simple idea that if followed could allow people to enjoy films rather than to write film reviews on them. You should try to follow it because you would have enjoyed the movie a lot more had you.

I think for many people this was a great film, but many are also picking it apart like they got a bone in their burger. But by the same token, if your expectations are so high that it's deluding your thought process than no matter how good the movie really was you would have never liked it based on your thinking.

Jamers 07-06-06 03:39 PM


Originally Posted by chess
Right...because Superman Returns was so fucking thought provoking.

I have an idea...how about you don't stereotype me and insult my intelligence just because I didn't love a movie you apparently did.

I'd just like to point out that chess has admitted here that the MTV Generation are idiots.

Qui Gon Jim 07-06-06 03:51 PM


Originally Posted by jiggawhat
I can't understand the harshness of the reviews here. It kind of seems like people are writing essays on the movies for a film literature class or something. I don't understand how some of you ever enjoy any of the movies you watch if you can pick apart a movie like that.

Sure this movie isn't the Godfather, but at least enjoy it for what it's worth. I think the hype and expectation of this film as done a loop around everyone's head. It's made everyone overly critical of the movie.

I have a friend and all he does is criticize every movie he watches. He never watches it for what it is and never enjoys the movie. Come on people, it's a movie not rocket science. It's supposed to entertain you first and if it teaches you second that's fine, but at least give it a chance.

I don't think half the people who go to movies go for enterainment anymore, they go because they all want to be film critics.

I think the internet, and websites like this one along with the easy access to just about any film ever made has turned many of us that grew up watching "At the Movies" and Gene Shalit into armchair critics.

Now there are many web critics that are good, but there are a big chunk of "us" that are just way too critical.

I rarely watch a movie and go "that sucked." I like some films more than others, but for the most part I am easy to entertain. I don't need to knock someone else down to feel better about myself.

Rival11 07-06-06 03:54 PM


Originally Posted by RockStrongo
I guess you define an action movie differently than I.

To me, Die Hard is an action movie where it relies on its action versus characters and story. I agree that an action movie should not be more than about 1.5-2 hours.

This movie falls into the adventure/fantasy movies for me where there is action, but the story/characters drive the film more (like Harry Potter and so on).

Thats why if you dont like the characters and story, I can see this being a disappointment; whereas an action movie can easily be liked based on the action alone.

I agree 110% with you. This is NOT an action movie, at least that's how I see it. The majority of what I love about this film is that it takes the time to explore it's characters and in doing so, it makes the feeling of Supes have that much more power here.

I also more than agree with what jiggawhat said on how most people just want to be critics in this day and age. Unforutately it's true and it does make me wonder what it takes to entertain those types of people - and that statement has nothing to do with Supes either, it's a general statement so don't go crazy on me.

Dr. DVD 07-06-06 04:38 PM

I know this movie has already broken $100 million, and will mosty likely break $200 million before the summer is over. How much will it need to make worldwide before they greenlight a sequel? I have heard that WB just wanted this one to do well enough to re-launch the series, so I was wondering how much "well enough" is to them.

vegasbaby 07-06-06 04:54 PM

I hear that WB wants to cut the budget greatly for the sequel, so Superman will not be flying in Supe Returns 2 (like he doesnt in Smallville). He'll just walk fast, I guess.

;)

jiggawhat 07-06-06 05:08 PM

I wonder how much of the budget was attributed to the previous incarnations that it went through. I mean they had Tim Burton, Nicholas Cage, MCG, and many others attached to this. It must have cost them at least $50M before they even got this off the ground (no pun intended).

Mr. Cinema 07-06-06 05:39 PM

The numbers floating around were about $50-$60 million.

The reported budget for this version was around $204 million before ads, which would put it along side Titanic, King Kong, Armageddon, and X-Men: The Last Stand who all had similar budget numbers.

chess 07-06-06 05:47 PM


Originally Posted by Jamers
I'd just like to point out that chess has admitted here that the MTV Generation are idiots.

I'm not even sure whether I'm in the MTV generation...born 1972.

I think I'm Gen X. Is that the same thing?

Rival11 07-06-06 06:02 PM


Originally Posted by chess
I'm not even sure whether I'm in the MTV generation...born 1972.

I think I'm Gen X. Is that the same thing?

No, The MTV generation comes after Gen X.

bballing 07-06-06 07:05 PM

I don't think this film is too long. Honestly, it really didn't feel like 2+ hours.

I went in hoping for something special and I was a little disappointed, but I still enjoyed it. I can't quite put my finger on what was missing.

I have some small problems with the film like others do, Lois being too young, the kid, the ending, but they did not ruin it for me.

I would give it a 7/10 if someone asked me.

chess 07-06-06 07:10 PM


Originally Posted by bballing
I don't think this film is too long. Honestly, it really didn't feel like 2+ hours.

I went in hoping for something special and I was a little disappointed, but I still enjoyed it. I can't quite put my finger on what was missing.

I have some small problems with the film like others do, Lois being too young, the kid, the ending, but they did not ruin it for me.

I would give it a 7/10 if someone asked me.

Pretty much my feelings on it...though I probably come off as a bit more negative.

Jamers 07-06-06 09:11 PM


Originally Posted by bballing
I can't quite put my finger on what was missing.

I kind of thought they should have expanded more on what Superman saw when he went into space. Maybe just 10 minutes worth.

Rogue588 07-06-06 09:23 PM


Originally Posted by Qui Gon Jim
I rarely watch a movie and go "that sucked." I like some films more than others, but for the most part I am easy to entertain.

Wish I could say the same (about rarely watching a movie and saying "that sucked." I mean, I rarely, if ever, watch a flick that I don't want to see. However, I remember watching "Signs" and "Crash" (two movies I did want to see) and going :whofart: "Man, did that suck". Perhaps it was based on preconceived thoughts due to the phenomenons that those films became, but I don't think so. I've liked films that the "majority" (or Oprah :)) hasn't (and vice versa). I also think it's way too easy to casually dismiss those with opposing views. Sure, there are going to be those who want to bitch for the sake of bitching, but there also will be those who honestly don't like what they see (for whatever reason).


Originally Posted by vegasbaby
I hear that WB wants to cut the budget greatly for the sequel, so Superman will not be flying in Supe Returns 2 (like he doesnt in Smallville). He'll just walk fast, I guess.

;)

Or LEAP... :p

FinkPish 07-06-06 09:30 PM


Originally Posted by Jamers
I kind of thought they should have expanded more on what Superman saw when he went into space. Maybe just 10 minutes worth.

I believe that is part of the material that Singer cut from the theatrical version, so it's probably something we'll see on DVD at some point.

RogueScribner 07-07-06 04:36 AM

I just returned from seeing Superman Returns on a DLP screen. Ever since last week I've wanted to see the movie again primarily because just as the movie was moving into the third act it was stopped for 20 minutes while someone received medical attention. Suffice it to say that I was completely pulled out of the movie and watched the rest of it feeling oddly detached from what I was seeing. I figured before I spout my opinion everywhere, I should see the film the way it was meant to be seen, free of any distractions and preconcieved expectations. Since I've seen the movie once already, I wasn't as enthusiastic to see it this time. Therefore, undue hype and expectations should not cloud my judgment of this movie.

So now that I've seen it properly, what says I?



I frackin' loved it!




It's not a perfect movie, but what movie is? Lex wasn't evil enough, it's another land scheme, Kitty was anachronistic and annoying, there weren't enough Super Feats, bla bla bla bla bla. You know what? All valid points, but it didn't lessen my enjoyment one bit.

This film accomplishes what only Donner's film almost managed to do: make Superman downright MYTHIC. Not just in power, but in his struggles, his desires, his sacrifices, and his humanity. Superman is of this world, but isn't really a part of it. He's been deified by the masses and Singer's film really drives that point. It's not a position Superman cares to be in 24/7, but he knows his destiny is greater than his human desires and dreams. For this reason, he is Superman and not just some guy moonlighting as a superhero when he wants to get his kicks.

I will lose some Man Points for admitting this, but I teared up towards the end of the movie today (which didn't come close to happening the first time I saw the movie). My throat first got a little froggy when
Spoiler:
Superman told Lois, "Goodbye." He knew he wasn't coming back and he wanted to make sure he gave her a proper farewell first. Then the expression on Superman's face as he struggled to lift that island into space, the struggle, the agony, the determination to not give up until the job was done, no matter what . . . my eyes started to water. My heart sank as he fell silently to Earth. Then the world came together to attempt to save their savior. Just the idea that they still tried to do something even though they couldn't do anything, it got to me. And though he fell back to his homeland, I know that if he landed anywhere else in the world the result would have been the same. People would have rallied around him, they would have attempted to save their savior. The final girly-man moment for me was when Superman speaks those fatherly words to his son. He left Earth in a desperate search for a home and family, any remnants of his true heritage, only to find he had what he was looking for here all along.


I love how everything wasn't packaged in a neat little bow at the end.
Spoiler:
Lex Luthor is still out there in the world somewhere (assuming Superman didn't capture him offscreen). Superman gained a family, but not the family he probably dreamed of. Lois cares for Superman, but she's in love with Richard. Jason is Superman's son, but he's in good hands with Lois and Richard. To pull him away from that now would be a disservice to him, especially in light of the life Superman leads. But one day, Jason will have questions and Superman will have answers. And much like he's served as a light to show people the way for all these years, he'll do so again on a more personal level with Jason. The son becomes the father, the father becomes the son.


There were some truly beautiful shots in this movie and I don't need to reiterate them here. Anyone who has seen the movie knows what I'm referring to. The score was more character driven than action driven, as the story itself was, and it's real sweet to listen to. I loved the costumes (especially the costume) and art direction. The production design. Everything about the look and sound of this movie was just right. Singer wasn't slavishly devoted to Donner's films, but rather he heightened everything that was good about them. I'll be interested to see where he takes this franchise next.

Kevin Spacey was a great casting choice, but I find myself thinking he just wasn't given enough to do. He had flashes of brilliance, but he is surrounded by cronies for most of the film and Luthor thrives on conflict, not yes-men. James Marsden was probably likeable for the first time ever. I was pretty indifferent to him in the X-Men films, to tell the truth, and outside of the The Notebook I'm not sure what else he's even been in. But I really liked him as Richard. Kate Bosworth was okay as Lois. She wasn't as strong or outgoing as Margot Kidder was. Hell, not even Teri Hatcher. She didn't really detract from the role, I don't think, but I don't think she particularly added to it either. Hopefully she'll grow into the role in the next film. Which brings me to Brandon Routh as Clark/Superman. I liked his Clark generally, but we didn't really get to see that play out too much outside of some comic bits. I really wish we saw more of him with his mother, but that was not to be. As Superman, overall, I think he did a commendable job. And as I described above, his performance really got to me in a few places. However, there were moments when his face looked completely blank and it was hard to get into his head during those times. I also think there were moments where he tried a little hard to be Christopher Reeve and I think that was the wrong way to approach the role. Be reverent, but don't copy another man's performance. Sadly, Brandon Routh is not Christopher Reeve. I think Reeve simply had more presence and charisma in the role, but hopefully Routh too will grow more comfortable in the suit in future installments.

I wish there was more stuff in Smallville, more time spent on getting inside Superman's head a little. But I understand the film was running long already and Singer had to make many difficult cuts. I hope the DVD at least has a large deleted scenes section, if not an altogether extended version of the movie. Singer explored that line between Superman's godliness and his humanity and I'm eager for more. Overall, I'd give this movie a solid 8/10. I think Donner's original film edges it out, but if Singer can up the ante in the next film, he may just have him beat. God, I hope there are sequels. Superman's story is just beginning! :)

RockStrongo 07-07-06 07:39 AM


Originally Posted by jiggawhat
I wonder how much of the budget was attributed to the previous incarnations that it went through. I mean they had Tim Burton, Nicholas Cage, MCG, and many others attached to this. It must have cost them at least $50M before they even got this off the ground (no pun intended).


I read that the cost was $260 million....$40 million of that was everything before Superman Returns production.

So basically, Superman Returns cost $220 million if you take out all the shit from before (Burton, various screenwriters and so on).

Josh H 07-07-06 11:09 AM


Originally Posted by jiggawhat
I don't think half the people who go to movies go for enterainment anymore, they go because they all want to be film critics.

:thumbsup:

I've always been a movies are entertainment guy. Sure I enjoy the great film as much as anyone, but I don't expect every film I see to be up to those standards.

In fact I don't want them to be. I'm an academic and spend all day everyday thinking, most of the time I just want to veg in front of the TV or cinema screen and watch something that's entertaining and doesn't require much though.

For that type of movie, Superman Returns is excellent. Of course it's not Schindler's List or Citizen Kane, but it's not meant to be and shouldn't be held to, or judged by, such standards IMO.

Duh Vuh Duh 07-07-06 11:33 AM


Originally Posted by jiggawhat
I wonder how much of the budget was attributed to the previous incarnations that it went through. I mean they had Tim Burton, Nicholas Cage, MCG, and many others attached to this. It must have cost them at least $50M before they even got this off the ground (no pun intended).

This doesn't get into the numbers too much, but it's a very interesting read. I knew some of the story, but didn't know how far it went back.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superman_Lives

Kal-El 07-07-06 01:46 PM


Originally Posted by Duh Vuh Duh
This doesn't get into the numbers too much, but it's a very interesting read. I knew some of the story, but didn't know how far it went back.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superman_Lives

Thanks for that. Now I love this movie even more. My goodness:

- Luthiac?
- Superman's "soul" inhabiting Lois' body ending with an Immaculate Conception?
- Chris Rock as Jimmy Olsen?
- Luthor as a Kryptonian?

Ranger 07-07-06 05:41 PM

btw: What car was Lois driving? It looked like some four door wagon, hatchback thing. Not sure if it was a Matrix.

Kal-El 07-07-06 06:45 PM


Originally Posted by Ranger
btw: What car was Lois driving? It looked like some four door wagon, hatchback thing. Not sure if it was a Matrix.

Well in the novelization is was some type of Audi. I think it was also in the movie.

Patman 07-07-06 08:01 PM

It appears to be an Audi A3.

Shannon Nutt 07-07-06 08:17 PM


Originally Posted by Kal-El
Thanks for that. Now I love this movie even more. My goodness:

- Luthiac?
- Superman's "soul" inhabiting Lois' body ending with an Immaculate Conception?
- Chris Rock as Jimmy Olsen?
- Luthor as a Kryptonian?

And lets not forget the giant spider and Superman wrasslin' a polar bear. ;)

Superman07 07-07-06 09:44 PM

Yes, it was an A3.

http://www.audiusa.com/model_home/0,...ystyle=a3sedan

I'll post more later, but I got back from seeing it a second time and enjoyed it much more than the first time - didn't have any expectations to live up to. :up:


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