Film Review of
Superman Returns
Director: Bryan Singer (2006)
Distributor: Warner Brothers
Certificate: 12AU
Reviewed by Andrew Wooding
Spoiler notice: If you read on will become aware
of some of the content of the film.
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Main Characters:
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Understandably, there has been a mixed reception to this movie, with some of the negative comments including words such as "slow", "flat" and "overlong". There is an element of truth to some of this – the film lasts more than 2 and a half hours. Maybe people were expecting an action-packed, thrill-a-minute superhero film – especially as Superman Returns came out just weeks after X-Men: The Last Stand, and the director happens to be the same as the first two X-Men movies.
As for me, I loved it, but that's because I'm a big fan of the first two Superman movies, themselves not far off being 2 and a half hours long. They were an important part of my childhood, so naturally I got goosebumps when the voice of Superman's father (played by Marlon Brando both here and in the first movie) started this new film, the familiar John Williams theme music boomed out and the 3-D credits zoomed towards me, just like in the original. The feeling of nostalgia continued as Brandon Routh's portrayal of Clark Kent was so close to that of the late Christopher Reeve it was uncanny.
I wasn't such a big fan of Superman 3 and 4 which came out in the eighties, and neither it seems is director Bryan Singer. A certain plot point in Superman Returns implies that it takes place not long after the events of Superman 2. In effect then, Superman Returns has become the new Superman 3, erasing the eighties sequels from history – which I don't have too much of a problem with!
Yes, there is action in this film, but mostly the tone is poetic, bittersweet and epic. Superman is portrayed as the earth's saviour, but he is a saviour who is vulnerable, has regrets and feels a great burden for the world he has made his home. There is also a lot to say about relationships, goodbyes and fatherhood.
Special mention must go to Kevin Spacey who turns in an excellent performance as Lex Luthor. Gene Hackman was great in the originals but played Lex Luthor mainly for laughs. Here, Kevin Spacey displays dry humour, determination and brooding intensity. Just from Lex's eyes alone you can see that you are looking at someone who is unhinged and plainly mad.
Another nice touch is the live action recreation of the cover of the first ever Superman comic, as well as a nod to the familiar catchphrase, "Is it a bird? Is it a plane?"
For fans of Superman 1 and 2, this is a worthy continuation of the Superman myth. It isn't a rollercoaster ride and it isn't full of laughs. Instead, we have a 2 and a half hour exploration of a man coming to terms with loss and mid-life crisis and in so doing experiencing new life and a new sense of maturity.
Through the lens of Christian Faith
Some key themes: Does the world need a saviour?
"God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through him" (John 3 v 16-17).
I find it fascinating that one of the people considered for the role of Superman was an actor by the name of James Caviezel. In the end he turned the role down in order to play Jesus in Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ. If he had stayed with the Superman project he would have found himself playing a character with many parallels to Jesus. Here are just a few I jotted down while watching the film. Coincidences? I think not.
- Lex Luthor's girlfriend, Kitty Kowalski, sings the Christian song, "He's got the whole world in his hands" as Lex reads about the return to earth of Superman.
- We hear Superman's father tell Superman that he sending the world his only son because the human race needs someone to light the way. Sounds suspiciously similar to the Bible verse I've quoted above.
- Lois Lane wrote a cynical article called: "Why the world doesn’t need Superman." She confronts Superman with this, but Superman replies: "You wrote that the world doesn't need a saviour, but every day I hear people crying for one ."
- While trying to save the world, Superman's side is pierced by Lex Luthor – echoes of Jesus' side being pierced on the cross.
- There is a famous painting by Salvador Dali called "Christ of St John on the Cross". You may have seen it. Jesus, on the cross, is floating above the earth. This image is reproduced near the end of the film. Superman is dying after saving the world and has his arms spread out in the shape of the cross.
There are more parallels to be found at this link, many of which I hadn't noticed, even after seeing the film twice: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/5223302.stm
Interestingly, the film ends with Lois Lane attempting to write a follow-up article, called "Why the world needs Superman." She has obviously changed her mind and realises that the world does indeed need a saviour.
What do you think? Do we need someone from above to help us straighten ourselves out – an alien, a higher power or God – or should the human race take care of its own problems? God seems to think that the world needs a saviour – that’s why we see in the verse above that "God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through him" (John 3 v 17).
Narrow it down. Yes, he's "got the whole world in his hands", but the world is made up of individuals like you and me. Ask yourself: do you need a saviour? In the Bible verse above, substitute your name whenever "the world" appears (ie, "God loved Andrew so much that he gave his one and only Son…"). How does it feel when you place your name in there?
Do you need a saviour, or can you go your own way? Only you can decide.
Discussion questions . . .
- Which is your favourite Superman film and why?
- Do you think there should be a sequel to Superman Returns, or was it too slow and serious?
- Which of Lois Lane’s two articles do you agree with most? Does the world need a saviour, or can the world take care of itself?
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