posted by NotAnyRon on August 1, 2006; screened on July 2, 2006
Bryan Singer
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2006
I've listed this film at the top of my top 10 so far this year, and I can't really think of much to say about it. It just has that spark that Singer brings to his costumed super-hero films. There is a great chemistry between Superman (Brandon Routh) and Lois (Kate Bosworth), made all the more steamy because they are held back by her relationship with Lois' husband Richard (James Marsden). It just proves that it's not what the director shows, it's what he holds back.
I have a few favorite scenes between Superman and Lois. Superman has been gone from Earth for five years and he returns into Lois' life by saving her (of course he does)! The unspoken sexual tension in that scene is pitch perfect. I also loved the moment where he grants her the interview and catches her lighting a smoke on the rooftop. When she steps onto his feet and he drifts up, up and away without her knowing, I got chills. The other scene that really stood out for me was near the end of the film when Lois was able to play the hero to Superman's damsel in distress. It was a nice role switch and played very well for me.
The other big highlight in this film was Kevin Spacey's brilliantly campy turn as Lex Luthor. He overplayed it perfectly.
On a bit of a side note, I loved seeing this on the big screen. I have a friend who complained that the picture quality was terrible, since the film was shot digitally and projected in analog. He must have gotten a bad print, because I couldn't tell at all. In fact, I marvelled at the detail, especially when I noticed that Superman's suit is textured with miniature S's.