Directed by: Bryan Singer
Written by: Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris
Based on the characters by: Jerry Siegel
Produced by: Bryan Singer, Gilbert Adler and Jon Peters
Starring: Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, Parker Posey, Sam Huntington, Tristan Leabu, James Marsdon, Frank Langella
Studio: Warner Brothers Pictures

While Christopher Nolan was reviving the Batman franchise destroyed by Joel Schumacher, Warner Brothers and DC Comics knew the success that that film would bring and decided it was time to bring back the most popular superhero: Superman. Bryan Singer has moved on from X-Men to tackle this classic character and he has given him respect. Sure, the film has plot holes galore, but nobody watches these summer blockbusters for that sort of thing. They watch them for the action and while Superman Returns does provide a lot of that, there is some romance thrown to keep the women interested as well.

After a five year absence, Superman (played by newcomer Brandon Routh) is back to save Earth again. However, much to the disappointment of Supes and his alter ego, Clark Kent, the love of his life Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth) has gotten married and also has a son. To make matters worse, his arch nemesis Lex Luther (Kevin Spacey) is out of prison and planning a scheme that will destroy most of the United States. It is once again up to Superman to stop his evil plan.

Richard Donner's Superman with Christopher Reeve stands as the best superhero film ever made and while this sequel (which ignores the 1983 and 1987 chapters) doesn't even come close, it is still rather good. The highlight is Routh who is fantastic as Clark and Superman. I see a bright future ahead of him. Kevin Spacey looks like he had a lot of fun playing Lex and even though he doesn't match Gene Hackman's portrayal of the character, he does a good job nonetheless. The only flaw of the cast is Kate Bosworth, who just doesn't have the spunk of Margot Kidder. Special consideration should also go to the fantastic special effects, which look set to win an Oscar like the original. The opening credits alone are exciting with that wonderful John Williams score booming through the screen.