trinityvixen | Superman Returns, the nonspoilery review

Very enjoyable. I felt that all of the two+ hours were well spent, something that I think Singer does very well, never wasting a shot. It's very pretty, and the CG, though still noticeable in many places, was impressive.

darkling1 pointed out that Superman's cape moved as fluidly as you'd expect it to, which is a hard sell. I especially loved the flying poses Superman adopted--they remind me of the more graceful arcs that someone unbound by gravity could easily loop through. A lot less stiff than any live-action Superman flight to date. It reminded me heavily of the poses you'd see the animated or drawn Superman do: pointed toes on take off, arms floated out to one side or tucked expediently to one side or another.

There was so much tribute to the first two films, that I would recommend seeing one or both before you go. The kid (and boy, he does look young) playing Superman does an admirable job, though I still cannot shake my love and faith for Christopher Reeve in the dual roles. I will say that the cinematic versions of Superman have done the best job making the two characters of Clark Kent and Superman look different enough that I think some people who knew both would be fooled into thinking they were different people (OH NOES! I SPOILED!).

Really, my impression that lasted through to today? I want to give Superman a hug. There's a tremendous, seeping melancholy suffused through the film that makes you ache for the Big S, and in that much at least, the cast and crew have done a fantastic job with what is sort of an otherwise average (plot-wise) but touching tribute. I cannot say I loved loved loved the film (I cannot say that about any Superman movie, to be fair), but I enjoyed every minute and wouldn't be opposed to seeing it again. Plus, I have that free ticket from buying Superman the Animated Series Volume 3. Woo!