The film also utilizes archived footage of Marlon Brando as Kal-El (as the actor died two years before the film's release). Kate Bosworth replaces Margot Kidder as Lois Lane. Clark Kent/Superman is now played by Brandon Routh, who replaces the late Christopher Reeves (whom passed away before this film) and Kevin Spacey takes over the role of Lex Luthor from Gene Hackman. As most of the cast from the original two films are either old or passed away, most of the roles have been recast. The film's story erases the third and fourth film from continuity, being set five years after Superman II. The man of steel returns to protecting Metropolis and tries to adjust to how the world changed, as Lex manages to break into Fortress of Solitude and steal Kryptonian crystals for use in a new sinister plan. Because of this, Lex Luthor is released from prison due to him not appearing in court to testify against him, and Lois Lane has a kid. Made 19 years after the box office bomb that is Superman IV: The Quest For Peace, the film sees Superman return to Earth after being gone for five years due to hearing about a discovery of Krypton's remains. Reviewed by jeremycrimsonfox 8 / 10 Underrated Film That Sticks To The Formila I wanted to ramble about a movie I think deserves far more. The reason this isn't a review of the movie itself, is because I wanted to spread some positivity. Unfortunately for Superman Returns, that word of mouth was a nail in an undeserved coffin. This film is the victim of a horrible reputation created by annoying little youtubers and internet dwellers that probably haven't seen the film in its entirety. Come back with YOUR opinion, realise this movie is incredibly underrated, and let's get together to raise this score. Go in without the encumbrance of pre judgment, and enjoy. So I ask, what more do we want? It's loyal to the formula and made me, my family, and most of the theatre audience I sat among. We have amazing VFX, action for days, strong superman portrayal, emotional story, huge stakes and a villain worthy of Superman.
Other than Lois, we have a very strong cast. The character has been done little justice and it's truly a shame. Lois has not been portrayed well since Margot Kidder, period. She is the weakest link in this relatively sturdy chain. Returning to something negative, however, the eye is drawn to Lois and the actress portraying her. Better than Henry Cavill and this is coming from a HUGE Man of Steel fan. Routh comes across as superman perfectly and convincingly. But his face, screen presence and "aura" cannot be argued with. I tend to agree with the opinion that he looks a little young and a little scrawny. Everything man made is flawed, to varying degrees. There are very few weak points in this movie for a Superman fan, very few. The effects? Mind boggling for its time, could compete with any blockbuster around that time and even years afterwards. The writing, again, on par with any GOOD movie. The acting is fabulous, Spacey as Lex is particularly well cast. If we're comparing this movie to ANY other good movie, it matches them. Without that pesky influence we call "word of mouth" having an impact on how you think. I'd love for some people to come here with some real, raw thoughts on this movie. Without going to some nitpicking little YouTuber to help you form your opinion, watch the movie yourself and come back here with your OWN opinion. I then went on to see if other people shared my love of the movie, to find an overwhelmingly negative air surrounding any discussion about the movie. When I first saw this movie in theatre, I loved it. Reviewed by adrenilinmatt-56062 8 / 10 Incredibly underrated. In an attempt to protect the world he loves from cataclysmic destruction, Superman embarks on an epic journey of redemption that takes him from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of outer space. Or has she? Superman's bittersweet return challenges him to bridge the distance between them while finding a place in a society that has learned to survive without him. While an old enemy plots to render him powerless once and for all, Superman faces the heartbreaking realization that the woman he loves, Lois Lane, has moved on with her life. Following a mysterious absence of several years, the Man of Steel comes back to Earth in the epic action-adventure Superman Returns, a soaring new chapter in the saga of one of the world's most beloved superheroes.