Not enough lines as Superman. Not enough action. Bad casting choice for Lois Lane. Long and drawn out. Too much story. How’d I do? I know there are several others. Believe me I’ve read all the fan-boy criticisms of Superman Returns. But as a fan of the Superman universe that includes comic books, graphic novels, television series, cartoons, and full-length motion pictures, I have to say I am considerably more concerned with how the reboot is shaping up than I am with the legacy Returns will leave.
Superman Returns caught a lot of flack for not having enough action. In a comic book movie world of X-Men, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, Iron Man, Watchmen, and so on, it seems as if fans of the genre are expecting the same from the Superman franchise. But, I would argue that traditionally our savior in the red cape is the least violent of his kind. He has always been portrayed as the big boy scout fighting for truth, justice and the American way. He is conscious of systems of justice and everyone’s right to a fair trial, but more importantly every man’s right to redemption.
We have been told, or perhaps warned, that the newest incarnation of the Kal-El story will be much more action packed; with Superman taking on a darker persona, and really giving it to the bad guys. I am not against more action, but please don’t make him like every other “hero.” I like that he can take a bullet in the eye and smile. I like that he can apprehend Lex Luthor and drop him in the middle of a prison yard rather than kill him. I like that he is slightly more optimistic and brightly colored. After all, this is how he was taught to be. He is meant to set an example for society; not make an example out of society.
“They are a great people, Kal-El, they wish to be. They only need the light to show them the way. For this reason, I send them you: my only son.” -Jor-El.
In a similar vain, it seems as if people are excited about Christopher Nolan mentoring his brother in the production of this film. Let’s be clear: Christopher Nolan is in no way involved with this movie. Besides, Nolan’s muse, Bruce Wayne’s Batman, is a human being with extraordinary means and technology that he uses to wreak havoc on the underworld as retribution for the murder of his parents. Bruce Wayne’s world and his outlook should be painted in a dark way because that’s what his character has experienced. This is not the case with the kid from Smallville.
Kal-El found refuge on planet earth as Clark Kent and had a Midwest, corn-fed upbringing full of love and moral direction. He would have no reason to be dark and brooding; no reason to want to teach everyone a lesson. He simply would want to give back, and moreover, fulfill his destiny as being the savior the world needs and deserves.
“I hear everything. You wrote that the world doesn’t need a savior, but every day I hear people crying for one.” -Superman.
The Superman story is, at its core, a love story. Kal-El relies on and is fueled by the love of his deceased parents, his adoptive parents John and Martha Kent, his love of human-kind, and the love of a girl: Lois Lane. I truly believe that the relationship between Lois and Superman is rival to that of the greatest cinematic love stories of the past. Superman Returns has one of the most romantic scenes in recent history with the meeting on the rooftop and the flight over Metropolis. Expertly written and acted, John Williams’ score sets the tone with Lois Lane’s iconic theme Can You Read My Mind as the back drop.
Brandon Routh was a great Superman and those who say otherwise are simply wrong. Above the city glow with the problems of the world below, Routh’s Superman looks at Lois and says, “I’m sorry I left you Lois. I’ll take you back now.” Back to the roof of the Daily Planet? Back as my girlfriend? It doesn’t matter: it’s heart wrenching nonetheless. If you haven’t seen it lately, watch this scene from Returns and really pay attention. It is simply an example of movie magic and what the Superman love story is all about. Then think about what the reboot may be like if the Man of Steel is darker, meaner, without romance. What will Superman be without love? Is that what we want?
“Faster than a speeding bullet. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Look, up in the sky! It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s…..”
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s…..a flight of fantasy. Superman is an alien who was sent to save a planet with his superpowers by his parents moments before they were killed as their planet collided with its sun. Nothing about this should be believable, but somehow it is. My sincere hope is that the new movie does not kill the fantasy: bright colors, giant boots, a cape flapping in the wind, the curl, etcetera. Let us escape. Let us be inspired. I love the Nolan Batman movies, but after I watch them I have to admit I feel a little bit like kicking someone’s rear end. For that franchise to elicit such emotion is a mission accomplished. After I watch a Superman movie, I want to feel like saving the world.
At the risk of this getting much longer I will conclude. I am not going to dig at Zach Snyder, or Henry Cavhill, or Kevin Costner, or Jonah Nolan. Regardless of what hits the big screen, I will pay money to see it, and I’ll probably enjoy it. But I think it’s also time for all Superman fans to get their heads on straight and come to the realization that we are dealing with a better class of superhero. Admit you like the boy scout attitude. Admit you are a sucker for a good love story. Admit that you love the bright, optimistic world that Superman creates. Admit that the world needs a better Superman, and then hope, as I am, that we get the one we deserve.