Superman Returns Film Review – What’s It All About?
Let’s dive into Superman Returns, a 2006 superhero film directed by Bryan Singer and starring Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, James Marsden, Frank Langella, and Sam Huntington.
This Superman Returns film review covers everything from standout performances to emotional gut-punches and a few surprises along the way.
So, what’s the deal? Superman returns to Earth after a mysterious five-year absence, only to discover the world has moved on. It all kicks off when he learns Lois Lane has a child and a fiancé, and Lex Luthor is back doing what Lex Luthor does—being incredibly bald and incredibly evil. Naturally, things don’t go quite to plan.
The story follows Superman, who’s feeling a bit ghosted by humanity. He wants to reconnect, but he’s also trying to stop a madman from creating an entire new continent at the cost of billions of lives. Along the way, we meet a bitter Lois, a surprisingly decent Richard White, and Lex Luthor’s painfully clueless girlfriend Kitty. There are laughs, gasps, and at least one airborne yacht.
The Cast – Who’s Bringing It?
Brandon Routh absolutely nails it as Superman—subtle, emotional, and channeling just enough Christopher Reeve to make your nostalgic heart sing. You might not say much if you bumped into him at a bar, but on screen? You feel everything.
Kevin Spacey leans into the role of Lex Luthor with dramatic flair. He’s menacing, smug, and somehow hilarious. Whether it’s a whispered threat or a full-on villain monologue, Spacey delivers.
Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane has the look but feels emotionally distant at times. Still, her chemistry with both Superman and Richard (played by the always-solid James Marsden) creates an intriguing triangle of tension.
Chemistry? Check. Love child drama? Double check.
Direction & Themes – What’s It Really Saying?
Under Bryan Singer’s direction, this isn’t just a cape-and-tights adventure—it’s a story about loss, legacy, and trying to find your place in a world that no longer needs you. It’s surprisingly introspective for a superhero flick.
The film digs into themes like identity, fatherhood, and the burden of expectation. Superman isn’t just a savior—he’s a lonely guy with super strength and super abandonment issues. It’s all there in the quiet moments, the floating above Earth shots, and the haunted looks.
And yes, there are metaphors. Kryptonite is more than a rock—it’s a symbol for emotional vulnerability. And Superman being stabbed with it? Let’s just say the man’s been through enough.
The Look & Sound – Pretty, Sad, or Both?
Visually, Superman Returns is stunning. From Superman’s first flight to that incredible airplane rescue sequence, the cinematography soars. Director of photography Newton Thomas Sigel paints Metropolis with a slightly vintage tint that feels timeless.
The score, based on John Williams’ iconic theme, is used with reverence. Composer John Ottman blends nostalgia with emotional weight, giving Superman his musical swagger without overdoing it.
If you’ve ever looked at the sky hoping for a hero, this movie gets you.
Did You Know? Behind the Scenes
Did you know? Brandon Routh was relatively unknown when he landed the role of Superman—beating out future stars like Henry Cavill and Matt Bomer. Also, the film was meant to be a direct continuation of *Superman II* (1980), ignoring parts 3 and 4 like a family reunion photo nobody talks about.
Kevin Spacey accepted the Lex Luthor role before reading the script, simply due to his friendship with Bryan Singer. And the giant, floating kryptonite island? That thing reportedly cost more than most indie films—combined.
Read more here.
Final Thoughts – Worth Watching?
If you’re looking for high-octane action and a jokey tone like Marvel films, this might not be your jam. But if you’re up for a slow-burn, emotional, character-driven Superman story, *Superman Returns* definitely delivers.
It’s heartfelt, it’s heroic, and yes—it takes itself seriously. Sometimes that’s exactly what a Superman story should do.
