by Ryan Burton

Created on: December 12, 2007   Last Updated: January 07, 2012

After a waiting period of 20 years, fans had the opportunity to watch the Man of Steel grace the big screen in the 2006 film, "Superman Returns." Though there IS a huge amount of sadness to process because the late Christopher Reeve had been a hero to many people (even during his battle with paralysis), and so it can be upsetting to watch this movie. Especially when another unknown actor named Brandon Routh takes over a role that is meant to serve as a sequel. The movie is entertaining, and it does try to stay true to the Reeve films in spirit. Yet when you compare it to an action film, it fails to live up to huge expectations, and once again the fans wait for the return of Superman.

When you look back at the Superman films, Christopher Reeve MADE them work with his clarity, warmth, and physicality. He was the man who made me believe a man can fly, AND believe he was the timid reporter Clark Kent. No other actor at that point in time had pulled it off like he had. The first 2 films are the best in the series. Though "Superman III" (1983) is THE worst entry because its more of a Richard Pryor movie that's done more for comedy than serious entertainment. The sad tale holds true for "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace" (1987) as well. While dealing with the "don't-ask-don't tell" issues of nuclear disarment, it TRIES to capture the tone and style of the first 2 films. Yet, it suffers from bad special effects AND editing (when it could have been saved). This film marked the final appearance of Christopher Reeve, and it was strongly believed there would never be another film.

That was until Warner Brothers began working on the concept. Unfortunately, there was debate as to whether the series should be rebooted like the Batman franchise which suffered from lack of creative authority. Numerous directors like Tim Burton and Kevin Smith were considered as canidate directors. Both men considered either taking it in a darker direction, OR base "their" film off of the most-popular comic book story: "The Death of Superman". Granted it was an interesting concept. However, the direction they wanted to go with drew out a wide range of opinions with the studio. Plus you had to consider who you could get to play Superman. With the outrageous choice of considering Nicolas Cage in the role, people NEEDED to remember

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>