Brandon wasn't the problem in Superman Returns, and neither was Kevin Spacey. The story wasn't big enough to reboot the franchise, and the tone of the film was inconsistent.
And, Oh yeah, Kate Bosworth ruined the movie. There was ZERO chemistry between Lois and Clark. And, they probably also were hindered with being the first attempt to try to replace Chris Reeve on the big screen.
I'm not thinking that were was much casting couch hyjinx going on- (possible, but unlikely) but what IS true is that Brandon proved to pack out his super suit a bit too much (check out the body scan the boy did in a nude bodystocking for the CG work - the boy is HUNG) and so for many scenes his Super Codpiece had to be digitally reduced because test audiences found it too distracting.
Marlins- too bad you didn't enjoy this movie. I'd actually give it about a 94/100. Excellent casting, actors who knew to play to their strengths and just be "pieces" of the puzzle and nothing more- certainly not to outdo the performances of their iconic predecessors. Henry Cavill fits the cape, and has a Reeve-like integrity on screen. Amy Adams plays her pieces clean and smart. And best of all is Russell Crowe, whose JorEl performance is used to Shakespearian perfection.
Fantastic story, and an INCREDIBLE script- go back and look at how much exposition these actors inject into an action film, because they know how to be in the moment and sell dialogue- it's where George Lucas failed. An inspiring score by Hans Zimmer, and a balanced pacing that made great use of a non-linear storyline to build to an explosive climax.
The real reason why this movie succeeds: in a couple years' worth of superhero movies that have progressively been trying to take the top dog position, this movie slips in with a MAJESTIC sweeping epic that is a love story between Superman and Humanity, is grounded in family relationships that experience joy, growth, and loss, pays homage to almost every important visual effect film from the last 10 years, and then gives you one of the most amazing, multi level fight scenes as a payoff.
All this, while giving us new mythos to add to the Superman legend--- which gives REAL meaning and motivations for all of the characters- and which turns robotic characters into variables who must decide their actions. Just watch the movie and pay attention to how much care has been placed to what we are told, what we are shown.
I loved seeing this movie in the theatre on opening weekend, and I actually went for a second helping this weekend- and while I do agree it's maybe 10-15 minutes long (that could have been saved for the director's cut DVD or disk 2 extras- that was my only minor complaint) but at that point I'm willing to over eat a bit at the buffet, because what's on the screen is an embarrassment of riches, IMHO.
