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Review #168 of 365
Film: Superman Returns: An IMAX® 3D Experience [PG-13] 157 minutes
WIP™ Scale: (1st time $12.75 + 2nd time $12.00 + 3rd time $13.00)/3= $12.50 (rounded to nearest quarter)
Where Viewed: UA Colorado Center 9 & IMAX, Denver, CO
When 3rd Seen: 29 June 2006
Time: 7:20 p.m.
Review Dedicated to: Brian D. of Gig Harbor, WA
 | ![John Ottman - Superman Returns (Music from the Motion Picture) [Digital Version with Interactive Booklet]](http://ax.phobos.apple.com.edgesuite.net/images/badgeitunes61x15dark.gif){kind=small} |
DVD | soundtrack |
Click for 'Review Lite' [a 150-word review of this film]
This is part three of a three part review for arguably the summer's most anticipated blockbuster film, Superman Returns. Part I focused on risks the director took and a general, overall review of Superman Returns [please read it prior to reading today's review]. Part II focused on the characters, acting, plot, sets, and music. This part, Part III, will focus on technology, special effects, the 3-D IMAX®-version of the film, and give an overall summary of all three reviews for one grand total W.I.P. Scale™ Score for the film.
To begin, I have written about seeing major motion pictures on the IMAX® screen before (see review of V for Vendetta). Truly, between the sound quality difference and the size of the image, there is really no comparison between the standard big screen format and the IMAX® format—the IMAX® format blows everything else away. Superman Returns is one of those films that really needs to be seen on this scale to get the most out of the film. In fact, at times, Superman actually looks a bit small because the screen is so huge. Where Superman Returns goes a bit beyond other big-screen to IMAX® conversions, is that director Bryan Singer shot a good portion of the movie using a camera technology that allowed him to render parts in the latest 3D fashion. You still have to wear those grey glasses, however. At least they are a step above the old red and blue glasses. What was most interesting to me having seen the movie twice before in non-3D fashion was that there are some parts in the non-3D version that look weird or odd that look perfect in the 3D version. For example, there's a part where Clark, having just returned home after being gone for 5 years, is out by the fence of the Kent farm reminiscing about his childhood and when he first discovered his powers. He is running super fast through the corn fields and leaping high into the air and landing on various structures in his home with the zeal of a chocoholic at Ghiardelli Chocolate factory. This part looked kind of strange to me in the non-3D version, but it looks amazing in the 3D version. In fact, it was my favorite of the 3-D segments. Actually, to be honest, there's nothing in the film that we almost haven't seen before 3D-wise. So, I would say the 3D experiment was ok, but not great. As for the rest of the technology and special effects used in the film, I would rate them as very, very good. Superman flies like he's just really able to fly. They have made it look nearly effortless for him. The only criticism I could raise was for the heat vision rays. Granted, the effects here were many steps better than the old days, but they still don't look quite right. They need to almost look more like a laser beam, I think. Given the enormously complex CGI/life action blending that had to be done to make this film, it is difficult to imagine how the director pulled this all together.
Overall, Superman Returns has some minor plot problems which risk-taking on the part of the director couldn't over come entirely. Inconsistent character development also came up as a criticism of the film. The dialogue, occasionally, was completely pedestrian, and would have benefited from the service of a dialog coach. Recycled music (from the original film) failed to seize an opportunity to capture the imagination of a new generation. The acting was inconsistent as was the character development. Those are the areas which needed the greatest levels of improvement.
That might seem like a scathing list, however, it was only meant a guideline for use in future generations. The movie has a lot of laughs, and some inappropriate scenes that could have been edited out, which would have made the film a bit shorter and crisper. Still, even after the third time in three days, Superman Returns brought me a chuckle or two, drew me right into the story and never let go, and left me feeling positive about the future and wondering what would we dream up next?
To begin, I have written about seeing major motion pictures on the IMAX® screen before (see review of V for Vendetta). Truly, between the sound quality difference and the size of the image, there is really no comparison between the standard big screen format and the IMAX® format—the IMAX® format blows everything else away. Superman Returns is one of those films that really needs to be seen on this scale to get the most out of the film. In fact, at times, Superman actually looks a bit small because the screen is so huge. Where Superman Returns goes a bit beyond other big-screen to IMAX® conversions, is that director Bryan Singer shot a good portion of the movie using a camera technology that allowed him to render parts in the latest 3D fashion. You still have to wear those grey glasses, however. At least they are a step above the old red and blue glasses. What was most interesting to me having seen the movie twice before in non-3D fashion was that there are some parts in the non-3D version that look weird or odd that look perfect in the 3D version. For example, there's a part where Clark, having just returned home after being gone for 5 years, is out by the fence of the Kent farm reminiscing about his childhood and when he first discovered his powers. He is running super fast through the corn fields and leaping high into the air and landing on various structures in his home with the zeal of a chocoholic at Ghiardelli Chocolate factory. This part looked kind of strange to me in the non-3D version, but it looks amazing in the 3D version. In fact, it was my favorite of the 3-D segments. Actually, to be honest, there's nothing in the film that we almost haven't seen before 3D-wise. So, I would say the 3D experiment was ok, but not great. As for the rest of the technology and special effects used in the film, I would rate them as very, very good. Superman flies like he's just really able to fly. They have made it look nearly effortless for him. The only criticism I could raise was for the heat vision rays. Granted, the effects here were many steps better than the old days, but they still don't look quite right. They need to almost look more like a laser beam, I think. Given the enormously complex CGI/life action blending that had to be done to make this film, it is difficult to imagine how the director pulled this all together.
Overall, Superman Returns has some minor plot problems which risk-taking on the part of the director couldn't over come entirely. Inconsistent character development also came up as a criticism of the film. The dialogue, occasionally, was completely pedestrian, and would have benefited from the service of a dialog coach. Recycled music (from the original film) failed to seize an opportunity to capture the imagination of a new generation. The acting was inconsistent as was the character development. Those are the areas which needed the greatest levels of improvement.
That might seem like a scathing list, however, it was only meant a guideline for use in future generations. The movie has a lot of laughs, and some inappropriate scenes that could have been edited out, which would have made the film a bit shorter and crisper. Still, even after the third time in three days, Superman Returns brought me a chuckle or two, drew me right into the story and never let go, and left me feeling positive about the future and wondering what would we dream up next?
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Click for 'Review Lite' [a 150-word review of this film]
Click for 'Review Lite' [a 150-word review of this film]
Superman Returns [Blu-ray](2006)
Superman Returns [DVD](2006) DVD
Superman Returns (Widescreen Version) [DVD](2006) DVD
Superman Returns (Special Edition) [DVD](2006) DVD
Superman Returns: Apparel & Accessories • Books and Calendars • Toys & Games • Watches • Computer and Video Games
Films Starring: Kate Bosworth • Sam Huntington • James Marsden
Parker Posey • Kevin Spacey
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Superman Returns Review-lite [150-word cap]
Movie executives are hoping Superman Returns will be THE motion picture event of the summer. Director Bryan Singer took some risks with the script in his attempt to appease enthusiasts. Less of a remake of the 1978 film and more of an homage-sequel, it takes place five years after Superman (Brandon Routh) leaves earth to check out the remnants of planet Krypton. Much has happened since he's been gone. Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth), is now in a committed relationship and has won a Pulitzer Prize for her news story Why the World Doesn't Need Superman". The risks Singer took turned out 50-50. Superman Returns is a summer event film that will leave you salivating for a sequel. Bryan Singer brings the Superman franchise to a new level with bold vision, incredible effects, and a Superman who is vulnerable like we've never seen before, yet, stronger than we've ever dreamed.
1 comment:
Great stuff ... I agree with your complaints about the movie, but also found it thoroughly engaging despite its faults
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