Re: Superman Returns Sequel discussion thread
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Originally Posted by Tim Glover
You mentioned goose bumps...I think I said this back in 2006 and it's worth repeating: The Superman Theme by John Williams might just be the best and most cinematic theme ever recorded. Yep...themes from Star Wars, Raiders, Titanic have there rightful place in history but that Superman theme does make the hairs on the back on my neck stand up.
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I completely agree with this. The Superman Theme is
IT. JW's finest work (in terms of bombast and leitmotif) in a legendary career.
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Originally Posted by Tim Glover
It's popular in today's world to want a flawed hero with issues...but I think that's why I am such a fan of Superman because he is pure. Not to make this a religious discussion but Singer touches on that to some degree in SR and I liked that element. When Superman is beaten down on the rocks after being consumed by kryptonite it's really painful to watch that. Granted, it would be painful to see that on anyone but to see a being like Superman take that and not able to defend himself is brutal.
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That has ZERO to do with my major issues in the film, Tim. I love the purity of the Superman character. Furthermore, I'd argue Batman is a
less flawed hero than Superman, especially in the Nolan universe. He faces much tougher choices, and makes much harder decisions. It's easy to be an invulnerable superhero
I don't mind a religious nod or two, but Singer went way overboard. Superman can work as messiah, but not so overtly, and certainly not to the detriment of
Superman as immigrant. Which was, you know, the intent of the character (besides boyhood fantasy). He's the "child" of two young Jewish immigrants living in NYC during the Depression.
I would further argue that, especially as the pseudo-sequel to SII, Superman here is hardly pure; this is a fundamental issue for me. He invades the privacy of his ex (which is minor), after sleeping with her, immediately making her forget (or not telling her he is Kent - so is it "magic kiss" or "one night stand scumbag who ditches her"...neither of those choices appeal to me, but that's ALL the film offers), and then ditches his responsibility with NARY a word (also completely contrary to the end of SII) for five years. And the scene that might soften that (and tie into the ending) was cut.
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Originally Posted by Tim Glover
But that's why I like it & why I'm drawn to stories that embrace that element.
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That's why I want to like it
Chris, I know it did pretty well overseas. But we also need to account for marketing and the theater's share (and the fact that WB DOES count their startup money against it...whether fans like that or not). For it's budget, it did not provide a reasonable return on investment.
The other problem with the messiah focus...Superman does NOTHING except lift crap and fly. There are some iconic moments for certain, but he never tussles with a single person in the entire 2.5 hour film. I know Jesus never punched anyone either. But this is Superman. Hit someone.
What the hell happened there? And it's another Warner title just like the upcoming botched Speed Racer BD. Interesting.
