Triumphant Return

My obsession with superheroes has been a lifelong affliction. For example, when I was three (or maybe four) I had the bright idea to imitate superman (an idea no doubt gleaned from reruns of the George Reeves TV show) and jumped off a high point into some hard snow. Unfortunately the resulting broken leg, cast, and arthritis that surfaced years later were not enough to distract me from hat would be my lifelong distraction.

With the advent of video, I, like very other kid, got to watch the amazing movies that were made before my birth and achievement of independent thought. Of course, the Christopher Reeves Superman movies were among my very favorites. It wasn't until years later that I realized that all the movies were definitely dated, although Superman and Superman II both stand up pretty well. Three and Four, however, well...

Like all comic fans, I've been pretty excited (and occasionally disappointed) by the recent trend of comics books movies. I was especially thrilled (and frightened) by the news of a new Superman movie. As I mentioned in previous blogs, I was excited, for not only did this seem to be a fresh take on the movies, but it was supposed to stay true to the franchise... even forming a vague sequel to superman I & II.
With child like glee I bought tickets for a 10 o'clock premier (cool, eh?) and when the day came (today, actually) my best friend and I were there bright and early with chairs and a cooler to wait out the day (there are worse things than a 12 hour wait).

When I got into the theater, I held my breath and watched the movie unfold...

From the moment the music started, I was a kid again.

This movie, to say the very least, is a Miracle. Straight up. Not only does it stay true to the original movies, but Brandon Routh seemed to channel Chris Reeves in a way that brought tears to my eyes.

Kevin Spacey was a dark, angry Lex Luthor that was recognizable from both the movies and the comics.

And Lois- Kate Bosworth, although young, was the perfect choice.

This movie captured the spirit, the scope, and the ideals that lie behind Superman and his stories. It also captures the tone and style of the old movies and brings them effortlessly in synch with today.

When I left the theater, there were tears in my eyes. Not because I was sad, rather, I was elated. Bryan Singer had done it, and once again, I believed that a man could fly.