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Reviews
Superman Returns (2006)
Superman has indeed Returned
Actually I'd rate it 8.5 of 10 , but I'm a big Superman fan of all genres and I'm trying to keep my bias in check.
I went to the theater w/ low expectations. It can't be easy to tell a story that's been told and played so well before. Negative hype had me ready to hate the film, especially Routh in the Superman costume. After the scene early on with Lex L. at the old dying widows bedside, I was ready for a long suck fest. This scene plays out like a bad horror movie.
I enjoyed the vintage voice of Brando as Jor-El and I thought that the original score played throughout the movie worked well. Although it was slightly over done. If you've seen Superman I recently, or if you have it memorized, you'll know how well the song "You can read my mind" (or whatever its actual name is) works as Superman flies Lois around. She's clearly in love with and in awe of him. If he (Routh's Superman) could have read her mind, he might not have liked what she was thinking. When the scene ends he can't even land the good night kiss. This scene would have played better without or with less of this song trying to recreate history. Again, moderation is the key.
Within the first 1/3 of the film, Routhe will convince you that he really is The Man of Steel. Spacey plays Luthor well. I have to disagree with the masses that I've read and heard because I feel that Kevin put his own spin on Lex L. and wasn't copying Michael Rosenbaum's Smallville character. In fact, I think he probably studied and resembled Gene Hackman's Luthor more so. Eve Marie Saint was a great pick for Ma Kent. It was a nice touch having her come to Metropolis when her "boy" is dying, just to join the crowd, but not try to see him and reveal his identity. James (Cyclops) Marsden played the love interest of Lois fairly well.
The plane rescue scene is outstanding. When the baseball crowd cheers, you'll believe Superman has truly Returned. Routhe shows Superman's human side well. No, I don't mean Clark Kent.
I was fortunate not to have read the huge, huge spoiler in the sub plot; therefore, I won't reveal it here. I can't ever remember DC Comics allowing this to occur, other than in a dream or Myx. sequence. It is outstanding. (Plus it will help set up the next movie). Go see the movie before someone tells you about it.
I'd give the script an OK rating, good enough to carry through a long movie running time. All in all, it should rate as a really good movie (I thought it was great). It was far Superior to Superman III and IV, but it doesn't compare and shouldn't be compared to I or II. It stands well on its own.
It was nice to see the ending credits acknowledge Christopher and Dana Reeves.
Batman Begins (2005)
Go see this movie
True Batman fans will love this movie and will rate it a high 9 or 10. It explores Batman's mind, his inner thought process, his rage etc. The movie goes beyond the Bats anger over the death of his parents. There is plenty of action that really compliments the script. Even though it has somewhat of an all-star cast (except for Batman), it doesn't suck like the last few films. The actors play the roles quite well and you hardly notice them (as it should be). If your not a big fan of the Bat then you might find it a little long, but still rate it at least an 8.
The Batmobile is every bit as cool as it looks to be in the trailers. There is plenty of other neat Batgadgets as well. This movie would have been great even without such awesome Batgear.
This films cast did a great job, but the first Batman film was so good, especially for its time. If it's not the best Batman it is certainly a close second. They chose a great Batman this time. Don't let the more recent films keep you from seeing this one. Go see this one at the theatre. You'll be glad you did.
National Treasure (2004)
An entertaining movie for the whole family
**********SPOILER WARNING************
I had the pleasure of seeing this film twice at the theater. The only shows where I've seen the audience more into a movie were Spider-man 1 & 2, X-MEN 2, and Rocky. The movie is interesting from start to finish.
While all the actors (and actress) do a good job, Sean Bean steals the show. So many times, the villain can make or break the film. Sean Bean was the absolute best choice for this particular villain. The characters arrogance, intelligence, and relentless resolve shine through.
I feel the main drawback to the film was its PG rating. It would have been better as a PG-13. Some obvious violence was toned down. Even people that never use foul language, would have dropped the "F" bomb here and there. But as it stands with its PG rating, everyone can enjoy it.
House of the Dead (2003)
not the worst movie ever, but it certainly is in the race
Like many people, I have low expectations when I watch horror movies. This movie has some interesting scenes. (But you may have to watch it a couple of times to notice them). The actors appear to be young and inexperienced. However, I doubt that an Oscar Award winning cast could have made much of a difference. If you like nudity, (and who doesn't) then check it out. It features Smallville's Erica Durance (credited as Erica Parker) topless on a beach. Then she goes for a topless swim. If Erica's scene was removed from this film, I'd rate it a 2 or 3. Look closely, you might not recognize her. It appears as though the movie was filmed prior to her teeth being fixed, new hair do, and what would seem to be absolutely awesome breast augmentation. If you're not a Smallville/Superman/Erica fan then pass on this movie.