Superman Returns
Superman Returns
Superman returns to Earth after spending five years in space examining his homeworld Krypton. But he finds things have changed while he was gone, and he must once again prove himself important to the world.
Manuel Frangis reviewedApril 15, 2025
I just watched Superman Returns, and I give it 5 out of 5 stars. This movie hit me in a way I honestly did not expect. It is not the loudest or flashiest superhero movie out there, but that is what makes it special. It is thoughtful, emotional, and full of heart. It captures the spirit of Superman in a way that feels genuine and old school, like a love letter to everything the character has stood for over the years.
Right from the beginning, the tone feels different. It is slower, more patient, and not in a rush to throw action at you every five minutes. The story focuses on Superman’s return to Earth after being gone for years, and how everything — and everyone — has moved on without him. That idea alone makes the whole movie feel more emotional. It is not just about saving the world. It is about finding your place in it again.
Brandon Routh does an amazing job stepping into the role. His performance is calm, kind, and full of quiet strength. He is not trying to outshine Christopher Reeve, but he absolutely honors him. You can tell he understands the character and what he represents. His Superman is full of hope, even when he is dealing with heartbreak and change. He plays Clark Kent with the right mix of awkwardness and sincerity, and you believe both sides of the character.
The relationship between Superman and Lois Lane is at the heart of the movie, and it is handled with real emotion. Kate Bosworth brings a strong presence as Lois. You can tell she still feels something for him, but her life has changed, and she is not the same person who once waited for Superman to come back. Their scenes together are quiet and loaded with unspoken feelings, and it adds a layer of depth that surprised me.
Kevin Spacey plays Lex Luthor, and his version is cold, manipulative, and theatrical in a way that works for this story. He is not just out to destroy the world. He wants power, control, and revenge. The movie lets him be clever, cruel, and dangerous without turning him into a cartoon. He fits right into the more grounded tone the movie is going for.
The visuals are stunning. The flight scenes, the rescue sequences, and the wide shots of Superman in the sky are all beautifully done. There is a grace to the way he moves, and the score — with those classic John Williams themes — brings it all together perfectly. The music gives the movie that timeless Superman feel and lifts every emotional moment just a little higher.
What I loved most is how the movie never forgets what Superman is really about. Hope. Sacrifice. Doing the right thing, even when it is hard. It is not about showing off superpowers. It is about showing the strength it takes to care about people and protect them no matter what. That message comes through loud and clear.
I give Superman Returns 5 out of 5 stars because it reminded me what makes Superman such a special character. It is emotional, respectful, and full of heart. It may not be perfect, but it understands who Superman is, and it delivers something honest and real. Overall Superman Returns is a beautiful, thoughtful take on the Man of Steel that deserves way more credit. It moved me, and I will definitely be rewatching it again.