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Would you see a follow-up to Superman Returns?
Warner Bros. announced this week that director Bryan Singer had been signed to direct another Superman movie despite the fact that “Supeman Returns” was perceived as a disappointment this year.
This is good news to me; I really liked the movie. Unlike most people, I considered “Superman Returns” superior to the entertaining but overlong “Pirates of the Caribbean; Dead Man’s Chest.” Yet I can understand why some people found fault with Superman’s last big-screen adventure. It was a bit too introspective and self-serious sometimes, although that’s a quality it shared with Richard Donner’s 1978 film, which also took a long time to get going.
(It’s interesting to note that last year’s “Batman Begins” grossed $205 million — which is about even with “Superman’s” $200 million, yet “Batman” is considered a hit and “Superman” isn’t. Hmmm. If “Pirates” hadn’t stolen “Superman’s” thunder, I wonder if the story would be different.)
What can be done to make sure the next Superman movie is a hit? Much as I hate to emphasize action over character, I think Singer needs to make a more action-oriented movie. Many people said “Returns” wasn’t “fun” enough. The IMAX version of “Superman Returns,” which featured selected scenes in 3D, emphasized the long stretches between the very well done action scenes.
No one except Singer is signed at this point, but I would keep Brandon Routh as Superman and Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor and add another villain to raise the stakes. As for Lois Lane, I liked Kate Bosworth’s performance, but she was miscast in that she looked too young to be the mother of a 5-year-old. Rachel McAdams would be a fine choice, although I doubt the very selective actress would agree to it. Amy Adams is also worth considering.
What do you think? Would would it take to get you to see another Superman movie? What should Singer do differently?
Permalink | Comments (6) | Categories: Coming Attractions
Comments
By Sir Critic
November 8, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this
To Allie D: Batman’s budget was about $150 million, while Superman Returns cost anywhere between $200-250 million. I think that higher budget, combined with the fact that Superman spent so much time in development limbo, makes it seem like more of a disappointment.By Jim Sizemore
November 5, 2006 9:20 PM | Link to this
Yes, I liked the last Superman movie and look forward to the next of I hope many well written well produce flicks. For me there is something very special and very American about the character.By Allie D.
November 2, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this
I was one of the many who bemoaned the film just slightly. I thought it looked incredible and that the special effects were thrilling, but the actual story and the acting on the part of Brandon Routh left something to be desired. Nevertheless, I would definitely see a sequel! The things I liked about the original film would likely be in the next one, if not improved upon, and the things I didn’t like would be different. Hopefully. :) As far as why Batman Begins is considered a hit… that is a good question. It could be that the hype factor for Superman was a bit higher. What are the differences in budgets? Batman Begins was also more critically acclaimed, wasn’t it? Anyway, just some random thoughts. :)By Derwood
November 2, 2006 4:26 AM | Link to this
You bet I would.. Singer is an excellent director. Who better to do superhero movies than a guy who grew up collecting comic books?By SRCputt
November 1, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this
When people come back to this film, they will realize they were too hard on it. I definitely want to see this story continued.By Barb =:)
November 1, 2006 6:49 AM | Link to this
You better believe I’d see it. I am a huge Superman fan and was very happy with this latest film. (And I’m picky.) Even though some classified it as a disappointment, it still did well. Granted, it wasn’t “Pirates,” but what could compete against that?? I do believe it broke IMAX records and the DVD sales are yet to be determined since it is released Nov. 28 (with a slew of other Superman titles, btw), and merchandise will be in stores through the next film’s release. Let’s just say the studio, and other vested companies, will make money. I’ve heard Singer’s budget won’t be as big, but the technology will improve and possibly cost a bit less by the time the film is made, so he will still have good tools at his disposal making the film.