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 importa... Read allSuperman 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.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.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 12 wins & 47 nominations total
- Jor-El
- (archive footage)
- Ben Hubbard
- (scenes deleted)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaIn interviews, Kal Penn revealed he originally had a much greater role. It would have been revealed that his character was a disgraced former Daily Planet science reporter who was bribed by Lex Luthor to plant false evidence of Krypton's possible survival, thus inspiring Superman to leave Earth and explore Krypton's ruins.
- Goofs(at around 1h 23 mins) When Lois is talking to Lex Luthor in the piano room on the boat, her engagement ring constantly moves from her ring finger to her middle finger between shots.
- Quotes
Superman: [Quoting Marlon Brando/Jor-el from 1978's SUPERMAN:THE MOVIE to Jason asleep in his bed] You will be different, sometimes you'll feel like an outcast, but you'll never be alone. You will make my strength your own. You will see my life through your eyes, as your life will be seen through mine. The son becomes the father and the father becomes the son.
- Crazy creditsThe opening credits are seen in a trip through space, from Krypton to Earth, in a manner reminiscent of the Superman (1978) opening credits sequence.
- Alternate versionsIn the IMAX presentation, four scenes (totalling about 20 minutes) were converted from 2D to 3D: The flashback to Clark Kent's youth on the farm, the Shuttle/777 rescue, the rescue of the sinking ocean liner, and the final flyover before the credits. Bryan Singer developed a cue featuring an icon of Clark's glasses flashing in green at the bottom of the screen when it is time to put them on, and then with a red circle/slash over when it is time to take them off.
- ConnectionsEdited from Superman (1978)
- SoundtracksQuando, Quando, Quando
Written by Pat Boone (as Charles E. Boone), Tony Renis and Alberto Testa
Performed by The Drifters
Courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corp.
By arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing
A lot of people complain about the lack of action, however, I'll take great drama and characterization over action sequences anyway. True, there are about 3-4 action sequences throughout the film, but they are what I consider A+ sequences. The Air Plane rescue, the Bank robbery, and Saving Metropolis from Lex's earth quake, were well crafted for the time this film came out. This film showed Superman accomplish more than the Christopher Reeve era could have hoped for. Note: I love that era as well.
Furthermore, I believe the film has great cinematography by Thomas Newton Senegal and a majestic musical score by X-Men and Fantastic Four composer John Ottman. Bryan Singer's direction is great. Respectful and epic at the same time.
For all the heart and awesome technical aspects of Superman Returns, it does have flaws. My issues with the film are that the film never quite feels right at home till the Air Force One sequence begins. Maybe beginning with Lex Luthor and not Kal-el was not the best choice. Also, there film's third act with Superman lifting an island into outer space feels odd for a third act conclusion. However, these are minor quibbles.
Overall, Superman Returns is a delightful film. The cast shines, being a spiritual sequel to Superman I & II gives the film a nostalgic feel. In fact, I feel this film has a lot in common with look and tone to the two J.J. Abrams Start Trek movies. Loving reverence towards the past for sure is the big similarity. I've always thought Superman Returns was a film that attempted to be the Dances with Wolves (1990) of Superhero films. Big, bold, and emotionally charged with real human emotions. Superman Returns is an unappreciated film that both plays it safe and takes risks. Much like Superman, the film sores and deserves its place among the clouds.
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official sites
- Languages
- Also known as
- Superman regresa
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $270,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $200,081,192
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $52,535,096
- Jul 2, 2006
- Gross worldwide
- $391,081,192
- Runtime2 hours 34 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1