Film review: Superman Returns

Release date

Friday 14 July

The stars

Newcomer Brandon Routh plays Superman and his bumbling disguise, reporter Clark Kent. Kate Bosworth plays the tough super-journalist Lois Lane. And Kevin Spacey is the big bad bald baddie Lex Luthor.

The plot

Superman has been away from Earth for five years, trying to find what's left of his home planet. While he's been gone his old girlfriend Lois Lane has had a baby and villain Lex Luthor has been released from prison.

When Supes gets back he finds everything's changed and not everyone wants him around.

Of course, then Lex comes up with a plan to take over the planet and only Superman can save us.

Best bits

The special effects. They have to be brilliant to convince you Superman is really doing what it looks like he's doing. Thankfully the effects are up to the job. You WILL believe a man can fly, and is bulletproof, and has heat vision, etc...

The acting is pretty good across the cast, and even Lois' kid isn't too annoying.

And Lex is great. He's cool in that way baddies often are in films. Even when you're supposed to be getting behind the hero you can't help wanting a bit more of Lex too.

Oh, and THAT music. The first time the Superman theme kicks in during the opening credits its amazing.

Any weak bits?

Lex's plan seems a bit too complicated at times.

And you STILL can't work out why no-one sees through Clark's disguise. Seriously, glasses and a different haircut surely aren't enough to stop everyone going: "Hold on, if you were wearing glasses you'd look just like Clark Kent. And you've returned at the same time as he has. What are the chances of that happening?"

Hit or miss?

A big, big, big hit.

NR rating:

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Your comments

I was always a fan of the old Superman. I had action figures costumes and the old TV series of Superman in cartoon and I think Superman Returns is amazing! The special effects are great but the older Superman movies I think are better.

Matthew, 11, Buckley

I was impressed but I reckon they have made him a little TOO strong. But over all it is a very good film.

Dan, 15, Grantham

I watched superman at my birthday and it was a BIG success! It is better than Spiderman.

Eamon, 9, Woking

I think it's bad. I was bored to tears and me and my friend almost walked out!

Josh, 11, Wales

I think Superman Returns is brilliant. The special effects are so believable!

Amanda, 12, USA

This was not one of my favourite movies at all. There was so much fighting and war. It got really predictable and all the same things kept on happening and it dragged on about things for ages!

Ellie, 10, Cheltenham

Oh my god! As if Smallville wasn't enough, we know have an amazing Superman film full to the brim of special effects, comedy, action, romance and much much more! What are you waiting for? get out there and see it!!

Lottie, 12, Ilminster

Superman returns to our big screens again and does it with style. This action packed comic book re-make will leave you on the edge of your seats. Great movie. I recommend to all!

Gaz, 13, Liverpool

It was absolutely amazing! The plot was a bit difficult to get at times but the acting and the special effects were fantastic. Oh, and Brandon Routh is REALLY hot.

Sarah, 12, Bristol

I've just seen superman returns and its incredible! I really enjoyed it as it has something for everyone. A hero obviously, a baddie everyone just loves to hate, some surprises, some sad tear jerking parts and action and romance! It is top class and the effects are great! Superman is definitely top class!

Christina, 12, London

I thought Superman Returns was a brilliant film. I saw it on the very day it came out!

Jacob, 10, Ashford

I wasn't a fan of the old Superman movies but this one was so cool! Brandon Routh is so cute and the story line was fantastic. Well worth seeing!

Niamh, 12, Glasgow

Wow, I saw this film yesterday and it was fantastic!! Brandon is fantastic as Superman and the special effects are amazing! Well worth the wait!

Danii, 13, Romford

I haven't seen it but it looks amazing and I'm a big comics fan and I can't to see it.

Gwion, 13, Rhuthun