SUPERMAN RETURNS - A WELCOME RETURN
By Daniel E. Dercksen

Superman Returns is a sincere and nostalgic celebration of an iconic superhero that has gripped the imagination of the world for 68 years and enriched our fantasies.

It does not matter whether you are a fan of the Man of Steel or not, with Superman Returns Kal-El is guaranteed to seduce you with his charm and convert you into one of his zillion fans.

Superman Returns is by no means a sequel, or prequel or remake. One of the most positive and exiting aspects of the film is that it feels like a first-time experience, no matter how Superman savvy you are.

From the gripping opening moments a familiar consciousness is awoken that multiplies until the meaningful and rewarding finale, causing an emotional and uplifting cinematic experience.

Baring the Soul of a Phenomenal Mythical Creature
The senses of comic book fans, film buffs and television addicts have been overloaded with the Superhero since his birth in 1938.  The hit-TV series 'Smallville' has become imbedded in our culture; the comic books have become a part of our literary heritage; and the film adaptations have become milestones in cinematic history.

Whereas the comic books captured the energy,  Smallville captured his youth, the TV series and films focused on the physicality of his heroic deeds, Superman Returns captures the spirit and emotional mindscape of Superman.

One would think it impossible that a new film will be able to not only override this information overload, but also restore the importance Superman has had, and continues to have on cultures throughout the world.

Director Bryan Singer, who came up with the story for Superman Returns, with Dan Harris and Michael Dougherty, has effectively tapped into the heartbeat that has kept the legend alive all these years, and now bares the soul of this phenomenal mythical creature.

Everyone knows what Superman is capable of; we are familiar with his weaknesses remain in awe of his strengths, having experienced it and relived the fantastic adventures in many other adaptations.  Superman Returns mercifully never patronises the intelligence of its audience, but collaborates on the bond that is already instilled from early childhood.

A New Superman
An element that has never fully been explored in other Superman ventures is how he deals with superhuman traits that inflict internal conflict.

The Superman that returns desperately wants things to be the way it was. He is no longer boastful of his super powers, but in full control of it; he recognises who he is and what is accepted of him. He is no longer burdened with an identity crisis; his return is marked by an introspective spiritual rebirth.

The film clearly depicts that be a hero is to be human, and to be human is to be fragile. Our Man of Steel is wrapped in this fragile cocoon of humanity, which becomes one of the major themes in the film.

Another theme that runs through the film is worship: Superman worships earth and its humans, in particular those he grew attached to; the humans worship him for the hero he is and the miracles he performs; his nemesis Lex worships power and money, and the opportunity to control the world.

All these elements are strung together by John Otman's sumptuous music score and John Williams' rousing theme tune, which has become an anthem celebrating the miraculous superhero that has now evolved into the super-protector.

The role of saviour
Kal-El, the 'being from outer space' now takes on the role of saviour. His primary function is to heal and restore peace; he embraces his solitude and accepts the lonely rescue mission with a smile.

This sad infliction never becomes self-indulgent, and is reminiscent of the complexity surrounding the character that was born during a pre-war era, and remains steadfast in a war torn an era, dominated by violence, crime and injustice.

Superman's conflicted nature has now undergone a complete makeover. The son of Jor-El is now a grown man who looks differently upon the world he grew up in, and his crystal palace has become a shrine filled with lifeless memories.

The twofold personalities of Kal-El/Clark Kent  - the suave and confident superhero versus the gentle and meek fumbling newspaper reporter - reflect the duality of human nature. Everyone wants to be heroic and be recognised for their deeds, strives to be compassionate, and longs for spiritual fulfilment. 

Superman is the everyman; a reflection of how we want to be perceived, and how the perceptions of outsiders influence and guide our existence.

The narrative never disregards or disrespects its genre, and views the insurmountable obstacles from Superman's point of view. All other characters, even Lex, are deeply affected by Clark's viewpoint; his feelings have direct impact on their actions. It has a ripple effect that implodes inwardly and causes a resonant response in the audience.

In contrast to the spate of comic book revivals on the big screen that relied heavily on spectacular visual effects, Superman Returns follows in the footsteps of adaptations such as Daredevil and Batman Begins, where the human nature of the superheroes were brought to the surface. It is this human element that influences and challenges the conventional approach to one-dimensional comic book characters and adds an exciting dimension to a genre that has mostly been event driven.

Not that Superman Returns is not spectacular. It is a visual feast that delivers on all levels and will have you on the edge of your seat. During the screening there were several younger audience members who constantly interacted with the actions on the screen, and participated in the adventure.

Perfect casting
A contributing factor to the ultimate success of the film is the casting of Brandon Routh in the title role. One can almost say that without Routh, the revival would have been impossible.

Routh perfectly embodies the superhero and equally projects the inner turmoil. He has a naive quality and innocence that contributes to the humane approach of the filmmakers.

Although one would have liked Kevin Spacey to be more forceful, he is still enjoyable in his portrayal of Lex, adding humour to the dark undertones of the film.

Deserves Recognition
Superman Returns is not a film that blows you away with explosive, spectacular visual dynamics. Instead, it masterfully draws you into the spectacle and affords its audience the luxury of becoming immersed in the narrative; almost like Superman who quietly lies suspended in outer space, carefully listening and waiting to fly into action.

Superman Returns could so easily have become another comic book adaptation, or just another action adventure, or even worse, another 'Superman' movie. Thankfully it is flying high and stands tall and proud on its own merits, a superhuman achievement that deserves recognition for what it is.

The world will indeed be poorer without this iconic figure, and is rewarded with the well-crafted Superman Returns that offers first-rate escapism and food for thought.

Don't be surprised if you find yourself making a fist and looking upward when leaving the cinema complex, waiting for the Man of Steel to rescue you.

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