Rated PG-13 for some intense action violence.
Directed by Bryan Singer (X-Men 2, X-Men, The Usual Suspects)
Starring Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey
This isn’t just a Superman remake.
I didn’t know that going into the theatre. I assumed from the previews that this film would be a retelling of the story of Superman’s childhood, adolescence and coming out. But Singer ingeniously starts this story where the others left off. Superman returns to Metropolis, after an apparent five-year absence, and must contend with Lois now being an engaged mother, all while having to deal with Lex Luthor and his latest diabolical plan.
The action is good, and the performances are even better. Spacey plays a convincing Luther, and film newbies Routh and Bosworth are convincing as Superman and Louis.
I’d catch this one in the theatre if I could.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
I let my 9, 11 and 13 year old see it. The film earned its PG-13 from action violence. There’s no sex or nudity, just a handful of quick comments about sex like “Sex and Superman are what sell newspapers.” Or, “The night I slept with Superman.” Obviously, it is implied that Lois and Superman slept together five years before. If you let your kids see the Spiderman films, Superman Returns is safe.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
