I'm of course excited about a new Superman film at last, but like everyone else, I have my reservations. As it stands now, the best things to come out of this will be the release of previously unseen Marlon Brando footage from Superman II. Most of you probably are not familiar with the history behind II; it's the ultimate lost superhero film, as the film we have now is NOT the way it was originally intended. If anyone's interested in in-depth detail on the subject, check out the Superman Cinema website. The hope is that the use of Brando will open all new possibilities for a much needed Special Edition of Superman II. So other than that, hearing John Williams' theme again, and Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor, there's not much to get excited about.
If I had my way, I would have ended Smallville this season with everyone graduating from high school and moving on with life, then picking up in a feature film "10 Years Later," with all the actors being the proper age for their characters at this point. It could even have an opening narration from Christopher Reeve from his episodes on the show. That's right, Chris Reeve was a fan of the show and appeared on it twice. Smallville supporters are fond of saying, "Christopher Reeve passed the torch to Tom Welling, and Bryan Singer put it out." I couldn't agree more. And regardless of tying-in to Smallville or not, it just makes more sense to start over with Superman, as opposed to Batman. Too bad we couldn't have had a reversal, with the Batman franchise picking up after Batman Returns, in which case Michael Keaton could actually reprise the role of an elder Batman. Instead we pick up after Superman II, a twenty five year old film. And the casting! Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane?
Rose Byrne would have been a MUCH better choice IMO, especially since she looks a like a more beautiful Margot Kidder, the original Lois. I hope Brandon Routh can do the role justice, but he won't be getting any help from the costume. Batman's suit you can change and adapt, as he needs it to do what he does. Superman's is more of a symbol and icon; it requires no changes. But now it's maroon with a small rubber S, SHORT shorts, and a t-shirt collar. Sometimes I want to like this movie, sometimes I don't. The hype should be fun, I just hope the finished product can live up to it.