After a 19-year absence from the big screen, Superman returned in appropriately named Superman Returns. In the middle of the film, Superman races down from his quiet time in space to help stop a robbery. After being surrounded by the police, the robbers head to the buildings roof to set up their grand standoff. Swooping in at the absolute last second, Superman rescues a pair of security guards by taking a stream of heavy-duty machine gun bullets to the S. He strides forward as bullets continue pounding into him, ricocheting off his chest into the night. The robber empties his clip to no avail. As Superman approaches him, he draws his pistol and shoots Superman point blank in the eye. The bullet smashes against his pupil and falls flattened to ground. The robber stares in disbelief as Superman gives a knowing half-smile. This scene has everything needed for a brilliant Superman moment. The effects are top-notch, the editing is slick and taut, and the music swells and fades at all the right moments. It would be higher on this list if it were not for one fact: the movies trailer. We saw the payoff for that scene a million times, its part of the reason people went to see it. However, knowing the moment so far in advance takes away from the impact in the continuity of the entire film. Brandon Rouths distinct lack of charisma doesnt help matters either.
David Wagner is an author/musician who splits his time between Oakland, CA and Istanbul, Turkey.
David has published two novels, both available on his website, and as a fan of movies, comics, and genre television, he is happy to be working with WhatCulture as a regular contributor.
