7. Superman Returns
RT Score: 76%. "Bryan Singer's reverent and visually decadent adaptation gives the Man of Steel welcome emotional complexity. The result: a satisfying stick-to-your-ribs adaptation." This one actually isn't that surprising. Superman Returns was if nothing else an unconventional Superman film; it wasn't all about the riveting set-pieces, but rather it was a rare superhero film that was truly character-driven. As much as the film had Supes facing off against Lex Luthor, it was also concerned with his relationship with Lois Lane, and specifically the son that they have together. One of the most existential superhero movies ever made, it sort of makes sense that critics would take to it - it is in many ways a comic book movie for people who don't like the stereotypes associated with them (hyperactivity, lack of nuance, outlandishness). Big fans of Supes, however, couldn't stand the slow pace and lack of action (despite a 154-minute run-time). They
wanted something more akin to the Richard Donner style, and given how well director Byran Singer fared on the X-Men films, there had been high hopes that he would similarly do justice to the Man of Steel.