Why People Hate It: Superman Returns made the unconventional decision to start the film in the middle of the story -- rather than beginning with an origin story, as is common with reboots, they chose to begin at some point after Clark Kent is Superman and he and Lois have already dated. Unfortunately, this makes the story incredibly slow during the first act, while we're waiting for the plot to get to the point where there's meaningful action in it. There are other reasons, but the biggest one we hear is the kiss of death for an action film: boring. Why People Should Hate It: The powers that be had a marvelous Superman on their hands in Brandon Routh, second only to the best man ever to wear the bodysuit, Christopher Reeve. He had the look, the naive sense of optimism and good old fashioned American ideals, and he's just simple enough to pull off the goofy farmboy act. Is he the greatest actor that's ever walked the face of the earth? Absolutely not. But he could have been so good as Superman if circumstances were in his favor. Instead, there's a dull as dishwater story that fails to make even America's greatest hero seem interesting, and he's saddling with a bland and unengaging sidekick in Kate Bosworth's Lois Lane. Even the timing doesn't feel right, as audiences are starting Resent it for all the potential it squandered.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
