It's a bird, it's a plane...

Whereas "Batman Begins" spawned a new Batman series, "Superman Returns" is more of a continuation of its preceding series as initially suggested by its title but also by its many references to the earlier film series. In fact, Marlon Brando returns from the dead to reprise his role of Jor-El, Superman's father (in actuality, archived footage of Brando from the 1978 version is used). \nMuch as the creators of the 1978 "Superman" film chose then unknown actor Christopher Reeves to play the Man of Steel, neophyte Brandon Routh was cast to wear the red 'S' in the latest installment of "Superman." As Superman and his self-doubting alter ego Clark Kent, Routh, whose looks almost resemble Reeves, gives a rather average performance. \nWhen we begin the film, we learn that Superman mysteriously disappeared five years ago without any word, and because they are one in the same, Clark Kent was supposedly on an extended "vacation." Funny that no one seems to notice that they return at right about the same time. Then again, if no one noticed any connection before, they're not going to now. While Kent returns directly to his reporter job at the Daily Planet, Superman waits until a space shuttle launch goes awry before making his grand comeback and saving the day. One of the passengers aboard the plane: none other than Superman's old flame, Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth). \nWe soon learn that while Superman was gone, he was in search of the remains of his birth planet, Krypton, and since that time, Lois has moved on. She now has a young son and is engaged to Daily Planet editor Perry White's (Frank Langella) nephew Richard (James Marsden). But what good would a Superman story be without some sort of romance between our hero and the woman he loves? That seems to be the essence of Superman's being: While he exists to be a savior for all of mankind, it is Lois he puts above all else. She is the reason he returns to Earth. \nEnter Lex Luthor (Spacey), fresh out of a five-year stint in jail and ready to resume his usual plans for world domination. After hearing of Superman's return, Luthor has an additional objective, one involving lots of kryptonite. Though Luthor's tactics are trite, Spacey gives his character a grandiose sense of malevolence that makes for an entertaining match of good versus evil. His sidekick Kitty (Parker Posey) adds a little dose of humor. \nOverall, the acting is nothing special. It seems as if the characters lack any sense of magnetism. Superman and Kent have very few lines, making it difficult to discern who this new Superman really is and why he left five years ago. Editor Perry White is calmer than ever, and even Jimmy Olson, who has some of the more funny lines, comes across as dim. Then there is the issue of Lois's child, who serves no purpose until towards the end, when he does something completely unexpected. \nThe original Superman film series is not an easy one to live up to, but director Bryan Singer does a formidable job. He makes a few interesting references to the film's predecessors, but other than that, what you expect is what you'll get.