Superman Returns

Superman Returns: It has been 19 years since the last time we saw the man of steel on the big screen. The year was 1987 and we were on Superman #4 – still played by the late Christopher Reeve (the True Superman). All would agree the series went WAY down hill after the second installment. So director Bryan Singer picks up the story after the 2nd superman – acting as if the other 2 never happened. It is important that one knows this going in, because the story revolves around the love between Superman and Lois Lane from the past movie. I am glad to report that the series is back to the level it should be at. Lately the trend in superhero movies is to make them darker and in an odd way – more realistic. This superman instead pays tribute to, and glorifies the rich history of past superman episodes. There is a little nod to the comic books, to smallville, and the 1st two superman movies…..I found all this fantastic. As for the new actors – Brandon Routh is our new man in the red cape, he does an excellent job as both Clark and superman…..although he pulls off a much better superman than the clumsy Clark Kent. Kate Bosworth plays Lois Lane and is nothing outstanding, but serviceable. Kevin Spacey comes in to play an excellent Lex Luther, he is evil, but has enough fun with the role to give it the perfect balance. The Action sequences are all on a grand scale especially the 1st in which superman makes his return known. Yes I knew I would get see some great action, but what I was surprised by the most was how this film is much more a drama than anything else. Prepare yourself for a longer…more in depth superman. A dramatic and stunning moment near the end of the film gives all the reason this series should have returned. An undertone of the movie is why the world needs superman, as a fan of movies….I sure am glad he is back!!!!

* * *
If this movie had parents they would be: Superman II and Spiderman II

With a running time of 154 minutes
This film is rated PG-13

The 3 Burials of Melquiades Estrada: Tommy Lee Jones makes his directorial debut in this very weak drama. Jones actually pulls double duty as he stars in the film along side Barry Pepper. The Story takes place near the Texas/Mexico boarder. Jones plays Pete - a ranch hand who works with his friend Melquiades, a man who crossed over the Mexican boarder illegally. When Melquiades shows up dead, Pete keeps a promise to his friend and returns his body to Mexico to be buried near his family and in the land he loves. The who, what, and why Melquiades was killed is answered early in the second act and the film goes down hill from there. Talk about slow moving, the pace of the film is on course with the long horseback ride down to Mexico…….in real time. The film failed to create any drama or suspense; plus there was no reason to care about the characters. The only thing Jones did right was create such a mysterious world down around the boarder. I recommend you stay away from this rental.

* and ½ stars

If this movie had Parents they would be: The Missing & Open Range

With a running time of 121 minutes
This film is rated R

Cars

Cars: The newest animated feature from Pixar/Disney is a roaring success. The greatness of the movie starts with the idea – a whole world of cars with certain personalities. The personalities shine through with the actor voicing it, but also through the make/model/year of the car. Big Thumbs up to the creativity team over at Pixar, they think of it all. Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt, and Larry the Cable guy and many others all lend their voices to give character to particular cars. Wilson plays Lightening McQueen, a young race car who is a rookie on the circuit. He has one race left out in L.A. to win the Piston Cup. On his way out to L.A. he gets lost and comes to the Town of Radiator Springs, an old rundown town off route 66 that use to be thriving before the days of the interstate. It is in this town he meets other cars…..from old pick-up trucks to a Porsche. They all have a different outlook on life than the young hotrod. It is here Lightening McQueen learns what it is like to have true friends. It is not a mystery how the story is going to end, but the joy of it is watching it all unfold. The animation is pushed to a new level, there are some shots I would actually describe as beautiful. My only semi-complaint is the idea of finding these funny, corky friends is getting a little worn out by these cartoons. Back to the positives – The cartoons always have a point or message and this one may just be the best of the bunch. Because it is not simplified down like Nemo _”Family is important”, but rather makes you reflect on the speed of life. Make sure you don’t hop out of your chair when the credits come up, because the film keeps rolling and actually has some of the funniest moments right at the end. I love when movies have something during the credits!
* * * and ½

If this movie had parents they would be: Days of Thunder and Toy Story

With a running time of 121 minutes
This film is rated G