Superman Returns

Starring: Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, James Marsden, Parker Posey & more
Directed by: Bryan Singer

My rating: Over the Counter

I was majorly disappointed with Superman Returns.

Let's start with the big question: Can anyone really ever replace Christopher Reeves? No.

While Brandon Routh looks the part I have to say the makers didn't have the confidence in the actor to give him much dialogue through the film. He's monosyllabic and stoic with a lot less charm as Clark than I remember from the old films. In short, he's just not as fun to watch.

The story is also a bit shaky, as we see our hero return to Earth after a five year absence. Supes is *shocked* that life didn't stop after he left five years ago. That's silly in my opinion and makes Superman out to be a lot dumber than he really is. And why did he leave the Earth to begin with? I feel like I have no clue. There should have been some sort of catalyst explained but they best the writers come up with is that he wanted to see if his planet of krypton was still there. Isn't there a telescope for that? One of many major plot holes in the film.

Anyway, the directing is very well done by Bryan Singer. His shots are professional and flawless and he does his best to add as much heart as possible to Superman. Unfortunately it fails for me. I won't say why here (no spoilers in my reviews!) but it has to do with practically abandoning someone he should love.

The action sequences are quite breathtaking as well and probably what will save this movie from becoming a flop. When Superman saves a plane it's jaw-dropping cool. I had some problems with the CGI of his maroon cape - it's very rubber and fake looking and does not flow naturally like it should. Instead of being beautiful it's quite an eye sore in the film.

Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor is amazing as well and is the only character I can say fits his part like a glove. He's crazy and wild, just like Lex should be. I loved him. The kid I could have done without however and he adds nothing to the story except wide-eyed cuteness, which I generally despise.

Overall, probably worth the admission price but there are some very slow parts that drag the movie on instead of giving the characters depth. Be prepared to sit through some slow scenes in between the action.

Another note: I saw the movie on IMAX and there were select scenes in 3-D. It was not as cool as it sounds. I wish I would have skipped the whole 3-D experience because it really was done poorly and I missed a lot of detail because of them.

Nacho Libre

Starring: Jack Black
Directed by: Jared Hess
My rating: Painless

Let me straighten something out for you about this film. Here is my public announcement: Nacho Libre is a kids movie! Notice that it says "Nickelodeon Studios" at the beginning of the film. For some reason I think critics have no clue about that because they've been pretty serious about panning it. And I don't want to hear about how people don't give kids enough credit, they're little adults, etc. Take a child psychology class old critic dudes! Kids like slapstick and farts, okay? It's the adults that find that stuff tiresome.

So with that in mind this is a really great kids movie. It's lighthearted, clean and has a simple plot that probably a toddler could handle. I particularly liked the wrestling scenes, something that really surprised me. They aren't that violent. More like two brothers wrestling around in the backyard and humorous enough for me. Jack Black is his usual crazy self and at times is a little over the top for me. His song and dance routine is a little old in my book but the little ones still think it's fantastic. He's at his best making those awesome expressive faces. His sidekick is also all-teeth and I think I giggled every time he smiled.

Overall, there isn't as much new territory covered in this film as far as jokes go. The story is original enough and it was definitely fun to see some Luchador action. I recommend it if you aren't too high-brow.

Nachoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

Cars

Starring: Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt, Larry the Cable Guy, Cheech Marin, & more
Pixar Studios

My rating: EUPHORIA!

There is a little something you should know about this film before you head into it - it's less about the characters than you think. While other animated companies rush forward with formulaic story lines (cute/gross hero + annoying sidekick = misadventures), Pixar proves they are laps ahead of the rest with a moving tribute to Route 66. I thought the movie was amazing in it's complex, sweet storyline. I think most adults will too. You don't have to be a NASCAR fan to enjoy the film either, something I was a bit worried about just from seeing the previews. There are plenty voice appearances by racers but that is a very small part of the film and far from the heart.

Furthermore, the animation of the film is simply breathtaking. The cars gleam in all the right places and the backgrounds and details are present in even the minutest detail. It makes anything by Dreamworks look like crap. Because the visuals are so complex this is a must see on the big screen. I really think this is THE animated feature to see this year.

Trust me, it's much better than the previews will lead you to believe.