SUPERMAN RETURNS (2006) 3 1/2 stars out of 4. Starring Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, James Marsden, Frank Langella, Eva Marie Saint, Parker Posey, Kal Penn, Sam Huntington and Kevin Spacey. Music by John Ottman. Story by Bryan Singer & Michael Dougherty & Dan Harris. Screenplay by Michael Dougherty & Dan Harris. Directed by Bryan Singer. Rated PG-13. Running time: Approx: 155 mins.

       
Director Bryan Singer pays homage to the past and forges a new future for the Man of Steel with Superman Returns.

        It is evident from the outset that Singer has high regard for Superman: The Movie and Superman II as well as for the performance by Christopher Reeve.

        Singer begins his movie by using John Williams' Superman theme from the 1978 film and duplicates its credits style.

        Throughout Superman Returns Singer shows respect and affection for the earlier films.

        The movie is an unofficial sequel to the first two in the Reeve quartet of films — and the less said about those last two films, the better.

        The film opens with Superman having been away from Earth for five years. Astronomers had found what they believed to be the ruins of Superman's home world of Krypton, so our superhero went to investigate.

        He returns having found nothing but ruins.

        Meanwhile, his archenemy, Lex Luthor, has been paroled because Superman was not around to testify at his parole hearing.

        It appears the world has moved on without Superman. Nowhere is that more apparent than at the Daily Planet, where ace reporter Lois Lane has won a Pulitzer Prize for a piece titled, 'Why the World Doesn't Need Superman.”

        Lois is now a single mom who is engaged to and living with editor Perry White's nephew.

        Singer, who worked on the story with screenwriters Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris, simply demonstrates the public's adulation when the Man of Steel reveals himself, while also showing the private pain his disappearance caused those closest to him.

        As Superman, newcomer Brandon Routh looks like Christopher Reeve's younger brother. He has the look and mannerisms needed to portray a superhero, yet also reveal the hurt and confusion he feels when learns what has transpired in his absence.

        The script does not develop the alter ego of Clark Kent thoroughly. Routh does not copy Reeve in his portrayal of Kent. He is mild-mannered and a bit awkward, but he is not a comically clumsy or bumbling.

Kate Bosworth makes a surprisingly effective Lois Lane. Motherhood has softened Lois, who is no longer the driven, anything-for-a-story newshound.

        As Luthor, Kevin Spacey is just as egotistical as Gene Hackman, but he is a more vicious criminal, although he does interject some comic moments.

        Another tip of the hat to the earlier films is Luthor's obsession with acquiring land, which is the centerpiece of his evil machinations in Returns.

        The special effects are superb, naturally. The advances allow more flow and smoother execution when Superman soars.

        John Ottman skillfully weaves in themes and motifs from Williams' classic Superman score, while adding some splendid music of his own.

        At about two hours and 35 minutes, Superman Returns is about 15-to-20 minutes too long. Yet, the film only drags in a couple of places.

        The use of outtakes and dialogue by the late Marlon Brando, reprising his role as Jor-El, Superman's father, is another salute to the earlier films, as are the bits of dialogue from those features.

        For baby boomers, Singer cast Noel Neill and Jack Larson, the Lois and Jimmy from the 1950s TV show, in small parts.

        Superman Returns is a lot of fun. Singer's self-indulgence does not really hurt the action and helps smooth the way for Routh to pick up the mantle of superhero.

        Seeing that big red 'S” on the big screen again is an exciting experience. Welcome, home, Supe. We missed you.

       Bob Bloom is the film critic and DVD reviewer at the Journal and Courier in Lafayette, Ind. He can be reached by e-mail at bbloom@journalandcourier.com or at serialhero48@yahoo.com. Bloom's reviews also can be found at the Journal and Courier Web site: www.jconline.com
Other reviews by Bloom can be found at the Rottentomatoes Web site: www.rottentomatoes.com.