marshall_web's reviews

And..why not see the greatest superhero of all time? Truthfully, there is no reason why anyone should not see this movie.

First off, the people who bashed Singer for leaving the X-Men franchise might cool off when they see this masterpiece. Singer's wonderful adaptation of this beloved figure will never be forgotten and will soon pass the great Richard Donner films as 'the' Superman movie(s).(Assuming Singer makes magic again..which in my mind, he will.) The Donner films, although great, still depicted Superman in a 'cheesy' light, and this is one of the edges Singer had over Donner. Singer also gave us wonderful high-def visuals and effects that will 'wow' audiences. But most of all it was his storytelling that was so brilliant. The way he portrayed the triangle of man, as Superman battled between being Superman, Kal-El, and the goofy, yet lovable Clark Kent, was just brilliance. Most of all the other triangle between Lois, Clark, and Superman. And unlike the Donner films, it did not feel cheesy, it felt real, and Singer is to thank for really gripping emotion that was brought to screen.

And sorry Brandon Routh. Because you did such a wonderful job as Superman, you will forever be remembered for that roll, and it may be hard for people to depict you anywhere else, bravo. As I recall it was Singer's idea to cast an unknown. Well, bravo. How about Kate Bosworth as a beautiful Lois Lane? Who knew the surfer chick from Blue Crush could act so well? Parker Posey, a comic relief, playing alongside Lex Luthor. And well...the best for last...an absolutely brilliantly mesmerizing performance by Mr. Kevin Spacey. His humor mixed in with brilliance really captured the true villain that is Lex Luthor. By playing true to the comics with the bald head, Spacey truly embodied Lex Luthor and made it his own. Sorry Gene. Also great side rolls in the always funny Jimmy, Lois' fiancé, played by James Mardsen, and the cute little man that almost stole the show.

As for the effects and story. Do not worry, it is all there. Whether you are a die hard comic fan, a popcorn movie loving guy, a chick flick gal, or someone who just wants to see a greatly directed movie, Superman Returns is the movie for you. Hats off to this new classic. Sorry Roger Ebert, America disagrees. The world needs Superman.

To tell the truth, I thought the Batman franchise could never be saved, and I was really let down that I may never see my favorite superhero in a good movie ever again. Then I saw the preview to Batman Begins, I didn't really know what to think. New Batman. New Alfred. New story. New style. I wasn't sure why I wanted it 'the old way', but maybe I wanted to the actors in the Batman films I grew up with, to revive themselves and make a good Batman movie. I wanted Robin and sadly, Batgirl, alongside Batman saving the world from another familiar villain.

I heard Batman Begins, and I thought great, this was called "Batman" in 1989, selfishly I said, "I want something new!".

But, of course being a big Batman fan, I went opening night to Begings. 2 and half hours later, like the rest of the audience was completely blown away. It was the only movie I had ever been to (and yes I have been to some great ones) where the crowd claps and the end. This was not just golf claps for a popcorn clip, this was a standing ovation for 10:30 pm show in a crowded theater in Austin, Texas.

I never would have thought this would have worked, even with Nolan directing. But I was wrong, so wrong. After seeing the X-Mens and Spidermans, I clearly thought Marvel had the upperhand and DC was just simply trying to keep up, again, so wrong.

Nolan gave us a dark, gritty, and pleasantly realistic, view of Batman. Bale gives a tremendous performance as both Batman and Bruce Wayne. Michael Caine was a fabulous Alfred, and Morgan Freeman almost stole the show as Luscious Fox.

Even though X-Men and Spiderman(all of them) are wonderful superhero movies, Batman Begins, is just a good, no, great movie. And I think that is what blew people away, that it wasn't just some superhero, special effect, hero gets girl, good guy wins movie, it was a truly dark and well crafted movie, and it maybe stupid to say, but it didn't even feel like you were watching a superhero movie.

I don't even think Burton, and his animated style(which works), could have revived this troubled series, that Schumaker wrecked, because like Fantastic Four and Daredevil, tried over do it and give us the latter part of things.

So, here is to you Chris Nolan. You saved a franchise. You made an unforgettable movie, that will be remembered as the best superhero movie of all time, but just an all around great and unforgettable movie classic.

It is safe to say that every X-Men fan, or any movie fan for that matter would have much rather seen Bryan Singer finnish out his first two X mens into a brilliant trilogy. I was very unsure that Brett Ratner, who has directed some pretty decent movies, not great, but not terrible could do a good job. Much to my chagrin Brett Ratner exceeded my expectations on how well he could direct the final chapter of this comic masterpiece.

Although I feel a comic book movie has yet to top Batman Begins, I feel that all superhero movies owe it to the X men for 'relaunching' this superhero craze that we have been blessed with, and for that we have to thank Singer.

For those who have seen the movie you can agree with me that Ratner did not give us the in depth character build up that Singer gave us. Instead, giving us a fun action packed movie, with a little character glimpse at Wolverine and a touching moment between Kitty and Bobby. However, that is not the director that Ratner is. Ratner is 'an action' director, one who focuses mainly on fight sequences and explosions mixed in with some mild humor, and that is what made this movie work.

Although Singer's genius was deeply missed in this third chapter, I do not feel we need to be ashamed at the third movie. I know we all feel that Singer could have given us a better close on his trilogy, Brett Ratner still needs to be applauded for giving us his different yet great take on the wonderful and never to be forgotten X-Men series.