The largest crime that unfolds in Metropolis is not Lex Luthor’s bizarre plot to re-create the world’s supply of viable real estate. Rather, it’s an ominous evaporation of character. Superman Returns emerges as the lovechild of the superb Superman II and the horrendous Superman IV: The Quest for Peace; it’s a mishmash of silly criminals, half-baked storylines and mere hints of the emotional core — and wreckage — of the second film in the series. Lois Lane, a cynical, self-assured, cigarette-smoking modern woman in the original films (played to perfection by Margot Kidder), is present only to advance the plot. Her lines are throwaways; she’s boring. Kate Bosworth is completely outgunned by her predecessor, as is Kevin Spacey (Luthor) and Frank Langella (Daily Planet Editor in Chief Perry White). Surprisingly enough, Brandon Routh’s Christopher Reeve impersonation works, though he looks a bit too waxy and — well — alien.
File this one under the Star Wars prequel effect: the best part of the film is the anticipation of seeing it. D.