Superman Returns (2006)

Nathan gives the film an enthusiastic verdict, calling it a soaring, emotionally rich addition to the Superman pantheon. He especially praises its heartache and romantic emotional conflict, while also applauding the spectacle.

The critic gives the film an enthusiastic verdict, calling it a grand and emotionally engaging superhero saga. He singles out its visual beauty and Brandon Routh’s effortless, appealing performance.

Papamichael finds the film entertaining, with Brandon Routh carrying its implausible plot through sheer charm. She also praises its nostalgic approach to the original franchise.

Ebert gives the film a positive but not wholehearted verdict. He praises Brandon Routh’s portrayal of Superman while finding the film short of greatness.

Honeycutt finds the film largely successful, balancing an emotionally grounded hero with spectacular superhero action. He particularly praises Brandon Routh’s sincere, convincing performance as Superman.

The page identifies this as a review, but its verdict is unavailable in the accessible text. No specific praise or complaint can be confirmed.

The page identifies this as a review, but the critic’s verdict is not visible. The available text offers no specific praise or complaint.

The critic finds the film polished but emotionally hollow, neither thrilling nor offensive. He faults its abstract characters and themes, while singling out its visual beauty and a striking reverse-motion shot.

Mackie finds the film overly serious, too long, and increasingly mawkish, despite its emotional approach. He singles out Kevin Spacey’s enjoyably malevolent Lex Luthor, while lamenting the film’s lack of lightness and humour.

Lane finds the film dull and constrained, ultimately arguing that its superhero leaves him cold. He singles out the shallow characterization, especially Lex Luthor, whose performance and elaborate wardrobe cannot make the character interesting.

Kermode finds the film intelligent, gripping, and highly successful overall, despite its faltering emotional resolution near the end. She especially praises Brandon Routh’s performance and the inventive action sequences’ attention to physical detail.

Vaux says Superman Returns holds up better than its critics suggest and succeeds in recapturing the spark of the first two films. He praises Brandon Routh’s resemblance to Christopher Reeve and Bryan Singer’s blend of exciting set pieces and respect for the character.