Raising the umbrella

Howard Ashman was a wise man. Responsible in part for the resurrection of Disney's animation fortunes in the late 80's, he was insistent that every scene in Disney's animated features should exist under an "umbrella of emotion" - a succinct recognition of the need to involve the audience in the lives of the characters on the screen, rather than dazzle them with empty spectacle. It's such a basic rule that it's a wonder it's so regularly forgotten, especially since those films which endure at the box office seem to remember it so well.

Superman Returns raises it's umbrella early on and refuses to let it drop until the end credits have rolled . It never forgets that it's the continuation of an iconic love story, at its heart the tale of two people who simply will not allow each other to be together. Wrapped around that core are enough action movie trappings coupled with near flawless effects to entertain all but the most exhausted 5 year olds (suffice it to say that a certain nieces reaction was out of kilter with the majority viewpoint), but without overwhelming the heart of the piece.

The three principles are fortunately up the the task at hand. Brandon Routh uncannily channels Christopher Reeve for his scenes are Clark Kent, and manages to bring a touching vulnerability to Superman. Kate Bosworth is suitably prickly as a hurt Lois Lane, confused by Superman's seeming abandonment of her. Both she and Routh are convincing as a couple in love, yet unable to admit their feelings for one another. Kevin Spacey is by far the best Lex Luthor we've seen on screen yet, retaining some of Gene Hackman's humorous flair, but with a far darker and malevolent streak that witnessed before.

It all holds together just beautifully. Even elements I was initially skeptical about, such as the introduction of Lois's child and Superman's five year absence make sense in the context of film and allow the Superman mythology to be examined from a fresh perspective. Brian Singer is to be commended for making Superman relevant again in the 21st century.

Two thumbs way, way up for this one.