Superman Returns 2006

Superman Returns

Critics Consensus

Bryan Singer's reverent and visually decadent adaptation gives the Man of Steel welcome emotional complexity. The result: a satisfying stick-to-your-ribs adaptation.

75%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 267

61%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 517,037

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Movie Info

While Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey) plots to destroy him once and for all, the Man of Steel (Brandon Routh) returns after a long absence to a much-changed world. Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth) has moved on with her life, and society has learned to survive without him. Superman must find a way to reconnect with her and find his place in a world that may no longer need him.
  • Rating:
    PG-13 (Some Intense Action Violence)
  • Genre:
    adventure, sci fi, action, fantasy
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Bryan Singer
  • Producer:
    Bryan Singer, Gilbert Adler, Jon Peters
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $200.1M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Warner Bros.
  • Sound Mix:
    SDDS, Dolby Digital, Dolby SRD, DTS
  • Aspect Ratio:
    Scope (2.35:1)
  • View the collection:
    Superman

Cast & Crew

Brandon Routh
Clark Kent, Superman
Kate Bosworth
Lois Lane
James Marsden
Richard White
Frank Langella
Perry White
Eva Marie Saint
Martha Kent
Parker Posey
Kitty Koslowski
Kal Penn
Stanford
Sam Huntington
Jimmy Olsen
Kevin Spacey
Lex Luthor
Tristan Lake Leabu
Jason White
Bryan Singer
Director
Bryan Singer
Producer
Gilbert Adler
Producer
Jon Peters
Producer
Michael Dougherty
Writer
Dan Harris
Writer
Newton Thomas Sigel
Cinematographer
Louise Mingenbach
Costume Designer
Roger Mussenden
Casting
Chris Lee
Executive Producer
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Critic Reviews for Superman Returns

All Critics (267) | Top Critics (51) | Fresh (200) | Rotten (67)

View All Critic Reviews (267)

Audience Reviews for Superman Returns

  • Jun 21, 2016
    So let's start with the good: Bryan Singer's tribute to Richard Donner film takes place in a continuity that does not acknowledge that Superman III or IV happened, John Williams's original score is used, Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor, modern CGI. Yep, that's it. Kate Bosworth was horrible as Lois Lane and Lex Luthor's motive was again as a land obsessed real estate lover rather than a true criminal mastermind trying to piece together something to destroy Superman. Routh was obviously cast due to this resemblance to Christopher Reeve in both looks and the sound of his voice. The script pretty much turns Superman into a creepy stalker as he watches Lois from outside her window. Of course the worst part of the movie was Lois's son for reasons that you'll see if you decide to watch this. It is not surprising that the franchise did not produce another film with this cast or director despite making a hefty sum at the box office.
    Patrick W Super Reviewer
  • Dec 11, 2015
    I don't understand why this film gets as much hate as it does, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, First of all it's set before 3 & 4 and 5 years after number 2 as if to say let's pretend 3 & 4 happened and let's face it there's allot of people like me who wished they didn't happen as they were pretty bad films, The story was ok it took allot of plot points from the first with Lex Luthor wanting to kill millions of people just to own land and it was ok, Brandon Routh as Superman was fine I had no problem with him at all, Kevin Spacey was great as Lex but I didn't like Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane and to be honest I've never liked most of the love interests in any superhero movie as they all end up being annoying bait, The effects were ok for its year and there should of been way more action for its very long run time and it does drag at points, The ending scene wasn't the best and they could of made it abit more interesting and even after the dramatic finale it still has around 20 minutes left were not allot happens, Ranking it with the original 4 movies it's my 2nd favourite behind the first obviously, It does have its share of problems but I wouldn't of mind seeing a sequel, It's just a shame they never put a little more faith in Brandon Routh instead of thinking about profits.
    Jamie C Super Reviewer
  • Apr 17, 2015
    About on par with the first two films, maybe a little better, probably a little worse, depending on what exactly you're analysing (but certainly leaps and bounds above III, IV and Supergirl). I'm a big fan of Spacey (Men Who Stare at Goats, 21, K-PAX, American Beauty, A Bug's Life, Se7en, The Usual Suspects) so with him playing Lex Luthor (above in white) I had something to look forward to regardless of anything else. The rest of the cast is barely worth noting though, if at all. Worst of all, Brand Routh (Scott Pilgrim VS The World, Zack and Miri Make a Porno) simply can't stand up to Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel. For whatever reason, Returns doesn't get away with its overly lengthy runtime in the same way that Superman and Superman II is capable of doing. The depth that was endearing of the first two films, has by this time become a chore. There's something to be said for an enjoyment factor here, which is of course the most integral part of the entertainment medium. But beyond this, some decent effects and Spacey's Lex Luthor, there is really nothing to be gained from the piece. Again though, infinitely more enjoyable than '83 - '87 entries. 54% -Gimly
    Gimly M Super Reviewer
  • Jan 31, 2015
    Superman is always fun to watch, and I didn't mind the new Clark Kent and Lois Lane.
    Red L Super Reviewer
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