by Chad Jones

As expected, Superman Returns is visually-enthralling and rich in the way of action, meaning there are plenty of airplanes, cars and other falling things perpetually teetering above unsuspecting Metropolis citizens.

It is true what you have heard. He is back. No, not Vanilla Ice, who died inside a long time ago despite his continued rap/rock wet wrestling career - no, dear friends, Superman is back!

Directed by Bryan Singer (who opted not to direct X-Men: The Last Stand because of his involvement with this very film), Superman Returns is the believable yet fantastic tale of the 'man in blue' and his struggle against not only Lex Luthor’s evil plans, but the world’s towering expectations as well.

When casting began for Superman Returns several years ago, hunky losers the likes of Ashton Kutcher, Josh Hartnett, Smallville’s Tom Welling, and Nicholas Cage were offered the part. Fortunately for everyone, Singer insisted on the more competent, down-to-earth and untainted Brandon Routh, a faint speck on Hollywood’s radar who heeds no worry to the long-suspected "Superman curse." He delivers a compassionate, fresh performance that only an unknown actor could achieve. And seriously, Nic Cage? I can see the script now:

SUPERMAN, eyes wide, throat raspy, nostrils flared: Wait...uh...wait a minute. So...you’re tellin’ me I have...powers?

LEX LUTHOR, confused: Who are you talking to?

SUPERMAN: ...Put the bunny back in tha box.

LEX LUTHOR, sighing, eyes closed: I hate you.

As expected, Superman Returns is visually-enthralling and rich in the way of action, meaning there are plenty of airplanes, cars and other falling things perpetually teetering above unsuspecting Metropolis citizens (which makes for good watchin’). What’s more, the CGI rendering is flawless, crisp and believable, though the crew could (or should) have taken it upon themselves to edit out that lone, dangly curly-q that, despite its sentimental value, sits atop Superman’s head throughout the film like a wet noodle.

Rounding out the cast are Academy Award-winner Kevin Spacey, who hasn’t been this deliciously diabolical since his 1995 role in David Fincher’s Se7en; and Kate Bosworth, who brings a picture-perfect performance of a hurt and coping Lois Lane. She’s an engaged mother attempting to move on with her life after Superman’s departure, adding a necessary edge to the film’s otherwise light-hearted feel.

In an unexpected twist, it is Lois, not Lex, who reveals Superman’s true weakness: a weakness that resides beneath his impenetrable red Speedo, a yearning from deep within his loins of steel.

What do you think?