Superman Returns is actually quite good when it does not focus on the plot points of previous Superman movies, such as: Lex Luther, Lex Luther's love of real estate, Lex Luther's girl friend, and did I mention Lex Luther? I guess that's my main disappointment - the movie is not totally fresh. A new villain would have been a novel idea. However, Superman's mysterious disappearance, five-year absence, and return to earth is interesting enough to keep me, well... interested.

Brandon Routh does a fine job as Superman, and an excellent imitation of Christopher Reeve doing Clark Kent. Although Routh was working as a bartender when he was choosen for this role, he does have numerous televison acting jobs on his resume. Kate Bosworth is perfectly cast as an understandably miffed Lois Lane.

There has been some criticism of this movie for relying too much on CGI special effects, while not having enough plot development. Well, for the most part, that is probably correct, except for one ten-minute sequence where Superman (no spoilers here if you've seen any of the previews) rescues a passenger jet which is carrying news reporters, and a NASA Space Shuttle riding piggyback on top of it. This will probably become one of the iconic special effects sequences in cinema history, like the parting of the Red Sea. It is simply awesome on the big screen.  A sequence like this is well worth the price of admission. Excellence should be rewarded.