Superman / Lakehouse
Alright, so I've got a double-dose of movie review goodness, and I'm going to do it quick because I have to get back to work. (I'm on a short break, deciding to work on July 4 since I'm working from home anyway).
Superman Returns
Of course I had to see this one. Newcomer Brandon Routh is a charming Superman, and I say that thinking it's unfair to compare him to Chris Reeve. I think I prefer Spacey's slightly more demented, slightly less wacky Lex Luthor to Gene Hackman's portrayal, and Kate is passable as Lois. She gets across the smart reporter thing, which is basically all Lois needs to do.
In all, I thought the movie was quite well done, and I say this without the rose-colored glasses of the previous movies. Superman, the original, for all that was good about it, was incredibly hokey. By contrast, this had a plot that interested me, even if it got a bit redundant at times. ("Can he lift it? Yes he can!")
The least satisfying point for me was the ending. While Batman Begins had a closing scene that summarized the entirety of Batman's place as a superhero, Superman Returns seemed oddly lacking in this department. Still, an enjoyable summer romp overall, with a fun mix of action and humor.
Score: * * * *
The Lakehouse
Soon after Superman, Nina and I decided to spend our fifth anniversary watching a romantic movie. This film was released at the wrong time, however. Given that it's a romance, and that a large part of the plot revolves around Valentine's Day, it would make much more sense to release it in February where it could've seen more success.
Reeves and Bullock are both better than usual, though they both have a few groaner moments here and there. The plot is unique and engaging, requiring suspension of disbelief, but also making us examine the way the way the movie is laid out and how information is revealed. It's also refreshing to see a director make a romantic movie in which the actors are not consciously trying to "be pretty." People look goofy when they cry hard, and we are exposed to that.
Unfortunately, it is the nature of movies that involve time-travel-scenarios that we will see some of the twists coming, and in this way the movie is predictable. This is what makes it drag in the third act. But the blend of interesting characters, unique plot, and surprising acting chops from the two leads makes this one of the better date movies in recent history.
Score: * * *
Superman Returns
Of course I had to see this one. Newcomer Brandon Routh is a charming Superman, and I say that thinking it's unfair to compare him to Chris Reeve. I think I prefer Spacey's slightly more demented, slightly less wacky Lex Luthor to Gene Hackman's portrayal, and Kate is passable as Lois. She gets across the smart reporter thing, which is basically all Lois needs to do.
In all, I thought the movie was quite well done, and I say this without the rose-colored glasses of the previous movies. Superman, the original, for all that was good about it, was incredibly hokey. By contrast, this had a plot that interested me, even if it got a bit redundant at times. ("Can he lift it? Yes he can!")
The least satisfying point for me was the ending. While Batman Begins had a closing scene that summarized the entirety of Batman's place as a superhero, Superman Returns seemed oddly lacking in this department. Still, an enjoyable summer romp overall, with a fun mix of action and humor.
Score: * * * *
The Lakehouse
Soon after Superman, Nina and I decided to spend our fifth anniversary watching a romantic movie. This film was released at the wrong time, however. Given that it's a romance, and that a large part of the plot revolves around Valentine's Day, it would make much more sense to release it in February where it could've seen more success.
Reeves and Bullock are both better than usual, though they both have a few groaner moments here and there. The plot is unique and engaging, requiring suspension of disbelief, but also making us examine the way the way the movie is laid out and how information is revealed. It's also refreshing to see a director make a romantic movie in which the actors are not consciously trying to "be pretty." People look goofy when they cry hard, and we are exposed to that.
Unfortunately, it is the nature of movies that involve time-travel-scenarios that we will see some of the twists coming, and in this way the movie is predictable. This is what makes it drag in the third act. But the blend of interesting characters, unique plot, and surprising acting chops from the two leads makes this one of the better date movies in recent history.
Score: * * *