After a 26-year hiatus from the big screen, Superman returns. The appropriately titled film, “Superman Returns,” looks to follow Batman’s cape tails in resurrecting a previously deceased comic franchise.

The difference is Batman had only been eight years removed from his last nipple-clad caper on the big screen. So this may be Hollywood up to its old tricks — copying what’s financially successful instead of attempting something original.

Signing virtual no-namer Brandon Routh — previously credited with acclaimed roles on the soap opera “One Life to Live” and MTV’s “Undressed” — was a curveball for fan expectations.

The additions of Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane and Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor were frosting on the cake that could have been ruined by traditional Hollywood recipes.

Director Bryan Singer has cooked up success with two previous comic book adaptations, “X-Men,” and “X-Men 2.” While those may not be remembered for their critical acclaim, Singer received more than enough for his direction in “The Usual Suspects.”

Another appeal to new Man of Steel installment is the plot. As opposed to focusing on an origins story that all non-cave-dwellers already know, the story begins in a time when Superman has returned to Earth years after his mysterious disappearance.

The trailer shows married Lois Lane introducing her son to a stunned Clark Kent. The special effects look to set the tone of the new franchise, showing off Superman’s powers with an intensity never before seen.

Kevin Spacey’s performance looks to be borderline overacting, but in comic book world, fans often crave outlandish villains. Although Spacey wins the audience when we see Lex Luthor standing in Superman’s abandoned fortress of solitude, saying to the computer with greedy eyes, “Tell me everything.”

Look for the Kryptonian to soar in theaters once again on June 30.

> Comments