We watched it at a Famous Players IMAX theatre. We paid top dollar for it, especially on a Tuesday night. It was worth it. I mean, this is Superman. How else would you watch it but the grand way? The sound was fantastic. He flies right out of the screen. You can almost reach out your hand and touch him.
(We'll get to the touching part later, especially with the super yummy Brandon Routh.)
The movie is scripted and well played out. The progression of the story line was done very well. Special effects were fantastic and the scenes were chosen well. It was true to it's original retro 70's/80's form with neon blue writing for credits and was consistent all throughout the movie. Superman is still the old-fashioned do-gooder, sort of a nerdish superhero who saves the day that we all love.
Top Notch actors Kate Bosworth and Kevin Spacey were able to carry the scenes through effortlessly. Much that we believe Brandon Routh is the perfect Superman re-incarnation, you would not be seeing his name on an Oscar list anytime soon.
Brandon Routh is an alumni of The International Model & Talent Association, New York 1999. Never heard of them before? It's a good thing you know me. Once upon in a lifetime of career confusion, I used to work with IMTA. I sent models and actors to compete for contracts and representation. Remember, rule#1 should be in your entertainment career, IT'S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW, IT'S WHO YOU KNOW. And it definitely has paid off for Brandon Routh. IMTA is where he met his current agent who convinced him to move to LA! So, all unbelievers out there. These things to do work. If you do it right.
Now, he found his agent. How did Bryan Singer find him?
It all started in 1997 with Tim Burton and Nicholas Cage. What a combination? This might be a shock to casting, but definitely a plus for the executive producers who raise the money for the film. The only redeeming part was that Kevin Smith was assigned to re-write the script. From what I hear in the DC World, the title was SUPERMAN IS DEAD. Of course, Burton and Jon Peters shredded the script and stalled the project. Cage dropped out. And Tim Burton dropped out.
Then, there was a push to combine Superman vs Batman to be helmed by Wolfgang Petersen. All DC Fans would have been excited with this prospect. According to Lem, mr-commentator-while-the-movie-was-showing, Superman and Batman are the only superheroes existing in the same dimension. The stories, in the land of the DC World, Kryptonite is scarce, unlike the movies, and Superman gave Batman a Kryptonite ring just in case he becomes evil! Uhuh, this would have been a very, very good storyline my friend. I would have gone and watch it on IMAX and probably even paid for the DVD Set. This was also scrapped.
All remained quiet until 2000 with Brett Ratner. Budget calls for $225 million. Is the Man of Steel worth this much money? As the project is stalled again, Spider-Man is released and generates $400 million+ domestically and all of a sudden, $225 million is a go.
In a casting perspective, when the funds become available, you start jotting down who you want to star in your movie. A wish list, per say. And here are the nominees:
Ratner and Peters for Superman -
Choice #1 Josh Hartnett. Not only turned it down once, but turned it down twice.
Choice #2 Brandon Fraser. Okay not bad. He's had more redeeming acting roles post cave man days. What I mean to say, is that he's not just a looker anymore. He has earned his acting chops.
Runner-ups Ashton Kutcher and Matthew Bomer. We all worship the ground you walk on Mr. Bryan Singer. For seeing beyond and above these two supermodels.
My biggest regret Cate Blanchett was their choice for Lois Lane. She would have made a much superb Lois, but they probably will have to find an older Kent.
Ratner drops out of the race, and McG was brought in. Made his mark in the world directing Charlie's Angels. Bomer and Fraser to Kutcher and someone named Henry Cavill are being considered. Just imagine. This time, Superman fans had lost hope that this movie will be made, and that it will stay its true form. His abrupt departure from the project was over budget and location differences with the studio. Where is Superman's Metropolis? McG's New York, or the studio's Australia? The man with the money always wins. Australia will save the studio an approximated $30 million.
Finally, this made it's way to Bryan Singer. He dumps X-Men 3 for Superman.
And He did it! He finally found Superman!
When Warner Brothers says - GO you have your money. You rally the support of the best in the industry. Money is not an object. We will find our relative unknown Superhero in the midst of the chaos. About 11 casting directors were involved between the US, Canada and Australia. Of course, my favourite Heike Brandstatter and Corinne Myers with Lions Gate Studios, headed the Canadian division of the casting. Why not? They currently cast for Smallville staring Tom Welling. Wondered how he got considered for the part? Why not? He is already Superman in every teenagers heart all across North America. However, the casting call re-iterates that all actors being considered will be "late 20's". That is a big leap for him. The big rumour is.... scheduling conflict. This movie is only to have some filming in Vancouver, but mostly in Australia.
Singer comes across and old tape from McG - a Brandon Routh audition! After meeting him in person at a coffee shop, Singer notes "He looks like he walked off a page in the comic book." He was invited to read for the final screen test in Burbank. Singer was leaving to scout in Australia the next day but he knew when he got on that plane what his decision was going to be. Two months later, Brandon Routh got the call that changed his life forever. Those are pretty big red boots to fill.....
Brandon Routh has minimal acting experience. In Movie land, theatre credits and actor tv credits dont add up much. And if your only recurring role is a 1 year stint on a soap opera, that does not bode well as a lead contender in a Blockbuster. Especially a 3 Movie Deal! TIP OF THE DAY: In my book, a RELATIVE UNKOWN in role casting means HE'S GOT TO TALK THE TALK, WALK THE WALK, WE DONT CARE WHERE HE COMES FROM, OR WHAT HE KNOWS. STOP HIM BEFORE HE WALKS OUT THE DOOR. Yoohoo! Superman, ahem, Brandon Routh, will you care to come back and fill out our contract? We will give you lots of money.
His uncanny resemblance to Christopher Reeve is eerie. I did notice something different about him though. In some close ups during the movie, he was almost ethnic. I tried to search through Google to see what his background or his parents background. Maybe part Italian. Hispanic. Maybe even Asian. I came up blank. Really, he's just plain American. I doubt it. Somebody out there, Talk To Me! There is not much talk about his Pre-Superman Life. And no, I dont want to hear about the Pajamas, or his Halloween costume.
SPOILERS - DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVENT SEEN THE MOVIE!
I REALLY ENJOYED
Parker Posey - played Lex's sidekick Kitty
BEST PART OF THE SCRIPT
When we realize who the little boy really is
MOST INTERESTING TWIST
Token Asian bad guy is out. Token Middle Eastern bad guy is in.
SOMETHING OF TODAY
Lois Lane passing her son off as Richard's. Almost forgot I was not reading a Harlequin Romance book, but watching a movie.
WHAT I'D LIKE TO TALK MORE OF, BUT DONT HAVE THE TIME OR ENERGY
SAG and FATC not very happy that production has moved away from the US, especially for a blockbuster. Lost work, lost opportunities, lost revenues.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Clark comes naturally to him because he is Clark," says Superman Returns screenwriter Michael Dougherty.
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posted by The Imaginary Diva at 9:56 AM
