Superman Returns: The Official Movie Guide

by John J. Hill

On June 30, 2006, SUPERMAN RETURNS hits the big screen with a new feature film from Warner Bros. and visionary director BRYAN SINGER (X2, X-Men, The Usual Suspects). Following a mysterious absence of several years, the Man of Steel comes back to Earth in the epic action-adventure SUPERMAN RETURNS, a soaring new chapter in the saga of one of the world’s most beloved super heroes. While an old enemy plots to render him powerless once and for all, Superman faces the heartbreaking realization that the woman he loves, Lois Lane, has moved on with her life. Or has she? Superman’s bittersweet return challenges him to bridge the distance between them while finding a place in society that has learned to live without him. In an attempt to protect the world he loves from cataclysmic destruction, Superman embarks on an epic journey of redemption that takes him from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of outer space. More than 150 magnificent photos will appear in the official SUPERMAN RETURNS book. Set alongside excerpts from the screenplay and short essays, the photographs will allow the reader to follow the arc of the film’s story and marvel at the filmmaking magic on display—from the spectacular creation of the Daily Planet to the breathtaking action set pieces.

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Jevron McCrory · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was conflicted when this film came out.

Christopher Reeve is my Superman so I really didn't wanna see anyone else don the iconic cape. I enjoyed the movie, despite myself, and after seeing Henry Cavill as Kal El in Man Of Steel, a two hour smash-a-thon, I love THIS movie now more than ever!

Brandon Routh and Bryan Singer understood that it's not Superman's strength that makes him special. It's his COMPASSION. He FEELS more deeply than anyone on Earth and he's not even from here. He is our human credential. That's what makes him SUPER. (Met Brandon Routh, cool guy! His girlfriend flirted with me!)

As 'Making Of' books go, this isn't all that great. It's shallow deep, not printed all that beautifully and the pics, though cool, aren't all that exclusive.

The movie deserved more.

[Kirara7 · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good.

[Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice extra if you liked the film. Not hugely substantial, but plenty of great photos and a few pieces of conceptual art, as well as overviews of the main characters and the actors who play them. I gleaned some extra info from a few pieces of text, and it was interesting to hear what the director and screenwriters intent was on tone and look. The large size of the pages also lends itself to some great looking shots, especially of Brandon Routh in the suit.
Personally, I think this film is underrated, and Bryan Singer got the character much better than Zach Snyder ever will.

[Michael P. · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a book, this seemed informative about the forthcoming film, and so might rate 3 stars. After seeing the film, it becomes clear that there is a lot of spin to puff the movie past its merit. Also after viewing, the film no longer seems worth the time and effort put into making and reading the book. For diehard fans only.