If you have not yet seen the film, there may be some spoilers in here for you! :O
If that is the case run off to the cinema and watch it; if its not showing at the cinema anymore then watch the original as an alternative.

Well, if you don’t know me, I am a big fan of comic characters, and Superman is one example (much like Batman) who near always makes great movie adaptations (mainly because they always tend to be directed by good folk, and starring half-decent actors) that and because I am smitten by their characters, namely to Batman for his dark overtones, and to Superman for the ever-lovable Clark Kent, who is the most important aspect of anything Superman, as far as I’m concerned Superman can fly around the world all he wants. But I go to see a Superman film for the Lois-Clark dynamic, because it’s always great fun to see the mild-mannered Clark Kent blither around like a fool.

One thing I was most definitely not pleased with –though, being oh so very British I did not complain- was the sound in our screen at the cinema was a bit buggered and led to some annoyance on my and my sister’s part, but this was no fault of the films, so I will not complain anymore than necessary.

Directed by Bryan Singer –who I of course know from directing the first two X-men films and the Usual Suspects- Starring Brandon Routh (Clark Kent/Superman), Kate Bosworth (Lois Lane), Kevin Spacey (Lex Luthor) James Marsden (Richard White), Parker Posey (Kitty Kowalski), Frank Langella (Perry White), Sam Huntington (Jimmy Olsen) and Eva Marie Saint (Martha Kent).

The film takes place after Superman II (this choice makes much sense later on) and Superman has been away from Earth for a very long time until –surprise, surprise- he returns. Though, during Superman’s absence Lex Luthor (Spacey) had since left jail and courted a rather old lady –for money and a big boat- in order to complete his ever growing quest for world supremacy. This time around he aims to accomplish this by creating a large land mass –with the aid of the crystals from Kal-el’s (superman) fortress of solitude- beside America and then renting the land to the highest bidder, similar to his plan in the original Superman film, similarly the film also features a ‘miss Teschmacher’ (character from original superman film) who realises Lex’s evil plan and ends up routing for Superman. After much action and Kryptonite usage Superman manages to save the day, and unfortunately discovers the worst thing that I say could have happened in a Superman film.

Superman Returns is a film intended for family watching –much like any of the others in the past- it doesn’t contain the slapstick humour of Superman 3 but it’s not quite as serious as Batman Begins. So it’s pretty much a film for the whole family, though personally I couldn’t see a child enjoying a superman film, but that’s simply my opinion. In my head I cannot imagine children enjoying anything other than ‘real’ children’s films.
That said some humour is dark (those scary dogs in particular), but the plot is nothing short of a normal superhero film.

The actors were good, Brandon Routh managed to create an imaginable Clark Kent –and maybe I will tell him that if I pluck up the courage at Gmex2 (scifi convention)- though less Cary Grant than Reeve’s portrayal, for which I was a little disappointed because you can’t not love Dr David Huxley (Bringing up Baby).
Though with this excellent Kent, I felt that Kevin Spacey’s Lex was somewhat too caring, perhaps if I put it into context it would make more sense. Gene Hackman’s Luthor did not care about anyone but himself, and left Miss Teschmacher to die, John Shea’s Lex was similar in nature. Though Spacey’s Luthor showed much emotion, and grew somewhat sad when some of his henchmen died. Now I realise this effectively gives makes him more than a one-dimensional bad guy, but it was for that reason that I liked Hackman in the role, he made a truly maniacal megalomaniac that you loved for being so egotistical and self centred.

Everything scripted; plot and dialogue all seemed very fitting of Superman; the plot was slightly clichéd and featured the usual ingredients, but little else could be expected. The dialogue of the film was great reminiscent of everything that is Superman, nice and witty. Though I must say I was a little disheartened when the phrase of ‘truth and justice’ was used, though it was devoid of ‘the American way’ which is basically Superman in six words… I don’t want a new Superman (sure a new Batman is a nice improvement) because one of his majesties is his forever plight in battling for the American way.
In speaking of the script I have chosen to ignore the horrible little addition of the small boy in the film, and unfortunately the film ends with Superman’s death in my book.

Of course the amazing John Williams’ Superman theme was ever-present and as good as always, otherwise the music had a suitable mood for the film; the composer John Ottoman, working on the X-men films previously with Bryan Singer.

Other than naming certain performances or certain parts of the film much of the film was amazing, I was a little sceptical of Kate Bosworth, but I found her as a rather sufficient Lois, and the same can be said of Routh and Spacey.
One thing I loved about the film was the beginning with the credits, CUTE!!! It was so ‘cute’ that they kept the same animation type style, making it feel like a Superman film within the first few minutes.
The other part I loved was that –although Lois is married- the Lois-Clark dynamic was still there (of course mainly in Clark), and the small scene where Richard (James Marsden) speculates whether Clark could be Superman was priceless.

The big surprise!!! Was the most awful thing that could have happened to Superman Returns, it is basically like giving him superdog as a side-kick. If you don’t want to spoil the surprise then don’t read this.
**
Giving superman a child is up there with my hatred of children having unlikely advantages over an adult and killing them, not to mention the complete confusion it creates; sure Superman and Lois had sex in the second Superman film, but then he wiped her memory… I mean, how immoral is that? Anyway, I believe this is the main reason most people had irks about Superman Returns, so I am comforted with the fact that it is not only me being all moaney.
**

The film itself was great, nothing short of my expectations, though I feel the end made the film a little weak, and on the verge of silliness. Superman Returns is definitely a good summer flick, though unfortunately competing with POTC means that there may in fact be little chance of a sequel due to poor box-office results, and just after I was warming to Routh as Superman.

Cptalbertwesker Rating – 8/10
With the enormous amount of comic to film adaptations it begins to get a little embarrassing. But after the amazing feats that Batman Begins achieved I could not wait to see a return to the Superman franchise, even if it does have its faults. It did not fail to deliver.

If you have not yet seen the film, there may be some spoilers in here for you! :O
But if you have not seen the General… then you haven’t lived my friend.

The General starring Buster Keaton; one of the absolute classic films of silent slapstick comedy, so of course when the opportunity arose to go and see it at my local independent cinema, I pretty much jumped at the chance.

Watching a silent film at the cinema was amazing, the screen was pretty much packed, with people of all ages, and what’s better is that everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves.
Although the rather annoying young girl on the row along from me couldn’t keep her attention on the film, and found it much more entertaining to watch the projectionist do his work –can’t stand people without the attention span for something; just makes my blood boil.

Directed by Buster Keaton and –one reason that I love both Keaton and Chaplin, was simply because they would always direct their own films. I’d like to see some actors do that! - Starring Buster Keaton (Johnny Gray), Marion Mack (Annabelle Lee), Charles Henry Smith (Mr. Lee) and Glen Cavender (Union Capt. Anderson).

The General takes place around the American civil war, and the film follows Johnny Gray (Keaton) as he -pretty much- saves the day with the help of his trusty locomotive ‘The General’. Now the way I’ve put that makes it sound something akin to Thomas the Tank Engine, so believe me when I say; this is one of the best comedies ever made!

The film is suitable for anyone; granted small children will have difficulty with the titles, but otherwise the film’s amazing physical humour will lighten anyone’s mood. The General is a film for anyone that loves film; and prefers something a little more sophisticated to the likes of today’s humour –this is kind light hearted comedy, not in your face, obnoxious and rude sex romps… but then I call The General sophisticated, and its just really good slapstick comedy at its finest.

Without a doubt the absolute star of the film is Buster Keaton; with his deadpan expression and his amazing physicality makes the film awesome, without him the film would be nothing and it is his physical presence alone that makes the film so fantabulous. Similarly I could never see anyone play Sam Lowry in Brazil, I could never see anyone else play the part of Johnny Gray besides Buster Keaton.
I also love Marion Mack in the film because she has that silent film actress look to her; also for all the humour on her part as well, for instance while she’s in the sack, and when she ‘does-everything-wrong’ with the train.

The screenplay and plot are pretty standard, and it is really hard to comment on factors such as lines in a silent film. But it is not the plot which is integral to the film –it is everything that happens along the way. Such as the scenes on the train, the big battle sequence and Johnny’s spying on the North, which all happen as a result on the basic theme of the civil war. One scene in particular I love that comes from this is particular skit in the recruitment office

I had high hopes that we would be lucky enough to have a live pianist playing for the film’s soundtrack; though I was being way too optimistic, but all the same it was still an amazing experience.

The film is amazing, I don’t think I can say it anymore than I have already, every scene is a guaranteed laugh as well as being extremely memorable and an absolute classic of silent cinema, up there with City Lights, Modern Times and The Kid in my books, which is saying a lot!
One scene I absolutely love –just remembered it- is when they are running extremely low on wood, and Johnny tells her to put everything in, and he makes sure she puts this minuscule piece of wood in the incinerator, and she then procures a broom out of nowhere and starts sweeping the train’s floor, ah the look on his face..

I don’t think it is possible to say that there are any bad points to The General, the acting is great for the time, as is the story (as far as some silent films go, except with Chaplin’s films of the same era), the humour is great and there are some scenes in particular that are prime examples of classic cinema.

A film so prolific I would most readily recommend it to anyone that enjoys films, or pretty much just wants a good laugh. So if you ever have the chance of watching it at a cinema, GO SEE IT!!!

Cptalbertwesker Rating – 10/10
An absolutely amazing experience, one I shall cherish for ages; not simply for the timeliness of it. But also for the highly amused uproar of most of the cinema patrons; each and every humorous act met with such laughter. Something that is definitely not comparable by audiences of today’s comedies.

If you have not yet seen the film, there may be some spoilers in here for you! :O
So don’t come running to me if you spoil the film!

Very unlike myself, I went to see a Disney film at the cinema; oh the actual terrible shock! I would have not chosen to go and see such a thing, except a group of friends were venturing out to do the very thing, so we tagged along and enjoyed the ride.

The cinema was absolutely packed, I love that whenever I go to the cinema simply with my sister there is always a very low attendance, but you add one other person to that group, suddenly the cinema always seems to be packed.

Directed by Gore Verbinski and Starring Johnny Depp (Jack Sparrow), Orlando Bloom (Will Turner), Keira Knightley (Elizabeth Swann), Jack Davenport (Norrington), Bill Nighy (Davy Jones) Jonathan Pryce (Governor Swann), Lee Arenberg (Pintel), Mackenzie Crook (Ragetti), Kevin McNally (Gibbs), David Bailie (Cotton) and Stellan Skarsgard (Bootstrap Bill)

Well, the film –most obviously- takes place after the events of Pirates of the Caribbean (Whatever they may be, I for one have not seen the original) and follows the misadventures of Jack, Will and Elizabeth, with all pretty much similar screen time which was surprising to see. Ok, so the point of the film is that Captain Jack Sparrow made a very Faustian pact with Davy Jones, and now like all these deals, Jones wants his soul. But of course, he won’t let him have it, and this is when adventure ensues.

Well, being a Disney film, and based on a theme park ride, the film is very much intended for children, and granted there were some funny parts, the humour was all very obvious, nothing extremely clever, so yes. Very much a children’s film.

Well, in comment to the actors, the real selling point of the film is no doubt Johnny Depp, an actor who is now so recognised, hoards of young girls –and women- flock to his every film. Though it must be said that he creates such a character that can be remembered, it is almost impossible to say much else about the other actors.
It was a little strange to see so many British cameos, and I was rather estranged in seeing Mr Jonathan Pryce playing a role in the film, but regardless it must be said that hardly any of the other actors/actresses really compare to Depp’s performance, which I must say isn’t exactly his best one either.

The soundtrack was pretty cool, sounded similar to Monkey Island, and had me singing –Monkey Island- for a few days afterwards.

Good pirate films are few and far between, and one thing that I loved of Pirates of the Caribbean DMC was simply the pirate aspect. The film was full of beautiful costumes, fitting to the era, and the locations were gorgeous, (cant say that and not think of Little Britain) and as I do not see many period pieces, I must say that it was some of the best mise-en-scene for a film I have seen in a while.

For one, the film was quite long, and dragged a little, the other obvious downfall to the film was its extremely open-for-sequel-end which I abhor in films (unless its Batman Begins because they took that from the comics and it was awesome). Otherwise the film was ok, it’s not going up there on my ‘best films of 2006’ but it was ok. Like Fantastic Four last year, Pirates of the Caribbean was simply an enjoyable family film, not something I would usually chose to go see.

As I’ve already mentioned the film was entertaining, with a standard script and standard performances from the actors, not terribly engaging, but then, I did not expect such of the film.
Though if you have a hankering for light entertainment on a hot summers day, I can safely say that you will have some fun watching Pirates of the Caribbean 2; though I myself would chose to see Superman Returns if such the occasion arose.

Cptalbertwesker Rating – 6/10
I love to see people’s reactions to films, and children are particularly vocal in this aspect, so much that the child next to me, jumped enormously at some parts, laughed her head off on others, making the film much more enjoyable. Because I feel that if someone else is enjoying it, it makes the experience much more entertaining.
It would be very interesting –in my humble opinion- that instead with the third in the series, that they do not bring back Depp’s character, just to see everyone’s reaction, because there is no way they are going to keep their flagship out of it.