Comments on: Box Office watch: The secret of SUPERMAN's non-success http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/ The News Blog of Comics Culture Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:46:14 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v= hourly 1 By: Avi Green http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2797 Avi Green Wed, 16 Aug 2006 08:38:47 +0000 http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2797 Everyone's got some good guesses as to why Superman Returns failed, but, if it hasn't been brought up here yet, I think I may have the answers: What seems to have led to the movie's failure was at least two things: the scriptwriters turned the movie into a needless advocation of single parenthood, and using an actress who looked like she's just 23 or younger, may have also made some people uncomfy about the implications from there. And, there's also the deliberate omission of the old slogan that first debuted in the Superman radio serials of the 1940s: "Truth, Justice and the American Way." When word got out that the filmmakers were ashamed of their own heritage, as if being American means that you can't be a European's hero as well, or vice versa, that apparently doomed the movie to box office oblivion. I'll be quite honest here, but the way that Perry White asked if Supes still stands for "truth, justice, all that stuff?" sounded very unpleasant, as if truth and justice are meaningless. What next, no justice for people whose hard-earned money was robbed by a mugger? Columnist Michelle Malkin was bored by the movie, but it was the contempt by the filmmakers for what made Superman the great character he is to begin with that really turned her off, right down to the muting of his costume's colors. I can only wonder if the upcoming Wonder Woman movie will suffer any of the same problems. I hope not, and with any luck, maybe the controversy that arose over Superman Returns will convince WB to be more respectable of the Man of Steel in the sequel...assuming there ever is one. Everyone’s got some good guesses as to why Superman Returns failed, but, if it hasn’t been brought up here yet, I think I may have the answers:

What seems to have led to the movie’s failure was at least two things: the scriptwriters turned the movie into a needless advocation of single parenthood, and using an actress who looked like she’s just 23 or younger, may have also made some people uncomfy about the implications from there.

And, there’s also the deliberate omission of the old slogan that first debuted in the Superman radio serials of the 1940s: “Truth, Justice and the American Way.” When word got out that the filmmakers were ashamed of their own heritage, as if being American means that you can’t be a European’s hero as well, or vice versa, that apparently doomed the movie to box office oblivion. I’ll be quite honest here, but the way that Perry White asked if Supes still stands for “truth, justice, all that stuff?” sounded very unpleasant, as if truth and justice are meaningless. What next, no justice for people whose hard-earned money was robbed by a mugger?

Columnist Michelle Malkin was bored by the movie, but it was the contempt by the filmmakers for what made Superman the great character he is to begin with that really turned her off, right down to the muting of his costume’s colors. I can only wonder if the upcoming Wonder Woman movie will suffer any of the same problems. I hope not, and with any luck, maybe the controversy that arose over Superman Returns will convince WB to be more respectable of the Man of Steel in the sequel…assuming there ever is one.

]]> By: Joe Harris http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2796 Joe Harris Tue, 15 Aug 2006 16:05:37 +0000 http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2796 They had an actor trying to play Christopher Reeve playing Superman and an actor trying to play Gene Hackman playing Lex Luther. Top that off with a poorly done script and an over the top "Superman = Jesus" tone and what do you expect? It had it's few and far between moments that made made the trailer look decent but once people sat in there and came out telling their friends, word got out. No, Nick Cage as Superman would have been horrible, this was just a step up. They could have done worlds better but they didn't. As usual it's the general population's fault and no fault of Hollywood, or Holy-Wood as they seem to consider themselves. All that needed to have been done is make the movie be something people wanted to see. They had an actor trying to play Christopher Reeve playing Superman and an actor trying to play Gene Hackman playing Lex Luther. Top that off with a poorly done script and an over the top “Superman = Jesus” tone and what do you expect? It had it’s few and far between moments that made made the trailer look decent but once people sat in there and came out telling their friends, word got out.

No, Nick Cage as Superman would have been horrible, this was just a step up. They could have done worlds better but they didn’t. As usual it’s the general population’s fault and no fault of Hollywood, or Holy-Wood as they seem to consider themselves. All that needed to have been done is make the movie be something people wanted to see.

]]> By: rakumon http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2795 rakumon Tue, 15 Aug 2006 12:47:18 +0000 http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2795 SR's disappointing returns have nothing to do with the character of Superman. As someone mentioned earlier, Lois & Clark and Smallville have both succeeded in telling versions of the Superman story. SR's problem is that no one making the film really wanted to do their own interpretation. For all the flack that a lot of fanboys give Smallville, at least they were able to reinvent the character for the 21st century while remaining true to the essence of Superman. Also, the show's take on the Luthors and the Kents are, IMHO, the best live action interpretations of these characters. Ever. Superman is still one of the most recognizable pop culture icons in the world. And a movie about him SHOULD have been one of the biggest (if not THE biggest) grossers of the year. Aside from L&C and Smallville, Superman has since 1978 successfully evolved as a character in countless comics (Post-Crisis, For All Seasons, Birthright, etc.) and animation (Supermant TAS, JLU). WB's fatal mistake was entrusting their biggest franchise to a director whose only context for the Superman character was a 30-year-old movie adaptation. SR’s disappointing returns have nothing to do with the character of Superman. As someone mentioned earlier, Lois & Clark and Smallville have both succeeded in telling versions of the Superman story. SR’s problem is that no one making the film really wanted to do their own interpretation. For all the flack that a lot of fanboys give Smallville, at least they were able to reinvent the character for the 21st century while remaining true to the essence of Superman. Also, the show’s take on the Luthors and the Kents are, IMHO, the best live action interpretations of these characters. Ever.

Superman is still one of the most recognizable pop culture icons in the world. And a movie about him SHOULD have been one of the biggest (if not THE biggest) grossers of the year.

Aside from L&C and Smallville, Superman has since 1978 successfully evolved as a character in countless comics (Post-Crisis, For All Seasons, Birthright, etc.) and animation (Supermant TAS, JLU). WB’s fatal mistake was entrusting their biggest franchise to a director whose only context for the Superman character was a 30-year-old movie adaptation.

]]> By: Brian Belanger http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2794 Brian Belanger Tue, 15 Aug 2006 12:03:44 +0000 http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2794 There's nothing wrong with the character of Superman; hell, just watch any episode of "The Adventures of Superman" and see what I mean. He may be corny, but it's a GOOD corny... it's the notion of someone with the power of a god choosing to do good and help people. No, the problem was the movie itself. It breaks down into four sections: 1) Superman returns 2) Gets depressed 3) Fights some rocks, and 4) Almost loses What does that have to do with Superman? Where were the supervillains? Why is Lex so wimpy? Why the annoying bimbo sidekick? Why leave the Fortress of Solitude unlocked? Why use Kryptonian technology to build an island? Why is Superman stalking his ex? Why does Lois look like she's 19? And don't get me started on that kid... Seriously, before anyone invests another $200 million into a boring angst-fest, they should watch the Superman Adventures cartoons of the 1990s. Those guys captured the feel of Superman perfectly, and the pilot would make a GREAT theatrical film. There’s nothing wrong with the character of Superman; hell, just watch any episode of “The Adventures of Superman” and see what I mean. He may be corny, but it’s a GOOD corny… it’s the notion of someone with the power of a god choosing to do good and help people. No, the problem was the movie itself. It breaks down into four sections:
1) Superman returns
2) Gets depressed
3) Fights some rocks, and
4) Almost loses
What does that have to do with Superman? Where were the supervillains? Why is Lex so wimpy? Why the annoying bimbo sidekick? Why leave the Fortress of Solitude unlocked? Why use Kryptonian technology to build an island? Why is Superman stalking his ex? Why does Lois look like she’s 19? And don’t get me started on that kid…
Seriously, before anyone invests another $200 million into a boring angst-fest, they should watch the Superman Adventures cartoons of the 1990s. Those guys captured the feel of Superman perfectly, and the pilot would make a GREAT theatrical film.

]]> By: Christopher J. Carlson http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2793 Christopher J. Carlson Tue, 15 Aug 2006 02:21:25 +0000 http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2793 I thought the film was very well done all-around with only one exception - lack of suspense. Despite the fact that Luthor's plan could have been devastating, with nobody else knowing about it (aside from the principles and co-horts) there was no sense of threat. I didn't feel any worry for any of the people of Metropolis or the rest of North America or the world. And how many people really expected Superman to die while in the hospital? Anyhoo... I thought the film was very well done all-around with only one exception – lack of suspense. Despite the fact that Luthor’s plan could have been devastating, with nobody else knowing about it (aside from the principles and co-horts) there was no sense of threat. I didn’t feel any worry for any of the people of Metropolis or the rest of North America or the world. And how many people really expected Superman to die while in the hospital?

Anyhoo…

]]> By: Peter from MoCCA http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2792 Peter from MoCCA Mon, 14 Aug 2006 22:58:30 +0000 http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2792 I'm not as analytical when it comes to filmed entertainment, so I couldn't make any determinations of the movie itself. I only heard things like "they weren't all really acting, just doing impressions of the old cast," and "they used too much screen time to tell the story (well, that one I can believe because just when you think "they can't end it like this and they're going to," they don't)," and other stuff like that. My sole observations were that they made heavy references to the first two movies, and about most of the flying sequences were rendered in CGI (the actor's face looked like it was rendered by computer). They did really ruin it by including the kid and the "special surprise" that comes with him. I’m not as analytical when it comes to filmed entertainment, so I couldn’t make any determinations of the movie itself. I only heard things like “they weren’t all really acting, just doing impressions of the old cast,” and “they used too much screen time to tell the story (well, that one I can believe because just when you think “they can’t end it like this and they’re going to,” they don’t),” and other stuff like that. My sole observations were that they made heavy references to the first two movies, and about most of the flying sequences were rendered in CGI (the actor’s face looked like it was rendered by computer). They did really ruin it by including the kid and the “special surprise” that comes with him.

]]> By: Brian Spence http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2791 Brian Spence Mon, 14 Aug 2006 20:43:06 +0000 http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2791 There wasn't enough really cool moments in the trailer and frankly, not enough Superman. The coolest thing he does in the movie is rescue a plane? It was cool, but I thought the trailer for the videogame, complete with city smashing Brainiac, was more exciting. The technology is there to make any of DCs more visually appealing, more threatening, villains shine on screen. And the whole thing about him being gone so they could give him a kid with Lois just seemed too forced to me. I highly doubt he would have just split without talking to Lois. It's not like finding out if Krypton had survivors was some urgent event that he had to leave last minute. That said, I know lots of people who loved it. My parents, who don't read comics and aren't big into movies, thought it was really great. The sequel potential is really high though. Funny that someone else mentioned a similarity to Hulk. It, too, sacrificed fun superhero action with long stretches of boring dialogue. Let's hope they fix that in the Hulk 2/Supes 2. There wasn’t enough really cool moments in the trailer and frankly, not enough Superman. The coolest thing he does in the movie is rescue a plane? It was cool, but I thought the trailer for the videogame, complete with city smashing Brainiac, was more exciting. The technology is there to make any of DCs more visually appealing, more threatening, villains shine on screen.

And the whole thing about him being gone so they could give him a kid with Lois just seemed too forced to me. I highly doubt he would have just split without talking to Lois. It’s not like finding out if Krypton had survivors was some urgent event that he had to leave last minute.

That said, I know lots of people who loved it. My parents, who don’t read comics and aren’t big into movies, thought it was really great. The sequel potential is really high though. Funny that someone else mentioned a similarity to Hulk. It, too, sacrificed fun superhero action with long stretches of boring dialogue. Let’s hope they fix that in the Hulk 2/Supes 2.

]]> By: Bill Cunningham http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2790 Bill Cunningham Mon, 14 Aug 2006 20:40:00 +0000 http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2790 There was little to nothing new here: - Spacey was channeling Hackman (except when he stabbed Supes in the back. You felt this guy spent time in prison). - Posey was channeling Perrine (why oh why do henchmen always have to be silly? Is this a rule I'm unaware of?) - Brandon Routh was chosen to play Christopher Reeve playing Superman/Clark Kent. This could have been a cool movie that spoke to this generation and inspired them.... But no, we got a movie that's stuck in the past. There was little to nothing new here:

- Spacey was channeling Hackman (except when he stabbed Supes in the back. You felt this guy spent time in prison).

- Posey was channeling Perrine (why oh why do henchmen always have to be silly? Is this a rule I’m unaware of?)

- Brandon Routh was chosen to play Christopher Reeve playing Superman/Clark Kent.

This could have been a cool movie that spoke to this generation and inspired them….

But no, we got a movie that’s stuck in the past.

]]> By: Bill Scurry http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2789 Bill Scurry Mon, 14 Aug 2006 20:38:40 +0000 http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2789 Strictly speaking from a financial angle, "Superman Returns" cost WAAAAAAY too much money to make. End of story. Putting adjusted grosses aside for a moment, this was an almost impossible project to recoup an investment from. Also, I don't quite see where all the reputed $225 million dollars went... the FX were nice, but no wheels were reinvented. Right? Strictly speaking from a financial angle, “Superman Returns” cost WAAAAAAY too much money to make. End of story. Putting adjusted grosses aside for a moment, this was an almost impossible project to recoup an investment from. Also, I don’t quite see where all the reputed $225 million dollars went… the FX were nice, but no wheels were reinvented. Right?

]]> By: Ivan Cockrum http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2788 Ivan Cockrum Mon, 14 Aug 2006 20:33:22 +0000 http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2788 I can sum up the problem with the film very simply: It was glum and depressing instead of joyful and uplifting. When Chris Reeves flew, my heart leapt into my throat with joy. He looked like he was having tremendous fun. When Brandon Routh flew, he looked grim and depressed. Superman is an icon of wonder, and that's what we need to see. But glum and gritty is what you get when you bring in a director known for dark, edgy material. I can sum up the problem with the film very simply: It was glum and depressing instead of joyful and uplifting.

When Chris Reeves flew, my heart leapt into my throat with joy. He looked like he was having tremendous fun.

When Brandon Routh flew, he looked grim and depressed.

Superman is an icon of wonder, and that’s what we need to see. But glum and gritty is what you get when you bring in a director known for dark, edgy material.

]]> By: Andrew W. Laubacher http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2787 Andrew W. Laubacher Mon, 14 Aug 2006 19:18:39 +0000 http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2787 In my personal opinion, the problem is the film itself. Instead of a new Superman film for the 21st Century, we got a sequel to an almost 30 year old franchise. I don't think that a modern movie audience really wanted a love-letter to Chris Reeve. In my personal opinion, the problem is the film itself. Instead of a new Superman film for the 21st Century, we got a sequel to an almost 30 year old franchise. I don’t think that a modern movie audience really wanted a love-letter to Chris Reeve.

]]> By: JahFurry http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2786 JahFurry Mon, 14 Aug 2006 19:12:22 +0000 http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2786 True! But maybe Singer should have looked deeper for his homage, a la AllStar Superman with its million ideas a minute, taking 50s silliness into the sublime, or even Alan Moore's Supreme take on the same Weisinger era. The Fantastic Four movie had similar problem but even worse, they kept everything but the KIRBY and brought in Dr.Dud. Also how about the whole design element. yeah the crystals looked cool but sooooo much of them was just Gormenghastian in its oppressive vibe..... (my entire 3 comment train of thought was all just an excuse to use the former adjective) True! But maybe Singer should have looked deeper for his homage, a la AllStar Superman with its million ideas a minute, taking 50s silliness into the sublime, or even Alan Moore’s Supreme take on the same Weisinger era. The Fantastic Four movie had similar problem but even worse, they kept everything but the KIRBY and brought in Dr.Dud.
Also how about the whole design element. yeah the crystals looked cool but sooooo much of them was just Gormenghastian in its oppressive vibe….. (my entire 3 comment train of thought was all just an excuse to use the former adjective)

]]> By: Lyle http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2785 Lyle Mon, 14 Aug 2006 19:02:07 +0000 http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2785 I suspect the biggest problem with Superman Returns was that it never passed its biggest hurdle -- it needed to convince moviegoers that it was cooler than Smallville... or even Lois & Clark. There were two popular new takes on the franchise since the original film, so promising a homage to the original seemed rather quaint. I suspect the biggest problem with Superman Returns was that it never passed its biggest hurdle — it needed to convince moviegoers that it was cooler than Smallville… or even Lois & Clark. There were two popular new takes on the franchise since the original film, so promising a homage to the original seemed rather quaint.

]]> By: Justme http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2784 Justme Mon, 14 Aug 2006 19:00:53 +0000 http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2784 The rebooted Batman with Batman Begins. And should have done the same here. Singer was too much of a fan of the movie he grew up on and forgot the demographic they were trying to sell this movie to wasnt even born when the first set of Superman movies came out! The rebooted Batman with Batman Begins.
And should have done the same here. Singer was too much of a fan of the movie he grew up on and forgot the demographic they were trying to sell this movie to wasnt even born when the first set of Superman movies came out!

]]> By: Walt http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2783 Walt Mon, 14 Aug 2006 18:40:41 +0000 http://www.comicsbeat.com/2006/08/14/box-office-watch-the-secret-of-supermans-non-success/#comment-2783 Let's see, how can I put this in a genteel fashion? I'll be damned if the Superman movie didn't screw the pooch when it came to fueling another "I just gotta see what happens next" kind of movie. Warner may not realize it now, but the possibility of people ignoring the next movie is quite high. I'll only mention Ang Lee's "Hulk" in passing here, but sometimes the only solution is a reboot. Now, ignoring the original Supes III and IV, this movie tried to restart the movie franchise. The debate referenced in post above is whether the movie actually did restart that franchise. While the box office/DVD money may suggest that the jury is still out on this, I'll advise Warner to really think hard on this one. I have several suggestions, but the core response is, "You don't want to see people laugh at Superman". That movie came real close to it. Let’s see, how can I put this in a genteel fashion?

I’ll be damned if the Superman movie didn’t screw the pooch when it came to fueling another “I just gotta see what happens next” kind of movie. Warner may not realize it now, but the possibility of people ignoring the next movie is quite high. I’ll only mention Ang Lee’s “Hulk” in passing here, but sometimes the only solution is a reboot.

Now, ignoring the original Supes III and IV, this movie tried to restart the movie franchise. The debate referenced in post above is whether the movie actually did restart that franchise. While the box office/DVD money may suggest that the jury is still out on this, I’ll advise Warner to really think hard on this one. I have several suggestions, but the core response is, “You don’t want to see people laugh at Superman”. That movie came real close to it.

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