I'm weighing in, because I actually went to see it. I wasn't sure I wanted to, but I allowed myself to be roped into it. That being said, considering how much I thought I would despise the film, I was shocked that I liked it. I went in with such low expectations that I ended up being pleasantly surprised.
While I was a little bored by the beginning, because it seemed too prolonged to me, I liked it. So, I will begin with the positives. Please note that these are only my impressions.
Spoiler space
I liked the soundtrack and the fact that it was a really long movie so more film for my money--I'm cheap like that. The storyline, especially when you didn't think too hard, was entertaining.
I thought Kevin Spacey made a good Lex Luthor, although he didn't seem nearly as evil as Gene Hackman, and I liked Routh's interpretation of Superman. Routh, to me, made Superman seem less machine-like, more humourous and human.
I found the ending in the hospital touching, because we'd just been through something like that with a grandparent's death so it was very real in a way it might not have been otherwise. I also liked the realism of the Kent farm when we saw it (and the dog).
I won't mention some of the other things other people did, except to say that there were a few plot holes that confused me. I'd really like a run-down on time delay in Kryptonite's effects on Superman.
Also, I don't think anyone mentioned the religious symbolism and allusions in the film. That was unanticipated.
Kate Bosworth was cute and had her moments, but I felt like her character was just too...nice. Not that nice is bad, but where's the hard-bitten newswoman? I found it really hard to believe that she could have won a Pulitzer. Just because she has a child doesn't mean she has to be soft in her job. The only time I felt she was really tough, reporter-wise, was at the beginning on the airplane with the questions.
But my main issue with it was the addition of another male character that stripped Lois Lane of yet more power. I'm sure not everyone would agree with me on this, but one of the things I liked about L&C was how Lois was--how being with Clark didn't make her less tenacious or stubborn even if a bit more thoughtful. She could make it on her own, but she wanted him to be there with her. He only added to her abilities, not detracting. And I always felt Margot Kidder was even MORE of a toughie.
I realise they wanted to make a statement about the different family situations we have in this day and age, but by adding Richard, I felt like they took away from Lois, making her seem less capable. Richard flew that plane back into the fray; he pulled Lois out of the water along with Superman. Sure, she jumped in first, but HE ultimately was needed to save the day. Even Lois, the single, working woman, had Richard there helping the whole time. It seemed like they felt that they had to choose between a tough, career-woman and a feminine mom, but my question is why couldn't she have been both?
Still, it was a pleasant period of time overall, despite my misgivings on a few things. I'm looking forward to the sequels.
