First off, I'll admit that I'm not a comic junkie. Infact, last time I read a comic I was probably 10 years old, and it was either GI-Joe, Groo, or Spider-Ham...can't remember which.

While I can't compare this movie to the Superman comic series, or the animated cartoon series, I have seen the 70's/80's movies so any comparisons will mostly fall in with those.

As soon as the movie starts, we're instantly transported back to 1978 with Marlon Brando's voice-over (unused recordings from the first movie), followed by the same swooshing, blue-outlined lettering of the opening credits used in the original movies...and of course, John William's familiar Superman main theme.

This instantly puts you "in the mood" for some Superman action. Superman has been gone for a number of years, and meanwhile, Lex Luthor is out of jail and already cooking up a grande new scheme.

After a couple of Clark Kent flashbacks (regarding coming to terms with his new powers as a teenager), he's back to Metropolis to get his old job, only to find Lois Lane as a mother and a fiance to the boss's nephew, Richard White.

When a disaster befalls an airplane, Superman is returned to action in an absolutely breathtaking scene trying to save it. Probably the most CGI-heavy scene of the movie, but it doesn't distract you whatsoever so you're still captivated by the action. Accompanied by a grande score, this scene was just amazing and is definately classic Superman.

As a whole, the movie has a good mix of action and drama. Just when you think there isnt going to be anymore Superman action, a scene is thrown in.

The drama is all around good as well. Before seeing the movie, I was a little worried about Kate Bosworth (Lois Lane) and only mildly worried about Brandon Routh (Superman). As soon as I heard some time ago that Kevin Spacey was playing Lex Luthor, I had no reservations...I knew he would be perfect for the role, and he was.

As it turns out, Bosworth wasn't too bad. Not quite as spunky as '78's Margot Kidder, no need to worry, she does alright as Lois. At first I thought she appeared way too young, but once the movie got underway, I quickly forgot about her young age and my disbelief was dispelled.

Brandon Routh, basically the same thing. Although the same age as Christopher Reeve was in Supes 1 (and bears a striking resemblence), I was worried that Routh wouldn't bring the same level of maturity to the character, but he certainly does for the most part. There were a couple scenes here and there, and a couple of lines that weren't quite pulled off completely well, but definately worthy as Superman, especially later on in the movie when the action really heats up.

The minor characters are all good, especially Sam Huntington as Jimmy Olsen. He brought the perfect amount of comedy relief and his facial expressions and one liners brought laughs to the theater almost every time.

The only thing this movie was missing was a proper climax. There was a build up, a confrontation of sorts, but it didn't have that "final confrontation" feel of the other movies (and movies, in general). It wasn't quite a cliff hanger, either, and the movie does have a fairly satisfying resolution (it didn't end abrubtly as many cliff hanger movies do). There's obviously room for a sequel here.

All-in-all, solid performances all around, awesome action, non-distracting CG, and a worthy addition to the Superman series. And a round of applause to Brandon Routh, you certainly had a big cape to fill. You were a little green in this one as the man-of-steel, but I'm sure you'll be awesome in the sequel.