Teen Spirit, OSFO and I went to the 6:45 show of Superman Returns. It’s a great movie – all two and a half hours of it. I took a brief doze in the first hour (because I was exhausted from last night).  Other than that, it held my attention throughout.

The only trouble was, the movie theater was full of so many noisy kids. A kid behind us talked throughout the movie, "I’m scared dad, I’m scared." or "Is Superman going to die?" He also cried noisily at one point and kicked my seat.

But that wasn’t all. Many in the theater brought babies and children too young for the movie who talked or cried throughout. There was also a lot of hissing and loud verbal reactions to what was going on on the screen. It didn’t enhance the viewing experience at all.

The whole thing was very distracting and detracted from the viewing experience.

Curious and cool thing: Marlon Brando is credited with being in the
film. I think it was his voice. But still. When was it recorded? Turns out it was from audio outtakes from another Superman movie that he was in. And, Eva Marie Saint is in the movie, too. She and Brando were both in "On the Waterfront" many, many years ago.

I found the film, one of the most expensive ever made, to unexpectedly beautiful, even exquisite in places. And oddly spiritual. Suffice it to say, it’s pretty silly overall. But it’s fun and a great way to stay cool for two and a half hours.

Directed by the the director of "The Usual Suspects" it is full some great bits, characters, scenic artistry, and special effects that are very smooth and interesting looking, especially the Fortress of Solitude. The city of Metropolis is a great blend of Manhattan and an imagined city.

But Kevin Spacey takes the cake. He makes a fantastic villian and I loved the film the most when he was on the screen.

Good summer fun in air conditioned splendor. Superman Returns.  The following films are on my wish list:

The Devil Wears Prada
Prairie Home Companion
I’m Your Man, the doc about Leonard Cohen.