Twenty years have passed since the release of Superman Returns, a movie that marked the return of the iconic superhero to the big screen. The film, which served as a continuation of the Christopher Reeve-led Superman movies-based-on-real-brands-from-air-and-barbie-to-blackberry-and-the-founder/” title=”8 movies based on real brands: From Air and Barbie to BlackBerry and The Founder”>movies-to-watch-this-weekend/” title=”Top 10 trending Netflix movies to watch this weekend”>movies, was met with a lukewarm response from audiences and critics alike. Despite its mediocre reception, Superman Returns boasts one of the most impressive action sequences in superhero movie history: the scene in which Superman stops a plane from crashing.
In the two decades since Superman Returns, the superhero genre has experienced a significant surge in popularity, with numerous films being released in recent years. As a result, the stakes in these movies have been continually raised, with superheroes now saving the world, the galaxy, and even the multiverse from various threats. However, this escalation can sometimes make the heroics feel less impactful, as the scale of the action becomes so massive that it loses its sense of urgency. This is why the plane crash sequence in Superman Returns holds up remarkably well even today, as it provides a more grounded and relatable sense of danger.
The film, which stars Brandon Routh as Superman, picks up where the events of Superman II left off, with a five-year time skip during which Superman has been investigating the ruins of Krypton. Upon his return to Earth, he finds that Metropolis has moved on without him, and Lois Lane, played by Kate Bosworth, has apparently moved on with her life as well. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor, portrayed by Kevin Spacey, is plotting a scheme to use Kryptonite crystals to create a new continent, which would also destroy the Eastern seaboard and eliminate his arch-nemesis.
Despite some notable performances, including a memorable turn by Parker Posey as a henchwoman, Superman Returns is largely a melancholic affair. The movie focuses more on Superman’s emotional struggles, particularly his conflicted feelings towards Lois Lane and her fiancé, rather than on action-packed set pieces. While this approach could have worked in a different context, it ultimately makes the film feel misguided and uneven. However, the plane crash sequence remains a standout moment, showcasing Superman’s heroism in a more nuanced and realistic way.
The scene in question takes place when Lois, who is on board an airliner carrying an experimental space shuttle, finds herself in peril as the shuttle malfunctions due to Lex Luthor’s interference. The plane is sent careening out of control, and Superman must act quickly to prevent a catastrophic crash. What makes this sequence so effective is that it pits Superman against a formidable foe: gravity. As he struggles to stop the plane, the audience is treated to a tense and suspenseful sequence that highlights Superman’s impressive strength and speed. The fact that he is not fighting a supervillain, but rather the forces of nature, makes his heroics feel more grounded and relatable.
The plane crash sequence is also notable for the way it addresses the common problem of making Superman’s powers feel meaningful in a cinematic context. By having him struggle to stop the plane, the film creates a sense of tension and urgency, which makes his eventual success all the more satisfying. This approach is in stark contrast to other superhero movies, which often rely on increasingly elaborate and over-the-top action sequences to thrill their audiences. In the case of Superman Returns, the plane crash sequence is a masterclass in restraint, using the character’s powers to create a sense of drama and suspense rather than simply showcasing his abilities for their own sake.
It would be inaccurate to say that the rest of Superman Returns lives up to the standard set by the plane crash sequence. While the film has its moments, it is ultimately a flawed and uneven movie that fails to deliver on its promise. The fact that it co-stars Kevin Spacey and was directed by Bryan Singer, both of whom have been accused of sexual misconduct, makes recommending the film a complicated issue. Nevertheless, the plane crash sequence remains a testament to the potential of superhero movies to create thrilling and emotionally resonant action sequences, and it is a shame that more films do not follow its example.
