Superman: Flying High on the Big Screen

Brandon Routh

' You will be different, sometimes you'll feel like an outcast, but you'll never be alone.'

Superman Returns

Much like James Bond, I think for most people, their Superman is the first one they saw on the big screen.  For me, that was actor Brandon Routh in 2006's Superman Returns.  I was keenly aware of Christopher Reeve, but except for a few scenes on TV, I hadn't  yet seen any of his Superman films in their entirety.  Superman Returns wasn't a great film, but given it was my first, and only, time seeing the Man of Steel on the big screen, Brandon Routh's portrayal made an impact. 

Routh and the film get a bad wrap.  Although the film wasn't great, I thought Routh did a great job, especially when playing Clark Kent.  When it comes to Super Heroes, I think many actors excel at one part of the role.  Some are great at playing the cape wearing crime fighter, and others excel at playing their daytime alter ego.  Routh had the boyish innocence of Clark, and was beautifully busting through his three piece suits.

Routh in Chuck

Although Routh got shafted out of a sequel, he did go on to work steadily.  Although Routh has appeared on many drama's, I really enjoyed his roles on sit-coms, and wished his sit-com Partners had lasted a little longer. . It was also great to see Routh slide into his tights again for appearances on The Flash. 

Christopher Reeve

For many, Christopher Reeve remains the preeminent Superman.  Reeve played the character in four films from 1978 through 1987.  I have since seen the first film on television, and understand why he is so beloved.  Reeve embodied both Clark Kent and his cape wearing alter ego equally well, and his chiseled face and muscular physique beautifully embodied the vision we'd all seen on comic book covers.  

Deathtrap (1982)

Christopher Reeve on FH

Somewhere In Time (1980)

Below: Reeve working out with David Prowse for Superman

Henry Cavill

 

'I know you're trying to find out where I hang my cape.'

Man of Steel (2013)

I love me some Henry Cavill, but I have yet to see him play the Man of Steel.  I haven't in fact seen Cavill in anything since his days on The Tudors.  I did try watching The Witcher last year, but have yet to make it past the fist episode.  I will eventually see him in the suit, I'm sure it will be on television one night when I'm home with nothing to watch.  Until then, I'll just continue to enjoy those beautiful eyes and pecs in imags.

The Tudors