Prepare to marvel at more death-defying feats as X-Men director Bryan Singer resurrects the Man of Steel for a new millennium. Newcomer Brandon Routh dons the cape as Superman and he carries two-and-a-half hours of preposterous plot with sheer charm, growing in confidence even as the plausibility of Clark Kent's dual existence is stretched to breaking point. Routh's eerie resemblance to Christopher Reeve is a bonus that also reflects Singer's back-to-basics approach: the film is tinged with nostalgia for the original franchise, from the cheeky humour to John Williams's trumpeting score. But Singer also takes advantage of new technology to create even-more breathtaking special effects, as when Superman balances an aeroplane on its nose. Kevin Spacey is adeptly sinister as Lex Luthor, although Parker Posey steals his thunder as sassy gangster's moll Kitty Kowalski. And, while Kate Bosworth might be a little too timid for Lois Lane, her thorny relationship with the long-absent Superman provides a nice counterpoint to all the world-saving exploits.

Superman returns to discover his 5-year absence has allowed Lex Luthor to walk free, and that those he was closest to felt abandoned and have moved on. Luthor plots his ultimate revenge that could see millions killed and change the face of the planet forever, as well as ridding himself of the Man of Steel.