I still do not understand why this movie bombed and something as shallow as "Pirates of the Carribbean" breaks all time box office records
Actually, that is not true. I take that back. The reason I think this movie did not do that well is for a lot of factors that if you indulge me, I will go into them here:
1) I think Superman (the character) is not considered "dark" enough by today's standards compared to someone like Bruce Wayne of
Batman. This is a direct reflection of the younger generation having been brainwashed into thinking nothing is "cool" or "deep" unless it is filled with angst, pain and suffering...
Which is a shame because this is not what Superman (the series or character) is about. Herein lies the big irony.
2) I also believe a lot of audiences were expecting a story along the lines of "Superman II" and "Spider Man II" where Superman is fighting super villains and the film is more or less an action movie filled with CGI battles with very little characterization underneath.
I am sure this kind of story is coming... Then again, maybe not because SR didn't do that well, unfortunately... But it was nice to see Bryan Singer "reboot" the series in a much more mature manner that dealt with the real issues that would arise from SR departing and then returning after a long absence. Especially, in a post-9/11 world.
3) I believe Superman... Or, at least Bryan Singer's version... Is no longer intended for the masses and this is the main reason it failed above all else.
What I mean by this is SR requires audiences to think a little and not have everything spoon-fed to them like so many other movies do. Superman, as a character and series, is also from a different era... Which goes back to point number one of him maybe not being considered "dark"enough (not an anti-hero) for younger generations tastes... But this is the whole point.
Superman is supposed to represent what is wholly good in human beings and the American spirit and be without flaws more or less -- The fact he does have flaws as Clark Kent, and trying to keep his loved ones safe with his secret identity also adds another layer to this character as well. Unfortunately, I just do not think audiences of today, younger audiences, realize this is who Superman is supposed to represent... Which is also ironic because Smallville actually has tried to keep this aspect of Clark intact even if they destroy other characters in the process.
I don't know.
These are just my thoughts and people can disagree with them if they want.
I just felt SR was one of the best movies not only this summer, but in a long time that made you feel good you went to the movies (instead of waiting for DVD) and was well worth the money spent compared to most other movies that are crap and cater to the lowest common denominator and are marketed at unsophisticated teens.