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Superman Returns

(2006, Rated PG-13, Action/adventure, Starring Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth, Brandon Routh)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 11.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Thrilling return for the man of steel; tweens OK.

updated 10.15.08

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 11–13

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Superman saves the day unselfishly.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence :

    Superman's return to earth occurs in a fiery crash; a plane catches fire and plummets through the sky; Superman rescues victims in other violent scenes (explosion caused by cigarette butt lighting gas, bank robbery, earthquake, woman falling off building, car out of control); Lex beats, kicks, and stabs Superman with kryptonite shard; a little dog is shown eating its fellow little dog; Superman stops thieves with major automatic weapons, deflects a shot at his bullet-proof eye..
  • Sex :

    Lois and Superman share lingering looks and a chastely romantic flight over Metropolis; Kitty wears some tight, campy costumes.
  • Language:

    One "damn," one s-word.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Clark and Jimmy go to a bar; Jimmy drinks beer; Lois starts to smoke a cigarette and Superman convinces her she should not.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Superman Returns

Parents need to know that the movie features some violent images, beginning with the fiery crash of Superman's return vehicle, along with lots of explosions, earth-shakings, giant waves, and an especially harrowing sequence in which a plane almost crashes. There's an earthquake, a bank robbery, and a near-drowning. And lots of bloodless violence: The villain stabs Superman repeatedly, and in a long scene, Superman is kicked and beaten. Someone is crushed by a piano. Some younger kids could be upset by the fact that both mothers and sons are in jeopardy, and some scenes are very sad (Superman grieves for his lost father and his changed relationship with Lois; when he's in the hospital, people worry). Finally, it wouldn't be summer without smoking in a movie (every year it happens in kids' films...) -- Lois carries cigarettes; one scene in a bar shows beer drinking.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the importance of family connections and reconciliations, even following separations. They can also discuss how Superman faces his fear and vulnerability and still serves others generously.
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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Superman Returns?
  •  I think this movie is

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See all 33 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer
    Age 17
    Lives in Maryland
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 2.0

    low moving, lacking the fun of the earlier movies.

    Superman Returns was dissapointment to me. I was expected a supurb movie. Instead i got your every day averige flick. It not to great.

  2. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 2.0

    pure garbage

    dumb plot....bad dialogue....cheesey fights....pure garbage!

  3. Kid Reviewer
    Age 11
    Lives in District of Columbia
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    I loved this!

    Wonderful Action flick.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0

    Best Superman since George Reeves!!!!!

    Some would say this movie was just too much for children!!! I disagree. Superman Returns was just what comic fans needed. It had action, adventure, romance, tragedy, and most important of all, one hell of a villian. As a matter of fact the only thing this version was missing is a cameo from a past Superman actor/actress. As for having a child, smoking, drinking and violence, this was the least amount of the afore mentioned that you can get away with these days and still draw a crowd. Bottom line, Superman returns rocked and I can't wait for the next installment!!!!!!

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0

    Promising

    This was not as good as the original superman, but altogether good quality when it came to hero vs vilian, good for instilling honor, loyalty and trust. Good special effects. Great as far as family social setting,romance, action and perserverance.

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