There was a tribute to the late Christopher Reeve as closing credits rolled in the most recent installment in the "Superman" film series. While it was nice to honor Reeve, who was perhaps most remembered for playing the Man of Steel in the late 70's and 80's, the series is now in new territory with a new man behind the blue and red suit, once again leaving moviegoers with a smile on their face after watching what was a thrilling and intriguing "Superman Returns" film.

Replacing Reeve as Clark Kent/Superman in this installment is virtual unknown Brandon Routh, who has seen very little screen or television time except for a few appearances on "Will and Grace," "Cold Case" and "Gilmore Girls." Despite having little major acting experience, Routh delivers a very believable performance as the Man of Steel. He isn't overbearing nor is he dull, the ideal casting for the part. Kudos should be handed out en masse to director Bryan Singer and casting directors Roger Mussenden and Ann Robinson for casting Routhe as Superman and Kevin Spacey as Superman's nemesis, Lex Luthor.

Spacey (who worked with Singer in "The Usual Suspects," where Spacey earned his first Oscar) provides a unique presence to the film as Luthor. At times, he comes off as a deeply sinister and vile villain but in other moments, he is held back and quiet, letting his body movements speak volumes. (Like when he backs away in fear early in the film as he and his posse test out a crystal that generates land mass in water. The movement is so carefully done that you can tell that Luthor wants to get to a safer place but maintain his tough guy image as well.) Some of the lines he does could come off as the cheesy ones you might have heard in the old radio broadcasts but they are done at the right moments and aren't overly dramatic as one might assume they'd be. In others, he is quirky and hilarious and the final scene with Luthor is bound to draw roars of laughter from most audiences (although dog owners may be a bit uncomfortable).

The storyline is enjoyable as well. The Man of Steel returns to Earth after being AWOL for five years to find the love of his life, Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth) has moved on relationship-wise and professionally, preparing to win the Pulitzer Prize for an article she wrote for the Daily Planet entitled "Why the World Doesn't Need Superman." Kent also finds himself competing with Lane's new boyfriend, Richard (James Marsden, who worked with Singer in "X-Men" as Cyclops), for the eye of his beautiful colleague.

The problem is that Richard seems like a good guy and Kent finds himself in a position where while he may love Lane with all his heart, the other guy makes her happy and Kent has to deal with that. However, he later realizes that while Lane is enjoying her time with Richard, she secretly still has feelings for the blue-suited hero.

The musical score (done by John Williams, the greatest composer of our time) is brilliant and helps the film's flow as do the special effects, which aren't done just for the sake of wowing the audience but to actually enhance the action. This primarily refers to a thrilling aerial scene where a space shuttle is unable to detach from the airplane carrying it and it is up to Superman to save the day and the passengers of both vessels. It's the type of scene where some might claim that Singer was just throwing out flashy effects for no real reason but that is not the case. The outcome of the scene is unique and well-conceived.

It was a careful and risky decision by Singer to oversee "Superman Returns" after just completing the first two "X-Men" films. Instead of handling the film's third installment, Singer passed it up in favor of running point with the Man of Steel. The decision clearly paid off.

(Photo Credit: http://www.cbsnews.com/images/2006/06/29/image728c2999-823e-454d-9fa3-3fac1e18e01a.jpg)