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Kevin Spacey Returns

by David Hartwell
June 28, 2006

In an attempt not to dissect nor critique the entire Superman Returns, I wish to portray my fondest admiration for the work of Kevin Spacey as the legitimately evil capitalist: Lex Luthor. Spacey delivered a performance I haven't seen from him in a while- at least not since his Oscar-winning performance as Lester Burnham in American Beauty.

When I first heard the rumors that he would play the villain of Lex Luthor I, being a fan of his work in The Usual Suspects, American Beauty, and Se7en, got extremely excited by his potential role. When I witnessed the first trailer, however, I began to have my doubts. As many people have told and agreed with me, I was afraid he would over-act the part. I feared that because of his recent stint at the "Old Vic" theatre in London, he would add some unneeded flamboyancy and general "over-the-topness" to the part. But after the first few minutes of the movie, my anxiety was cast aside and I happily noted to myself, "Kevin Spacey never fails to deliver."

Now, I have never in my life claimed to be a Superman fan. Nor have I ever had any problem with the concept or ideology behind "Superman," it has just never interested me as much as other super heroes like Spiderman and X-men. I hope that the true Superman fans out there don't ridicule me for blaspheme over this next statement, but I feel that Kevin Spacey was all in all a more believable, enjoyable, and sincere (please note that I never actually said "better") Lex Luthor than his '78 and '80 counterpart: Gene Hackman.

So, all I have left to say is, "Thank you Kevin Spacey, you made an already exciting movie better- at least for me."

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