Superman comes back to the silver screen as well as to planet Earth in the aptly titled "Superman Returns." Brandon Routh, a native of Norwalk, stars as Clark Kent/The Man of Steel, in a film that picks up where "Superman II" left off.

Superman has left planet Earth to discover whether or not anything remained of his home planet, Krypton, and its people. Finding only desolation and ruins, Superman returns after five years to the beloved, helpless planet Earth. Reassuming the identity of average-guy Clark Kent, Superman dives right back into the thick of things, saving people as he always has.

The people of Earth are ecstatic that Superman is back, cheering him on in every feat of strength and salvation. Only two people are less than pleased that the Man of Steel has returned: his longtime flame Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth), and his main foe, Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey).

Fresh out of prison, Lex wastes no time in creating a scheme to rule the world and vanquish Superman forever. Spacey is deliciously cold and detached in his machinations, but he fails to convey the maniacal sense of evil that would set him apart as a truly memorable villain. Bosworth is unremarkable as "Daily Planet" reporter Lois Lane. Still upset that Superman left without saying goodbye, Lois struggles with accepting his return. Lacking warmth and vivacity, Bosworth's emotional turmoil is less than convincing. Meanwhile, Superman is struggling with a world that constantly needs his assistance and an enemy who wants him dead.

Routh is fantastic as Clark Kent and Superman. He expertly creates two distinct personas which complement each other perfectly. Clark is earnest and well-meaning, if a bit awkward. Superman is full of valor and superhuman abilities, but he is humble as well. In both characters, Routh exudes a refreshing sense of decency and hope. The Man of Steel is also a man of few words, however. As the star of the show, Routh could have benefited from a bit more dialogue.

Director Bryan Singer, of "The Usual Suspects" and "X-Men" fame, does a fine job keeping the story moving, an important and difficult task as the film clocks in at more than two and a half hours long. Many of the shots Singer creates are remarkable, and he obviously pays close attention to detail. Singer also brings back composer John Ottman's music from the original "Superman" film, which blends perfectly with the movie's classic theme.

Overall, "Superman Returns" is an entertaining summertime hit. It holds its own against the original "Superman" and its sequel, and enthralls a whole new generation. Though some of the characters could have been stronger, Routh is capable of carrying the movie by himself.

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'Superman Returns'

Starring: Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey

Director: Bryan Singer

Run time: 2 hours, 34 minutes

Rated: PG-13 for some intense action violence

Now playing at: College Square, Crossroads 12 and Waverly Palace

***1/2 (out of *****)