Movie review double bill: The Lakehouse and Superman Returns

Its a double bill today folks, with two movies on offer: The Lakehouse and Superman Returns. First up, The Lakehouse.

Movie Review: The Lakehouse

Is your typical romantic drama, starring Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves. Before I start, if you don't like these two actors, I'd strongly advice that you don't see this movie, simply because they are the movie, and what give it its charm.

Anyway, imagine that you wanted to find a place away from your everyday life, a place where you truly can be yourself. For Kate (Sandra Bullock) and Alex (Keanu Reeves) they find it in a house near the lake, aka the lakehouse. Through a magic letterbox, they get to know each other but find out they are living 2 years apart from one another. The film then follows the typical romantic film storyline - will they or won't they meet? And how will it happen?

I think the key to this film is how you approach it. Don't question how you can meet someone 2 years previously/in the future and just enjoy the film. I have to admit, I was drawn in, until it got to the point where I was thinking, I hope they get together, I hope they find a way. And :P felt teary at the end, so I guess the film did its job. *sigh* and to think there was a time where I could watch a romantic movie and not cry...


Movie Review: Superman Returns

First things first. You don't need to see the previous movies to understand this one, although there are some references to the other ones. Second, is that this movie is slow. The story progresses slowly, and is basically Clark Kent/Superman finding out the world hasn't really changed since he left it five years ago. Except that Lois Lane, the love of his life is married with a son, and that Lex Luthor is out and about to do whatever he wants. So you know that the film is basically going to focus on a) how does he deal with a married Lois Lane, and b) how does he stop Lex Luthor. And it takes two hours to do it (well sort of).

It did have its moments however, along the lines of "how will Superman actually save the day??" or "what will Lex Luthor do next" or "isn't that Ian Roberts from Dancing with the Stars? (it was)" Plus Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor was pretty good. I left the movie dissatisfied, as I felt basically after the two hours, the film hadn't gone anywhere.

The final verdict: The Lakehouse was definetely a better movie experience, but must be someone who enjoys watching romantic movies with the what if factor. If you like explosions and heroics, Superman Returns would be better for you.