Let's make something abundantly clear: "Superman Returns" is not a bad movie. It is also not, however, worthy of the early glowing reviews that have appeared from critics such as Newsweek's David Ansen and Time's Richard Corliss. In fact, this incarnation of "Superman" seems as though it is going to be another one of those bizarre situations where reviewers mistake reverence for an earlier filmmaker's work, in this case Richard Donner's initial 1978 film, for true originality.

Director Bryan Singer, a long-time Donner fan, has fashioned a story that finds Superman returning to Earth after a five-year voyage to his home world Krypton to discover if anything survived (a plot device concocted by Lex Luthor that is barely mentioned in passing). The current edit of the film begins awkwardly as it jumps into Superman's crash landing after approximately 10 minutes. Superman is surprised to discover that the world has adjusted to not having the Man of Steel around, although that sinister Luthor has another one of those not-so-scary land deals in the works. Oh, and Lois Lane has a 5-year-old kid (do the math) supposedly fathered by a man (the always emasculated James Marsden) whom she still hasn't married (wonder why). And just to drive it home, Lane has also won a Pulitzer for writing a piece on "Why the World Doesn't Need Superman." Conflict ensues on a soap-opera-level scale.

All things considered, then, what on earth stirred these critics' emotions to heap such early praise? Perhaps it's the abundant use of John Williams' original "Superman" score that seems to pop up every time an audience member might drift off to sleep? Or maybe it's the emphasis on Superman and Lois' lost love that will have no context for someone who hasn't seen 1981's "Superman II"? Or maybe it's been such a disappointing summer for "quality" movies that anything that tries gets rewarded -- even if it really doesn't work? "A.I.," "War of the Worlds" and "The Perfect Storm" were the recipients of over-hyped praise in recent summers. Does anyone sit back and consider those movies classics? Puh-leeze.

But, again, let's be fair. It's not like "Superman" is godawful. Brandon Routh is quite likeable in the title role (although his mimicry of Christopher Reeve is a tad disappointing). The Space Shuttle/Airplane set piece is exciting stuff, and Parker Posey provides a few laughs in the thankless role of Luthor's sidekick. On the other hand, audiences will see the movie's "twist" a mile away; Kate Bosworth's portrayal of Lois is flat and uninteresting (which is at least an improvement from the trailers); the final set piece is drawn out and a bore; and there is very little action.

Audiences should still flock to the film over the July 4th long weekend, but don't expect many raves beyond the hard-core geeks. Everyone else has only a few more days until "Pirates" washes on shore, and then the real fun can begin.