Thank You, Kevin Smith

Since the release of "Superman Returns," Brandon Routh has fallen off the radar. Sure he's been spotted out and about in LaLaLand (and Toddy says he's nicer than "Smallville" Superman, Welling), but he's been absent from the big screen (no, the movie short you did with your wife does NOT count).

Routh is finally back onscreen in Kevin Smith's latest effort to shock and horrify [midwest America], "Zack and Miri Make a Porno." The film was stellar, and it was only enhanced by the presence of Routh. OK, I'll be honest: it was more enhanced by Routh's onscreen partner and love interest, Justin "I'm Just a MAC" Long. (Quote of the film: "Let me be your sherpa up the gay mountain.")

I was once again struck by Routh's physical similarities to the greatest Superman, Christopher Reeve. Then other similarities popped into my mind. Both got cornered into the Superman role, not being seen as anything but the Man of Steel. Reeve made it a point to play outside of the box that was the constrictive blue tights by filming the time traveling love story "Somewhere in Time" after "Superman: The Movie." He then went on to play Michael Caine's diabolical lover in "Deathtrap" (one of the films at the top of my "Most Underrated" list) after "Superman II." So, maybe Routh hasn't gone the time traveling route yet, but he's taken up the gay lover role. Even though he was only in two scenes (one after the credits) and Long rattled off more dialogue than he did, I still hope he keeps popping up in non-Superman roles. You all know I LOVE Krypton's last son, but it's so easy to get no roles after the fact. (Where's Dean Cain lately anyway?) I hope Routh keeps investigating varied roles...and for goodness' sake, stay in the public eye!