Superman 1 (1978)

Richard Donner's 1978 epic about the Man of Steel showed how a film about a superhero could be a moving and romantic experience even for people who long ago gave up comic books. Beginning on the icy planet Krypton, the story follows the baby Kal-El, whose rocket ship lands in Smallville, Kansas. He is found there by a childless couple and raised as the shy Clark Kent (the young Kent is played by Jeff East). The film is perhaps most touching in these sequences, with expanses of wheat fields blowing in the wind and with a young man who can't figure out what part in destiny his great powers are meant to play. The second half, with Reeve taking over as Clark/Superman, is bustling, enchanting (the scene in which Superman flies girlfriend Lois Lane--played by Margot Kidder--through the night sky is great date material), and funny, thanks largely to Gene Hackman's sardonic portrayal of nemesis Lex Luthor. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com essential video

A Pure Superhero

In today's Hollywood, the superhero movie is a changing breed. Films like "The Dark Knight" and "Hancock" are taking a reality-based approach to our heroes, portraying them as tortured souls who save lives out of anger or emotion, not because it is their sacred duty. Fortunately, the first "Superman" film passes the test of time as a testament to old-school superheroes...men and women that truly can be admired.

Now, don't get me wrong...I consider "Dark Knight" to be perhaps the most complete film I have seen so far in my lifetime. However, after watching "Superman: The Movie" for the ump-teenth time (although this time with my 10-year old sister who was viewing the movie for the first time), I was struck by the purity of the Superman character. Whether he was rescuing a bus full of children, apprehending a petty burglar, matching wits with arch-enemy Lex Luthor, or taking time to swoop down and nab a little girl's kitten stuck up in a tree, Superman always strived to do what was ethically and morally right. I actually got a chill down my spine when Supes proclaims to Lois Lane that he stands for "Truth, Justice, and the American Way".

Besides the symbolism of the Superman character, the film itself is also quite compelling. It really can be broken down into three acts:

Act one focuses on Superman's doomed home planet of Krypton. The interesting visuals and cinematography of those scenes are some of the best the film has to offer.

Act Two features a young Clark Kent as he lands on Earth, is raised by Jonathan and Martha Kent, experiments with his super abilities, and ultimately learns of his Kryptonian heritage via a trip to the Arctic.

The longest, and final, act of the film finally introduces the blue-and-red suited caped hero we all know. Key themes of this act include Superman becoming the hero of Metropolis, his burgeoning love for Lois Lane, and the penultimate battle to stop the latest diabolical scheme of Lex Luthor.

The acting is also superb through-and-through. There will likely never be another Clark/Superman as heroic as Christopher Reeve, while Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, and Marlon Brando as Lois, Lex, and Jor-El (Superman's biological father), respectively, help to make the movie even more engaging.

Finally, though many Superman fans may debate me on this, I also enjoyed the comedic touches of this film. Though admirable, the "Boy-Scout" aspect of Superman is, at times, a bit overdone, so the injection of small humorous moments is a welcome respite. Plus, children (like my sister!) will find Lex's comically inept henchman Otis (played by Ned Beatty) to be the highlight of the whole experience!

There are not too many films worthy of a permanent place in my DVD library, but "Superman: The Movie" is one that definitely will be around my home for as long as I am. I recommend this exciting, intriguing, inspiring movie to anyone...period. December 15, 2008

the 1970's disco era

great, enjoyable movie. beautiful soundtrack. just wish r. donner had done more with the man of steel just like g. reeves. foiling a bank robbery, bending steel bars, jumping out of a window, fight scenes with the bad guys. the scene when the bullets bounced off superman in the tunnel should have been left in the theatrical version. it's the 30th anniversary of the 1978 movie. i'm sure WB will re-release an expanded edition with all the deleted scenes that were never shown. i have VHS copies of the TV version off from ABC TV from 1980. lots of nice scenes to see. enjoy.**** November 19, 2008

Superman The Movie

The product would read "no disc" in 2 different DVD players. I was sent a replacement DVD, it read "no disc" in 3 different DVD players. The product/s was defective. November 2, 2008

Original and Still the Best

Even if you compare this movie to today's superhero movies such as Iron Man or The Dark Knight, you would enjoy this movie more. There is a more human element to this and this is in part due to great writers and phenomenal actors. The problem with most superhero movies is they have a lead character that is quite muscle-bound and finding such an actor that can also act is not a common phenomenon. Enter Christopher Reeves, who had both the physique and talent and you have history in the making - the first comic book movie without the camp. Add in Margot Kidder, who I believe is the best Lois Lane, Gene Hackman, and Marlon Brando and writers from the Godfather and you have an epic, epic movie. The only thing negative that can possibly be said of this film is its special effects which is somewhat dated but still hold up quite nicely minus some Superman flying scenes that appear somewhat fake. But in terms of story, directing, acting, screenplay, Oscar-winning score, and cinematography - no other superhero adaptation can beat this movie. September 29, 2008

Superman Blu Ray

Superman - The Movie [Blu-ray] CHRISTOPHER REEVES IS THE MAN OF STEEL. PERIOD. CHECK OUT THE BLU RAY. September 27, 2008

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