Superman - The Movie (1978)

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

You'll Believe a Franchise Can Fly!

Yes, I'm stepping on holy ground here in reviewing the first Superman film, which I last saw back in 1978. Being a geeky comic book guy, I did note in the start that the Action Comics No. 1 had the wrong cover and that the first newspaper named in that comic was a Daily Star not the Planet, but that's trivia.

I believe I saw some new scenes in this Richard Donner version. There were more Marlon Brando parts as Jorel, more arguing with the Council and glimpses of the phantom zone criminals who would be Superman's nemises (SP) in Supes II.

Special effects, very good for the time period. You might note too when we see Clark Kent as a high school kid, when he's racing the train, a little girl (Lois Lane?) shakes her mother to see a boy racing a train. That woman is an uncredited appearance by Noel Neil, one of the 1950s Lois Lanes back when George Reeves wore the cape.

The charm of Christopher Reeves, the script (co-wrote by Mario Puzo of "The Godfather" novels) the silly Gene Hackman (why do they always have to write in Luthor as a goofball?) and I think that was Goldie Hawn as Luthor's girl. Loved the John Williams score and the love theme for Lois as they're gliding across the clouds. Goose bumps, gosh...

Going back in time by spinning the Earth, the tragedy of love lost and regained, boy I don't know what to say about that. Went kinda fast. But we did get the first mentions of Krypton's crystal technology which was used in many later films and in Smallville.

Great nostalgic and historically an important film.

As good: Superman II - The Richard Donner Cut September 15, 2008

A Walking Public Service Announcement. Great Looking and Sounding DVD.

Remember those PSA commercials? For example. I feel so dark inside I feel like I want to cry it's hard to live with a lie (this is a song). Then the girl goes to her sister and says, "I took your necklace". I think it was from the church of Latter Day Saints (if I messed that up and your a member, sorry). No fear Superman is here and he doesn't lie! He does however live one but there are reasons.

What about the PSA about safety in the house and the pot of boiling water with the mean face. The message was KEEP THOSE POT HANDLES TURNED IN, then the pot had a nice smiley face. Or the plug that was a dangerous snake. Superman has you covered he's impervious to heat. Phew. I better get a move on cause I'm pretty hungry. I hanka for a hunka cheese yahoo. Back to the review.

I don't need to go into the plot it's Superman. Entertainment wise it's a fun ride. The score is classic, great, and makes me want to leap tall buildings. The bad guys though and Lex just didn't do it for me. They're bad guys for the sake of being bad guys, period. I'll take Doc Ock and Spider-Man 2 (Widescreen Special Edition) personally.

Supreman is still in my top three super hero movies and will be tons of viewers number 1. For me I'll take Hellboy (Director's Cut) [Blu-ray] and Spider Man 2, but the movie was still super.

For home theater enthusiasts this could go in the reference pile. Sound wise crank up the beginning and that song, whoo. Good times. And the picture quality on this was amazing as far as dvds go. This dvd was recognized in Sound and Vision some time ago as a reference disc.

So remember to eat your greens and have a super day. June 25, 2008

R.I.P. Christopher Reeves.

Can there ever be another Superman. No.
Reeves will always be the man of steel no matter how many times Hollywood tries to remake the movie.
The acting is just so so.
But we didn't see this movie for the acting. We saw it to see what Superman could do.
What couldn't he do?
Awesome story, awesome FX for it's time.
A brilliant movie and a must see/must own.
June 25, 2008

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