When Superheroes Didn’t Need Brooding to Be Super
Rating: 4.5/5 Red Capes (Half a cape deducted because nobody recognizes Clark Kent just because he wears glasses)
In 1978, the world was introduced to the Man of Steel in a big way. Superman was a box office smash hit that launched a franchise that would last for decades. The film is still considered to be one of the greatest superhero movies of all time. It is a classic that has been enjoyed by millions of people of all ages.
Review by Ben Dover:
Look, I’ve been watching superhero movies since before Marvel thought spandex was cool, and let me tell you something – “Superman” is what happens when Hollywood actually gets it right. This isn’t your modern-day dark and gritty superhero who needs therapy more than a cape. This is Superman when he was still allowed to smile and wearing underwear on the outside was fashionable.
Christopher Reeve IS Superman. Not “plays” Superman – IS Superman. This former stage actor swoops in and makes you believe a man can fly faster than my ex-wife can spend alimony payments. He switches between bumbling Clark Kent and the Man of Steel so convincingly that you almost forget it’s the same actor, even if you can’t believe that a pair of glasses is all it takes to fool Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists.
Margot Kidder’s Lois Lane is a tornado in high heels, smoking cigarettes and chasing stories with more determination than my neighbor chasing kids off his lawn (which, admittedly, I respect). She’s not some damsel waiting to be saved – she creates half the situations she needs to be saved from. That’s initiative, folks.
Gene Hackman plays Lex Luthor like he’s having the time of his life. His evil real estate scheme might sound ridiculous – trying to profit off California beachfront property by nuking the San Andreas fault – but honestly, in today’s housing market, it almost makes sense. His underground lair looks like what would happen if a Bond villain decorated with leftover props from a 1970s game show, and somehow it works.
The special effects? For 1978, they’re nothing short of miraculous. Sure, by today’s standards, they might look a bit dated, but they have more heart than all the CGI in a modern superhero movie. When Superman flies, you feel it. The tagline “You’ll believe a man can fly” wasn’t just marketing nonsense – it was a promise they actually delivered on.
Director Richard Donner treats the material with respect when most Hollywood types would’ve camped it up more than a Boy Scout jamboree. The first half of the movie is practically a biblical epic, with Marlon Brando earning a criminal amount of money to play Space Moses (aka Jor-El) for about 15 minutes. But you know what? Worth every penny.
The score by John Williams? Pure magic. The moment those opening credits start, with that theme music swelling, you know you’re in for something special. It’s like Wagner decided to write a superhero opera, and it actually worked.
This movie is a classic for a reason. It is a fun, entertaining, and heartwarming film that is sure to please anyone who watches it. The special effects are still impressive today, even though they were made over 40 years ago. Sure, some of them are bad by todays standards, but watching it through the eyes of 12 year old me in 1978 was the greatest thing I ever saw. The acting is top-notch, and the story is engaging.
Overall, I highly recommend this movie to anyone who is looking for a fun and entertaining film to watch. It is a classic that has stood the test of time, and it is sure to be enjoyed by generations to come.
Bottom Line: This is how you do a superhero movie. No angst, no brooding, no two-hour fight scenes that look like a video game. Just pure, unabashed heroism with a side of romance and enough charm to power all of Metropolis.
Rating: 4.5/5 Red Capes (Half a cape deducted because nobody recognizes Clark Kent just because he wears glasses)
Stars:
- Christopher Reeve as Superman
- Margot Kidder as Lois Lane
- Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor
- Marlon Brando as Jor-El
- Ned Beatty as Otis
Special Effects:
The special effects in Superman are still impressive today, even though they were made over 40 years ago. The flying scenes are particularly well done, and they are still able to amaze audiences today.
Music:
The music by John Williams is one of the most iconic scores in film history. It is a beautiful and powerful score that perfectly captures the spirit of Superman.
Plot:
Superman is sent to Earth from the planet Krypton as an infant. He is raised by a couple of farmers in Smallville, Kansas. As he grows up, Superman discovers his incredible powers and decides to use them to help others. He moves to Metropolis and becomes a reporter for the Daily Planet. He also takes on the identity of Superman to fight crime.
Superman soon finds himself battling the evil Lex Luthor, who is determined to conquer the world. Lex Luthor has a plan to use a nuclear weapon to destroy Metropolis. Superman must stop him before it is too late.
Fun Fact: Christopher Reeve actually bulked up 30 pounds for the role instead of wearing a padded suit. Today’s actors just get their abs from CGI, which is about as authentic as my third wife’s accent.
Memorable Quote: “You’ve got me? Who’s got you?!” – Lois Lane, asking the real questions while falling from a helicopter.
Best Scene: The helicopter rescue. No CGI, just practical effects, perfect timing, and more tension than my family reunions.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go explain to my grandkids why a superhero doesn’t need a tragic backstory and seventeen costume changes to be great.
Ben Dover has been asked by several physics professors to stop explaining how a man can fly. His wife suggests he stop trying to leap tall buildings in a single bound.
Quotes:
- “You can’t fight in here! It’s a library!”
- “I’m not a man. I’m a god. And I’m here to help you.”
- “You’re not Superman. You’re just a man in a silly costume.”
- “I’m not going to let you hurt anyone, Lex. Not even you.”
- “I’m not going to let you destroy this city, Lex. Not today. Not ever.”
Notes:
- Superman was directed by Richard Donner and produced by Alexander Salkind and Ilya Salkind.
- The film was a box office success, grossing over $300 million worldwide.
- It was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects.
- Superman is considered to be one of the greatest superhero movies of all time.
Photos:
Trailer:
Review Notes:
Love the 1930’s comic opening
Damn this music gets me.
Kind of cool having most credits up front of the movie.
Love the spaceship fitting in with the theme like the fortress of solitude.
Super Peen!
I like how they handled the special effects from the 50’s looking less good and moving through the movie and time getting better, interesting choice that makes you feel the time jumps.
Speaking of.. poor Jeff East gets no credit even though he was Clark for half the damn movie.
Im guessing cause like everyone else my memories in my head of this movie mostly start when Clark enters the Fortress of Solitude.
I forgot how funny this is, the phone cubby is hilarious and Lois’ banter with Clark is amazing, do you like pink?
The helicopter rescue scene might be the best use of music I have ever seen in a movie.
Montage time lol
Bad Vibrations… damn great line delivery by Supes
Lois lives in a penthouse apt as a reporter for the paper.. OK
After their little romantic interlude I love how Clark comes in and looks at his glasses like I cant even believe this shit works.
Only two nitpicks, reversing time is stupid as is stopping the earthquake. just a little too far unrealistic.