User Reviews

Superman may be corny and cheesy to some people, but for those who grew up with it it is as original and as exciting as it was 30+ years ago. The spectacle of the film is terrific, the cinematography is wonderful and the special effects are dazzling. In terms of effective scenes, the scenes with Clark and Lois are cute and don't take up too much of the film or harm it in any way, while the confrontation between him and Lex Luthor is suitably bright and breezy and the opening is wonderfully elegiac. The score's main theme is iconic and just superb, John Williams has done some wonderful scores before, this score is no exception. The direction is innovative and the script is sophisticated enough. I also much enjoyed the acting. Christopher Reeve is perfectly cast as Clark/Superman while Gene Hackman is superb as the calculating yet comic Lex Luthor. Overall, just terrific fun! 10/10 Bethany Cox

This is, for me, the best of all the Superman films. It takes into account the mythos of the most famous superhero ever. The beginning is so incredible. I already knew the story (by the way, I'm not a fan boy, just encountered it along the way). I think that the Superman oeuvre is the best plotted out of all these heroes' stories. We get to see the struggles of the father, Jor-el, dealing with the short-sightedness of the civic leaders. We get set up for a future with the three malcontents who are out there somewhere. We get the storied life of Clark Kent/Superman as a kid and the struggles he faced. We get an explanation for the Fortress of Solitude. And finally, there is an introduction to Lex Luther, the mastermind, who will make Superman's life a continuous battle. Clark has left home and seems to have some real insights. He is prepared. Now the story and future stories will move along. Oh, we will miss the kind and accomplished Christopher Reeve for this and other roles.

Superman: The Movie (1978) is the Original film and the only that is the best origin story of a Superman who changes himself into an ultimate superhero. Christopher Reeve is and always will be the only SUPERMAN! No one could play Clark Kent/Superman like Christopher Reeve, the film is still instantiate classic till it's day.If anyone could be Superman. It is Christopher Reeve, he fits the part perfectly as the shy yet great reporter Clark Kent, Kal-El last son of Krypton, and Superman, Earths savior from the forces of evil. It is one of my personal favorite Superman movies.

Superman is a world known icon and is permanently set in stone as the best Superhero of all time. Though, the only Superman movies I enjoyed are the first three Superman movies that had Christopher Reeve in it! This is the best superhero of the 70's before Marvel and DC start making superhero movies. The origin story of a man who can fly, is terrific, believable and awesome. Marlon Brando's role was one of his best, the most films that become memorable for me are The Godfather (1972), Apocalypse Now (1979) and this film Superman, he completed 1.year earlier this film, before he started filming Apocalypse Now (1979).

What else can I say, that was already told? I love this film! I grew up with this film, this is the real original film which has a heart! Man of Steel (2013) reboot to Superman (1978) does not have a heart! This is the real film! The special effects are great, the CGI are barely in it, they aren't. The plot and the story are terrific. The cast is wonderful and acts believable. Superman and Christopher Reeve are the most beloved iconic heroes till it's day. For me Superman will always be Christopher Reeve no one else! I love Smallville (TV Series 2001-2011) and Tom Welling was playing young Clark Kent. Tom Welling will be Clark Kent for me, but Christopher Reeve will be Superman. Reeve also appeared in Season 2 and 3 as special guest in Smallvile which I love that so much. It is sad That Christopher Reeve died in October 10, 2004. John Williams theme score is the best score done for the character. I hear it and it makes me feel so uplifted and I feel like I can do anything. Great cast, beautiful score, and an Epic feeling that is lacking from movies in today's age. It is my favorite superhero film. Superman and his portrayal by Christopher Reeve is a masterpiece and is timeless . Incredible after all this time, this film still holds its own against more recent superhero films and all the CGI that goes with it. Richard Donner's work is a true homage to this classic hero that we have all come to love. I still get shivers when I hear the soundtrack as well.

This is a classic of the comic book hero genre, and in most respects the one that really set the standard for all comic book hero films that follow it. The special effects, sets, haircuts and wardrobe may all look dated, but Superman: The Movie remains among the most beloved films of the 1970s. Director Richard Donner brings the comic book hero to life in Christopher Reeve, who admirably adapts from the bumbling Clark Kent to the ultimate caped crusader. The entire cast is brilliant in its supporting roles. Gene Hackman gives a great performance as the unapologetically wicked Lex Luthor. And Margot Kidder delivers a portrait of a strong, ambitious Lois Lane at a time when women were starting to break the glass ceiling. But it is Donner's dedication to the spirit and style of the original Superman's comic book roots, as well as to inject a heavy dose of humor, that make Superman: The Movie a classic. In some ways, it has still not been surpassed, even by the CGI effects and faster-paced action of today's superhero movies.

The special effects and CGI look great and they don't suck. This film has a heart and it does not suck and is not bad. Marlon Brando was wonderful a touching movement performance as Jor-El, Clark's father. Incredible after all this time, this film still holds its own against more recent superhero films and all the CGI that goes with it. Richard Donner's work is a true homage to this classic hero that we have all come to love. I still get shivers when I hear the soundtrack as well.

A box-office smash, an Academy Award winner* and a fan favorite since it first flew into theaters in December 1978, Superman: The Movie assembles a cast and creative contingent as only a big movie can. At its heart (just as in three sequels) is Christopher Reeve's intelligent, affectionate portrayal of a most human Man of Steel. Watching Superman again isn't just like being a kid again. It's better. The movie's legacy soared even higher when director Richard Donner revisited this beloved adventure 22 years later and integrated eight minutes into the film. Christopher Reeve, Marlon Brando (Jor-El), Gene Hackman (Luthor) and Margot Kidder (Lois Lane) give indelible performances that fuel the film's aura of legend.

Superman (also known as Superman: The Movie) is a 1978 superhero film directed by Richard Donner. It is based on the DC Comics character of the same name and stars Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Glenn Ford, Phyllis Thaxter, Jackie Cooper, Trevor Howard, Marc McClure, Terence Stamp, Valerie Perrine, and Ned Beatty.

I love this film and is the best superhero classic film ever made!!!! 10/10 it is my personal favorite Superman movie.

A baby from the planet Crypton is sent to live on Earth.

This movie has several distinct stories within an overarching narrative. Each one features the title character at a different stage of his life and has its own visual style. Superman is portrayed as a Christ-like figure throughout and many scenes contain subtext on this theme.

The opening sequence is as strong as any great sci-fi movie with Crypton brought memorably to life and featuring a famous cameo from the great Marlon Brando as Superman's natural father. Brando's godlike presence helps to convince you that the son he sends to Earth is going to be someone quite special.

Superman has another Hollywood legend in Glen Ford as his adopted father. Ford was equally as naturalistic an actor as Brando but he brings a more human (no pun intended) and slightly lower-key presence to the second stage of Superman's life. This part of the movie contains some of the best cinematography with its rural landscapes. One image of a train running along a track above a cornfield is one of many beautiful sequences.

Both parts of the movie mentioned above serve the origin purpose of the character and finish quite emotionally. After about an hour I found myself ready for a change of pace and tone, which is exactly what we get as we meet a fully grown Superman and his alter ego Clark Kent in the big city of Metropolis.

What follows is almost like a different movie. It is funny, action packed and contains superb performances from Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder who have excellent chemistry. Reeve is so perfect for the roles of Superman/Clark that one of the reasons later incarnations of the character never worked for me was that he could never be replaced. He looks like the comic book drawing of the character and effortlessly switches between the two versions of the man. Kidder is not your typical leading lady with her husky, smokers voice and ultra confident personality but is the perfect foil for Reeve in Kent mode.

Gene Hackman steals the show whenever he appears on screen making homicidal, megalomaniac Lex Luthor not only funny but feel like a credible antagonist to a virtually indestructible superhero. Ned Beatty and Valerie Perrine provide solid support as his criminal sidekicks.

All of the above performances and the casting decisions made are a massive part of what makes the film last so well and compete in today's market where superhero movies reign supreme.

The special effects were epic in their day but are slightly dated now. Particularly the flying scenes and some shots where scale models can be easily spotted. However some hold up as well as any, such as the Crypton visuals and the helicopter sequence.

The great John Williams wrote another fabulous score and in particular Superman's main theme is an unforgettable piece of music. My four year old daughter heard it once and was humming the tune for days.

I can only imagine what a breath of fresh air Superman must have been on its release. The seventies was a renaissance decade for American cinema but a lot of it came with too much depressing realism. Superman did not showcase quite the same standard of spectacle as Star Wars, but it was far less centred around violence and with it Richard Donner kicked off the superhero genre.

This is it ladies and gents...my 200th review. I thought long and hard about what I would dedicate my 200th review to...would it be something new and flashy, a movie that I knew was a knockout, something more personal to me?? One of my faves perhaps?? I finally decided on this film.

Since I was a little boy I have loved Superman. Even now many years later I am still fascinated by the character, I mean he has withstood 6 decades of changes and world upheaval and still one of the best selling heroes of our time. Without further ado let's talk about Richard Donner's big screen epic Superman: The Movie. Thanks for reading my reviews!! Superman: The Movie MUST be judged not by today's standards but by the standards set for films of the late seventies/early eighties. That's not to say that it doesn't stand up for itself even almost 3 decades later but it's true brilliance may be lost if you don't remember when and where it was made. Brilliant Director Richard Donner (Lethal Weapon series, The Goonies, and stocks of brilliant TV series) I think really knows what the audience wants out of characters. I'm sure he tread on thin ice when it came to bringing the infamous Man of Steel to the big screen having only comics and TV and radio before him to base it on. Donner took everything Superman stood for, truth, justice, American Way, fighting evil, his estrangement from his home planet, his love for Lois Lane and put it all into this film.

Nothing is left out of Superman, we have the origins including an in depth look into Krypton (which at the time would have been a first.) We see Kal-El's parents and their conflicts, we are given a small introduction to Clark Kent's youth and his coming of age and then everything else we know and love about the Superman legend. Everything from "The Phantom Zone" to Lois and Clark falling in love. I always thought the casting for Superman was it's one downfall but after watching the film again I really see that it wasn't such an error in judgment.

The late and incredible Christopher Reeve truly was built for Superman. He embodied the character and created two completely different people to the point where you believed a pair of glasses and a different part in the hair was the perfect alter ego. His Clark Kent was goofy but pure and honest but completely different from the strength and character of Superman. His Superman was tall, larger than life, strong, honest, too good to be true. He was perfect and he looked both parts perfectly too and he will forever be known....in my books...as The Superman of film. Margot Kidder pretty much had Lois Lane nailed. I always thought she was a little old for the role and wasn't sure she looked the part but the personality was perfect, strong, forceful, pig headed, leap before you look kinda gal. And the chemistry with Reeve's Superman was very good. They established a fast but very bonding romance between the two characters. The supporting cast was also well done...Jackie Cooper was great as Perry White, Marc McClure was perfectly cast as the young, naive Jimmy Olsen, and Marlon Brando was an awesome screen presence for Jor-El and considering the billing he got for his brief role it's good that he had that pull. Gene Hackman is a brilliant actor, I've loved him in many roles...he was not right for Lex Luthor or perhaps even his character wasn't written right. Although diabolical and evil it was done in a comedic way right down to the doofus sidekick which was more cartoonish than it was big budget film. You just didn't truly feel the tension and arch rivalry between Reeve and Hackman's characters. The only other beef I can find with Superman is the overlooking of some key elements of reality. Yes I know Superman must leave reality at the door and that's easy to do with such a brilliant beautifully done Epic but the whole concept of Superman reversing time by making the earth spin backwards, or turning into Superman and having his "human" clothes literally vanish into thin air...these are things that the writers should have looked more closely into. But I think they focused so much of their time on making sure other elements were in place that they let these things slide and that's okay but it's such a minor thing but still with such perfection in other areas they stand out.

Special effects like this had never been seen before and they are still stunning. Watching Superman fly and the explosions and earthquake and his miracle powers are just wonderful and will forever be in the mind of movie goers. This is such a brilliant film and put a stamp on the genre of superheroes that every other film will try to live up to. For the record I am thrilled and excited about the upcoming Bryan Singer Superman film, I think he will take everything that was great about this original and utilize it to continue on the epic. Bravo to him!! Superman: The Movie also had and still has one of the most haunting, beautiful and stunning scores ever created. The music became his anthem no matter where Superman is. This is one of the best films ever, and will always be a classic especially to me!! 9/10

It remains one of the most fascinating slices of my childhood. The fascination is the same. The same the emotion. And the believe than Christopher Reeves remains the best Superman. Sure, after decades, it could be seen as naive. But its freshness is yhe same. Like the noble moral message.

This is my 301st review on IMDb, so I'm going to make this short, simple, and super:

"You'll believe a man can fly!" - the tagline for "Superman"

He stood for "truth, justice, and the American way." Ahh, to just think that this is the movie that started it all, ladies and gentlemen. Carefully adapted from the popular DC Comics character created by Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel, Richard Donner's 1978 epic has stood the test of time to become the supreme superhero film. Alongside Tim Burton ("Batman") and Sam Raimi ("Spider-Man"), Donner earned his place in cinematic history by becoming the first director to make a perfect superhero film. Superman is the most recognizable comic book superhero in history, and when Clark Kent (the late, great Christopher Reeve) rips open his shirt to reveal that symbolic "S" an hour and 11 minutes into the film, you know that it's one of the greatest cinematic moments. This epic defined the superhero film, and in the 27 years since its release, every subsequent comic book superhero movie is forever indebted to "Superman." The plot (and what a plot) runs complete throughout its epic 154 minutes and believe me, there's not a single wasted moment in the film's entire running length. Of course, Clark Kent is sent from his dying home world of Krypton by his father Jor-El (the late Marlon Brando), grows up and works at the Daily Planet, falls in love with Lois Lane (Margot Kidder), and must foil the diabolical plans of Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman). Put simply, there will never be another movie like "Superman," and who can forget those *cosmic* credits, the aforementioned "S" scene, the Superman and Lois date over New York City and later above the clouds, and that one, definitive climax when Superman lets out a painful cry that reveals that one glint of humanity that he's earned from his time on earth. Reeve will forever be linked to the role that really made people believe he was a super man, even when he wasn't wearing the blues, reds, and yellows, and was instead confined to the prison that's called a wheelchair. But we know that he's up there, flying high with the Almighty and proving to us all that he is who we believed he was. The recent news that Bryan Singer ("X-Men") is directing a new Superman is not exactly getting me giddy, considering the low standards of today's film-making and the onslaught of CGI effects that dominate many Hollywood action movies these days. I love "Superman" and even today, I'm still touched by its magic, and deeply saddened by the real-life tragedies that have followed it.

A perfect, "super" 10/10.

Obviously, everyone knows Superman, so I'll talk about a few aspects. It was sort of a shock to everyone when Christopher Reeve got paralyzed, seeing as to how we associated him with the man of steel. But his tireless crusade for people with spinal cord injuries showed him to be a sort of superhero in his own right.

As Superman's father Jor-El, Marlon Brando seems subdued, but still shows why he was one of the greatest actors of all time (as it was, he and Reeve died within four months of each other). As villain Lex Luthor, Gene Hackman makes a really interesting character: vile, but kinda cool, he's the bad guy who we all want to be deep down. Margot Kidder also has a great role as the title character's self-standing hubby Lois Lane, and Ned Beatty is really funny as Luthor's goofy sidekick Otis. Also starring is Marc McClure as Jimmy Olson.

I remember a "Saturday Night Live" episode where they imagine what would have happened had Superman been raised in Germany: they conclude that the man of steel - played by Dan Aykroyd in that skit - would have joined the Nazis and been called Ubermann. As it was, Friedrich Nietzsche theorized an "Ubermensch".

All in all, "Superman" is an inimitable superhero flick. I agree with a previous reviewer that "Batman" and "Spiderman" owe a lot to this movie. Truly great.

It all begins as planet Krypton's world unwinds, as you're packed inside a vessel and assigned, to a place where you'll excel, where folk will come under your spell, the populations of this place are called mankind. You're discovered by a couple and taken in, while growing up, concealing talents that could win, a loss leads you to the arctic, an experience cathartic, but it's Metropolis, where you firmly stick your pin. The Daily Planet is the place you'll ply one trade, Clark Kent assisting Lois on her crusades, your first encounter with Lex Luthor, a somewhat challenging manoeuvre, as you defy Jor-El's mandate, to save the day.

I thought I would pay tribute to one of Christopher's Reeve's best role ever; and that role is Superman. As many comic book fans follow, the film tells the story of Clark Kent who was born on Krypton and was transported into Earth after the planet exploded and loses his real family. As a new family finds him in the field going home, the couple take Clark as their own son and raise him. What the couple know about Clark is that he has a gift to do things twice as fast than any other ordinary human being; but as time goes by, Clark loses his father of a stroke and decides to take a life of his own as he works for the Metropoltian Newspaper, he meets Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) and he has a crush on her, even saving the woman from being killed. Just like any comic book movie, there is always a villain; with Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor in a campy role along with Ned Beatty as Otis, the sycophant with no sense, these two plan to destroy the world with nuclear weapons. Christopher Reeve doesn't get into the Superman Costume until 45 minutes into the film in which he saves Lois in one scene, busts bad guys and becomes and icon to the public. Superman is the finest comic book movie, and I only wish Christopher Reeve's family the best.

Superman (1978)

*** (out of 4)

One of the best comic book adaptations has Christopher Reeve playing an alien orphan who finds himself on Earth working as a nerdy reporter under the name Clark Kent but his true calling is that of Superman who finds himself going up against Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman). It's easy to see why so many comic book fans consider this one of the strongest adaptations out there. This film pretty much delivers everything from romance to adventure to action to some rather funny moments as well. A lot of credit has to go to director Richard Donner who really does a remarkable job at bringing all of this together. I think a lot of credit also has to be given to the bravery of keeping Superman pretty much hidden for well over a hour. The first forty-five minutes pretty much deals with Superman's father (Marlon Brando) and the fall of his planet, which is something else that a lot of movies wouldn't have bothered with or at least wouldn't have spent so much time on. I think the film's greatest moments are when Superman is in action. One such example is the first sequence when we see Superman for the first time. There's also the incredibly tense ending, which contains one great sequence after another but the dam is clearly the highlight. Another strong thing this film has going for it are the performances with Reeve leading the way in the title role. The actor was simply born to play this part as he perfectly nails not only to nerdy Kent but he's also believable as the superhero. Margot Kidder is also extremely fun in the role of the love interest and there's no question that Hackman brings a lot of smiles as Luthor. It's also great fun being able to see the likes of Brando, Glenn Ford and Jackie Cooper in their parts. The special effects when viewed today aren't the greatest but there are still several spots that hold up extremely well. If I had a problem with anything it's the extremely long running time, which I felt was just too long for its own good. Still, SUPERMAN was ground-breaking when it was first released and it's easy to see why as it still holds up well after all these years.

I still find it amazing that for over forty years, we've seen countless adaptations and (mis)interpretations of Superman, and yet not one of them can even begin to compare to this masterpiece. Perhaps one day some writers and directors will get together and realize how to recreate this brand of magic. Until then, we will always have Donner's films to fill that role.

I had only ever seen the TV version of the original Superman movie until I bought the HD-DVD. So, as you can imagine, on TV it was in hideous pan and scan and with several scenes missing. In reality, I have never seen the 'full' movie until now. And I have to admit, it's far, far superior to Bryan Singer's self-indulgent mess of Superman Returns.

It actually takes quite a while to get going, but there's so much going on that the running time certainly doesn't seem two and a half hours. Richard Donner shot it back to back with Superman II, so there's an extended opening act that establishes the plot of the sequel at the same time.

Anyone who doesn't know the story of Superman must be from another galaxy, but for those people I will give you a quick soundbite. Kal El is the orphan of the planet Krypton, which has recently blown up. He comes to Earth as a baby and lands in Smallville where he is quickly adopted by a farmer and his wife and renamed Clark Kent. His dense molecular structure and his ability to defy Earth's gravity give him advantages over humans and ultimately he becomes...SUPERMAN! But who doesn't already know that?

Clark Kent assumes an exaggerated, clumsy, meek newspaper reporter persona to distance himself from the Superman guise. Somehow everybody, including secret love Lois Lane, falls for it even though the glasses and the hair are all that is different. Hypervillain Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) doesn't take well to the man of steel as he might interfere with his plans for Real Estate Domination (the modern term for World Domination). But does he really think he can win? Hypervillains never know when to be humble.

Just about everything that was terrible about Superman Returns is completely right about this one. The cinematography, the music, the editing, the pacing. I won't call the SFX fake, since it doesn't ever take you out of the film, so I'll just call them 'quaint'. For 1978 they're good and even though they are all done optically it's still better than the CGI crapfest of Singer's interpretation.

Christopher Reeve's ultimate fate does kind of upset me, so it's good to see him in his prime and being made immortal in a way. The cast of this film does have a lot of big names. Along with the huge scope and spectacle, such a large cast adds to the epic feel of it. Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Ned Beatty, Margot Kidder, Terence Stamp and Glenn Ford just seem like a far more dynamic bunch of actors than Kate Bosworth and Kal Penn. Don't you think?

It's been 29 years since this film was released and people still make a big fuss over it today. In 29 years, will be still be talking about Superman Returns? Outside of ridicule, I think not.

"Superman" is quite simply one of the greatest movies ever made, and not just talking about of the genre either. Everyone knows the story, but here is my usual plot in a paragraph.

Plot In A Paragraph: An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's greatest superhero.

All of the cast do a great job Gene Hackman plays Lex Luthor brilliantly, Margot Kidder is spot on as Lois Lane (though she is not my favourite incarnation of Lane. That would be Teri Hatcher in TV's "Lois & Clark")and Marlon Brando gives one of his best performances, but this movie is all about Christopher Reeve in the dual role of Clark Kent and Superman. He is perfect, and nobody has been able to hold a candle to him since. Ned Beatty, Valerie Perrine (who I had a massive crush on as a kid) Jackie Cooper, Marc McClure and Jeff East all offer solid support whilst Glen Ford and Terrance Stamp do well in their small roles too.

The story is fantastic, it is beautifully filmed and the special effects still hold up today. All of this and I haven't even mentioned the brilliant score by John Williams that become so well associated with the character.

Brilliantly directed by Richard Donner, I love everything about this movie 10/10

A winner from start to finish and still a joy to watch, all made before computers took over the making of movies. Having said that it's the story and actors that make this movie so good. Christopher Reeve is excellent as Clark Kent / Superman, portraying the innocence of Clark and the heroic superhero. Margot Kidder is also brilliant as Lois Lane (possibly the best ever portrayal), making her tough and innocent in equal measure. The baddies are also great, Gene Hackman just on the right side of comedic evilness, and ably assisted by Ned Beatty and Valerie Perrine.

The story is great too from the origins at Krypton with Marlon Brando as Superman's father to his arrival on Earth. Indeed the death of his Earth father Glenn Ford is very emotional and well done.

This, in my opinion, is still the best superhero film ever made and it's doubtful if it well ever be beaten, MAGICAL.

Superman is one of my favorite fictional protagonists as well as favorite superheroes of all time. Other than his powers to me what really appealed to me was in his unbreakable humanity which I feel surpasses his superpowers but is also why his legend has continued to soar throughout the years.

Believe it or not my first exposure to Superman really wasn't this film but it was actually the Ruby Spears cartoon from the 80's (which is an under the radar gem) which I saw when I was about 8. I really liked what I saw I never seen a superhero quite like him, except He-Man but that's a different story. That cartoon soon lead me to the live action film which at the time blew my mind, I loved that film and I love it now, it literally was believe or not again the first live action comic book film I've ever seen.

Everything about this film feels big which made it all the more special, it was beloved by fans and non-fans of the comics. Even he teaser and trailer for this film are enjoyable, seeing these audiences back then must've been blown away as fans and non-fans of the comics weren't expecting it. The music is just fantastic from one of my favorite composers John Williams, that theme (along with these opening credits) one of my favorite themes of all time it just says Superman, there were some others over he years but this one is still the best in my book.

This was also one of the longest comic book films for its time though now that running time is a little more common place now. It's goes at a good steady pace which works to the films benefit as it wants to give us time to know who Superman is and the world he inherits, and you have to understand also not everyone has read the Superman comics so seeing how things came to be for the character really helps in getting depth.

Christopher Reeve one of my favorite actors is just fantastic as Superman/Clark Kent he is the character much as Karl Urban is Judge Dredd or Peter Weller is Robocop; you just can't see or want to see anyone else play that role. Sure, there have been many others after Christopher Reeve but he is still the best Superman in my book. I really love how he plays it as he is able to separate his actually identity to his costume; in this film Superman is his real identity and Clark Kent (at least the one from the Daily Planet) is the real costume.

Chris's performance is great you really kind of buy that he's totally two different people all together, his Clark Kent persona from the planet is sort of insecure, cumbersome, nice but kind of on the uncool side. It makes sense he's put up this act because no one would suspect anyone of this persona of being a superhero, but I also feel there is some truth to this, according to psychology everyone of us when we go to work or anyplace outside we tend to put on a mask to blend in to our social structure and hide our real persona because we don't want to reveal or open up to anyone unless ready or gain a certain amount of trust.

And it's great as he plays Superman, whom is heroic in every sense. He's got lots of sharp charisma, so he's got plenty of good and memorable lines. But what I love about him is just the strong humanity he welds inside.

Yes, he's an alien from a different planet and he has power where he can just about do anything, but he's exercises a continuous know that he shouldn't misuse his powers that if he does there are dire consequences, as an old saying goes "just because you can do a thing, doesn't always mean you should."

But most of all remembers how human he is, as he's lived among them most to all his life he also has the same feelings and his wants and needs. There is one quote from his that is my favorite that stuck with me "All those things I can do, all those powers and I couldn't even save him." I know that's pretty sad, but I felt that really summed up the core of what ever hero and superhero truly is human, that there really are limitations in heroism that we can only do the very best we can to save whoever we can. This also help in emphasizing with him, as there is truth to him how deep within us where capable of greatness or having it inside ourselves to do what is right no matter the odds but most importantly how there is a wonder person inside us.

Margot Kidder as Lois Lane is solid despite the fact she a little low on my list of favorite live action Lois Lane's. Her character like the character is an aggressive go getter that has big ambitions of being a great reporter. Though that go getter attitude is also sort of her Achilles heel as she lands in a lot of really sticky situations, though you could also say it could be luck in disguise as it a way of always meeting Superman. And the chemistry between both of them is pretty good, really bought there was attraction going on.

Gene Hackman is great as Lex Luthor whom is one of my favorite fictional antagonists, this is one of my favorite roles from the actor, like in the comic he's a villain you love to hate, despite how really bad he is you still at the same time have fun with the guy. Personally, I mainly like the latter version of Lex Luthor whom is a villain more in a grey area. This version is more the golden age version as he's just the plain evil supervillain archetype whom is comical but menacing at the same time. Lex here is a sociopath that will do anything to make his grand dark ambitions reality, human lives to him are just obstacles that need to be eliminated or necessary sacrifices, you could see he lives by the dictum, "you want to make an omelet, you've got to crack some eggs." But in a twisted perverse sense.

He's also a egocentric, he's like a real diva that wants his name everywhere like in one scene where he is showing off his grand plan to Superman it's the same with almost every villain in a James Bond film, sort of their way of flaunting their ego toward them but at the same time their way of challenging the protagonist by presenting them with a challenge they can't possibly beat.

But one thing I really like about him is how smart he is, much as Professor Morarity is in Sherlock Homes as he uses his sharp wits as his weapon against Superman. Really like the verbal interplay between both Superman and him is was sort of like a chess match, it's suspenseful because we unfortunately know Lex already has the winning move and we're hoping Superman can uncover it in time. Of course, this character just has some of the best and memorable lines like the one from the library scene and the other when he has Superman cornered "when it came time to cash in your chips, this diseased maniac became your banker." That quote just oozes with menace and rings true because for where there are heroes and superheroes there will always be villains and supervillains waiting.

The action is pretty solid, it's not exactly wall to wall action as most of it consists mainly rescue missions and emergency work. But I personally didn't mind, it's also something I don't see much in the comics anymore which is kind of strange considering their heroes and superheroes. Personally, I find it's kind of a nice break from the constantly typical pounding the baddies which is frequent in just about every comic. But most importantly we saw Superman at work using his superpowers which are awesome the effects on them are top notch, almost as if he could exist in reality. There are a lot of crowd pleasing moments in the action from seeing him rescue Lois Lane for the first time and catch that Helicopter, I remember my mom who saw it in the theater said that the audience cheered during that scene, and it's understandable why I love moments like that in a theater those don't happen much. Or even that nuclear missile chase which I always found really cool, I remember being on the edge of my seat think, "C'mon Superman, get there."

Well, I've said enough for anyone that is a rookie starting out this film is a good place to start with the series. Or an experienced comic book reader or movie watcher this is a vintage classic worth flying toward.

This film like the man of steel himself soar high in legend and into our hearts.

Rating: 4 stars

Every once in a while you'll be flipping channels or meandering through the aisles of the local videorama, and you will stumble upon a film that takes you back to your childhood - and the child-like wonder that accompanied it. After 2 decades, as well as numerous (inferior) sequels and remakes, the original Superman is back.

Well, okay, maybe this wasn't the ORIGINAL one, but certainly no other version of the legend has had such a lasting impact as this one. Nor has any other telling of the tale been as thorough and ambitious as that put forth by Director Richard Donner and Story writer Mario Puzo. Add to that the utterly inspired (and inspiring) score by John Williams, and you have a dose of that good old movie magic. Even the opening credits manage to raise your adrenaline levels, as the Superman symbol soars through space across the screen and Williams' opening theme perfectly builds to a masterful crescendo. It will make you want to stand up from your couch and soar out of the nearest window, though I don't recommend it if you live on anything above the first floor.

The film begins on Superman's home world of Krypton, a dazzling planet dotted by crystalline cities which, combined again with William's incredible theme music, seem to present an image of heaven itself. A super-race of highly advanced beings, the Kryptonians' only weakness is their pride, as the infant Superman's father, Jor-el points out. It is that pride that leads them to ignore Jor-el's warnings that the planet is doomed by an impending supernova. In a last ditch effort to save his son, as well as some remnant of his race, he sends his infant son Kal-el to the planet Earth in a deep space probe. Marlon Brando, in the role of Jor-el, gives one of his best performances. His role is the stuff of Hollywood legend, since he was paid 4 million dollars for his role of about 10 minutes, but despite his exorbitant fee and minimal screen time, his performance is no less worthy.

The probe crashes in a farmer's field in the early 1950's, to be discovered by the Kents, with Glen Ford in the role of Pa Kent. Though he seems to have even less screen time than Brando, his role as the young Superman's moral example is no less pivotal to the story. Superman's childhood and most of his teen years are completely skipped over, however, Jeff East gives an excellent portrayal of the teen Clark Kent, who is only beginning to discover the real extent of his powers.

Most of the supporting cast equally distinguish themselves. Gene Hackman creates a charming and amusing villain in Lex Luthor, and while Margot Kidder's portrayal of Lois Lane is a bit forced and grating at times, she still shines with a kind of charm, and it is always fun to watch her slip from the tough-as-nails reporter to the flustered schoolgirl every time the Man of Steel hits the scene. If you still don't like her performance, watch the "Lois Lane screen tests" in the special features section of the DVD, which includes tryouts by various prominent actresses of the day. After watching them, I think you'll agree that the filmmakers made the right casting choice.

But of course, the person we will remember the most is Christopher Reeve as Superman, and this is the way he should be remembered. It was certainly his greatest role, and although he overplayed the nerdy and fumbling Clark Kent, and his Superman sometimes pauses to deliver silly platitudes, he does so with an air of wry amusement. He may act like a goody two-shoes, but mostly he just seems to be having a good time showing off, and damn it, why shouldn't he? He's Superman, after all. If I could fly, you could damn well bet I'd be showing off too. This is confirmed in a brief but enjoyable restored scene in which, after saving Lois Lane and the President, as well as foiling several crimes, Superman flies back to his Fortress of Solitude to discuss it with his "Father", or rather, the persona of Jor-el which has been preserved in memory crystals and sent to earth with the infant Kal-el, so that he could benefit from Jor-el's knowledge and wisdom. He admonishes his son that, while it is natural to enjoy being able to show off his powers, he must learn to be humble and keep his vanity in check.

It is surprising how little moments of restored footage such as this one seem to breathe much more life into the characters, giving them a depth not seen in their previous cinematic incarnation. And while the film is a tale of the power of good, it is ultimately a tribute to the power of love. It is love that makes Superman more vulnerable than even kryptonite, love that makes him betray his Kryptonian father's admonition to "never interfere with human history", and love that makes him truly human.

Though it is nearly an hour into the film before Superman finally makes his first heroic and world-stunning appearance, it is well worth the wait. The action gets more and more exciting, rivaling anything that today's action counterparts, like "The Mummy Returns" can dish out. The effects, though antiquated by today's overblown CGI standards, are still impressive and manage to maintain their looks and grace in their old age. As Lex Luthor launches a diabolical plan involving hijacked twin nuclear missiles, the subsequent chase, followed by Superman's efforts to save an Earthquake-ravaged California, are breathtaking even by today's standards.

Like the superhero of title, the film itself is not without its weaknesses. In trying to keep in touch with its vintage comic book roots, it can be a tad cornball at times, and occasionally gets bogged down by what I call the "golly gee-whiz" factor. Yet it does so in a very tongue-in-cheek manner, retaining enough adult sophistication and genuine drama to keep it from lapsing into a mere kiddy show or a parody of the source material. In fact, the film has several surprisingly mature nuances. If, like me, you hadn't seen this film since you were a kid, then you will be in a much better position to fully enjoy the subtleties of the film now. (i.e, Lois Lane, in her rooftop interview of Superman asks "How big are you . . . er, I mean . .. how TALL are you". I obviously missed that as a kid, because it had me rolling with laughter this time around.

But despite a few loose threads in the cape and tights, The Man of Steel remains quite intact and appropriately larger than life. It is therefore fitting that this film has been re-mastered and re-released in collector's two-sided DVD format. The sound and picture quality are excellent, wiping away the tarnish of age and making the film shine again. Some of the many features include the aforementioned restored footage (about 10-15 minutes worth), a few additional deleted scenes (which, I thought, should have been restored into the film as well), commentary by director Richard Donner, the Lois Lane screen tests, specials on the making and origins of the film, and a music-only track (well worth the price of the DVD alone).

If you haven't seen this movie since you were a kid, and you want to feel like a kid again, rent it now. If you've never seen it at all, then the release of this DVD has taken away your last excuse. You will believe a man can fly.

This is the granddaddy of all modern superhero movies. It is the first big screen big budget superhero project that had big success and big critical praise. It was a big risk that paid off big time.

The first 20 minutes takes place in Krypton. Everything with Zod is probably better left to the second movie. Marlon Brando is a bit of a stunt casting. If not for him, it would make a lot more sense to trim most of that section and leave almost all of it to flashbacks.

The next 20 minutes takes place in Smallville. While I liked the story, it's somewhat disconnected from the rest of the movie. Jeff East isn't that compelling as young Clark Kent. The material deserves better, and would make a great prequel.

Christopher Reeve deserves all the praises he received for playing the duo role. It would be very easy to ridicule his disguise, but Reeve played the roles very well. They are distinctly two different characters. It also helped that Margot Kidder did such a great job reacting to the duo characters so differently.

I am sure many modern audiences have problems with the effects or the pacing. This is a 70s movie after all. Most movies of that era have a different sensibility. The flight with Lois Lane could be taken as cheesy romanticism. It's an attempt to find where this new genre fits. Even if it's not my taste, it's a necessary experiment. For its time, this was a big home run and sets the stage for all those who come after.

Following a failed insurrection on the distant planet Krypton inhabited by humanoid aliens, the mastermind behind the attempt, General Zod (Terence Stamp) is banished along with his two accomplices to the interdimensional prison The Phantom Zone following the deciding vote from Jor-El (Marlon Brando). Jor-El has come in possession of data saying that Krypton will soon be destroyed as it drifts out of orbit into its red sun, but Jor-El's warnings are ignored by the council and Jor-El is ordered to "not create" panic or be punished for sedition. As a last resort Jor-El and his wife send their infant son, Kal-El, to the planet Earth, where Kal-El's physiology will make him stronger and more resilient than humanity, in spaceship filled with Jor-El's collected knowledge. The ship crashes on Earth in Smallville, Kansas where Martha and Johnathan Kent (Phyllis Thaxter and Glenn Ford) find the child and adopt him soon discovering his superhuman abilities. The boy, whom they've named Clark (Jeff East-teenager, Christopher Reeve-adult), grows up keeping his powers secret at the wishes of his father, John, and upon John's death from a heart attack Clark takes a journey to discover the truth about himself and finds the message left by his father Jor-El which leads him to becoming the superhero Superman.

Conceived by Ilya Salkind in 1973, Ilya and Alexander Salking soon acquired the rights to Superman after a lengthy negotiation process in 1974 from DC Comics leading to an exhaustive search for writers, directors, and stars with the likes of Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Sam Peckinpah, William Goldman, and many others over a lengthy pre-production process. Following the success of The Omen, Richard Donner was approached by the Salkinds to do the movie with $1 million to direct Superman I and II back to back. Donner was dissatisfied with the original script whose tone had a campy feeling and brought in Tom Mankiewicz to do a re-write. Production was a nightmare with the Salkinds often clashing with Donner being over budget or over schedule which Donner countered by saying he was never given either. Eventually it was decided to stop filming Superman II and scrap the cliffhanger ending of Superman that would lead to Superman II in the event the movie bombed in favor of closed ending then resume if it was a hit. The movie broke box office records for its pre-Christmas release week resulting in it becoming the highest grossing film of 1978. The movie also received critical and audience acclaim and is seen as a precursor to the framework for the modern superhero movie (relatively) free of the camp aspects that dogged the genre from the Adam West Batman show and its various imitators. Superman opened a lot of doors for filmmaking and its cast and crew, but it's also a very flawed movie.

In terms of capturing the fantastical larger than life nature of the comic and its character, Donner and company have done an excellent job lending a sense of gravity and tangibility to a world that had been confined mostly to paper (save for of course the Max Fleischer cartoons and the George Reeves TV series). From the sweeping orchestral score by John Williams that leads us through the opening credits sequence through the vastness of space to the doomed planet of Krypton, the movie emerges us in a world of high concept science fantasy that we've seen before, but much like the previous year's Star Wars from George Lucas, Superman revisits this familiar material with a sense that it's taking itself somewhat seriously while also embracing the playful silliness of its source material. The prologue on Krypton featuring Marlon Brando's Jor-El feels like a movie in and of itself with the crystalline cities of Krypton creating a truly unique and very alien world. Once the movie takes us to Earth, the movie contrasts the rigid Krypton with idealized 1950s middle America as Clark Kent comes of age in Smallville, Kansas being instilled the values of his adoptive parents Johnathan and Martha Kent whose firm but gentle guidance that serves as the foundation for the benevolence and humility that are instilled within the character that drive his acts of altruism and super heroics. There's a strong journey a the core of the film where we see the character as Clark Kent first and foremost and Superman second emphasizing the human side as the true identity behind the "superhuman" identity.

In terms of casting the film has assembled a fantastic cast on all levels. While Marlon Brando's take on Jor-El has been parodied with some of his odd mannerism such as the pronunciation of "krypton" and occasional slurring of his words, Brando does carry a certain dignity to the character that lends credibility to the more out there facets of the story and gives the scenes on Krypton and his recordings to Clark dramatic heft. Christopher Reeve does well in his debut leading role playing both sides of the character effortlessly with the charming bumbling clumsiness of Clark Kent contrasted against the commanding larger than life weight of Superman with Reeve's performance differentiated between the two and giving credibility to the "glasses disguise" by adding more to it. Margot Kidder is really strong as Lois Lane and takes a character who'd been made a joke through her actions in the George Reeves TV series, the Fleischer cartoons, and the Gold and Silver Age comic books where the character's distinguishing characteristics were being a dim bulb whose only reason for existence was as kidnapping fodder. Kidder along with the writers give Lois more agency and presence in the story emphasizing more contemporary cynicism of the era as she tackles news stories (competently) which leads to some fun contrasts in the optimistic values carried by both Clark Kent and Superman. The romance between Superman and Lois Lane is where the movie shines as Reeve and Kidder have terrific chemistry and you feel the weight Clark has to deal with wishing he could let Lois know they are one and the same.

While 70% of the movie takes itself seriously while still being fun, the remaining 30% is where the film runs into itself. Gene Hackman is having fun as criminal genius Lex Luthor (whose inspiration is from the pre-crisis "mad scientist" take on the character before he was retooled as a ruthless businessman) and there is undeniable energy that comes from Hackman and the always reliable Ned Beatty playing Luthor's bumbling henchman Otis. The thing about Hackman's portrayal of Lex Luthor is that it's not bad, but it does feel like it's trying to go for the same tone and level of Lorenzo Semple Jr.'s work on the Adam West Batman show where A-List stars took the material as a chance to ham up their performances. The mad scientist version of Lex Luthor was always pretty ridiculous (especially with his purple and green jumpsuit which thankfully is absent from the film) and it feels like the writer's struggled to incorporate that character into the film in a manner that fit with the tone established in the opening. The climax also features a Deus Ex Machina ending that undermines much of the tension and drama from an otherwise really exciting and emotionally gripping climax and leaves you thinking "so there's no way Superman can lose?"

Superman is an important film showcasing how silly ideas can be brought to film in a way that stays true to their thematic DNA while also taking them seriously with dramatic weight as well as a sense of fun. The characters are well portrayed with Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder showing solid chemistry in their romantic relationship and Reeve does a good job showing the difficulties in balancing the man behind Superman with the identity of Kal-El, Clark Kent, and Superman shown to have a strain on him. The villains and climax of the third act are where the movie begins to stumble with Hackman and Beatty having solid comic friction but maybe playing up the goofiness a tad too much. The climax is also really good but undermines itself with a Deus Ex Machina ending that doesn't cost anything to our hero and undercuts the tension that might arise from any lasting damage or threat. But flaws aside, as a prototype for a superhero film it commits to its premise wholeheartedly and like the poster says "you will believe a man can fly"

The Superman movies were favourites of my childhood, but I don't remember them as well as many others. I was never that into superheroes.

Therefore I came to "Superman" with some reluctance, which turned out to be unnecessary. "Superman" still stands up as a pretty fantastic movie, and could probably still be used as a template for the modern superhero movie... not that I've really seen any of those.

It's got decent characters, a decent story, and the effects are still impressive enough. What really sets it apart, though, is the actual chemistry between Reeve and Kidder, and the wit in the screenplay.

We all have unique reasons for loving a film. That's what makes cinema so magical. It's personal. You can love the meat of the movie, or you can love the trimmings.

There's a bunch of good stuff here. Most people my age will refer to "Superman" as THE definitive superhero film. None will ever take it's place. A position no doubt dictated by the age we were when first viewing it. As with films like "Star Wars" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark", WHEN you experience them is just as important as HOW you experience them.

As we age, youth's eyes fade. Cynicism creeps in. Experience leads us to see the many injustices this life offers and we become more critical... less likely to accept that which we would rather believe. After all, an adult who clings to the youthful ideals of wonder is simply naive... right?

To this day, the opening title sequence for "Superman" fills me with the same magical joy it did over twenty years ago. Never was a score so perfectly crafted around a film. John Williams and Richard Donner created such an indelible experience that over 25 yrs later, Bryan Synger will use the same music and theme to bring the magic to a new generation of wondrous eyes.

As for me though, this will always remain the best.