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SUPERMAN review
There are few films for me that achieve such
complete tonal perfection, then suddenly and without
warning do a complete breakdown of that same
perfection through the same film.
I love SUPERMAN, the 1978 film. It’s one of my
all-time favorite films, but.... God does it have flaws
the like of which makes Ewoks incredibly welcome.
Tonight at
Austin was presenting SUPERMAN in 70mm.
Ahhhh... The glory of 70mm. I love it. The clarity
and purity it allows.
Nearly everyone in the AICN group herded to see the
film in this glorious format.
When the movie begins, and we see those cinematic
curtains part and that ACTION COMIC flip open and
a child’s voice reading about a great Metropolitan
city as that perfect John Williams accompaniment
attached strings to each valve of my heart as it began
racing.
For the next hour, the most perfect portrayal of a
comic book hero unfurled. For in all other comic
book movies we never really get that feeling of what
makes someone so undeniably good.
Why fight crime and injustice? If you have special
abilities, why not just exploit them for your own
good? Why help others?
What is it in a hero that makes them dedicate their life
for truth, justice and the ‘American’ way?
When we see the sheer joy on the young Clark Kent’s
(Jeff East) face as he tears across those dirt roads and
out leaps that train.... I just want to cry with elation.
And when he brags that he ran home, and ol Pa Kent
nails him ever so slightly, checking that ego of his
son’s... And ol Clark shuffles his feet in that ‘Gee
whiz’ sort of way... I smile.
Then there’s that whole speech about ‘You are here
for a reason.’ For the first hour of this film it is not
just a wonderful comic book film, but it is headed
towards being one of the great American films. The
shot selection, the music, the heart strings and soul
searching this film takes Clark Kent on is amazing.
This isn’t flash in a pan action sequences, this is
humanity that is being explored. A sense of
self-exploration that we all go through when we leave
High School. Are we meant for the farm? Are there
grander and better things to which we should dedicate
our lives?
From Glenn Ford to Marlon Brando to Terrence
Stamp, Jeff East, Phyllis Thaxter, Susannah York, the
two young Kal-el’s... and so on. This first hour is as
utterly perfect as can be.
And then about one hour and ten minutes into the
film.... He shows up. Ned Beatty. Otis. All cued by
John Williams’ unshakable Otis Theme which
completely goes off into another tone all together. I
hate Otis. Cause he leads us into the subway where
that damn carpeted Lex Luthor and Miss
Teschmacher lay in wait to ambush my beloved
movie.
My god, can you imagine if this movie had held on
when we reached Metropolis. Had it not turned
campy and filled with over-acting. Had the exact
same sense of awe and wonder been followed through
on.
Imagine Lex Luthor as a character that is truly
criminally insane... but a genius. That didn’t
surround himself with morons. That was proudly
bald. A character bent on world domination, not
simply as a landgrabber. Had he been a
super-scientist instead of a blowhard. Had he been
realistic evil at the scale of Superman’s capacity for
good.
And if he had every bit the John Williams theme as
say.... Darth Vader, instead of his Ewok-y theme. But
no. Oooooh no. We couldn’t very well have that.
Instead we get Otis trying to steal a pretzel from a
blind man. Arguments about ‘long arms’ and
‘Otisburg’.
Meanwhile, in the world of Clark Kent/Superman the
film still exists in the same tonal plane of the first
hour, being interrupted from time to time with the
inanities of ladder sight-gags and burlesque from
beneath the city.
Christopher Reeve’s Clark Kent/Superman is a work
of majesty. Here we had one of the purest examples
of.... from out of nowhere.
I remember the night I met Superman. I was seven
years old. For two months that
rainbowy-with-S-shield poster proclaimed in my
room that I would believe a man could fly.
I can’t remember seeing trailers for the film, but that
night at the Americana theater on December 11th, my
birthday, I saw an advance screening of the film. My
birthday cake had a Superman Shield upon it. My
father gave me a stash of 1940’s and 50’s and 60’s
comics. I read like crazy all day with my friends.
And when we got to that theater we all had towels
tied around our necks.
We were ready to not only believe a man could fly,
but we were going to learn the secret for ourselves,
and when we left that theater we were determined to
fly to the moon and play low gravity kickball.
I sat frontrow with my neck stretched back, alongside
me was Rylan and Josh. Back about 6 rows... our
parents, their friends and we were ready for the
magic.
I was stunned. When Glenn Ford dies, I cried (I still
do, even tonight) and when Superman first flies off
that white stuff, a welling of pride as it was
confirmed... A man can fly. A Superman. This Man.
Tonight, during the film I was that kid again. Only
afterwards, the spell was gone and I began analyzing
again. Hating Otis and the depiction of Lex. But so
long as that screen was lit... I believed. I believed in
it all.
I tell you. Christopher Reeve is Superman. Just look
into that face. Those eyes. That smile. That little
curl. He embodies everything good about humanity
and he’s not even human.
His Clark Kent played with a nasal accent and
bumbling lack of confidence posture is fantastic.
That scene at Lois’ place where he plays with his
glasses, and is toying with the idea of telling Lois the
truth, then chickens out. It’s perfection.
The look on his face is that of pure Clark Kent....
Even when the glasses are gone... it’s Clark Kent, but
then.... ever so slightly... the man of steel begins to irk
his way in there. And gosh. It’s beautiful. Some
people herald what Spencer Tracy or Fredric March
or John Barrymore did as Jekyll and Hyde... But
here... this transformation is... breathtaking. And a
pure joy to behold.
It’s what made me hate Michael Keaton’s same
attempt in BATMAN. It wasn’t complete and was
played for laughs and wasn’t near as earnest as
Reeve’s delivery.
There has been one aspect of SUPERMAN that has
always been a thorn in my shoe as far back as I can
remember. The “Can You Read My Mind” sequence.
My god I hate that. John Williams’ music is
gorgeous there, but the Lois Lane narration... I once
played this sequence at home with just the John
Williams music on my CD player, whilst muting the
screen and it worked very well. Reminded me a bit of
that fantastic scene of Chaplin and Paulette
Goddard’s sequence in the shop in MODERN TIMES
somehow.
This is a film I love. And I don’t mean that lightly.
John Williams’ theme I carry in me and play often.
There is still so much that can be done with this
character, but I fear people with a lack of
understanding about the innocence of the character
will get too involved. People more concerned with
the action scenes than the humanity and issues
involved here. Superman is after all a man. He wants
everything a simple man would want, but has a duty
forced upon him simply because of his abilities to
serve humanity. He has to choose between helping
humanity move forward, or to simply live his own
life. What makes him Super is his capacity to
sacrifice so much of his own personal life for the sake
of all of us.
God I love this character. Earlier today I saw IRON
GIANT at the paid sneak, and then went on to see
SUPERMAN and I was struck with how tonally
similar the first act of SUPERMAN is with the
entirety of IRON GIANT.
How IRON GIANT has the strengths of
SUPERMAN, but none of it’s weaknesses. God, I
can’t wait to see that film again tomorrow night.
I wish Warner Brothers would do the right thing and
issue a super-deluxe DVD of the SUPERMAN series
with all the extra footage included in the
supplemental section. Interviews with the cast and
director. This film is a jewel to be preserved in every
film lover’s collection. Now, if only Warner Brothers
shared that feeling.... and soon.
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Well, my first post ever to the aicn talk back thingie, just testing to see how it goes. I guess I should comment on Superman. Its a good movie, not a great one, I'm hoping they make a film version of the Death of Superman from the comics a couple of years back.
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OLD SUPE NEVER MADE ANY MONEY..SAVING THE WORLD FROM SOLOMON GRUNDY...AND SOMETIMES I DESPAIR THE WORLD WILL NEVER SEE ANOTHER MAN LIKE HIM...AGAIN...
What a great song by Crash Test Dummies. What a great movie. Let's get the new one made. Later. -
I really liked Hackman's Lex Luthor. Especially in SupermanII, but I must say, the animated series Lex has it nailed down.
Oh to see a WB animated feature of Superman with as much care put into it as Iron Giant had. BTW, the classic Fleisher Superman cartoons are available on DVD now from several different companies. The one from Image Entertainment contains every single episode. It has a wierd picture of some guy opening his shirt to reveal a red sweater! I guess they didn't obtain the rights to show an actual Superman picture. -
I haven't watch Superman in years, although reading this makes me want to again. But Harry is so unbelievably right on about the Lois Lane "Can you read my mind" voiceover. Ugh. I envy Harry being able to have the score minus the voiceover. Me - I bought the CD recently, listening to the track, and suddenly they have the voiceover on the score CD. It's hideous to listen to. I skip that track every time I listen to the CD, which is sad because it really does contain some great Williams.
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over at www.dvdfile. you can vote for the dvds that you want. from superman to star wars.
come and vote for superman.
http://www.dvdfile.com/disc/request/index.html
thanks you.
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Yes, they do feel different, but because of that, the movie covers all the bases. And let's not forget, Superman 2 MUST be watched with Superman. And Terance Stamp's Zod was so menacing in that, I'm very glad that the funny Luthor balanced him. Comic relief. Frankly, I think Luthor WAS a maniac and evil, there were moment in Superman where he was down right cruel. Sure there was a lot of ham, but for me it worked. So I guess I like more of Superman than you, Harry. just kidding;)
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I too loved this movie. In fact, when I first saw this movie, I was 7 years old, and I was convinced that I was going to grow up and marry Superman/Clark Kent. I still think he's gorgeous.
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Forgive me for scanning the review at work, and not reading the other Talkbacks, but Harry, you have a gift. I think you nailed Superman right on the money. I was about 13 when I saw it, I didn't mind Otis... much, and I still rate that film as one of the greatest. But you make excellent points on all counts. Well done. I agree.
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Making the world go backwards that somehow makes time go backwards. It ruined the whole movie for me. Superman II is a much better movie.
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was the best in that whole series. It had comedy, love, ass kicking all in one (and sex, Superman gives up his powers to get some poon). My favorite scene is where the 3 baddies have crushed Superman with a bus and you think he's dead. All those new yorkers (or metropolisites or whatever the fuck you call them) shout "they killed Superman, let's get them". I laugh every time I see that.
_________"so this is the planet Whooston"
-General Zod -
Is it a bird ?
Is it a plane ?
Nah, a damn bird crapped on my glasses !!!!!!
Seriously, Look at Dean Cain, and look at Chris Reeve and tell me who is the better Superman !!!
Damn Right !
Chris Reeve ROCKS !
From the opening Krypton scenes, to the Norman Rockwell inspired Smallville of the 50s, to that awe-inspiring moment when Superman catches Lois in one hand, the falling chopper in the other, this film was the classiest costumed hero film ever, right up until Michael Keaton donned the batsuit !
Aaaaaaaaah, those were the days ! -
Harry, I took the girl I almost married (as opposed to the one that recently took me to court, the cleaners, etc.) to see Superman when it was released. For me, the "appearance" scene where he catches Lois falling from the news copter, looks up and sees the falling copter and catches IT, too still takes my breath away. How completely perfect and cool; I was hooked. In some ways, the first Batman movie (not the 60's version, the Keaton / Burton version) worked well for me too. I was aghast wehn I heard "Beetlejuice" was Batman...couldn't get my head around it. But, after watching it 30-40 times, I think he was exactly right for the part. Kilmer and Clooney sucked or at least the Batman movies they were in did. The last one with Arnold was flat painful and annoying.
That is all........ -
in the comics, and Superman is the character that inspired me to become an Eagle Scout. I still read the comics today even though they're really getting on my nerves (BRING ON THE NEW WRITERS!!!) When I was young my parents would always rent the Superman movie for me (I was born the year after it came out) until they finally just never returned it. Back then it was a perfect movie. I still love it and I've seen it more times than I can count. Sure, Otis sucks and Lex could've been a lot better. And that damn Lois Narration (BTW, thanks for the idea about muting it during that scene while playing the music Harry!) But over all, Clark and Superman are perfect in every way. Its the best movie based on a comic book I've ever seen and I don't think I'm going to see another Superman movie as good as this one in my lifetime. Funny thing though, I've only seen the Pan & Scan version on my TV. I can't wait to see it here in LA in September when it comes to the MANN Plaza in Westwood (Plug)
-Elevator Broken?
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SOme bullshit about a green crystal, and a kooshball spaceship, and Don Fucking COrleone was Supes dad, and Pa kent fucking dies, and some ha ha Supes stopping a cat burglar that ripped off Spider-Man's tactics, and Ned Fucking Beatty, and Supes spinning the world backwards, and now Chris Reeves looks so pathetic in comparison. SHould I go on?
Two pluses for this film:
1) Reeves actually worked out to get as big as he looked.
2) Gene Hackman near perfect as lex luthor, (shouldve been bald throughout the entire movie, and he nver should've done part 4) -
I loved the movie up to the same point. I willingly suspended my
disbelief. I believed a man could fly. But reversing time by reversing the Earth's orbit ruined the film for me. I was totaly immersed into the world of superman and then suddenly I was sitting in a cold theatre thinking "Wait a minute. You can't do that!! Reversing Earth's orbit would kill everyone, not reverse time." They asked me to disbelieve too much and insulted what little intelligence I have. -
SUPERMAN is my all-time favorite film. This is the movie that got me hooked on the character. Why? because Superman is powerful, yet kind, compassionate, noble, and brave. He's not a hero to gain people's approval or to satisfy a thirst for vengeance. He's a hero because he HAS to be. This film captures that perfectly. Burton and Peters' proposed "dark and murderous, non-flying, translucent suit-wearing Superman" is no Superman. It's a sick and twisted mockery. I say kill the SUPERMAN LIVES project and make a proper Superman film, one made not for the sake of profits, but one made for people who dearly love this character. Get Nicholas Meyer to write and direct it. Get Richard Donner to produce it. Give us a Superman film that truly captures what Superman is all about. Banish Burton and Peters from Metropolis FOREVER. We don't want a translucent murderer with an "I need to be loved" complex. WE! WANT! SUPERMAN!
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There is something I really must put right: Superman did not alter the earth's rotation at the end of the film. He flew so fast that he traveled back in time. The reason you see the earth moving the opposite direction is because we are starting to go backwards in time with him.
This film is a masterpiece compared to the stenchfest "Batman." Another movie version of this myth would most likely stink to high heaven. Hollywood needs to stop being so remake happy; studios should concentrate on new stories. -
There is something I really must put right: Superman did not alter the earth's rotation at the end of the film. He flew so fast that he traveled back in time. The reason you see the earth moving the opposite direction is because we are starting to go backwards in time with him.
This film is a masterpiece compared to the stenchfest "Batman." Another movie version of this myth would most likely stink to high heaven. Hollywood needs to stop being so remake happy; studios should concentrate on new stories. -
I learned to read reading comic books. I grew up with the classic (at least it seems classic to me) Marvel period from about 1978-1988. I wasn't terrifically crazy about DC, but they certainly
were a worthy alternative. (This is, of course, before Alan Moore with "The Watchmen" and "Swamp Thing." That's literature, really. That's art.) Anyway, I got out of comics when it started to become an ugly business, both in terms of content (sure, "Dark Knight Returns" was great, but it's nihilistic tone inspired MANY lesser writers to attempt the same) and merchandising (I think I dropped out right around the time that Todd MacFarlane showed his face, and comics started coming pre-"bagged". Aren't you supposed to read the fuckin' things? Isn't that the idea?) Anyway, (why do I always bury my lead?) I think that the first Superman movie is THE BEST COMIC BOOK ADAPTATION EVER MADE. That's it. It manages to be both swooningly juvenile and tartly adult. The scenes of Supes flying around Metropolis (isn't it wonderful that they used a REAL city--NYC--instead of some three block studio mock up?), the scenes of Supes romancing Lois (even "Can You Read My Mind?"--BEAUTIFUL music, and I loved Margot Kidder)--it's all just so right. So perfect. I liked "Superman 2", as well (except for the small bit where he somehow develops the power to throw his "S" symbol at Zod in triplicate). "The Rocketeer" is terrific (maybe not as an adaptation, but certainly in true comic book spirit), and Beatty's "Dick Tracy" is damn classy, too. That, folks, is it. As far as the "Batman" films go, I'd rather they go. The first one, the "classic" one, is awful. Just a fiasco. Keaton is wooden and completely unheroic (I don't buy this "superheroes are crazy misfits" bullshit--Tim Burton has SAID that he never like comic books!! Why was he hired!!), Nicholson is ATROCIOUS for the only time in an otherwise distingished career, and the script (by the dreaded Sam Hamm) is the worst piece of obtuse, undeveloped, dry dogshit that EVER
snuck it's way onto a major big budget motion picture. The sequel, "Batman Returns" is a little better, thanks to Daniel Waters and the great Michele Pfeiffer. And as far as the two Schumachers, I hated "Batman Forever" (how did the film series go from emulating Frank Miller to emulating that awful 60's TV series that we were forced to watch because it was cheap for the locals to syndicate?) and I thought that "Batman & Robin" was a mess, too (other than that one cool action sequence at the beginning, totally unbelievable, but in a neat-o comic book way.) I won't even get into how much I hate these fifth generation slimefests like "The Crow", "Blade", and "Spawn." How did so much of what is great about comic books get lost in the translation? Nobody buys this existential grief crap from a costumed hero on the big screen! I'll go see a Bergman or Woody if I wanna get reflective and post-modern. Donner's "SUperman" (and, to an extent, Dick Lester's) is the DEFINITVE comic book come alive, one of the most entertaining films of the big budget era, and the further away the suits get from that film, the further away they get from making anything worthwhile. (And why must EVERY superhero film now have the same phony looking "dystopian" grungy city sets? I mean, look at the Gotham City set from "Batman Returns"--it's basically one ramp and a manhole cover. The effect is limited, shall we say. When we were kids, this isn't why we liked comics. We liked "The X-men" becuase they were human, just like Ben Grimm. We didn't want this psuedo-Orwellian drivel. And I, for one, still don't)) Go, SUPERMAN! -
I saw this movie when I was six years old and I do remember the magic it had. But i can still remember that some things in the film bugged me(as a six year old that is). The opening credit sequence. Ten minutes of people celebrating themselves.Did the audience have to bludgeoned with the credits that played what felt like an hour(remember,I was six. Fox Family Channel played the movie recently and cut out much of what bored this 70's six year old. Honestly, I dont remeber if the movie statrted like this what. Lois Lane voice over. Like you said, this could of stayed muted. I heard a better rendition on the radio the other day. Some lady is singing it and it plays better. Whey didn't they use this song in the movie. It would of been Oscar-worthy!Finally, Otis and Lex. Did we really need these guys at all. And would the real Superman be duped into being overtaken by Lex. Supes never under estimates his opponent. He respects his opponent-no matter the size or alien life f. yes, and I made a makeshift cape out of the sweater i wore( a red Adidas one-kool). I remember I tied a knot in it so hard that my mom had to cut the sleeves off.
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Why isn't Superman on DVD ? It is one of my favorites and I have looked for it on DVD... but to no avail.
Brian -
Goddamn you Harry!!! I would crawl through a five-mile trench of broken Aqua Velva bottles to have to pleasure of seeing "Superman" in Glorious 70MM!! I have only seen it in lackluster 35MM. That Brian guy above is so right on the money. Where the HELL is the "Superman" DVD? Warners is putting out just about everything else in their catalogue on DVD. What the hell is the hold up? Harry, I would be much obliged if you could snoop around and get some juice on it for me. Thanks Pal. By the way, Peters is a cock eating dickhead who has NO RIGHT to be anywhere near a Superman project.
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I'll say it up front: Superman is my favorite movie of all time. I'm probably biased, as I've read the comics for years (despite some rather slow periods and the current depression), but the movie still pulls at the old heartstrings. My favorite scene of any movie? The helicopter scene, when Superman first reveals himself to Metropolis. How could Harry not have mentioned it? It perfectly captures all that Superman is, and I get tears in my eye each time I watch it, pathetically enough. Our hero has Lois in one hand, the helicopter in the other, with John Williams' perfect score capturing Superman's core. It couldn't be done better! Christopher Reeves is truly Superman in the movie. In response to various other posts: I would love a Superman DVD, more than I treasure the recent releases of Ghostbusters and Mallrats on the format. And I can't say I approve of the direction of the proposed "new" Superman movie; why do we need to see the world's first and greatest superhero die on screen? If I had my fanboyish way, it would be a straight-up movie: introduce Superman with a decent, comic book-inspired origin and Smallville scense, and spend the rest of the movie in Metropolis: Lois Lane and the rest of the essential Daily Planet crew, and a malevolent (but not cartoonishly so) businessman in Lex Luthor. Where can you go wrong if you just tell this one perfect Superman story? Don't bother with the death-and-return stuff, it's too in-depth. Do the basics and you'll have a lot of happy fans and three hundred million dollars in the bank. Sorry to ramble on, but I care.
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Aug 03, 1999 6:59:46 AM CDT
You'll believe a wonderful movie can get the shaft by a dumbass
by essemtee
Superman was the first movie I can remember watching, and seeing a movie like that at such a young age can have a profound effect on anyone! Warner Bros. on the other hand, doesn't give a flying rat's arse about Superman! Probably cos they can't make a boatload of cash releasing all four in one overpriced boxed set, because no-one likes the third one, and the awful fourth one was made by Cannon, or whoever! They did nothing for the 1978 film's 20th Anniversary, and most likely nothing for the upcoming 25th! And you know why no-one appreciates this movie now? Zero attention span! That's right, despite the ten minute opening credit sequence, which itself cost more than some movies at that time, try to spend some time in Smallville actually getting to know young Clark, his maw and his paw, his almost girlfriend Lana Lang, and you get antsy! Never mind that he can boot a football to the next state, or he's outrunning a train (with a lil Lois Lane watching him from the window with binoculars!) Oh and it looks old and dated too, apparently! From the fashions, to the vaseline-smeared camera lens cinematography. Nonsense! They took the time and talent to get Superman just right, and they did! Can you see honestly see Dean and Teri trying to pull off what Chris Reeve and Margot Kidder manged with ease? Or hell, Nic Cage and Sandra Bullock, or whichever brunette they're looking for as Lois. Warner's made good with their re-release of The Exorcist (another fav. of mine) And they should do right with at least the first Superman!
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for superman to get the respect it's needs.. you need to talk with roger ebert. have him do a bit on his tv show.. roger ebert liked the first movie alot. I am sure roger could help out.
just like the rating system problem.
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Warners DVDs are absolutely wack!!! They give you no special features at all. You will be lucky if they give you the standard/widescreen editions
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I just wanted to say thanks for voting and please keep the votes coming.. 1000 is very good.. trying to get on the top ten list of the dvds that people want.
please vote some more and please tell your friends about it.
once again,
thanks.
JACOB -
You *HATED* Otis, Harry. Yet, yousa loves Jar Jar Binks? I don't get it...
SUPERMAN is the first movie I ever saw, and I left the theater with my arms stretched forward, pretending I could fly. I wish I had a chance to see it again in the theater, and in 70mm to boot! I have to say I love the entire film: Christopher Reeve, Otis, even Miss Tessmocher! And to me Gene Hackman IS and forever shall be Lex Luthor. If they do remake SUPERMAN, I hope Gene Hackman comes back. -
For some reason Otis didn't bother me. He was there, he was an idiot, end of story. Same with Ms. Tessmacher (and she was cute, so that was a bonus.) But Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor was absolutely brilliant. I loved the way he flaunted his superiority over everyone else. A real gem of a villain. That made the second half quite entertaining and enjoyable (and the climax was excellent.)
I do agree about the first half being utterly and completely wonderful. Did anyone else notice that the years (his 18th through 21st) Clark/Superman spends in the Fortress of Solitude discovering his purpose are the same years a lot of people spend in college, discovering and preparing to pursue their goals in life? Great parallel, and Brando was terrific.
The only flaw is that the stuff with Zod, Ursa and Non seems a bit gratuitous, since it wouldn't be until the sequel that these high class hooligans would come into play. And the "Can You Read My Mind" monologue wasn't just unnecessary, it was close to laughable. (Maybe it would have been okay if it hadn't rhymed. Free verse next time, Lois.)
Still, this was an atmospheric, gripping, and action-packed wonder. On the whole, possibly the best superhero film ever, equalled only by its sequel. Terrific. -
"Superman: The Movie" was a great film in 1978, and it still is in 1999. Granted, the Lois Lane voice-over isn't the movie's finest moment, but who cares? Everything else is perfect. Chris Reeve is-and will always be-the perfect Superman. The same goes for Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor. The Lex of the animated series is fine, but this film needed more than a monotoned banker (or whatever the hell he is). Frankly, he (the animated Lex) looks like a bald Harvey Dent. Hackman's performance was right on the money. A perfect balance of humor and menace. And what about Otis. Well, what about him? I agree with that previous comment about not liking Otis but loving Jar Jar-that just doesn't make sense. J.J. Binks was a total baffoon that almost single-handedly ruined "Episode 1" (Jake Lloyd's terrible acting is what, along with Binks, completely ruined it for me). If you love that ass of a character, you have no right to ever complain about Otis.
In short, there are very few "perfect" movies out there. "Superman" is definately one of those few-and it always will be.
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I can remember when that came on and my parents videotaped it. We had a blizzard and I think I watched pt. 1 around 12 times the next day.
As to what was added, the major parts were on Krypton. Where Jor-El fought with the Council more and they eventually noticed he was up to something and sent their form of policeman to arrest him.
Then Lex tried to burn and freeze him.
I'm on vacation now and I think I'll dust off the old tape because I can't remember all the stuff. It was, however, substantial. -
Supes DID alter the earth's rotation. The earth visibly slows, stops, then begins rotating in the OPPOSITE WAY. Heck, the cue on the Superman soundtrack is even titled "Turning Back the World" or something like that. Face it folks, he altered time by having the earth rotate backwards. Not scientifically defensible, but damn romantic!
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What can I say about the Richard Donner epic? Well, it has the same effect on me as when I watch any Star Wars movie or any James Bond pic. I grew up mesmorized by these movies. They all came from an era (not counting the embarassing Superman IV) when movies like this were made with some thought and a degree of subtlety. It will be interesting to see if they spend the first 45 minutes on the new Superman movie stressing character, not over produced action sequences!
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NO NO NO-You cannot have Vince Vaughn as Superman for the same reason you cannot have Cage as Superman-They are too famous!
When casting the first Superman they considered John Voight, but changed their minds because having him play the man of steel would be dumb as it would just look like John Voight in a Superman suit. He was too recognizable! They went with Reeve because he was an unknown. This is how they should cast the next Superman. -
Visit Superman Cinema
http://fly.to/supescinema
I think Donner visited this site, it is the best Superman movie site on the net.
It tells you everything and I mean EVERYTHING! -
i don't understand why whatever harry says goes. just because he feels some way about a movie, doesn't mean that he is right. it amazes me how many people are saying that Batman sucked. where is this coming from? burton's batman is one of the best action movies to come out of the eighties, and just because harry knowles didn't like it, everyone seems to think it was terrible. superman is probably the best comic book adaption i've seen, but there is no way it can be compared to batman. they are different characters, and there movies were created with thestyle of these characters in mind. anyway, i'm sure i'll be blasted for calling people sheep, but it kind of annoying to constantly see harry treated as god, when he's just a movie reviewer.
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Superman did not alter the earth's rotation at the end of the film. He flew so fast that he traveled back in time. The reason you see the earth moving the opposite direction is because we are starting to go backwards in time with him. Would you rather think this, or that Superman defied the laws of science? Being romantic has nothing to do with it, either way, he still went back in time to save her, and that made it romantic. If you've read the X-men posts I've done, then you can pretty much guess one of my favorite scenes: I thought the film was extremely good, and made you believe in him as a person before making you believe a man could fly. Over 20 minutes of young Clark Kent development. His obvious affections towards one cheerleader, and his annoyance at one bully. His overzealousness to use his powers and show off what he could do, only to be followed by the death of his adopted father Jonathan. Young Clark standing in the barn joyfully playing with his dog, not noticing his Pa collapsing onto the ground. He turns to the cries of his Ma, only to see the only father he knew crumbling before him. Frozen for a second in his tracks, he can't help but want to use his speed to run, but the shock overwhelms him. It's a split second of shock - a split second that could have saved his surrogate father - that killed his father. When that split second passes, he runs to him, holding him in his arms ... too late. This defining scene shows him at his weakest moment. Showing those who follow the comics that he could be hurt, even without the aid of Kryptonite. And showing the audience that this was a real person. One with emotions. That scene makes me tear up every time I watch it. Thinking that he was unable to say `goodbye', and unable to save the only father that he knew. That scene - of Pa collapsing - was also his `awakening'. The very moment when he realized that, even with all of his powers, he couldn't save his father. And he decided to only use his abilities to help, and not show off. He grew out of being a typical teenager, and became a `hero'. It succinctly captured the essence of a `hero', because if a `hero' doesn't care, or have emotions, than what good is he? The other scene I love, is also the other one that captures the essence of what makes Superman a `hero': Walking along the street to hear the cries of help then scatter to find a way to change into his costume. No, he doesn't immediately fly into the air half-assed to save the day and quip one-liners, instead he walks over to the building, cautiously looking up to assess the situation, then takes to the air with the bulging eyes of his audience looking on (both those in the theater, and those in the film watching him). Lois falls, and he swoops in to catch her "Don't worry miss, I have you" "You have me? Well, who has you!?" The helicopter teetering over the edge plummets, and the suspense of `will he catch it?' builds in your stomach. He does, and you sit back in awe, watching him carry that heavy machine onto the roof, holding it as it it were made of air. He sets them down, and takes off. His only concern is to make sure the paramedics know there is an injured man in the cockpit. He swoops away, leaving no answers to too many questions. A true hero. Concerned more about the injured man than letting people even know his name. Not stopping for one second for his pat on the back, or his `job well done'. He didn't want acceptance, or appreciation from anyone. He just wanted to be left with knowing that man and Lois were grateful for being saved. Even though it went unsaid, he knew they would be greatful, and didn't need assurance. He saved them. And Lois' fall to the ground is exactly how I felt after seeing that scene. The excitement, and suspense being over, I sighed, and sat back in my chair. My eyes bulged out, a smirk crept onto my face. We just saw the true essence of a hero. A Superman. I also love the animated series, now they know what Superman is about. Nick Cage - who claims he does, but really doesn't know anything past `He wears a costume, flies, and is invulnerable' - doesn't. The greatest scene that show ever had was when Darkseid killed a regular supporting character. A cop (the name escapes me, but he was a splitting image animated version of Jack Kirby). Superman stood at his grave. Placed one hand on the stone and said "Goodbye old friend. In the end, the world didn't need a superman ... just a great one." (that also has underlying meanings to Jack Kirby)
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Revelare that was a great observation. Thank you for sharing, I really mean that.
I couldn't have said it better and Nick Cage really does have Superman's vision all wrong.
Shame Superman 2 was "lets kick ass" rather a thoughtful story.
I want to see Marlon Brando sacrifice himself for his son to regain his powers.
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Superman I. Great! Superman II. Fantastic. Superman III. Ummm...Superman battlin' himself is kinda cool. Also that part where he freezes the surface of the nearby lake and drops it on the chemical fire. Cool in a comic fanboy kind of way. Superman IV "Quest for Peace". Yikes! Less said better. Jon Cryer, Lex's nephew? Blech. Do we need another Superman movie? What's wrong with what we have right now? I'd just hate to see the Superman movie legacy stunk up with another half assed piece of crap that has no heart or soul as the original.
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I love Superman. It is nearly perfect... My favorite scene is where Clark and Lois get held up... and the gunman shoots at them and Clark saves them and tosses the bullet away. The look on his face ... classic stuff!! Just classic! Great movie. Should they do a new Superman movie ... only if they could pull it off right, than yes... my cast is a bit dated.. a few years ago i personally think they would have been pretty good... here i go
Clark Kent/Superman: Billy Zane ... check out the Phantom.
Lois Lane: Linda Fiorentino
Lex Luthor: John Malkovich
that's my main cast ...
Comic Book movies... Superman 1 and 2 .. nuff said!
The Crow was pretty good... i didn't like the ending they shoule have stayed with the comic's ending.
None of the Batman films were up to snuff... each film had a element, bt as a whole they failed...
Darkman was more like Batman in the sense that they showed him using his mind...
The Masters of the Universe... this film is Jack Kirby's New Gods... if you don't believe me go back and watch it... the boom tude, anti-matter, Darkseid... it's all there ...or than again maybe it's me...
The Phamton... not great, but better than most, but it does not fall into the shit caterogy...
The Rockteer ... very cool...
that's all folks!!!!! -
I love Superman. It is nearly perfect... My favorite scene is where Clark and Lois get held up... and the gunman shoots at them and Clark saves them and tosses the bullet away. The look on his face ... classic stuff!! Just classic! Great movie. Should they do a new Superman movie ... only if they could pull it off right, than yes... my cast is a bit dated.. a few years ago i personally think they would have been pretty good... here i go
Clark Kent/Superman: Billy Zane ... check out the Phantom.
Lois Lane: Linda Fiorentino
Lex Luthor: John Malkovich
that's my main cast ...
Comic Book movies... Superman 1 and 2 .. nuff said!
The Crow was pretty good... i didn't like the ending they shoule have stayed with the comic's ending.
None of the Batman films were up to snuff... each film had a element, bt as a whole they failed...
Darkman was more like Batman in the sense that they showed him using his mind...
The Masters of the Universe... this film is Jack Kirby's New Gods... if you don't believe me go back and watch it... the boom tude, anti-matter, Darkseid... it's all there ...or than again maybe it's me...
The Phamton... not great, but better than most, but it does not fall into the shit caterogy...
The Rockteer ... very cool...
that's all folks!!!!! -
Harry - thanks for taking us all back to a simpler time. I was twenty-nine when I saw "Superman." I had seen mighty red "S", red cape and blue tights fall into no small era of disrepute. Even the so-called protectors of the legend and legacy had begun to here the siren's call of nascent political correctness. Superman had learned to stand for "truth, justice and the TERRAN way." When I saw him on opening night, I was in the midsts of men and women of my own time and age, who had cut their teeth with Kellegg's and George Reeves. We came there with our own dirty secrets, remembering the times when as small children we would pretend to fly, wearing capes made of plaid flannel, wondering if we could ever, as adults, return to a world of magic where men fly and stand for the American way. The night stands out so clearly in mind, from the ovation when Chris mouthed the words "Truth, Justice and the American way," to how the hair standing the back of my neck when I saw him look for an empty phone booth then fly to catch a falling helicopter. Listening to Lois Lane exclaim, "You've got me? Who's got you?" still sends me into laughter. I loved it then. I love it now. Unfortunately, when I watch the film now, I turn it off right after that, and have for nearly ten years. Why? Lex Luthor. Otis does not offend nearly as bad as Lex does. Several years ago I watched an interview with Gene Hackman where he discussed this. He was bored with the original version of Lex, wanted to add some spice to it, and make it his own. He did not have the right. Lex was not his, anymore than Superman was Chris Reeves. We all own a small part of the man with the Red "S". I was so dismayed to hear that Burton was being given the helming of the new movie, and threw a party when he backed out. I truly feared he would destroy the Supeman of "history" even as he did Batman. For all of the above, for my money, the Superman franchise lasted only one hour and ten minutes. Everyone from that time took money under false pretenses. Even so, I do not look forward to a new installment, because it seems that the boys at Warner Bros are bound and determined to repeat the failures of the past. Please let them respect us, and reward us for loving ol' Supes all these many years. Give us a Supes whose roots and values are not foreign to the 30's through 60's. That is still Superman.
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Our birthdays and the love for the 1978 film SUPERMAN. The 1978 film Superman, has also been one of my absolute favorites. I was nine years old when I first saw this film and fell in love with it. I specifically remember humming the music and wanting to fly afterwards. When I heard they were going to show it at the Paramount Theater in Austin, Texas, I couldn
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i loved the opening credits for this movie, they go on for awhile but i havent seen anything like them since, and it was nice hearing the music for awhile to set the mood. SUPERMAN is a great movie! and Christopher Reeves is a superman!!!!!
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I am a lifelong fan of Superman. Print, television, movies.. All of his appearances. The thing is.. Superman is more than just the guy in the tights. No matter how well Christopher Reeve played the role, or Dean Cain, or Kirk Alyn. No matter the quality of the effects or music. Superman is more.
See, Superman is about us. What one of us, as a child, didn't dream of having special powers and abilities. Who amoungst us hasn't looked up into the sky and wished, like a bird, to soar off into it.. Glide free, above everything that troubles us.. Who amoungst us, as a troubled teenager, did not wonder about our purpose in life.. Did not feel like an outsider, a virtual alien..Did not wish to discover that they had a special destiny.. That they were somehow.. Extraordinary...?
What we dreamed of, Kal-El _had_. What we wished to become, Kal-El _was_. A man who could easily lay claim to the entire planet.. Who, instead, devoted himself to tending to it's peoples and their needs. It began as a uniquely American vision, and then expanded into universality. Superman is about the good in all of us. The 78 movie-flaws and all- captures that. The planned remake ignores it. This is sad. Sad because they'll spend a ton of money, exhaust dozens of writers and actors and effects wizards.. And, missing the point, create an abomination. The strength of the character, and of his lasting connection to us is this: The thoroughly average Clark Kent _is_ us. Largely succesful, but lacking in inner confidence. Talented but lacking a certain depth of conviction. But inside of him, hidden directly beneath his off the rack suits... Is a God. A man of skill and talent and confidence.. Who desires nothing more than to be of use. To be good. This is what we all dreamed of, all secretly wish to see revealed in ourselves.. And even what we, as a nation, struggle to become: The hero. Superman is the story of an ordinary man with extraordinary powers.. And of an invincible being with ordinary values. That's what holds our interest. And it is what any Superman project had damned well better understand. The movie doesn't have to be perfect. But it's heart does. And here's a toss of my hat to Donner, Reeve et al.. For having had the integrity to give us the real Superman, all those years ago.. And another toss to Christopher Reeve.. Wh shows us every single solitary day... That not all heroes wear a costume.
I wish you all well.
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I think Harry is on the money. The voiceover has got to go. Otis has got to go. If Gene Hackman had played Lex Luthor in more of a Zod-like manner, I think the movie would have been much better. Dean Cain may have been a terrible Superman, but Lois and Clark's version of Lex was at least a worthy opponent of the man of steel...... For me, the one and only Superman will forever be Christopher Reeve. I had the honor of meeting Mr. Reeve twice, once when I was fourteen, before his injury, and afterwards, last year. I was able to say thank you to him for making that movie and inspiring a little girl to want to do great things. On another note, I had read the whole section about Speilberg at the smithsonian, and I have to say that the first time I saw Mr. Reeve, he was mobbed by people trying to touch him. The second time, it was made very clear to everyone that anyone who tried to touch him would be removed. Kind of sad that a man has to be a quadriplegic to enjoy the luxury of personal space. But I digress....... For me, the moment in Superman where my heart swells with emotion is the scene where Supe catches Lois midair as she's falling from the helicopter. The way his red cape furls out like angel's wings will always live in my memory as one of the greatest exapmles of all that's good in the world. Whaadaman. Whaadaamovie.
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Otis will not be cut out and he won't appear in the new film.
And Hackman's Lex was funny.
Superman is a great film.
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Well hello Harry. I've heard a lot about this site and have finally got around to checking it out,(I finally got sick of looking for free naked pic's of hot celebrities.) Anyway, I loved the review on 'Superman', the fact that you saw it on 70mm just blows me away. The only 70mm's we see down here,(Winnipeg) are the Imax shows,(ugh). Nothing against nature and the pyramids but come on, it's a kick-ass movie theater not a travel guide. Seriously though, your review struck a chord in me that, like you said, brings you back to childhood. I've always loved the movie and I agree that the movie would have been a hell of a lot better if they didn't go the slap stick route. In truth, I never understood why I had mixed feelings about the film untill I read your review. It's only recently that I've taken film seriously,(God forbid) and now I go back to all my classics and see things that I hadn't seen before. Yep, I've lost my cherry all over again! Anyhow, I'm very excited that I've found this site and that there is someone such as yourself out there doing such a wonderful thing for all of us down here. You're like the Superman of the film critic circle. Thank you Harry!
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