Superman - The Movie
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Movie Reviews of Superman - The Movie
Movie Review: A classic that has never gotten its due
Summary: 5 Stars
Richard Donner's 1978 film SUPERMAN has to be one of the most misunderstood films of all time. In an age where it's "hip" to deconstruct superhero characters and make them grim-n-gritty and/or vapid teen idols, the movie can't help but come off as a valentine to a bygone era. And with the advent of SMALLVILLE and a proposed new Superman movie (in which producer Jon Peters and his crew have been trying for the past 10 years to radically alter everything about the character except the name), even Superman fans have taken to bashing Donner's film, sneering at it as being "campy," too reverential of the source material, and too "dated." And yet...nothing could be further from the truth. Far from being "dated," SUPERMAN is just as fresh and timely today as it was 24 years ago, and the spectacular digital restoration (including a new sound FX track-the original had deteriorated) makes the movie look just as fresh and new as the latest box-office hits. Even more impressive is how the special effects have held up; except for three brief front-projection shots, you can still believe a man can fly. I can only imagine that the "dated" claims have to do with the film being 24 years old and having been made before CGI and choppy MTV-style editing came into use, because there's nothing else about the film that dates it to the 1970s. (Do yourselves a favor and watch the 3 documentaries on the DVD. They give incredible insight into how much work was put into the film.)
And then there's the script, by Tom Mankiewicz (credited to Mario Puzo, David and Leslie Newman, and Robert Benton). When producers Alexander and Ilya Salkind first developed the project, they intended it to be a camp comedy. When Donner and Mankiewicz came aboard, the film was altered into a serious piece, and the end result is magical. We're given an epic depiction of the origin of Superman, beginning with the Krypton holocaust, going thru his childhood in Smallville, and finally ending up in Metropolis where the adult Superman faces his first trial-by-fire in his encounter with Lex Luthor. The story has plenty of humor in it, but it's still played straight, and runs the entire gamut of emotions. The oft-criticized ending, in which Lois dies in an earthquake and a grieving Superman defies his oath to not interfere with human history by flying back in time to save her, is the defining character moment for Superman. In defying the orders of his father and following his heart, Superman rejects his alien heritage and embraces his humanity. It's a great moment, but yet it's one that too many people are quick to bash because "he can save anybody that way." They don't see what it really means as a character bit. Making the story even stronger is Donner's taut, reverent direction, as well as some truly great acting. Christopher Reeve IS Clark Kent/Superman, body and soul (his own size mirrors the physical stats of the comic book character). Playing the role with heart and conviction, Reeve literally becomes the character made flesh. Marlon Brando, in his small role as Jor-El, is also excellent, bringing a commanding dignity to film. Gene Hackman's sociopathic Luthor, a guy who merrily jokes and brags about himself while planning an act of genocide simply to make big real estate money, is both funny and chilling. Add to this knockout trio fine performances by an international cast of superstars, and the film comes alive. Also of note is the powerful score by John Williams. Those condemn this score as being "too heroic" need to have their hearing checked. Williams delivers more than just heroism; he captures the eerie ambiance of Krypton, the rural warmth of Smallville, and the romanticism and tragedy of Superman and Lois' relationship beautifully. And to cap it all off, he gives Superman one of the most unforgettable fanfares in film history. Further strengthening the film is Stuart Baird's brisk, punchy editing; John Barry's lavish production designs (including the memorable crystalline Krypton); Yvonne Blake's clever costuming (the glowing Krypton costumes, and a flawless rendering of Superman's classic suit); and Geoffrey Unsworth's misty, ethereal cinematography, which enhances the fairy tale aspects of the character. Every step of the way, the film successfully brings Superman and his world to life.
That said, SUPERMAN has its flaws. Ned Beatty's Otis character is mostly a non-entity; he doesn't really add anything to the proceedings. And Margot Kidder is badly miscast as Lois; not only is she far too tomboyish to play what in the comics is a glamorous character, but she comes off more like Reeve's vapid sister than she does a feisty love interest. Their scenes only work because Reeve makes us buy into the movie. Watching the screen test for Anne Archer-a much better and much better-looking actress, I can't help wondering why she wasn't cast as Lois instead. She would have been perfect opposite Reeve. (But to be fair to Kidder, she was way better than most of the other actresses tested-Stockard Channing in particular was awful.) And there's a really careless glitch when Superman saves Air Force One; the film is reversed when he grabs the plane, so his emblem and spit-curl are both backwards. But in the end, those flaws aren't enough to weaken SUPERMAN's impact. It was and still is not only the best comic book movie ever, but it's also one of the finest films ever made, period. Those who bash the classic version of Superman and this film while supporting the planned Jon Peters version should definitely reconsider their stance. This is not an inept drek-fest like BATTLEFIELD EARTH, nor is it a heartless, soulless mess like the Peters film promises to be. This is a beautiful, heartfelt piece of Americana, crafted with love and respect. SUPERMAN deserves to be seen as the classic it is, not to be disrespected and forgotten.
Movie Review: An American Icon
Summary: 5 Stars
Superman is an excellent example of a movie which came along at the perfect time. America in December 1978 was a country consumed with self-doubt: Watergate, lingering wounds from the Vietnam War, and Economic Stagnation were all on the national consciousness (just as the Great Depression, and a Europe sliding into war were on the minds of most Americans when the original Superman comic debuted in 1938). The cinema of the 1970s reflected this: All the President's Men and The China Syndrome reinforced the impression that America's best days were behind her.
Superman was the antithesis to all of that self-doubt, and was the cornerstone of what Christopher Reeve called the "New Patriotism." Riding on the heels of the success of Star Wars, Superman was a feel good movie with fine plotting, groundbreaking special effects, and wonderful acting from all involved - especially the young unknown actor who would don the cape and bring new dimensions to an old role.
The movie has held up very well over the years. True, hairstyles and car models look dated from a 21st Century viewpoint. But a great film rides or falls on the script, and that has not dated at all. The classic themes are all here: greed (Lex Luthor's nuclear land-grab scheme), rebellion against parents (Superman defying Jor-El and interfering with human history), and good old fashioned romance. The acting is also on a much higher level than one would expect in a film of this type, particularly from Reeve, who clearly delineates the roles of Clark Kent/Superman - for once the difference is more than just a pair of glasses. (Watch the scene where Clark, at Lois Lane's apartment considers telling her of his other identity. When Reeve takes off Clark's glasses and Superman's PRESENCE fills the room, that's the best special effect in the film - and it's all in Reeve's acting.)
The visuals have held up well over the years, and look even better now that Superman's costume is consistently BLUE during his flybys. (It occasionally turned green during the original theatrical run and initial video releases.) A few of the miniature work near the end looks blatantly fake, just as it did in 1978. But for the most part, the film is as dazzling as ever - especially the Krypton sequences. John William's stirring score remains some of the best work submitted for film by that or any film composer.
Richard Donner is known as a director with an eclectic visual style, and that suits the various moods of this film well. From the epic Kryptonian opening, to the rural Smallville setting, through the snappy Metropolis sequence, the director adapts his style to the script's demands - and keeps the audience entertained.
Donner was in charge of the transfer of this film to DVD, so this is his vision of Superman, without the interference of the Salkind family, who cut corners and lowered the quality of the remaining three films. Those familiar with the theatrical and various video incarnations will be in for a surprise. Numerous scenes not included in the theatrical release are reinstated here. However, there is not the extreme padding of scenes as was done on the broadcast television versions put together by the Salkinds. All the new footage enhances the movie and emphasizes the plot and the characters. The optical elements have been scrubbed and the film has never looked better. There are only a few moments when the film stock shows its age.
The new sound mix will be more controversial. Many of the sound effects have been replaced and/or recreated. This is most noticeable during the opening credits and Krypton sequences. According to Donner, post-production on the original film was very rushed and he was never satisfied with the original mix. But, that's the way the film has been heard for over twenty years, and longtime fans with strong memories of the film may find this mix disconcerting. As for myself, I like the new mix, but wish an alternative soundtrack with the original mix had been included as well.
The extras on the 2-sided DVD are a joy to behold. The three part documentary hosted by Marc McLure (Jimmy Olsen) sheds new light on the disorganized and hectic production of the film - with a great deal of unseen footage. The screen tests of Christopher Reeve and the various candidates for Lois Lane (including Stockard Channing, Anne Archer, and of course Margot Kidder) prove that Lynn Stallmaster did an excellent job casting the film. Trailers and other supplemental material are also included.
One complaint: Warners should do away with their "snapper" cases and use the "clamshell" style case most other studios offer.
Nevertheless, no fan will want to be without this timeless classic, refurbished and preserved for new generations of young people - and the young at heart - to marvel at.
Blu-ray update, July 2010: This film is available on Blu-ray. I purchased a copy and can definitively say that I prefer the standard DVD version. It's not that the image quality on the Blu-ray is lacking, quite the opposite. The high definition reveals every flaw in the original visual effects, particularly the explosion of the planet Krypton, which was obviously filmed in front of a wrinkled backdrop. This was not visible in theatres during the original run, nor on VHS or LD. It was barely detectable on DVD (if you pumped up the contrast on your monitor), but it is glaringly obvious on Blu-ray, as are flaws in the flying sequences. I'm not usually fazed by imperfect VFX, but these took me out of the story. There are no additional features here, either. So, stick with the DVD.
Movie Review: Almost 30 years later, and Superman still soars high
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great movie that has stood up the test of time quite well. While it may not be up to snuff with some of the computer effects that we see in movies of this century, considering how they pulled off some of the effects and the all star cast that was mixed within, this movie is a real treat and a great representation of the man of steel.
We all know the story of Superman. A young baby named Kal-El is sent from a dying planet called Krypton which has a red sun radiating around it's solar system. Before the planet is destroyed the space ship carrying the baby rockets off towards the planet Earth many many light years away. Once under the radiation of the Earth's yellow sun, Kal-El will have many great powers and will become the hero and champion of the planet, named Superman.
The acting is probably one of the true highlights of this movie. Chirstopher Reeve as Superman and as the alter ego Clark Kent is probably one of the best to ever put on a superhero costume and portray a comic book character in a movie. Once you see Reeve playing as bumbling Clark Kent, and then switch to heroic and brave Superman, you will know right away why he was in every way the right choice to play this part.
Besides the star we had a few more actors who really added a lot to this movie. Marlon Brando, who got paid an amazing $3 million to play the role of Superman's father on Krypton, Jor-El, amazingly comes off just as smooth as Reeve does. He is only in the movie for a few minutes but without him there may have been no reason to see the movie, as he was the big draw. That is debateable but I must admit he did make the most out of the role. Gene Hackman as the evil mastermind, Lex Luthor, was a very good choice. He seemed to play the role exactly as you would imagine such a person acting and had moments of humor and seriousness mixed in. Most probably won't be used to seeing Hackman in humorous parts but he pulled it off and now we couldn't imagine anyone else in the role. Lastly we have Margot Kidder as Superman's love intrest, Lois Lane. As you will see on this special edition special features, there were many who tried out for the part, Kidder was by far the best and it shows in the movie. She didn't hold back with sass, excitement and humor. All the things you would expect from someone portraying Lois Lane.
The movie is really three movies in one. Starting with a sci fi feel of the planet Krypton where we learn of Superman's origins and how he came to be and where he came from and why he was sent here. Then we go to a very Norman Rockwell type of feeling Smallville, Kansas where the rocket ship carrying our hero would land. Only to be found by an old couple named Martha and John Kent. The thrid part of the movie would be in the modern, very colorful looking Metropolis where Clark Kent would find a job as a newspaper reporter for the Daily Planet and first appear as Superman, whenever there was trouble or need of a rescue.
Overall it's a great film and considering it was made in 1978, its very impressive how they pulled off some of the special effects. The tagline "You will believe a man can fly" was double meaning as they really didn't have any great ways to do flight in movies besides blue screens before this. This movie used every effect in the book to get flight to happen in a realistic way and if anything this movie should be noted for that amongst many other things. Every emotion and situation can be found here. We have serious situations, lots of humor, sad moments, happy moments, thrilling moments, love and romance, suspense, nuclear missiles and the goofy sidekick to Lex Luthor. You name it this movie has a bit of it mixed in. Along with great special effects and most of all, its just a lot of fun seeing Reeve flying around as Superman and saving the day like only Superman can. This is a true joy and thrill to watch.
As bonus extras on the disk there are the screen tests of both Christopher Reeve and all the actresses who were trying out for Lois Lane including Margot Kidder who would land the role. There is a making of documentary that goes into history of the making of the film, a lot about the director, Richard Donner (who interestingly was supposed to do make the sequal as well but due to problems was let go after the first was in theaters). There is a great commentary done by the Donner as well as others involved with the movie, who clue us in on a lot of tid bids throughout and history.
Last but defintely not least there is the music score done by John Williams. Once you hear those first few notes as the credits role at the begining, you will hear SUPERMAN right in the music itself. Its brilient. The soundtrack is a must get as is this movie. I can't really recomend this enough. 30 years later, and this movie is what Superman is. It has everything you could want and more. You will not be sorry adding this to your collections as any age will enjoy this and it will most definitely make you beleive that a man can fly and then some.
Movie Review: still up, up and away the best Superman film
Summary: 5 Stars
In my anxiety to see Superman Returns, I've been passing time by watching again every Superman movie and television series (live action and animated) that I can get my hands on. I went through the George Reeves series, the Lois & Clark and Superboy/Smallsville series and the cartoon Superman, Justice League and, God help me, even the 70's Superfriends shows. But I've saved for last the piece-de-resistance: the Christopher Reeve classics.
I've genuinely forgotten how great and sweet the 1978 Superman film was, and is. A feeling of enchantment is launched in the air as "June 1938" flashes on the screen, then a boy leafs thru the pages of Action comics, the young lad's voiceover commenting on the Depression and the importance of truth-dealing newspapers such as the Daily Planet in so turbulent and troubled an era. Then, the immortal John Williams-crafted Superman theme song is heard and the adventure begins. True, I've always had to grind my teeth and wait out the sterile 25 minute opening. But once the film focuses on Planet Earth and the arrival of baby Kal-El, it's all so good. The segment of Clark's child- and teenhood is depicted in an almost pastoral manner, giving heft to scenes of Clark learning how truly special he is, and how he is ultimately alone. These bittersweet moments of lessons learned will shape the man that Clark will become. Then, the tragedy of his adopted father's death, leading eventually to Clark's discovery of the Fortress of Solitude and thus, his Kryptonian heritage. There is almost a sense of intermission at this point, wherein the viewer can take a breath, relax and prepare for the second half of the film. I think I'll start a new paragraph.
Twelve years pass. Clark, now in his Superman guise, flies away from the Fortress of Solitude. The camera cuts next to a cabbie telling his passenger that he's arrived at the Daily Planet, and Clark Kent's new chapter begins. There, he meets Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen and Editor-in-Chief Perry White. Clark doesn't waste time setting up his bespectacled persona of cluelessness and clumsiness in several nicely-paced sequences that had moments of sheer hilarity and screwballness. Next, Superman's nemesis shows up, the fiendishly clever and criminal Lex Luthor and things begin to get somewhat serious, though Luthor's wacky sidekicks intermittently interject an element of humor. Luthor's plan is diabolical and ably challenges Superman's abilities. But, in the end, all is well as the Man of Steel foils Luthor's scheme and sends him packing to the hoosegow; Superman has a fleeting romantic moment with Lois. End of film.
Christopher Reeve. Christopher Reeve. Christopher Reeve. Despite the all-star cast, Christopher Reeve makes the movie. He inhabits Superman as if he were his favorite pajamas, instilling in his iconic superhero that perfect blend of confidence, steely resolve and gentlemanly decorum. On the other hand, he infuses his Clark Kent with the proper amount of "aw, shucks" country bumpkin and slouching mild mannerisms. A perfect portrayal. Christopher Reeve was born to be Superman. The reaction of the crowd upon Supe's first public appearance is still thrilling to witness. Lois Lane's freaked-out "You've got me?! But, who's got you?" is still a classic line. Margot Kidder is delicious as reporter Lois Lane: nosy, plucky and in-your-face. She melts perfectly for Superman and routinely snubs Clark Kent. Go check out the screen test in the special features to see how much better Margot is, compared to the other actresses that went for the role. Gene Hackman plays Luthor more comically than I would've expected but, what the hell, it works. The best I can say of Marlon Brando as Jor-El is that his distinctive voice is used in the trailer of Superman Returns.
The special effects, for their time, are wonderfully innovative and wow-inducing. The only effect that doesn't look convincing is the sequence where teenage Clark outruns a train. Everything else, perfection.
The special features are pretty sweet: Side A contains an insightful commentary by director Richard Donner; 10 added scenes including a young Lois with her parents on a train and a scene with Jor-El and Superman; some "Superman - The Legacy" fun facts; and a theatrical trailer.
Side B contains: three documentaries ("Taking Flight: the Development of Superman", "Making Superman: Filming the Legend" and "The Magic Behind the Cape"); deleted scenes; screen tests of Superman (Reeve with sweaty pits!), Lois Lane (with actresses Anne Archer, Lesley Ann Warren, Margot Kidder and Stockard Channing) and Ursa, the Kryptonian supervillainess in the sequel; a teaser trailer; and a TV spot.
This is a classic film, full of matinee fun and movie magic. It certainly has stood the test of time. Despite the fact that I can't wait to see Superman Returns, I doubt it could live up to Superman 1 or 2. Speaking of which, I think I'll pop in the sequel now.
Movie Review: Masterpiece defines a piece of American culture for a generation
Summary: 5 Stars
Although the majority of fans seem to prefer the sequel this origin movie is still a very entertaining cinematic excursion that had movie audiences lining around the block in 1978, only one year after the STAR WARS phenomenon had redefined the term blockbuster and transformed the movie landscape. In fact it holds up so well, even today, that the upcoming SUPERMAN RETURNS is supposably a part of this franchise, occurring six years after the events of SUPERMAN II and even features Marlon Brando in the theatrical trailer as the voice of Jor-El.
With a $55 million budget (which was enormous for its time) this movie eventually raked in almost $300 million world-wide (which even today stands as a quite respectable take.) In addition it featured a knock-out punch by John Williams who went from scoring JAWS to scoring STAR WARS and then onto SUPERMAN (amazing.)
Remastered for its 2001 DVD release this movie is a vast improvement on a master print that had deteriorated to such an extent that some sequences were close to unwatchable. This print is clearer and sharper and corrects some previous color balancing problems. It also has a remastered soundtrack that means it sounds the best it has ever since its original 1978 release.
As an added bonus it also features about eight minutes of additional footage that effectively doubles Marlon Brando's screen time with new scenes on Krypton and at the Fortress of Solitude. In addition there's more early Clark Kent and disaster footage. Finally rounding out the new scenes is the reinstated Lex Luthor "Gauntlet of Death" sequence which had previously been seen on network television broadcasts. In stark contrast to the ire that added scenes to the STAR WARS movies has drawn from fans, fans of this series seemed largely welcome to the additions here.
Where this DVD really shines however is in the special features, which are impressive. First up is a scene specific commentary by Director Richard Donner and scribe Tom Mankiewicz. After writing the first three James Bond movies of the 1970s Mankiewicz was brought onto SUPERMAN to help with the script, however due to certain legal complications he could nopt be credited for the work he did and so was handed the title of Creative Consultant. This is the kind of commentary that I love, it's screen specific and its light and friendly. It's like having Donner and Mankiewicz hanging out in your living room watching this beloved movie of your childhood with you. They share a number of memories on making the movie and its good to see Mankiewicz get his proper recognition.
There's also an isolated score audio track that allows the viewer to marvel at the work of Williams.
But there's more. The jewel in the crown special feature is the three documentaries that actually act more as three chapters in one larger feature-length documentary. Before the Indiana Jones trilogy came out with its three-hour behind the scenes feature and before the three-hour "Empire of Dreams" documentary for the STAR WARS trilogy DVD release, we have the behind-the-scenes documentaries here that presented the benchmark by which all future DVD releases were judged.
Hosted by Marc McClure (Jimmy Olsen) they feature on-camera interviews with Donner, (the late) Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman and Mankiewicz (among others.) They cover such issues as the making of the film, the failed attempts at making a man fly and the unceremonious firing of Donner who had delivered the producers a smash hit and was already over halfway through the shooting of the sequel. Still, Donner had the last laugh when several years later he got to direct all four movies of the phenomenally successful LETHAL WEAPON movies.
More a curiosity as anything else is a separate feature on the Superman, Lois Lane, & Ursa screen tests that include five different actresses vying for the part of Lois Lane.
The younger audiences that have grown up watching SMALLVILLE on the WB will no doubt be a little confused by this movie that follows a more conventional storyline than the popular Tom Welling series. I'm probably in the minority when it comes to preferring the incredible Erica Durance as Lois Lane, but Margot Kidder does an admirable job here and Gene Hackman is an interesting choice as Lex Luthor.
However, where there is no debate is Christopher Reeve. Largely unknown at the time of casting this movie Reeve embodies the part of Clark Kent and was elevated to even more mythic proportions by the courage with which he tackled his unfortunate accident.
Starting with the death of Krypton and ending with Superman saving California, this movie (and its sequel) set a good foundation for SUPERMAN RETURNS and this DVD should find a place of honor on the shelf of every self-respecting DVD collector.