It's kind of hard to write about this movie in some ways. I mean what can be said that hasn't been said before. Superman established the CBM, and arguably the notion of the "blockbuster" too. A true, bonafide classic. Loved by most, respected by all. But how does it hold up today?
If you will indulge me as I go a bit "Harry Knowles" on this and tell you a story about my first time seeing the movie. I was about 7 I think and just discovering super heroes in the comics passed down to me by my brothers. But they were all Marvel stuff -X-Men mainly- so although I had obviously heard of Superman and knew of the movie, this would be my first time learning about him as I sat down to watch it. I remember being completely blown away. The music, the special effects. I did believe a man was flying. At this time I thought Star Wars was the be all and end all but Superman was fast becoming another favorite.
But that was over 20 years ago and we have seen vast improvements in special effects and production values in every respect. Not to mention the fact that the movie is simply of a different era in it's bones. The hero is as all American (kinda..he IS an alien after all) and clean cut as it gets , while the villains are not even particularly nasty. Sure Lex Luther plans the deaths of millions of people but in execution (no pun intended) he is played half for laughs and is never what you would call menacing. So is a generation raised on
Dark Knights and
Daredevils going to connect with this incarnation of the big blue boy-scout? Well, when I watched it again recently it was with my Niece and Nephew who are even younger than I was the first time I saw it. These kids were weened on
Spider-Man,
LOTR and the
X-Men movies and that old
Superman flick had them mesmerized. Seriously, not a peep. Why is that?
Well I think because it's just a fantastic movie. It always has been and it always will be. Real quality does not date even if special effects do. One of the reasons that the film works so well is of course Christopher Reeve. He IS Superman. Or at least it can be argued, he WAS the Superman of that era. The character has gone through some changes but still, for my money I don't think Reeve will be bettered. He is great as Clark Kent too although some fans today are not so keen on the bumbling, dorky shtick. Why not? It's a perfect way to establish a difference in the two aspects of the character. And if you are looking for a defining moment just watch the scene in which Clark drops his glasses and straightens up as Superman, briefly contemplating coming clean to Lois. He switches between two characters in one shot and we believe in both of them 100%. A perfect performance doesn't exist but Reeve comes close here. He is supported very well by Margot Kidder as Lois Lane. Another fan grips is that she isn't "hot enough" to play Lois but go back and take another look, she is actually very attractive in the role. And more importantly she plays the part brilliantly, making the character's connection with Supes completely believable. I have already mentioned Luthor who is played with relish by Gene Hackman. There are a few issues with contrasting styles at times. The opening scenes (with the great Marlon Brando) do suggest we are in for something of a darker tale and when Luthor and his cronies are introduced the camp factor is notched up. Some could argue that there are too many comedic/cheesy elements overall and that not all of them work. As assured as Richard Donner's direction is maybe he wasn't always quite on top of this. They could also argue that the movie isn't faithful enough to the comic stories of the time. But get this, the comics have since been ret-conned in numerous ways to follow the movie's continuity. What does that tell you?
I could go on about this film all night and I know I haven't so much as touched on the plot. But really, if you haven't seen this I'd be very worried. You might think nostalgia has me looking at this movie with slightly rose tinted glasses but that is not the case at all. I completely recognize it's problems and acknowledge that certain elements have dated. It just doesn't matter. Once again, a great movie is a great movie and always will be. I have no doubt Zack Snyder's upcoming reboot will improve on Bryan Singer's impressive but perhaps misguided homage to the movie I have just reviewed, but he has his work cut out if he hopes to match up to the Daddy.
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