SUPERMAN THE MOVIE: STILL SUPER?

SUPERMAN THE MOVIE: STILL SUPER?

It is the first time that moviegoers believed that superhero movies can be made possible. It started off a whole new genre! But does it still hold up today?

Review Opinion
By koytoys - Jun 26, 2013 01:06 AM EST
Filed Under: Superman
Source: koytoys Entertainment



After the much anticipated “Man of Steel” failed to meet my expectations (read my review HERE), I believe it is only fitting to take a look at the superhero flick that started it all 35 years ago; Superman the Movie starring Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Margot Kidder and Marlon Brando. It is the first time that moviegoers believed that superhero movies can be made possible. It started off a whole new genre! But does it still hold up today?

After watching the film again, I can definitely say it still holds up. In fact I would say that it’s still one of the best superhero films ever. It is still the definitive Superman movie. Why? Man of Steel is not generally loved because it failed to do the one thing that this film perfectly did right: the essence of who Superman is.



Superman has everything that would make it outdated: campiness, 50’s style talk, outdated effects, ridiculous villain plan and motivation, but what makes it timeless is its characters, performances and clean story line.

Here, we get to see “who” Superman really is instead of “what” Superman is. We see the essence of his humanity: love, truthfulness, responsibility, and hope. We also got to see his angsty and selfish side in subtle ways. As a teen, he tried to impress Lana Lang but was interrupted by the Ford kid and was left alone to clean up the football gear while the other kids drove off. Later, he ran off to the barn using his super-speed outrunning the kids in the car. It was an amazing way to show how, like humans, he has emotional outbursts.

It also leads to his scolding by his adopted father, Jonathan. While his screen time was limited, it was much more believable that he raised and disciplined Clark with all his love. And his message about responsibility was as effective as any film, amazingly without the use of the word ‘responsibility.’

He learns so much more with less, while in Man of Steel you do not know direction the parents were trying to point out. It’s also notable that in Man of Steel, Jonathan Kent was an asshole. Yes I understand that he was protecting his son, but he is Clark’s moral compass. He shouldn’t utter the words “maybe” when his son asks him “do I let them die?” Here the message is clear; Jonathan Kent is a principled and righteous man.
His death also made Superman learn who he is and what his purpose was. Here there was nothing he could do to stop Jonathan’s death. The key word being “COULDN’T” as opposed to “WOULDN”T” in Man of Steel.



We also learn about Jor-El, played by Marlon Brando, in the first act of the film. He exudes the same aura as Superman. We see him as a man of justice and honor. He was the best scientist in Krypton but nobody believed him when he said that Krypton was on the verge of destruction. So he sends off his son in hope that he survives. He also knows how his son’s biology will make him godly in Earth and the responsibilities that come with it. And when he speaks the words “the son becomes the father, and the father the son”, Clark’s transformation to become Superman doesn’t feel rushed because he foreshadows the man Clark will be. And we get the satisfaction in seeing it.

Christopher Reeve is the ultimate Superman. No one knew who he was before he took the role but after it, he is still the perfect Superman for everyone. He is perfect casting. He embodies everything right about Superman. He is both naïve and knowingly, he’s shy but also exudes hope and confidence that it is believable that just slouching and putting on glasses conceals his true identity. And while his action sequences are campy and are like literally taking the cartoons to film, it showed how much he cares for the people, which is something Man of Steel lacks.



Margot Kidder may not be the ideal Lois Lane, but she made her performance very memorable. The best being the chemistry she shares with Christopher Reeve on-screen. They’ve created a real love story/connection. It is very evident in probably the most memorable scene of the film where they fly off to the theme of the beautifully done “Can You Read My Mind” by John Williams.



Lex Luthor was not yet a well developed villain at this time. He was somewhere between the mad scientist Lex and the charismatic business tycoon/politician Lex. He was comedic and campy that he just doesn’t feel threatening. But what Gene Hackman did with it was a marvel to watch. His performance somewhat makes you forget what an underdeveloped character Lex is. While his plan for land acquisition is somewhat ridiculous, he still leads Superman to a difficult decision.

Lex launches two missiles heading opposite directions and he believes that Superman can only stop one. Indeed Superman only does stop one and in turn he loses the love of his life, Lois Lane. And what a sight it is that we see Superman grieve and scream in anger, another example of his humanity. He then makes a decision to turn back time. While it is certainly one of the most memorable ridiculous scenes, it sets off another underlying theme: consequence.



Before trying to turn back time, he saw an image of Jor-El warning him to “Do not interfere with the course of human events” and yet he still continued to. The consequences of his actions are not seen until Superman 2 which kinda sucks. It is much more ideal to see the whole story, but it is understandable that it’s too much plot to put into one film.

Well there you have it. It is not as detailed as Man of Steel. It is not dark like any superhero film today. It is very corny, campy, and flawed. It is a family movie but with very adult and dark themes. But it’s one of those that continue to entertain. It shows us who Superman really is and it also, like its tagline, makes us believe that a man can fly.

Score:
8.5 out of 10


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MoeEL
MoeEL - 6/26/2013, 3:24 AM
Honestly it doesn't hold up at all.
MoeEL
MoeEL - 6/26/2013, 3:26 AM
IMO Man of Steel is the best CBM up to date
MoeEL
MoeEL - 6/26/2013, 4:04 AM
http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/FullRetard/news/?a=82217
koytoys
koytoys - 6/26/2013, 4:06 AM
I disagree. While MOS has almost all the ingredients to make it GREAT, there are some things missing: Heart and character

Superman the Movie is certainly outdated in almost every respect. But it has heart, character, and a good script.

That's why IMO, Superman is better than MOS
Shaggy
Shaggy - 6/26/2013, 9:20 AM
still the best Superman movie
lucio7lopez
lucio7lopez - 6/26/2013, 1:19 PM
Awesome movie! A classic!!!
Man of Steel is awesome too! A brand new Superman for the new generations!
Brainiac13
Brainiac13 - 6/26/2013, 2:10 PM
Classic!!! But dated!!
staypuffed
staypuffed - 6/26/2013, 3:48 PM
I only watched it for the first time recently this and Superman II were really dull. Effects and motifs don't hold up. Plots were meh.
I much prefer Man of Steel.
Bread
Bread - 6/26/2013, 6:01 PM
I like Superman more than MOS.
koytoys
koytoys - 6/26/2013, 6:53 PM
Thank you to those who agree.

Yes Superman is very much dated in almost every respect.
But what it captured is the true essence of its main character. No other superhero movie has done that,
not even Batman Begins and TDK, and those are my 2 FAVORITE CBMs ever.

I think capturing the true essence of Superman is a very great achievement. MOS has almost everything good. i like it too, but it didn't build any characters. \
dbatman
dbatman - 6/26/2013, 7:32 PM
I admit the earth spin scene is ridiculous, and I wouldn't want it near any recent movies. But, I would prefer to see what it's about. It's about changing the course of human history, when the frustration of not being able to save everyone especially his love one's finally take it's toll. So he lets go of everything he was thought for this one selfish deed. Although the movie made a bad message to tell us that thee are no consequences for his selfish act, it still very rewarding to see Superman finally get something for return. Again, ridiculous, but it was the 70's and powerful scene none the less.
JULEZ13
JULEZ13 - 6/26/2013, 10:10 PM
UGH. To answer the subtitle simply, NO.

Donner's films did what they had to when they were made. They definitely DON'T hold up. As a kid born in the early 90s I had no Superman. Yes, I have watched the Donner films but they just didn't do it for me. I've waited my whole life to see - IMO - a REAL Superman film, one that I can fall in love with that meets my criteria of what a Superman film should be like. MOS delivered on that and I couldn't be happier.

I understand the nostalgia people have with Reeve since he starred in the 1st live action Superman film made in color with a large budget, but it's time to move on. Cavill is our Superman now. They're two completely different interpretations of the character. People need to accept that and move on.

What Reeve and Donner did for Superman was great and I respect them for that but it isn't the be all, end all for Superman.

We can't get to the future if all we ever do is backtrack.

TIME TO MOVE ON.
Twiztidjuggalo
Twiztidjuggalo - 6/26/2013, 11:01 PM
Can't really move on of everything there putting out sucks. Man of steel sucked. Big time. I'm a huge superman fan and had high hopes. But it wasn't good. Man of steel sucked so bad I actually now respect superman returns. And even them i still don't like that movie. I may get my throat cut for this but I think they best thing since the Christopher reeve movies is smallville. If man of steel had half the heart of the CR movies and smallville it woulda been good. But wasn't. Throw all the special effects you want at me but if you go no good character development good story and just that touch of magic then it's no good to me. I'm DC all the way. Marvel isn't my fav. Another examples here.. I really really like the Incredible Hulk movies. Both of them actually. Good story great effects its just missing that one thing....heart. Never felt sorry f
Twiztidjuggalo
Twiztidjuggalo - 6/26/2013, 11:03 PM
For Erica bana or Edward norton. Nobody plays a better dr banner then bill bixby. It's like they say " they don't make them like they use to"
Twiztidjuggalo
Twiztidjuggalo - 6/27/2013, 4:22 PM
I still go for bixby all the way
xfactor
xfactor - 6/27/2013, 7:13 PM
I Grew up on this movie, loved it since age 3. It is iconic, to say the least, but with that being said, its just too bland for todays standards. Believe it or not, as much heart the story has and reviewing this movie over and over time and time again, this movie has a lot of flaws. A LOT. Run time, scenes that were chewed by the romance with him and lois( the flight scene, "can you read my mind"? ) that was ridiculous. Over five mins of pointless footage ALONE. I understand donner was trying to capture the essence of their love for one another but it was tedious to say the least. And the cat rescue...ugh. Statistically speaking sir, No, it does not hold up. Not with all those flaws, I understand the times were different and the effects were limited although considered groundbreaking at the time of release, but you can't ignore all of those flaws now. Christopher reeve will always be superman, but boy was he dealt a bad hand with producers and writers. He poured his heart and soul into this role and it was just screwed over.
xfactor
xfactor - 6/27/2013, 7:14 PM
Especially with superman 3. That was the beginning of the end.
Twiztidjuggalo
Twiztidjuggalo - 6/28/2013, 11:16 AM
I prefer superman 3 and 4 over man of steel. I don't mind seeing superman rebooted as long as they do it right. And man of steel didn't. Hell I might not even be alive the next time he gets rebooted. So for now smallville is the winner
koytoys
koytoys - 6/30/2013, 4:43 AM
Twiztdjuggalo, as much as i agree with you that Superman is better than MOS. preferring parts 3 and 4 over MOS is way too much. gotta agree with Nomis, Cocaine is a helluva drug!
xfactor
xfactor - 6/30/2013, 10:36 AM
what the hell? i just made a valid point of superman 3 being the end all and the convo introduces "smallville"? that crap was crap. its steaming crap. NO SOAP OPERAS FOR THE MAN OF STEEL. as far as superman the movie being better than mos? thats a matter of opinion. Only because its the first cbm really of our time, everything else is stale as all hell. Even the dialogue... "gosh ms lane, that sounds swell..." no.
ThunderKat
ThunderKat - 7/3/2013, 7:57 PM
I don't necessarily believe it is fair to compare it to the modern effects and the money that brings the talent to make the current CBMs.

That said, it was a terrific movie. Reeve was unknown until this movie hit the screens and was instantly Superman, then Superman hiding as Clark Kent.

The camp was due in large part to the lack of Hollywood's understanding the source material and the popular and cult phenomena that was "Batman" with Adam West.
Citizen
Citizen - 7/3/2013, 9:40 PM
"Superman the Movie" and "Man of Steel" stand well next to each other, for different reasons. Is one better than the other? No. Are they different? Yes.

I agree with your observations on Reeve's interpretation being closer to the source material, but I also feel Cavill's is a lot closer to the source material than you're giving him credit for. The issue with "Man of Steel" is the devastating destruction that takes place in the story. Smallville is supposed to be a small town (hence the name "Small"ville)and was all but completely obliterated in MOS. And the destruction leveled on Metropolis was huge, something Superman wouldn't have allowed. So in that sense, Superman was closer to the "real" Superman than MOS.

And you're right about MOS's Jonathan Kent...he was a bit too "my son comes first, screw the world" for my liking. Instead of saying, "Maybe," when Clark asked if he should have let them (the bus scene) die, he probably should have said, "No, but next time be more careful...put on a mask or something." Saying "Maybe" was just too cold.

I've seen "Superman the Movie" countless times, but I gotta tell ya I enjoyed MOS much more the second time around, going in understanding what I was about to see. Both movies have flaws, but both also have great scenes and messages. I own Superman and Superman II, and will own MOS when it comes out on DVD/Blu-ray. As for Superman III and IV, we'll see. Maybe some day.

Both movies are pretty good, in my book, even with their flaws. I just don't think one is definitively better than the other, as they're different interpretations with similar points. When MOS comes out on DVD, I'm going to plan a Superman weekend and watch Superman and Superman II and MOS, back to back. And I'm going to be giddy like a school kid when I do!
TheSuperguy
TheSuperguy - 7/4/2013, 10:56 PM
This is my 2nd favorite movie of all time. Nothing beats Jaws, in my opinion.
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