Superman The Movie
Synopsis: Just before the destruction of the planet Krypton, scientist Jor-El (Marlon Brando) sends his infant son Kal-El on a spaceship to Earth. Raised by kindly farmers Jonathan (Glenn Ford) and Martha Kent (Phyllis Thaxter), young Clark (Christopher Reeve) discovers the source of his superhuman powers and moves to Metropolis to fight evil. As Superman, he battles the villainous Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman), while, as novice reporter Clark Kent, he attempts to woo co-worker Lois Lane (Margot Kidder).
Movie Review:
"Superman the Movie" is directed by Richard Donner and was the first superhero movies to hit the big screen that had serious content. This movie was a risk at the time but it became a classic when it came out in 1978; it paved the way for all future superhero films. I remember the first time I saw this epic film and heard that iconic theme song composed by John Williams when I was 6 years old and I fell in love with Superman and felt inspired by the plot to follow the superhero genre. What makes this movie special is that it is timeless and includes an ensemble cast like the great Marlon Brando who plays Jor-El, Superman's father who sends him to planet Earth. Add in Gene Hackman as Lex Luhtor who is Superman's greatest enemy. His performance is so tawdry but funny that it works. Luhtor's sidekick is villain Otis played by Ned Beatty who is hilarious but acts idiotic at times making it feel like a silly slapstick comedy movie but not annoying just fun to watch. The story is well written and the heart of the movie is the tragic death of Jonathan Kent which causes Clark to realize that with all of his powers that he couldn't save his father; it is one of the saddest moments in any superhero movie. I have enjoyed every actor who has depicted the Superman character, but no actor has come close to the perfect portrayal of Superman than Christopher Reeve. Reeve nailed both parts of this complex hero, the clumsy nerd of Clark Kent and his alter ego Superman. In my opinion, Reeve will go down in history as one the best performances in any superhero movie. Margot Kidder plays Lois Lane, the iconic reporter of the Daily Planet and Clark Kent's love interest. Kidder is great as the damsel in distress who needs Superman to save her in the famous 'helicopter' scene at the beginning of the film. There are a few flaws in this movie like the dated scenery, and the CGI of Superman flying don't appear realistic, as well as a few silly scenes that could have been edited out. All in all, "Superman the Movie" is pure entertainment filled with talented actors and a well written script. This enjoyable, must see superhero movie of all time will leave you with the belief that a 'Man can fly'. I loved this movie and I am giving "Superman the Movie" a 5 out of 5 stars.
Director: Richard Donnor
Cast: Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve, Ned Beatty, Jackie Cooper, Glenn Ford, Trevor Howard, Margot Kidder, Valerie Perrinie, Marie Schell, Terrence Stamp, Phyllis Thaxte and Susanaha York
Runtime: 143 minutes