Movie Review: Superman: The Movie

[@patrickdodds7162]

"Good evening, Warden. I believe these men should be safe here until they can receive a FAIR trial." -- it's a brilliantly subtle part of the dialogue that encapsulates the true spirit of Superman. (Well done, Mr. Puzo. Well done.)

[@mindyp51d]

Favorite scene is when Lois falls out of the helicopter: Superman: Easy, miss. I've got you. Lois: You..You've got me? Who's got you?

[@Haywerth]

I saw this in the theater when I was 8 years old, and I can still remember how we all cheered every name during the opening credits. I can also remember feeling somewhat empty as the end credits started to roll, sad the experience was over, never to be seen again. Except, there would be another film. How did we know? Because we all stayed in our seats listening to John Williams' magical score, and at the end of the credits there was "Coming next summer Superman II". It a great experience.

[@YS-ep7zw]

That’s amazing. I always wished I could have watched it in the cinema. This movie had such a huge impact on my life as a kid and still to this day.

[@woodgatejack]

My favourite bit in this movie is just after Superman returns Lois to her appartment after the iconic "Can you read my mind" bit. Superman flies off and imediately there's a knock on the door and its Clark (that bit blue my mind as a kid) but the best bit is wear Clark is waiting for Lois to finish getting ready and resolves to tell her the truth, in that moment, by merely changing his posture you see Reeve transform from one character to another right before your eyes.

[@StormsparkPegasus]

This movie had the best death scene for Jonathan Kent I've ever seen in film. Because it pointed out, that despite how powerful Superman is, at the same time he is completely powerless to save Jonathan from a heart attack. Man of Steel completely shit the bed with it, this movie did it perfectly. Btw, the interpretation of the planet spinning backwards as Superman himself going back in time is the correct one. Donner himself stated that was how he intended it to be perceived. Superman didn't reverse the planet (that wouldn't do anything anyway), he just went so fast that he went back in time. You could equate it to the slightshot effect in Star Trek.

[@SteveShives]

Yeah, the helicopter rescue sequence is just smashing.

[@SteveShives]

Absolutely. You really get to see the subtlety and skill of Reeve's performance in that moment. Even in Clark Kent's clothes, he straightens up and becomes Superman, then loses his nerve and goes right back to Clark.

[@SteveShives]

Supes II gets one review, but I do mention the Donner cut in the review.

[@OpinionVille]

Absolutely spot on. Sincerity was paramount. You had to believe Reeves when he says things like "I never lie." or "I stand for truth, justice and the American way." I loved how the movie juxtaposed this forthright character against gritty, raunchy 70s New York and it's cynical populace. The idea that he is alien because of his ideals and beliefs more than his biology was what I found compelling and I hope that they could explore them more in the new film...but I doubt it.

[@stretch1973]

Steve, great review! You highlighted a major point about this movie, something that I have myself used on message boards... but I think you expressed it beautifully: when Reeve wears the suit his performance is so convincing that you don't look at the suit as something laughable or ridiculous.

[@practicalmagic9]

I am actually fighting tears with this review.I absolutely loved this movie when it came out.One of my favorite moments: Lex Luthor:"Some people can read War and Peace and come away thinking it's a simple adventure story. Others can read the ingredients on a chewing gum wrapper and unlock the secrets of the universe"- Otis, in the background, reading a wrapper with a stunned look on his face.

[@OpinionVille]

I've always viewed that final choice as a choice between personal happiness and global responsibility. Kind of like the same choice he had to make in Superman II. Do I make myself happy or do I deny myself happiness because the world needs me? Not to take away from your observation which is just as valid.

[@bradbruhn9586]

Really like the reviews I have seen from you. You have a gift for looking at films for what they are supposed to be. Keep up the good work

[@Troubleshooter125]

Regarding the choice between Earth and Krypton, the scene that set that up between the young Clark and Jonathan Kent is to me, while very brief, one of the great jewels of that movie. Glenn Ford as Jonathan gives a wonderful performance as he talks to his adopted son, reflecting on how he and Martha feared for him, and wondered if they could keep the secret of his power, yet resolving with certainty: "You are here for a REASON ... and it's not to score touchdowns." Simply wonderful.

[@whitleybayman123]

Greatest Comic book movie of all time

[@Lady_in_the_Radiator]

Agreed.

[@TruthAndJustice5]

HAH, Pathetic...Just because it's a classic doesn't mean it's good.

[@supermovies4625]

+Truth and Justice ??

[@joshuapurvis32]

+Truth and Justice Yes it is why do you think they call it a classic for a reason

[@TruthAndJustice5]

Joshua Purvis It's just that it's the first real superhero movie, ofcourse it can't compete with modern superhero movies

[@SteveShives]

Those are both very interesting tensions to explore with Superman, I think. Is he an alien or a human? Does he make himself happy or give that up to help others? It's one of the things that makes the character so interesting, and, if done right, a bit tragic.

[@SteveShives]

Downey should definitely be on the list, no question. He's what makes the Iron Man movies work, and without him, The Avengers wouldn't have been half as much fun as it was.

[@esean1]

Saw it opening night with my dad. I was 12. Loved it! I watch it every so often. A few years ago, I saw it on the Big Screen for the first time since 78 and I still see it through the eyes of the 12-y/o I was then.

[@SteveShives]

I love it because it's a good movie. My favorite movie is Sherlock Jr., which was released in 1925, which makes me even further removed from its original era. I respond first and foremost to the films themselves, not to the cultural context in which they originated. A good movie is a good movie, no matter how long ago it was made.

[@Chris-B.]

Your description is wrong. Superman didn't say 'I just had to save them'. He said 'I just got carried away'. Jorel never forbid him to save people.

[@SteveShives]

Lois & Clark was fun, I liked Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher, but I missed John Shea's Lex when he left after the first year. And whenever it strayed too far from its naturally light-hearted tone, it suffered. Smallville was great when it hit its stride around season 2, but even when it was at its absolute best, all that stuff with the Native American cave bored the shit out of me. Lex and Lionel Luthor were both great, and I liked Tom Welling a lot.

[@patrickdodds7162]

Mr. Shives Will you be reviewing Superman II as two separate reviews for the Lester cut and the 2006 Donner cut or as a single review? Also, I'd like to say that I've enjoyed your videos. I don't always agree with your POV on things, but you're a compelling and entertaining speaker.

[@SteveShives]

I agree with you that Supes Returns is a superior film. But without this film to call back to, Superman Returns wouldn't have nearly the same power, particularly in those scenes where we see the just-returned Superman trying to recapture the past with Lois.

[@thefan974]

I know this comment's 9 yrs old but in case ur opinions still the same what makes u put superman returns over superman the movie itself ? I mean I don't hate superman returns but what specifically does it do for u that superman the movie didn't or didn't do as well ?

[@magesentron]

I felt Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman followed in the footsteps of Donner's Superman. Just my two cents.

[@squashmallow2006]

0:26 I just figured they did to emphasize as to how iconic they intended the movie to be. "Oh no, this isn't just any random piece of media. This isn't Superman: A Movie. This is Superman: THE Movie. It's THE quintessential Superman movie." And you know what? They earned that.

[@rationalmuscle]

Smallville was fantastic, especially the first 4 seasons. I liked Welling too, and the entire concept of Smallville. Michael Rosenbaum was superb in his role as well.

[@aaronhemme8913]

I'm not a Superman fan. Never have, never will be.... But Jesus Christ is this a damn good movie. Christopher Reeves is Superman, literally like he leapt out of the panel's of Action Comics. Without this film there would be no Batman films, no X-Men films, No Spider-Man films, No MCU. So respect for this film.

[@whitleybayman123]

well put, totally thought the same when I saw it, its the genius of Chris Reeve

[@Dyrbert]

Christopher Reeve has been the only actor able to make me buy the idea that glasses or a spit curl would hide the identity. Just his posture between the two roles sold it. The films had plenty of issues but I've yet to see another actor nail both roles and make it convincing.

[@castironchaos]

Re-watching that iconic scene of Christopher Reeve first stepping out into the street in "that stupid costume," after changing in the revolving door: the shot of him in the costume lasts only a couple of seconds. In barely a few seconds he walks out onto the street, some jive guy dressed as silly as him says, "Say Jim, whoa! That's a bad out-FIT!" He says his first one-liner with a straight faice: "Excuse me." and takes right off and flies. If he had simply stood there in that costume, that would have ruined it. He would have looked as silly as you describe. They made the right decision by not giving the audience the chance to laugh at him.

[@juliolaredo2307]

what bothered me the most about the movie was a departure from the comic that was repeated by smallville and man of steel at that jor-el knew what he was sending his only son in to; in the comic kal-el,'s fate was a mystery, just some place out there, away from the certain destruction that awaited krypton. as presented, in this and in smallville and man of steel, who would not want to leave?

[@neglectoid]

i'm wondering if you will be reviewing Red Son one of the animated superman movies?

[@Jaybird196]

Does he make himself happy or give that up to help others? I find that to be kind of a running theme for super-heroes, e.g Supes, Bats, and Spidey.

[@ziffulmyer]

you got me there ..Superman Returns does rely heavily on the previous movies.

[@NotForHire42]

I enjoyed the review. It's jarring how it just suddenly cut off, as it did, at the end. Feels like the summary is missing and a clear ending/signing off. Maybe it's just me, as I listen to this (audio only) while I'm working.

[@Xenaboy-vt3hi]

I'm ten years late to this party but I remember people jumping out of our seats in the theater when Superman rescued Lois from the helicopter. Sure, it's lighthearted and not "realistic' But this was a Superman who we were constantly shown cared about people (not that I'm taking a shot at some other version). I loved that finale where Jor-El is more or less saying, "Thou Shalt Not/ You must not" and Superman makes the decision that he is human AND breaks the almighty rules. I disliked that they walked that back in the next movie and had him asking for permission to do things like be with Lois. But, yes, although I love the George Reeves version, this movie was what launched the superhero movie as something that could be loved by adults. When people say the 1989 Batman or even the 200 X-Men movie started the modern superhero era, I say that those are important movies but there is no valid argument I can see but that Superman the Movie started the serious big budget superhero genre in the movies.

[@robertblades6209]

Steve Shives,Christopher Reeves was around 26 years old when Superman:The Movie came to theaters in 1978.

[@rationalmuscle]

Yeah, it was great... truth be told, I like virtually every episode and was madly in lust with Kristin Kreuk... ; ) It was just that the first few seasons with the "how is Lex/Clark going to hate each other again?" question was really great tension.

[@phenixwryter]

This is the movie that comes to mind when I think of Superman. I also loved Valerie Perrine (Luthor's gf) and Ned Beatty (Luthor's assistant). Their characters were such dimwits. The three of them were funny. "I wonder what they're wearing in Addis Ababa." Valerie's character says thoughtfully, while ignoring the Hackman's (Luthor) grand explanation of his plan. Ned's clueless character sucks in an excited breath and blurts out, "Are we going to Addis Ababa, Mr. Luthor?" I laugh every time.

[@ThatBrendonGuy]

It's a shame people focus too much on the mechanics of how Superman turns back time because it really overshadows what that moment represents and what it does for Superman's character...

[@gocsa]

It was a more innocent time and it was back when movies were actually considered to be a big event. So they put "the movie" or "the motion picture" in titles, like they did with Star Trek as well. It was back when some movies even had overtures (like Star Trek TMP), oh man, how I love those times.

[@whitleybayman123]

I thought I was the only one to notice that when i was a kid. Great moment

[@johnfitz1973]

That's also my favorite scene in the movie.

[@randallreiter8659]

Another great review man I love this movie I have all 4 just like I have everything superman related Christopher reeve is my second favorite dean Cain is my favorite this is the best superman movie ever made

[@woodgatejack]

By the way, apologies for the glaring spelling mistakes on "blue" for "blew" and "wear" for "where". I don't know what I was thinking, perhaps I shouldn't post comments when I'm tired.

[@we5xz-1902]

Great review brother. Enjoyed it!

[@jr1216]

I 100% agree with ya and I think S8-10 got even better too

[@TravisBierwagen]

SUPERMAN was one of the first movies I got to see theatrically, well at the drive-in actually. Even as a young boy there was just something about Margot Kidder's Lois that I did NOT like. I think a lot of it actually had to do with the smoking. I just remember thinking Superman could do so much better. Haha...

[@SteveShives]

Oh, you.

[@Lorelei7983]

I agree completely. If RDJ dies tomorrow I don't want to watch another Iron Man again.

[@Omni315]

As you're probably not going to do reviews on them, would you care to comment on Lois & Clark, and Smallville?

[@seleroan]

Superman I and II... good. III and IV... bad. Batman I and II... good. III and IV... bad. Ah parallels.

[@elvin756]

One of the greatest comic book movies like spiderman 2 superman 2 and iron man

[@lDrownded2]

Arizona Bay--Lex Luthor, Bill Hicks fan.

[@gocsa]

Haha I never realized until now that Stuart Baird was one of the editors on Superman. He really is only good at editing.

[@lDrownded2]

"Can you read my mind...?"

[@jr1216]

Yes! I agree

[@TK199999]

This is why that seen with Clark Kent vs jerk Superman in Superman III. Because in that fight he has too decide that we is he. Clark Kent of Smallville or Kal'El of Krypton and after the fight its was Clark Kent who won. Meaning he is Clark Kent and Superman is just the costume he wears to protect the people he loves.

[@jackstraw522]

See I feel like the first half takes itself seriously, but the second half went too light and too silly. Just my opinion though. Also Reeves was incredible.

[@whitleybayman123]

My Fave movie of all time

[@walka112]

My Lord... a sensible, balanced reviewer... we should have him stuffed.

[@mindyp51d]

The one and only!!!!

[@whitleybayman123]

how

[@ziffulmyer]

i'm one of those rare Superman Return fans (as i know Steve is also) and as much as i liked the Donner's movie, Superman Returns has it beat on every level (imo) . I didnt like Margot Kidder all that much...her over-acting was really annoying. Teenage Clark running superspeed looked fake even by 1970s standards, and the ending, making the earth spin was so silly, there are no words. Still, I appreciate Steve's reviews. I watch them all.

[@bonnie43uk]

Perfect actor for the role?..I agree with you about Christopher Reeve as Superman, but I would also submit Robert Powell as Jesus in Franco Zefferelli's Jesus of Nazareth... and hey, .. they're both mythical superhero's :-)

[@scottbennie8299]

Dated, but I love it.

[@ziffulmyer]

Also, I liked Kevin Spacey way more than Gene Hackman. Kevin was the best one in the film.... imo

[@dracowheelz5]

The goofy, meta references that mock Superman is one of the reason why I couldn't stand Smallville. I'm sorry, but constant tongue in cheeks and side glances for every "Superman" drop makes me question how I could take this series seriously.

[@lDrownded2]

Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnope....

[@Phoneybeetlemaniacxs]

As much as I like the first and second superman movie when you talk about superman t3 thats where my fan boyism will come out because the movie is rubbish buts its ruubbish in sucha glorious way with earth brainiac and the andriod sister. Robert Vaughn ajnd Richard Pryor in a role he probably regretrted

[@rmeddy]

I loved this movie but boy did it have some stupid shit in it