1998 is the 20th anniversary of Superman: The Movie, and the 60th anniversary of the popular comic book. As such, it is only fitting to review the most entertaining comic book movie ever made. To be honest, I never read comics; in fact, as far as I am concerned, comics probably originated the word "kitsch." This movie proves that a comic book can translate well into a big-budget film, though. Directed by Richard Donner with an eye for good taste, "Superman" is the opposite of every shallow, stupid comic book movie you've ever seen. This film is entertaining in the same way as Star Wars; it has an uplifting spirit and embodies many of the same values. Unlike Hollywood's recent comic book epics (which have either been low camp or about heroes who are revenge-driven), "Superman" is about a heroic christ-like figure who rescues mankind from evil. The film is terribly old-fashioned and completely refreshing in that way, but what makes the film work is the performance of then-unknown star Christopher Reeve, who not only looks like he was genetically created to be Superman, but shows incredible acting talent as well. This is most evident in Reeve's scenes as Clark Kent; he hunches over, stammers, and would convince me that Kent and Superman were two different characters if I didn't know any better. This is a performance to watch; in a film that he receives third billing (behind Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman), Reeve completely steals the show. Although many of the special effects in "Superman" (by the late model wizard Derek Meddings) are excellent, it is Christopher Reeve that (surprisingly) you will want to see again. This film has to be one of the most entertaining I've seen; John Williams provides arguably his best theme music, and Gene Hackman is surprisingly effective in a surprisingly comedic role. Although "Superman" has some plot holes (Superman "turns back time"), the film is good enough to dismiss them. After all, nothing is perfect.
Superman II (1980) ***1/2
Superman II is actually a continuation of the first "Superman" film starring Christopher Reeve. An ill-fated project, Superman II faced numerous problems; first, Marlon Brando sued producers Alexander and Ilya Salkind for royalties from the first film. "Superman II," eighty percent of which was filmed by Richard Donner at the same time as "Superman," was cut drastically to remove Marlon Brando's scenes. Then, unable to get along with the Salkinds as well, Richard Donner walked (along with John Williams). Richard Lester was brought in to direct, and he re-filmed some of Donner's scenes while completing "Superman II." Basically, Donner should receive directing credit but doesn't; almost half the film is reportedly his, including all of Gene Hackman's scenes. Somehow though, this film still made it. Brando's scenes as Superman's father were replaced with scenes involving Superman's mother, and "Superman II" went on to box office success. So what about the movie? It is a lot more action-packed than the first film, giving the viewer more to take in, but it falls a bit short of the granduer of the original. Christopher Reeve is even better in the role of Superman this time around; the film is enormously witty in his continued romance with Lois Lane (Margot Kidder). The film does have some low points, though, including a writers' cop-out involving Lois Lane discovering Superman's identity (I'm not kidding, any hack writer could resolve this situation better than it is done here). On the whole though, "Superman II" is an entertaing fantasy. Terence Stamp reprises his role (well) as General Zod, bent on revenge against Superman's family.
(1983) **
A puzzlingly bad film, "Superman III" has obviously been shown no respect by its director. Richard Lester treats the material in this movie like an illegitimate child; I mean, he really disowns it. Opening with a puzzling bit of slapstick(?), "Superman III" alternates stunninly bad ideas (weather satellites "make" weather, a giant computer battles Superman) with some interesting ones (Superman turns into an evildoer and must battle himself in a junkyard; is this all in his mind?). Richard Pryor is actually in this movie too, which alternates between being his film and a Superman movie. Although comedian Pryor is funny in the movie, his implausible "computer genius" character is badly defined. No Gene Hackman in the film either; Robert Vaughn quietly plays a millionaire, almost Bill Gates type villain, and he looks as uninvolved as the rest of the people who created the film. It's actually an okay movie up to a point towards the end, when all remaining logic is discarded by writers David and Leslie Newman. The only reason to watch this puzzling movie is to see two good actors (Christopher Reeve and Pryor) trying their best with awful material. Don't blame Pryor either; director Richard Lester actually stated his distaste for Superman publicly. Apparently he filmed this movie as a favor to his friends, producers Alexander and Ilya Salkind. Some friend.
Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987) **1/2
In "Superman IV" everyone has jumped ship. After the "Superman III" fiasco and a "Supergirl" movie bust starring Helen Slater, the Salkinds sold their Superman movie rights and turned their attention to a Superboy series. In steps the quickly deteriorating "Cannon Films," and B-movie producers Globus and Golem. The budget was therefore tight on Superman IV, and the special effects are often wretched. I didn't watch these films for their (usually average) special effects though; what hooked me was Christopher Reeve's acting. This time he has a little help; Gene Hackman is back for "Superman IV," and Margot Kidder's Lois Lane has a larger role (she was in just two scenes in III). If Superman IV had a compelling story to match the actors, then it could have been salvaged. Although it does contain a nice message about the dangers of nuclear war (Reeve's idea), Superman IV amounts to Superman's campy battle with an ill-conceived character named "Nuclear Man." This film is SO likeable that it is a crime it wasn't paid better respect by it's cheap producers. A ninety-minute quickie, this unfortunately has only the appeal of an old-time serial, and ended the Superman franchise as it was.
The above films are rated PG and are available for rental, most in a 1986 packaging. They are shown frequently on the TBS and USA cable networks; also (now) on the Sci-Fi channel. For airdates, visit "Superman in the Movies."
Superman Reborn (1999?)
A new Superman movie is planned by Warner Brothers. Nicholas Cage has been hired to play Superman, and Tim Burton is to direct. Supposedly. There has been backlash over the choice of Cage as Superman, and the film may never make it.
Note: Superman was created in 1938 by Jerry Siegel and Joel Schuster. Interestingly enough their first comic book, entitled "Reign of the Superman," featured the character as a bald villain. For more information on Superman's 60 years as the most popular comic book ever, please visit some of the links below.
(1983) **
