Superman

Richard Donner, UK, 1978
Two and a half stars

I know this film is generally well-regarded, but I can’t help but think that this is because of what it was at the time, rather than how well it stands up now. I’m sure it was quite revolutionary to have a film come out that showed a superhero as an adult, best indicated by the scene where he goes flying with Lois and makes the Peter Pan comment. I’m sure this went a long way to erasing all those “bam, pow” notions that the television adaptation of that other DC property put into the heads of non-comics fans. And even though the effects aren’t perfect, it’s fun to see Superman pick up helicopters. In fact I’d say all the parts where he is flying are probably the best

Nevertheless, most of this movie doesn’t work. The adaptation of Superman’s origin is really weak. If you know me, you know I’m not saying that because it’s “not faithful.” It’s actually quite similar to Batman Begins in that they took bits and pieces from everywhere, but making that comparison shows you how far they fell short here. The Marlon Brando floating head thing is no substitute for his parents actually playing some part in his decision to become a superhero. In fact, we don’t even see any kind of decision! It’s really astonishing how many things are conveyed in sloppy shorthand considering how long the film is, at least in this director’s cut.

That would of course be because the film spends too long with its stunt-casting. Hackman’s Luthor is atrocious, absolutely unforgivable (especially his “comic” sidekicks). And the aforementioned Brando head (as well as the Brando on Krypton prologue) is pretty rotten too. I do like the portrayal of Clark Kent for the most part; it’s overdone, but there’s a point to it. Overall though, the plot is very shoddy, and not really up to Superman’s standards. Here’s looking forward to the next installment!

Source: Warner DVD
27 March, 9:25 PM