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114 out of 132 people found the following review useful:
Best opening title sequence... ever!, 22 October 2004
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Author:
LookingforJulia from Austin
We all have unique reasons for loving a film. That's what makes cinema
so magical. It's personal. You can love the meat of the movie, or you
can love the trimmings.
There's a bunch of good stuff here. Most people my age will refer to
"Superman" as THE definitive superhero film. None will ever take it's
place. A position no doubt dictated by the age we were when first
viewing it. As with films like "Star Wars" and "Raiders of the Lost
Ark", WHEN you experience them is just as important as HOW you
experience them.
As we age, youth's eyes fade. Cynicism creeps in. Experience leads us
to see the many injustices this life offers and we become more
critical... less likely to accept that which we would rather believe.
After all, an adult who clings to the youthful ideals of wonder is
simply naive... right?
To this day, the opening title sequence for "Superman" fills me with
the same magical joy it did over twenty years ago. Never was a score so
perfectly crafted around a film. John Williams and Richard Donner
created such an indelible experience that over 25 yrs later, Bryan
Synger will use the same music and theme to bring the magic to a new
generation of wondrous eyes.
As for me though, this will always remain the best.
131 out of 172 people found the following review useful:
The ultimate superhero film-and don't you forget it!, 26 April 2005
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Author:
BansheeCreature from The World Of Movies
Yes, Superman, the superhero everyone knows about. What is there to say, that hasn't already been said. This film is superb! Perfect, outstanding, touching, tear-jerking, and everything else good one could possibly say! That is because this film was made by people who knew what they were doing, and they knew how to give us a real story. Richard Donner has given us this total depiction of a real Superman, and in no other way, could we receive anything other than this. Donner has filled this movie with so much heart, and inspiration, so much talent, and every bit of hard work and dedication one could imagine. Tom Mankiewicz revised the story with clever dialogue, so the characters would not just appeal to children, but to adults as well. Like them, or hate them, the Salkinds really gave us the works with their effort to produce the film with extreme effects and a terrific crew to pull the film off. What they did to Donner while production for #2 was halted, was wrong! We can hate them for that, but we cannot deny that they knew how to make a good movie, and make it right! Warner Bros. Pictures are also to give credit, for they gave themselves the chance to give audiences the movie of the decade! Marlon Brando is just powerful, although he was seen as powerful many times before in earlier films. He is subtle, but tense, and his opening brilliance is that of god sending his only son to earth. Just amazing! Gene Hackman, you can never get any better! With witty dialog, and smart, quick character developments, Hackman is the only one who could've pulled this film off as Lex Luther, then again, only they who were in this could've done right at all. Christopher Reeve, hansom, smart, charming, strong, brave, and as super as they get! He was the only man on earth to have the look, the style, and the strength to show what no one else could possibly show. He was Superman. Luthers crazy side-kicks, Otis and Teschmacher, are as convenient as ever. Both Ned Beatty and Valerie Perrine are just adorable as the co-conspirators of Lex Luther, and the three villains have great chemistry, as does the rest of the cast! Then comes the lovely Margot Kidder, the definitive Lois Lane. Again, like Reeve, the only woman, who was sexy, sultry, witty, charming, and yet vulnerable as the leading lady, and the love of Supermans' life. Kidder is head-over-heals in this one, getting herself into trouble, but the man of steel is always watching. With state-of-the-art special effects, the crew behind the scenes of this masterpiece were the only ones who could make a man fly, and they did. You will believe a man can fly, and afterward, he will fly in your heart for always. They story is just remarkable. The writing consists of such dramatic introductions for every vital character. So, we have a fully engaged film, with characters we love and cherish. Superman doesn't fight off monsters and aliens, but instead needs to look after the world, in order to save them from natural monsters, of the cruel people on earth. John Williams has never written anything better, next to "Jaws", Superman is one of his all-time best! From the mysterious opening of outer space, to the tear-jerking moments in Smallville, to the action-packed conclusion all over the world! This was the first, and the strongest superhero film ever. It has set standards. It gave us three sequels, and an exciting spin-off in 1984's "Supergirl". But this one will always be the first, the granddaddy of all action films that follow in it's footsteps! Super man is the ultimate superhero film, filled with love, heart, and strength, and no sequel, or remake will EVER take that away!
72 out of 91 people found the following review useful:
You'll still believe a man can fly, 12 May 2001
Author:
y2mckay from Bay Area, CA
Every once in a while you'll be flipping channels or meandering through the
aisles of the local videorama, and you will stumble upon a film that takes
you back to your childhood - and the child-like wonder that accompanied it.
After 2 decades, as well as numerous (inferior) sequels and remakes, the
original Superman is back.
Well, okay, maybe this wasn't the ORIGINAL one, but certainly no other
version of the legend has had such a lasting impact as this one. Nor has any
other telling of the tale been as thorough and ambitious as that put forth
by Director Richard Donner and Story writer Mario Puzo. Add to that the
utterly inspired (and inspiring) score by John Williams, and you have a dose
of that good old movie magic. Even the opening credits manage to raise your
adrenaline levels, as the Superman symbol soars through space across the
screen and Williams' opening theme perfectly builds to a masterful
crescendo. It will make you want to stand up from your couch and soar out of
the nearest window, though I don't recommend it if you live on anything
above the first floor.
The film begins on Superman's home world of Krypton, a dazzling planet
dotted by crystalline cities which, combined again with William's incredible
theme music, seem to present an image of heaven itself. A super-race of
highly advanced beings, the Kryptonians' only weakness is their pride, as
the infant Superman's father, Jor-el points out. It is that pride that leads
them to ignore Jor-el's warnings that the planet is doomed by an impending
supernova. In a last ditch effort to save his son, as well as some remnant
of his race, he sends his infant son Kal-el to the planet Earth in a deep
space probe. Marlon Brando, in the role of Jor-el, gives one of his best
performances. His role is the stuff of Hollywood legend, since he was paid 4
million dollars for his role of about 10 minutes, but despite his exorbitant
fee and minimal screen time, his performance is no less worthy.
The probe crashes in a farmer's field in the early 1950's, to be discovered
by the Kents, with Glen Ford in the role of Pa Kent. Though he seems to have
even less screen time than Brando, his role as the young Superman's moral
example is no less pivotal to the story. Superman's childhood and most of
his teen years are completely skipped over, however, Jeff East gives an
excellent portrayal of the teen Clark Kent, who is only beginning to
discover the real extent of his powers.
Most of the supporting cast equally distinguish themselves. Gene Hackman
creates a charming and amusing villain in Lex Luthor, and while Margot
Kidder's portrayal of Lois Lane is a bit forced and grating at times, she
still shines with a kind of charm, and it is always fun to watch her slip
from the tough-as-nails reporter to the flustered schoolgirl every time the
Man of Steel hits the scene. If you still don't like her performance, watch
the "Lois Lane screen tests" in the special features section of the DVD,
which includes tryouts by various prominent actresses of the day. After
watching them, I think you'll agree that the filmmakers made the right
casting choice.
But of course, the person we will remember the most is Christopher Reeve as
Superman, and this is the way he should be remembered. It was certainly his
greatest role, and although he overplayed the nerdy and fumbling Clark Kent,
and his Superman sometimes pauses to deliver silly platitudes, he does so
with an air of wry amusement. He may act like a goody two-shoes, but mostly
he just seems to be having a good time showing off, and damn it, why
shouldn't he? He's Superman, after all. If I could fly, you could damn well
bet I'd be showing off too. This is confirmed in a brief but enjoyable
restored scene in which, after saving Lois Lane and the President, as well
as foiling several crimes, Superman flies back to his Fortress of Solitude
to discuss it with his "Father", or rather, the persona of Jor-el which has
been preserved in memory crystals and sent to earth with the infant Kal-el,
so that he could benefit from Jor-el's knowledge and wisdom. He admonishes
his son that, while it is natural to enjoy being able to show off his
powers, he must learn to be humble and keep his vanity in
check.
It is surprising how little moments of restored footage such as this one
seem to breathe much more life into the characters, giving them a depth not
seen in their previous cinematic incarnation. And while the film is a tale
of the power of good, it is ultimately a tribute to the power of love. It is
love that makes Superman more vulnerable than even kryptonite, love that
makes him betray his Kryptonian father's admonition to "never interfere with
human history", and love that makes him truly human.
Though it is nearly an hour into the film before Superman finally makes his
first heroic and world-stunning appearance, it is well worth the wait. The
action gets more and more exciting, rivaling anything that today's action
counterparts, like "The Mummy Returns" can dish out. The effects, though
antiquated by today's overblown CGI standards, are still impressive and
manage to maintain their looks and grace in their old age. As Lex Luthor
launches a diabolical plan involving hijacked twin nuclear missiles, the
subsequent chase, followed by Superman's efforts to save an
Earthquake-ravaged California, are breathtaking even by today's standards.
Like the superhero of title, the film itself is not without its weaknesses.
In trying to keep in touch with its vintage comic book roots, it can be a
tad cornball at times, and occasionally gets bogged down by what I call the
"golly gee-whiz" factor. Yet it does so in a very tongue-in-cheek manner,
retaining enough adult sophistication and genuine drama to keep it from
lapsing into a mere kiddy show or a parody of the source material. In fact,
the film has several surprisingly mature nuances. If, like me, you hadn't
seen this film since you were a kid, then you will be in a much better
position to fully enjoy the subtleties of the film now. (i.e, Lois Lane, in
her rooftop interview of Superman asks "How big are you . . . er, I mean . .. how TALL are you". I obviously missed that as a kid, because it had me
rolling with laughter this time around.
But despite a few loose threads in the cape and tights, The Man of Steel
remains quite intact and appropriately larger than life. It is therefore
fitting that this film has been re-mastered and re-released in collector's
two-sided DVD format. The sound and picture quality are excellent, wiping
away the tarnish of age and making the film shine again. Some of the many
features include the aforementioned restored footage (about 10-15 minutes
worth), a few additional deleted scenes (which, I thought, should have been
restored into the film as well), commentary by director Richard Donner, the
Lois Lane screen tests, specials on the making and origins of the film, and
a music-only track (well worth the price of the DVD alone).
If you haven't seen this movie since you were a kid, and you want to feel
like a kid again, rent it now. If you've never seen it at all, then the
release of this DVD has taken away your last excuse. You will believe a man
can fly.
48 out of 63 people found the following review useful:
Still flying high after twenty years...SUPERMAN!!!, 19 April 2001
Author:
bellwhistle from Los Angeles
I have to say, I have seen this film at least two thousand times since I was three years old, and the film STILL amazes me with every viewing! There are at least a hundred things I could say about this film to get those of you out there who haven't seen it already to check it out, but alas, I have had to narrow it down to a brief plot summary and a few teasers to get you in the right direction. First,a semi-brief history of the film and who is involved, in case you recognize any of the names. Richard Donner (the Omen) directed this film under the condition that every element serve faithful to the values and heroic symbolism that Superman has stood for since his creation in the 1930s. From the original screenplay written eloquently by Mario Puzo (who penned "The Godfather"), Donner enlisted Tom Mankiewicz to flesh out the script, ironic considering he was given the arguably menial in comparison title "Creative Consultant" when the finished product opened to the public. Throughout the production, the word "verisimilitude" was the slogan; meaning realism or truth. The result, when it opened on December 15, 1978, was as verisimilar as its long-standing legend, and as American as apple pie. (Teaser 1) Here we are, in the theater...excitedly awaiting the opening credits. In a brilliant flash of red and yellow, we see the legendary "S" flash through the far reaches of space, followed by the equally impressive credits. We've got the best on this one; Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Jackie Cooper, Terrence Stamp, Marlon Brando (as only he could play Jor-El), and my personal favorite, Gene Hackman. We are brought to the planet Krypton, where Jor-El is arguing for an immediate evacuation of the planet Krypton. When his pleas fall on the arrogant ears of the counsel, Jor-El places his only son, the infant Kal-El, aboard a rocket built from his own design. The Krypton sequences are among the most impressive this lengthy feature has to offer--from the opening lines spoken by the senatorial Jor-El in the hierarchical counsel arena, to the final parting shots of the doomed planet, the effects and general conceptions are nothing short of brilliant (thanks to John Barry). Kal-El is raised on Earth as Clark Kent by the loving Kent family in Smallville, Kansas. Clark, aware of his powers, is a confused teenager. In a particularly touching moment with Pa Kent, he ponders why "everytime I get the football I can make a touchdown-everytime!" The confusion turns to clarity to him in a single moment when, in the early hours of the morning, he learns of his true calling, and his heritage (no spoilers for that one). Let's leave it there and go to Metropolis--where Clark Kent, now 12 years older, struggles with his first day at the headquarters of the newspaper "The Daily Planet". It is love at first sight as he encounters none other than Lois Lane, played by Margot Kidder. While Clark is fleshing out his first day, however... 200 feet below the streets of Metropolis, Lex Luthor (played with absolute genius by Gene Hackman) is hatching his twisted and brilliant plot for the ultimate real estate caper (no spoiler). At either side of him are his lackeys, the bumbling Otis (Bed Beatty) and the seductive Eve Teschmacher (former Vegas showgirl Valerie Perrine). Lex's lair is perfect in every detail--from the swimming pools to the "babies". Note: the babies are only mentioned in the DVD version of Superman and the extended cuts broadcasted on ABC TV in the 80s and on KCOP TV here in 1994. There's the set-up for you. All main characters have been introduced by the end of the introductory lair scene, so the rest of the film naturally only builds further on them. Not to be missed are the flying sequences in the film, which are of outstanding quality (I don't care what all the little new-age tech junkies think of the "dated" print--hey, we had to start SOMEWHERE), and the climatic showdown between Lex and Superman. The dialogue is excellent, and the visuals even more stunning. I do have one quabble, but it has nothing to do with the film itself. It might do you good to note while enjoying this film that Richard Donner went through absolute HELL to bring it to the screen, and shortly after its premiere, he was kicked off the project. Interestingly enough, Donner had already shot a great deal of the sequel, Superman 2, so when the time came to put THAT ONE in theaters, the...producers decided to resume filming with Richard Lester, billing him as the director, when Donner's shots are equally if not more present in S2! Sorry--I just wanted to let you know that Superman the Movie is unique in comparison to S2 as it is the only complete Donner film. So what are you waiting for? Go out tonight, get a copy of the film, and watch it from end to end--you might find yourself believing that a man can really fly!
52 out of 71 people found the following review useful:
"Super" is a way that will never be matched, 8 April 2005
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Author:
dee.reid from United States
This is my 301st review on IMDb, so I'm going to make this short,
simple, and super:
"You'll believe a man can fly!" - the tagline for "Superman"
He stood for "truth, justice, and the American way." Ahh, to just think
that this is the movie that started it all, ladies and gentlemen.
Carefully adapted from the popular DC Comics character created by Joe
Shuster and Jerry Siegel, Richard Donner's 1978 epic has stood the test
of time to become the supreme superhero film. Alongside Tim Burton
("Batman") and Sam Raimi ("Spider-Man"), Donner earned his place in
cinematic history by becoming the first director to make a perfect
superhero film. Superman is the most recognizable comic book superhero
in history, and when Clark Kent (the late, great Christopher Reeve)
rips open his shirt to reveal that symbolic "S" an hour and 11 minutes
into the film, you know that it's one of the greatest cinematic
moments. This epic defined the superhero film, and in the 27 years
since its release, every subsequent comic book superhero movie is
forever indebted to "Superman." The plot (and what a plot) runs
complete throughout its epic 154 minutes and believe me, there's not a
single wasted moment in the film's entire running length. Of course,
Clark Kent is sent from his dying home world of Krypton by his father
Jor-El (the late Marlon Brando), grows up and works at the Daily
Planet, falls in love with Lois Lane (Margot Kidder), and must foil the
diabolical plans of Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman). Put simply, there will
never be another movie like "Superman," and who can forget those
*cosmic* credits, the aforementioned "S" scene, the Superman and Lois
date over New York City and later above the clouds, and that one,
definitive climax when Superman lets out a painful cry that reveals
that one glint of humanity that he's earned from his time on earth.
Reeve will forever be linked to the role that really made people
believe he was a super man, even when he wasn't wearing the blues,
reds, and yellows, and was instead confined to the prison that's called
a wheelchair. But we know that he's up there, flying high with the
Almighty and proving to us all that he is who we believed he was. The
recent news that Bryan Singer ("X-Men") is directing a new Superman is
not exactly getting me giddy, considering the low standards of today's
film-making and the onslaught of CGI effects that dominate many
Hollywood action movies these days. I love "Superman" and even today,
I'm still touched by its magic, and deeply saddened by the real-life
tragedies that have followed it.
A perfect, "super" 10/10.
45 out of 59 people found the following review useful:
You Will Believe a Man Can Fly!, 29 January 2005
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Author:
batattack66 from United States
"Superman: The Movie," Say those to anyone and they'll most likely say "Oh, I love that movie!" Superman is packed with drama, action, romance, great special effects. Christopher Reeve is truly the one and only Superman and always will be to me. Margot Kidder is a fantastic Lois Lane, witty yet beautiful, she is great! Gene Hackman is hilarious as Lex Luthor along with his henchman and henchwoman played by Ned Beatty and Valerie Perrenie. You'll laugh every time you hear him yell, "MS.TESENMACHERRRR!!!" John Williams Score is brilliant and really sets the mood for the movie. One of the most memorable parts of the movie is the opening credits. I suggest you rent or buy the special edition DVD of this because it's loaded with A lot of bonus features. I rate this movie *****/5 [5/5]
40 out of 51 people found the following review useful:
A brilliant Epic for the generations!!, 29 September 2005
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Author:
Robert W. (Robert_duder@hotmail.com) from Ontario, Canada
This is it ladies and gents...my 200th review. I thought long and hard
about what I would dedicate my 200th review to...would it be something
new and flashy, a movie that I knew was a knockout, something more
personal to me?? One of my faves perhaps?? I finally decided on this
film.
Since I was a little boy I have loved Superman. Even now many years
later I am still fascinated by the character, I mean he has withstood 6
decades of changes and world upheaval and still one of the best selling
heroes of our time. Without further ado let's talk about Richard
Donner's big screen epic Superman: The Movie. Thanks for reading my
reviews!! Superman: The Movie MUST be judged not by today's standards
but by the standards set for films of the late seventies/early
eighties. That's not to say that it doesn't stand up for itself even
almost 3 decades later but it's true brilliance may be lost if you
don't remember when and where it was made. Brilliant Director Richard
Donner (Lethal Weapon series, The Goonies, and stocks of brilliant TV
series) I think really knows what the audience wants out of characters.
I'm sure he tread on thin ice when it came to bringing the infamous Man
of Steel to the big screen having only comics and TV and radio before
him to base it on. Donner took everything Superman stood for, truth,
justice, American Way, fighting evil, his estrangement from his home
planet, his love for Lois Lane and put it all into this film.
Nothing is left out of Superman, we have the origins including an in
depth look into Krypton (which at the time would have been a first.) We
see Kal-El's parents and their conflicts, we are given a small
introduction to Clark Kent's youth and his coming of age and then
everything else we know and love about the Superman legend. Everything
from "The Phantom Zone" to Lois and Clark falling in love. I always
thought the casting for Superman was it's one downfall but after
watching the film again I really see that it wasn't such an error in
judgment.
The late and incredible Christopher Reeve truly was built for Superman.
He embodied the character and created two completely different people
to the point where you believed a pair of glasses and a different part
in the hair was the perfect alter ego. His Clark Kent was goofy but
pure and honest but completely different from the strength and
character of Superman. His Superman was tall, larger than life, strong,
honest, too good to be true. He was perfect and he looked both parts
perfectly too and he will forever be known....in my books...as The
Superman of film. Margot Kidder pretty much had Lois Lane nailed. I
always thought she was a little old for the role and wasn't sure she
looked the part but the personality was perfect, strong, forceful, pig
headed, leap before you look kinda gal. And the chemistry with Reeve's
Superman was very good. They established a fast but very bonding
romance between the two characters. The supporting cast was also well
done...Jackie Cooper was great as Perry White, Marc McClure was
perfectly cast as the young, naive Jimmy Olsen, and Marlon Brando was
an awesome screen presence for Jor-El and considering the billing he
got for his brief role it's good that he had that pull. Gene Hackman is
a brilliant actor, I've loved him in many roles...he was not right for
Lex Luthor or perhaps even his character wasn't written right. Although
diabolical and evil it was done in a comedic way right down to the
doofus sidekick which was more cartoonish than it was big budget film.
You just didn't truly feel the tension and arch rivalry between Reeve
and Hackman's characters. The only other beef I can find with Superman
is the overlooking of some key elements of reality. Yes I know Superman
must leave reality at the door and that's easy to do with such a
brilliant beautifully done Epic but the whole concept of Superman
reversing time by making the earth spin backwards, or turning into
Superman and having his "human" clothes literally vanish into thin
air...these are things that the writers should have looked more closely
into. But I think they focused so much of their time on making sure
other elements were in place that they let these things slide and
that's okay but it's such a minor thing but still with such perfection
in other areas they stand out.
Special effects like this had never been seen before and they are still
stunning. Watching Superman fly and the explosions and earthquake and
his miracle powers are just wonderful and will forever be in the mind
of movie goers. This is such a brilliant film and put a stamp on the
genre of superheroes that every other film will try to live up to. For
the record I am thrilled and excited about the upcoming Bryan Singer
Superman film, I think he will take everything that was great about
this original and utilize it to continue on the epic. Bravo to him!!
Superman: The Movie also had and still has one of the most haunting,
beautiful and stunning scores ever created. The music became his anthem
no matter where Superman is. This is one of the best films ever, and
will always be a classic especially to me!! 9/10
42 out of 55 people found the following review useful:
Superman Takes Off On The Big Screen, 10 January 2006
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Author:
ccthemovieman-1 from United States
It's interesting that another re-make is coming out this year. Man,
time flies because I vividly remember when this movie came out and the
excitement it caused. This was the first Superman anyone had ever seen
with modern-day special effects, so it was pretty cool, to say the
least.
It's still very entertaining, and the more I watch this the more I'm
amused with the villain (Gene Hackman as "Lex Luthor") and the lines he
delivers. He's a funny guy. Christopher Reeve, meanwhile, was always a
popular "Man Of Steel" and the special effects are still fun to watch,
from the long opening scenes showing the end of the planet Kryton all
the way to the ending credits. There's a solid soundtrack to this, too.
Personally, I didn't care for Margot Kidder as Lois Lane but then
again, Lane's character in the 1950s TV series was a bit annoying, too.
I guess it comes with her character. However, being a kid growing up
with that series with all its innocence (it's now on DVD, by the way,
and worth a purchase), it was just too weird hearing Lois ask Superman
what color her panties were!
Anyway, this is simply great entertainment. As a superhero, Superman
has always been THE MAN. Three sequels followed this film, the second
one being the best in my opinion.
45 out of 65 people found the following review useful:
Christopher Reeve Will Be Missed, 11 October 2004
Author:
departed07 from United States
I thought I would pay tribute to one of Christopher's Reeve's best role ever; and that role is Superman. As many comic book fans follow, the film tells the story of Clark Kent who was born on Krypton and was transported into Earth after the planet exploded and loses his real family. As a new family finds him in the field going home, the couple take Clark as their own son and raise him. What the couple know about Clark is that he has a gift to do things twice as fast than any other ordinary human being; but as time goes by, Clark loses his father of a stroke and decides to take a life of his own as he works for the Metropoltian Newspaper, he meets Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) and he has a crush on her, even saving the woman from being killed. Just like any comic book movie, there is always a villain; with Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor in a campy role along with Ned Beatty as Otis, the sycophant with no sense, these two plan to destroy the world with nuclear weapons. Christopher Reeve doesn't get into the Superman Costume until 45 minutes into the film in which he saves Lois in one scene, busts bad guys and becomes and icon to the public. Superman is the finest comic book movie, and I only wish Christopher Reeve's family the best.
47 out of 79 people found the following review useful:
Classic that will remain past the ends of time..., 4 March 2004
Author:
TruPretender from Sundance, Utah
In 1976 a pair of father/son producers were trying to find the perfect way to score a box office success. Then they thought of a new way to produce a Superhero movie. Alas, Superman was the most famous Superhero at the time and the rights were acquired. Then a director and writer were required. This is when they went to first Guy Hamilton, and then Richard Donner. Alas, Donner won the acclaim and the Newman's were on board for writing a script. After months of screen testing and such, a Superman was found and cast-that of a young New York native Christopher Reeve, who fit the bill and filled the role well. Then a gorgeous woman was needed for the part of Lois Lane, no more gorgeous than the manic, energetic actress Margot Kidder, who was then known for small movie roles such as The Great Waldo Pepper and Sisters. Gene Hackman and Marlon Brando had already signed on before alot of the cast was cast. And to make a long story short, Superman: The Movie was filmed! A great film indeed, with then state of the art special effects to make your views and experiences soar high! Christopher Reeve does a terrific job as the man of steel who learns of a plot to destroy the west coast. Gene Hackman was perfect for the role of Lex Luthor, the villain who wants to own his own territory of the would be new coast of California( Costa Del Lex!) Margot Kidder was just right as the gorgeous Lois Lane who falls in love with Superman but gives Clark Kent lessons on life, while Jackie Cooper is great as Perry White. Ned Beatty and Valerie Perrine do good performances as well as supporting dim witted characters. The script had to be re worked for a couple of times because of being too hammy, and so Donner brought in the wonderful Tom Mank. who did a great job of modifying the script to a more down to earth level. Great musical score by John Williams. T.V. version ran 191 minutes in full length on the famous California tele channel KCOP. But all was not well in paradise. Richard Donner was in opposing thoughts with producers Alexander and Ilya Salkind, and so a mediator was brought in, that of Richard Lester, directer of the Three and Four Musketeers, and the Beatles films. This went on whilst Superman and Superman II were being filmed back to back. Then, in a sudden chance to get Superman released before the year 1979, the cast and crew stopped filming Superman II to finish the first film. And so it was done, but at was price...
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