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Superman (1978) & Sequels | DOMINICK CAPPELLO
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“Superman: The Movie” (1978)
Directed by Richard Donner
Starring Christopher Reeve as Superman / Clark Kent,
Marlon Brando as Jor-El,
Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor,
& Margot Kidder as Lois Lane
I debated whether or not to review the first film because my comments
would be so overwhelmingly positive, that it might make for a boring
read, but the article would be lacking without the original epic…
Serials had been produced for both Superman and Batman in the 1940s.
Then there was the “Adventures of Superman” TV series starring George
Reeves in the 1950s and the campy “Batman” series starring Adam West
in the 1960s. However, it was “Superman: The Movie,” directed by
Richard Donner and released in 1978 that inspired the comic book film
adaptations that are now so immensely popular.
It was the father / son producing team of Alexander and Iyla Salkind
who licensed the film rights to the character from DC Comics. They get
a bad wrap because of the falling out they eventually had with Richard
Donner, but they deserve a great deal of credit as well. Bringing in
Mario Puzo, author of “The Godfather,” to pen the first draft of the
screenplay and casting Academy Award winners Marlon Brando as Jor-El
and Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor legitimized the project. Guy Hamilton,
veteran of four James Bond films, was initially signed to direct, but
his income tax evasion troubles lead to him being replaced by Richard
Donner, who had directed “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,” a classic episode
of “The Twilight Zone,” and “The Omen,” a blockbuster horror movie.
Donner then brought in screenwriter Tom Mankiewicz, another James Bond
veteran, to polish the script.
The success of film was predicated on the success of the actor chosen
to portray the iconic “Man of Steel.” The Salkinds evidently wanted an
established star like Paul Newman or Robert Redford. Sylvester
Stallone, who has just starred in “Rocky,” was also in the running,
but it has been said that Marlon Brando nixed the idea. Richard Donner
knew it was best to cast an unknown and choose Christopher Reeve. I
can’t say enough good things about Christopher Reeve and his
performance. It was almost like he walked out of the pages of Action
Comics # 1. He encompassed the valiant and selfless nature of Superman
as well as the everyman values of Clark Kent. When I was a nine years
old and went trick or treating costumed as Superman, I surely never
thought of myself as Dean Cain. In my mind I was only Christopher
Reeve. Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, I believe, represented the women of
the 1970s with her cocky and opinionated personality. She was also
able to be adoringly flustered in the presence of Superman.
A lot has been said over the years about Marlon Brando receiving top
billing for an extended cameo, but he added all the gravitas which was
required of him. I suppose you could label Gene Hackman’s performance
as tongue-in-cheek, but he was pretentious enough and bit of a
narcissist, so he surely fit the bill even if he refused to appear
bald on camera until his final scene.
“Superman: The Movie” was the definitive origin story for the “Last
Son of Krypton.” Krypton, Smallville, the Fortress of Solitude, and
Metropolis are aptly depicted. This is a story that includes science-
fiction, action, romance, and comedy. An epic in every sense of the
word with a great cast and celebrated score by renowned composer, John
Williams. That’s why I am personally leery of filmmakers attempting to
“reboot” the franchise because the origin story has been revisited
many times.
Many great superhero films followed “Superman: The Movie,” showcasing
characters such as Batman, Spider-Man, Iron Man, and the X-Men. As of
late, film critics seem to only praise the darker, edgier comic book
adaptations, so it’s almost refreshing to look back and see Superman
saving a cute little kitten who was stuck in a tree. Sorry, but not
every superhero should be brooding and wallowing in self pity.
Superman is a rarity as a selfless character. Quentin Tarantino wrote
a monologue for “Kill Bill: Vol. 2” which I feel perfectly sums up the
differences between the Man of Steel and other comic book superheroes.
“Superman II” (1980)
Directed by Richard Lester
Starring Christopher Reeve as Superman / Clark Kent,
Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor,
Margot Kidder as Lois Lane,
& Terence Stamp as General Zod
Much talked about controversy surrounds the second installment of the
franchise as neither Richard Donner nor Marlon Brando returned.
Donner, having already shot most of the sequel during production of
“Superman: The Movie,” was replaced by Richard Lester, who directed
The Beatles in “A Hard Day‘s Night” and “The Three Musketeers” for the
Salkinds. There is a lot of finger pointing when it comes to the
falling out between Donner and the Salkinds, but I’ll try to remain
neutral. That’s show business. Creative differences happen all the
time. And as far as Brando goes, he wasn’t in “The Godfather, Part
II,” so is it really that big of a surprise that he wasn’t in
“Superman II”?
“Kneel before Zod!” The beginning of “Superman: The Movie” sets up its
sequel, which is an unique approach as sequels are usually setup at
the end of a film. The first movie was to have ended on a cliffhanger
before the filmmakers borrowed the intended end of “Superman II” with
Superman reversing the Earth’s orbit to turn back time. I think things
worked out for the best as a cliffhanger would’ve been an
unsatisfactory climax to the first film.
The three Kryptonian outcasts from The Phantom Zone… General Zod,
Ursa, and Non, make for some formidable adversaries. Zod is awesomely
pompous and Ursa is sexy in that evil chick kind of way. Non is just
there to be a brute, but every team needs a heavy hitter.
The romantic storyline between Lois and Clark comes full circle with
the Man of Steel relinquishes his superpowers in favor of love. That’s
why it is acceptable to me for Superman’s mother, played by Susannah
York, to appear in the Fortress of Solitude as appose to Marlon Brando
as Jor-El. Superman is looking for relationship advice, so it is
logical that he seeks his mother’s wisdom instead of his stoic
father’s. The romance doesn’t get too mushy and Margot Kidder appears
more attractive to me in the sequel than she did in the original. She
was a little too skinny for my taste in “Superman: The Movie,” though
I believe that was the “look” in the late 1970s. Leading ladies
weren’t expected to be curvy.
The battles between Superman and the three villains were sufficiently
epic. I know that comic book aficionados take umbrage with the
additional telekinetic powers that Superman and the three villains
manifest in the third act. Even Peter Griffin on “Family Guy” asked
what was the deal with the giant cellophane “S” that Superman used as
a weapon? But the producers claim on the DVD commentary that DC Comics
approved of everything. I guess Lex Luthor was short changed a bit as
he had to play second fiddle to the Kryptonian outcasts. All of Gene
Hackman’s scenes were shot by Richard Donner and Hackman didn’t
participate in the re-shoots with Richard Lester. I won’t speculate on
the reasons why. There are a few accounts, but I’m staying neutral.
Richard Donner’s cut of “Superman II” was released in 2006 to coincide
with the release of Bryan Singer’s “Superman Returns.” Quite frankly,
I don’t find one version of “Superman II” to be better than the other.
They’re just different is all. Richard Lester has been accused of
adding far too much comic relief to his cut of “Superman II,”
something he is definitely guilty of when it comes to “Superman III,”
but there is humor in Richard Donner’s cut. When Lex Luthor and Miss
Tessmacher discover the Fortress of Solitude, Tessmacher goes in
search of a bathroom and Lex hears a toilet flushing a minute later.
There’s a toilet in the Fortress of Solitude? Okay, so Superman has to
use the bathroom too, but did the audience really need to hear the
toilet flushing? That was just as unfunny to me as all the lame jokes
in “Superman III.” Nevertheless, “Superman II” in any form is one of
the rare sequels that lives up to its predecessor.
“Superman III” (1983)
Directed by Richard Lester
Starring Christopher Reeve as Superman / Clark Kent,
Richard Pryor as Gus Gorman,
& Annette O’Toole as Lana Lang
What the hell happened? Okay, here’s a very truncated backstory of
“Superman III”… Producer Iyla Salkind wrote a treatment which featured
Brainiac, Mr. Mxyzptlk, and Supergirl. This treatment is available
online, but I’ve not read it because I haven’t heard many good things
about it. Warner Brothers apparently didn’t wish to make a film that
incorporated so much comic book source material. Richard Pryor,
legendary standup comic, then declared on “The Tonight Show with
Johnny Carson” that he had enjoyed “Superman II” and would be eager to
appear in the next Superman film. The die was cast.
The filmmakers incorporated many comedic elements into “Superman III.”
The opening credits roll as a slapstick routine unfolds in the streets
of Metropolis. Richard Pryor as inept computer programmer Gus Gorman
gets drunk while wearing a giant cowboy hat. Later, he accidentally
skies off of a skyscraper. During the film’s climax, the villains
capture Superman in some sort of giant balloon that will deprive him
of air. Doesn’t Superman fly in outer space? Obviously he can hold his
breath for quite a long time. One of female villains even turns into a
robot of some kind.
Believe it or not, there is stuff to like about this movie. There are
two excellent action sequences. First, Superman puts out a fire at a
chemical plant. Later, the two halves of his personality, Superman and
Clark Kent, battle each other in a junk yard. The pilgrimage back to
Smallville and reunion with Lana Lang is the heart of the story.
Annette O’Toole as Lana Lang is by far the best addition to the cast.
She’s beautiful, engaging, and just as appreciative of Clark as she is
of Superman. O’Toole would go on to play Martha Kent on the TV series
“Smallville.” Robert Vaughn plays Ross Webster, a sort of Lex Luthor
wannabe. Okay, so the filmmakers claim that they didn’t want to repeat
themselves. That’s fine, so they had Lana Lang as the love interest
instead of Lois Lane, but if you’re not going to have Lex Luthor, then
have a completely different type of villain.
Christopher Reeve is superb once again. This time he gets the chance
to portray an evil version of Superman after Gus Gorman infects the
“Man of Steel” with a synthetic Kryptonite that is laced with tar. I
believe in the comic books that it is Red Kryptonite which alters
Superman’s personality, so I don’t know why Red Kryptonite wasn’t used
in “Superman III” as a simpler explanation for Superman’s heel turn.
“Superman III” is universally referred to as “the one with Richard
Pryor.” I actually wouldn’t have a problem with Pryor in the cast if
he had been used right. If you’ve seen his performance in “Blue
Collar,” you know that he had range as an actor. Maybe he could’ve
played Mr. Mxyzptlk? That may sound like strange casting as Dudley
Moore was rumored for the part, but bare with me. On the DVD
commentary, Iyla Salkind says that he wanted Frank Langella for Ross
Webster. Langella could’ve also been a good choice for Brainiac. He
was sufficiently sinister as Skeletor in “Masters of the Universe”
four years later and was able to act through the prosthetic makeup.
So, Langella as Brainiac teaming up with Pryor as Mr. Mxyzptlk to
destroy Superman. Or, you could “borrow” a plot device from the James
Bond flick “Diamonds Are Forever” where a reclusive millionaire turns
out to by Bond’s arch nemesis, Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Ross Webster
could’ve have been a recluse, whose early scenes are shot from behind.
When the mid point of the screenplay is reached, Webster then removes
a toupee to reveal his bald scalp, so the audience knows that it was
really Lex Luthor in disguise the whole time.
Yes, it’s easy for me to rewrite the script and recast the actors many
years after the fact, but “Superman III” as it was could’ve been
salvaged during post-production if those intended to be comedic
elements mentioned above were nixed and re-shoots gave the Gus Gorman
character a better introduction. For example, there is bank robber
being chased by the police in the middle of slapstick opening. Gus
Gorman could be walking down the street, reading the want-ads, so one
know he’s in a financial jam as appose to the long scene at the
unemployment office. The bank robber takes Gus hostage, there is a
stand off with the police, and Superman saves Gus after having already
saved the man drowning in his car. Gus would then be indebted to
Superman, making him all the more conflicted when he must appose
Superman later in the movie.
The saving graces of this film are the performances of Christopher
Reeve and Annette O’Toole. Also, Richard Pryor’s embezzlement scheme
would resurface in Mike Judge‘s “Office Space.” “Superman III” is the
beginning of the end for the franchise. I’m second guessing the
filmmakers, but no one knows for sure what would have happened if the
original treatment had been developed further. Evidently, there would
have been some incestuous overtones between Superman and Supergirl.
That alone may have killed the franchise even quicker.
Speaking of “Supergirl,” it’s been so long since I’ve seen that movie
that I can’t critique it in anyway. I only remember that Helen Slater
was cute and Christopher Reeve did not make a cameo. Supergirl
admiring a poster of her Kryptonian cousin was probably the moment I
enjoyed most as a young lad. Though, Marc McClure was happy to appear
as Jimmy Olsen. Almost every time there’s a Superman marathon on TV,
McClure seems to be the host. He’s made a career out of playing Jimmy
Olsen.
“Superman IV: The Quest for Peace” (1987)
Directed by Sidney J. Furie
Starring Christopher Reeve as Superman / Clark Kent,
Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor,
Margot Kidder as Lois Lane,
& Mark Pillow as Nuclear Man
“Superman IV” was the first Superman movie which I saw as a kid, so
there is always a sense of nostalgia when I view this particular film.
When you’re in kindergarten, you don’t realize that the special
effects are terrible and that the third act makes no sense due to
major cuts done in the editing process. It’s just a good guy in tights
and a cape vs. a bad guy in tights and a cape. That was more than
enough to satiate me at the time. Now I cringe at wires showing,
dreadful blue screen shots, and inane lines of dialogue.
The Salkinds sold the film rights to Canon Films. Canon was infamous
for low budget exploitation movies starring the likes Charles Bronson,
Chuck Norris, and Jean-Claude Van Damme. 1987 was the year that they
futilely tried to expand into special effects oriented blockbusters
like “Superman IV” and “Masters of the Universe,” another childhood
favorite that doesn’t exactly stand the test of time. Low budget,
special effect driven films, that only appeal to children? No wonder
this company eventually folded.
Christopher Reeve is as solid as he was throughout the entire series.
Gene Hackman makes a welcome return as the greatest criminal mind of
the modern era. Same can be said for Margot Kidder, who only had a
cameo in “Superman III.” Nuclear Man is actually my favorite aspect of
the movie. He’s a character that is unintentionally funnier than
anything that was suppose to be funny in “Superman III.” Who the hell
is Mark Pillow? Was he an actor? Was he a male model? Either way, he
was dubbed by Gene Hackman and roared a lot. Why did a solar powered
clone of Superman come out looking like an aerobics instructor with a
perfect 1980s, Patrick Swayze “Road House” quaff, and Lex Luthor‘s
voice? Why couldn’t the clone have been Bizarro? That would have made
the most sense. I guess we can thank Nuclear Man for making “Superman
IV” one of those movies that’s so bad, it’s kind of good. Having said
that, I still won’t even try to explain how Mariel Hemingway’s
character didn’t suffocate in outer space.
Christopher Reeve did receive a story credit, but his Cold War nuclear
disarmament message was reduced to a subplot which merely setup the
creation of Nuclear Man. Since the intentions of this film were noble,
I have more respect for it than blatantly commercial superhero movies
like Joel Schumacher’s “Batman & Robin.” “Superman IV” was Christopher
Reeve’s swansong as the Man of Steel. He was able to flesh out every
facet of the Superman character over the course of the four films. As
bad as the sequels became, he always rose above the material. He
successfully portrayed the Man of Steel, the mild mannered Clark Kent,
Kal-El the Last Son of Krypton, and even an evil Red Kryptonite
version of Superman in “Superman III.” A tough act to follow and in my
humble opinion, Dean Cain, Tom Welling, and Brandon Routh were not
able to measure up to Christopher Reeve.
It’s not that I’m partial to Reeve and won’t give others a chance. I
do have high hopes for Henry Cavill in Zach Snyder‘s “Man of Steel.”
It’s ironic that in the final scene of “Superman IV,” Superman says to
Lex Luthor, “See you in twenty,” because it would be nineteen years
before these characters would return to the big screen.
“Superman Returns” (2006)
Directed by Bryan Singer
Starring Brandon Routh as Superman / Clark Kent,
Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor,
& Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane
Superman fans such as myself had waited a long time for this film. The
1990s belonged solely to the Batman franchise. As a young lad, I
viewed only an episode or two of the syndicated “Superboy” series. I
tried to follow “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” but
that was a cheesy romantic comedy which just so happened to have a
superhero as its leading man. I then tried following “Smallville,” but
that was another in a long line of WB teen soap operas. It had many
good qualities in all fairness, but still reeked of a “Dawson’s Creek”
vibe at times. Kevin Smith wrote a Superman screenplay that was never
produced. Tim Burton was to direct “Superman Lives” with Nicholas Cage
as the Last Son of Krypton. Brett Ratner had allegedly been signed to
make a Superman trilogy. I even heard Sir Anthony Hopkins state on
“Late Night with Conan O‘Brien” that he was cast as Jor-El. Then,
Wolfgang Petersen was suppose to make a “Batman vs. Superman” film,
written by the same offender who dared to pen Joel Schumacher’s
“Batman & Robin,” Akiva Goldsman. I believe that both JJ Abrams and
McG were attached to these projects at various points, but none of
this came to fruition.
Bryan Singer finally came on board as director. This excited fanboys
as he had helmed the first two highly successfully “X-Men” films. The
second, “X2: X-Men United,” being one of the great superhero films in
my opinion. And that’s coming from someone who prefers DC to Marvel.
What had me most intrigued was that this would not be a reboot like
“Batman Begins” and “Casino Royale,” it would be a continuation of the
Christopher Reeve films! Or at least the first two which had Richard
Donner involved. Sadly, the world wanted to forget all about Gus
Gorman and Nuclear Man. There would even be footage of the late Marlon
Brando used to resurrect Jor-EL.
Brandon Routh, a basically unknown soap opera actor with a physical
resemblance to Christopher Reeve was cast as the Man of Steel, Kate
Bosworth as Lois Lane, and Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor. Frank Langella,
who I wished had played Brainiac back in the 1980s, was cast as Perry
White. Noel Neil and Jack Larson from the 1950s George Reeves’
“Adventures of Superman” were given cameos. It’s obvious that Bryan
Singer is a big fan of Superman, who wanted to pay tribute to the
history of the character. Ultimately, that turned out to be the
problem with the film. Not much new was added to the mythology. It was
more like a “retread” than a “return.” The only thing new added to the
story was the child of Superman and Lois Lane. I hate meeting the
children of iconic heroes. I’m talking to you Shia LeBeouf in “Indiana
Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” I guess if Bryan Singer
had continued to make Superman films, the son of Superman would have
become a Superboy type character, but we’ll never know.
With the exception of one sequence where an airplane nearly crashes
into a baseball stadium, most of the film is sluggish. In a strange
way it reminds me of “Star Trek: The Motion Picture.” It wasn’t poorly
made, but it still couldn’t inspire audiences. Brandon Routh was a tad
wooden, but he showed some potential. Unfortunately for him, he is now
to Superman what George Lazenby is to James Bond. An actor with a
dubious distinction of having a short lived run as an iconic hero.
Kate Bosworth just didn’t work for me as Lois Lane. I didn’t find her
interesting at all. She is probably the biggest misfire ever in that
role. I was also disappointed in Kevin Spacey’s take on Lex Luthor.
I’m not sure if it was his fault though. Like I said, Bryan Singer
didn’t update the mythology. Gene Hackman played a mad scientist /
evil genius Lex Luthor in the 1970s. The Lex of the comics
transitioned into a corrupt business man in the 1980s and again into a
corrupt politician in the new millennium. It was now time to update
Lex on the big screen. Kevin Spacey’s Lex Luthor should have used the
money he swindled from the elderly widow to form LexCorp.
The time gap between films was explained by having Superman on a
galactic quest for other Kryptonian survivors. A good plot device, but
Superman came up empty. What about Supergirl and Argo City? Again,
Bryan Singer seemed to be fan of everything Superman BUT the comic
books. I’m not a comic book fanatic, but I would still like to see
characters like Brainiac, Bizarro, Metallo, and Doomsday on the big
screen.
After the release of “Superman Returns,” there was a lot of griping
about the lack of action in the film. I had a feeling that there
wouldn’t be a sequel despite some good reviews and decent box office
returns. Audiences left the theaters disappointed. So the film that
was meant to resurrect the 1978 film series turned out to be the final
nail in its coffin. It’s ironic because I think ”Superman Returns” was
still a lot better than stuff like “Daredevil” and “Ghost Rider,”
however “Daredevil” had a spin-off with “Elektra” and “Ghost Rider:
Spirit of Vengeance” was released in 2012. Maybe DC is held to a
higher standard than Marvel?
There have been a ton of great Marvel films in the new millennium, but
even the not so good ones still got sequels. Marvel has made popcorn
movies while DC hasn’t any success lately save for Christopher Nolan’s
“The Dark Knight Trilogy.” A great deal of effort went into both
”Superman Returns” and “Watchmen” only for them to be meet with
lukewarm receptions. Then, DC movies like “Jonah Hex” and “Green
Lantern” were made to be fun popcorn movies like the ones done by
Marvel and feedback was still mixed. DC just can’t win unless The Dark
Knight is involved. It may be up to Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel” to
rescue not only the Superman series, but the entire DC film universe.
“Superman: The Movie” (1978)
Directed by Richard Donner
Starring Christopher Reeve as Superman / Clark Kent,
Marlon Brando as Jor-El,
Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor,
& Margot Kidder as Lois Lane
I debated whether or not to review the first film because my comments
would be so overwhelmingly positive, that it might make for a boring
read, but the article would be lacking without the original epic…
Serials had been produced for both Superman and Batman in the 1940s.
Then there was the “Adventures of Superman” TV series starring George
Reeves in the 1950s and the campy “Batman” series starring Adam West
in the 1960s. However, it was “Superman: The Movie,” directed by
Richard Donner and released in 1978 that inspired the comic book film
adaptations that are now so immensely popular.
It was the father / son producing team of Alexander and Iyla Salkind
who licensed the film rights to the character from DC Comics. They get
a bad wrap because of the falling out they eventually had with Richard
Donner, but they deserve a great deal of credit as well. Bringing in
Mario Puzo, author of “The Godfather,” to pen the first draft of the
screenplay and casting Academy Award winners Marlon Brando as Jor-El
and Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor legitimized the project. Guy Hamilton,
veteran of four James Bond films, was initially signed to direct, but
his income tax evasion troubles lead to him being replaced by Richard
Donner, who had directed “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,” a classic episode
of “The Twilight Zone,” and “The Omen,” a blockbuster horror movie.
Donner then brought in screenwriter Tom Mankiewicz, another James Bond
veteran, to polish the script.
The success of film was predicated on the success of the actor chosen
to portray the iconic “Man of Steel.” The Salkinds evidently wanted an
established star like Paul Newman or Robert Redford. Sylvester
Stallone, who has just starred in “Rocky,” was also in the running,
but it has been said that Marlon Brando nixed the idea. Richard Donner
knew it was best to cast an unknown and choose Christopher Reeve. I
can’t say enough good things about Christopher Reeve and his
performance. It was almost like he walked out of the pages of Action
Comics # 1. He encompassed the valiant and selfless nature of Superman
as well as the everyman values of Clark Kent. When I was a nine years
old and went trick or treating costumed as Superman, I surely never
thought of myself as Dean Cain. In my mind I was only Christopher
Reeve. Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, I believe, represented the women of
the 1970s with her cocky and opinionated personality. She was also
able to be adoringly flustered in the presence of Superman.
A lot has been said over the years about Marlon Brando receiving top
billing for an extended cameo, but he added all the gravitas which was
required of him. I suppose you could label Gene Hackman’s performance
as tongue-in-cheek, but he was pretentious enough and bit of a
narcissist, so he surely fit the bill even if he refused to appear
bald on camera until his final scene.
“Superman: The Movie” was the definitive origin story for the “Last
Son of Krypton.” Krypton, Smallville, the Fortress of Solitude, and
Metropolis are aptly depicted. This is a story that includes science-
fiction, action, romance, and comedy. An epic in every sense of the
word with a great cast and celebrated score by renowned composer, John
Williams. That’s why I am personally leery of filmmakers attempting to
“reboot” the franchise because the origin story has been revisited
many times.
Many great superhero films followed “Superman: The Movie,” showcasing
characters such as Batman, Spider-Man, Iron Man, and the X-Men. As of
late, film critics seem to only praise the darker, edgier comic book
adaptations, so it’s almost refreshing to look back and see Superman
saving a cute little kitten who was stuck in a tree. Sorry, but not
every superhero should be brooding and wallowing in self pity.
Superman is a rarity as a selfless character. Quentin Tarantino wrote
a monologue for “Kill Bill: Vol. 2” which I feel perfectly sums up the
differences between the Man of Steel and other comic book superheroes.
“Superman II” (1980)
Directed by Richard Lester
Starring Christopher Reeve as Superman / Clark Kent,
Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor,
Margot Kidder as Lois Lane,
& Terence Stamp as General Zod
Much talked about controversy surrounds the second installment of the
franchise as neither Richard Donner nor Marlon Brando returned.
Donner, having already shot most of the sequel during production of
“Superman: The Movie,” was replaced by Richard Lester, who directed
The Beatles in “A Hard Day‘s Night” and “The Three Musketeers” for the
Salkinds. There is a lot of finger pointing when it comes to the
falling out between Donner and the Salkinds, but I’ll try to remain
neutral. That’s show business. Creative differences happen all the
time. And as far as Brando goes, he wasn’t in “The Godfather, Part
II,” so is it really that big of a surprise that he wasn’t in
“Superman II”?
“Kneel before Zod!” The beginning of “Superman: The Movie” sets up its
sequel, which is an unique approach as sequels are usually setup at
the end of a film. The first movie was to have ended on a cliffhanger
before the filmmakers borrowed the intended end of “Superman II” with
Superman reversing the Earth’s orbit to turn back time. I think things
worked out for the best as a cliffhanger would’ve been an
unsatisfactory climax to the first film.
The three Kryptonian outcasts from The Phantom Zone… General Zod,
Ursa, and Non, make for some formidable adversaries. Zod is awesomely
pompous and Ursa is sexy in that evil chick kind of way. Non is just
there to be a brute, but every team needs a heavy hitter.
The romantic storyline between Lois and Clark comes full circle with
the Man of Steel relinquishes his superpowers in favor of love. That’s
why it is acceptable to me for Superman’s mother, played by Susannah
York, to appear in the Fortress of Solitude as appose to Marlon Brando
as Jor-El. Superman is looking for relationship advice, so it is
logical that he seeks his mother’s wisdom instead of his stoic
father’s. The romance doesn’t get too mushy and Margot Kidder appears
more attractive to me in the sequel than she did in the original. She
was a little too skinny for my taste in “Superman: The Movie,” though
I believe that was the “look” in the late 1970s. Leading ladies
weren’t expected to be curvy.
The battles between Superman and the three villains were sufficiently
epic. I know that comic book aficionados take umbrage with the
additional telekinetic powers that Superman and the three villains
manifest in the third act. Even Peter Griffin on “Family Guy” asked
what was the deal with the giant cellophane “S” that Superman used as
a weapon? But the producers claim on the DVD commentary that DC Comics
approved of everything. I guess Lex Luthor was short changed a bit as
he had to play second fiddle to the Kryptonian outcasts. All of Gene
Hackman’s scenes were shot by Richard Donner and Hackman didn’t
participate in the re-shoots with Richard Lester. I won’t speculate on
the reasons why. There are a few accounts, but I’m staying neutral.
Richard Donner’s cut of “Superman II” was released in 2006 to coincide
with the release of Bryan Singer’s “Superman Returns.” Quite frankly,
I don’t find one version of “Superman II” to be better than the other.
They’re just different is all. Richard Lester has been accused of
adding far too much comic relief to his cut of “Superman II,”
something he is definitely guilty of when it comes to “Superman III,”
but there is humor in Richard Donner’s cut. When Lex Luthor and Miss
Tessmacher discover the Fortress of Solitude, Tessmacher goes in
search of a bathroom and Lex hears a toilet flushing a minute later.
There’s a toilet in the Fortress of Solitude? Okay, so Superman has to
use the bathroom too, but did the audience really need to hear the
toilet flushing? That was just as unfunny to me as all the lame jokes
in “Superman III.” Nevertheless, “Superman II” in any form is one of
the rare sequels that lives up to its predecessor.
“Superman III” (1983)
Directed by Richard Lester
Starring Christopher Reeve as Superman / Clark Kent,
Richard Pryor as Gus Gorman,
& Annette O’Toole as Lana Lang
What the hell happened? Okay, here’s a very truncated backstory of
“Superman III”… Producer Iyla Salkind wrote a treatment which featured
Brainiac, Mr. Mxyzptlk, and Supergirl. This treatment is available
online, but I’ve not read it because I haven’t heard many good things
about it. Warner Brothers apparently didn’t wish to make a film that
incorporated so much comic book source material. Richard Pryor,
legendary standup comic, then declared on “The Tonight Show with
Johnny Carson” that he had enjoyed “Superman II” and would be eager to
appear in the next Superman film. The die was cast.
The filmmakers incorporated many comedic elements into “Superman III.”
The opening credits roll as a slapstick routine unfolds in the streets
of Metropolis. Richard Pryor as inept computer programmer Gus Gorman
gets drunk while wearing a giant cowboy hat. Later, he accidentally
skies off of a skyscraper. During the film’s climax, the villains
capture Superman in some sort of giant balloon that will deprive him
of air. Doesn’t Superman fly in outer space? Obviously he can hold his
breath for quite a long time. One of female villains even turns into a
robot of some kind.
Believe it or not, there is stuff to like about this movie. There are
two excellent action sequences. First, Superman puts out a fire at a
chemical plant. Later, the two halves of his personality, Superman and
Clark Kent, battle each other in a junk yard. The pilgrimage back to
Smallville and reunion with Lana Lang is the heart of the story.
Annette O’Toole as Lana Lang is by far the best addition to the cast.
She’s beautiful, engaging, and just as appreciative of Clark as she is
of Superman. O’Toole would go on to play Martha Kent on the TV series
“Smallville.” Robert Vaughn plays Ross Webster, a sort of Lex Luthor
wannabe. Okay, so the filmmakers claim that they didn’t want to repeat
themselves. That’s fine, so they had Lana Lang as the love interest
instead of Lois Lane, but if you’re not going to have Lex Luthor, then
have a completely different type of villain.
Christopher Reeve is superb once again. This time he gets the chance
to portray an evil version of Superman after Gus Gorman infects the
“Man of Steel” with a synthetic Kryptonite that is laced with tar. I
believe in the comic books that it is Red Kryptonite which alters
Superman’s personality, so I don’t know why Red Kryptonite wasn’t used
in “Superman III” as a simpler explanation for Superman’s heel turn.
“Superman III” is universally referred to as “the one with Richard
Pryor.” I actually wouldn’t have a problem with Pryor in the cast if
he had been used right. If you’ve seen his performance in “Blue
Collar,” you know that he had range as an actor. Maybe he could’ve
played Mr. Mxyzptlk? That may sound like strange casting as Dudley
Moore was rumored for the part, but bare with me. On the DVD
commentary, Iyla Salkind says that he wanted Frank Langella for Ross
Webster. Langella could’ve also been a good choice for Brainiac. He
was sufficiently sinister as Skeletor in “Masters of the Universe”
four years later and was able to act through the prosthetic makeup.
So, Langella as Brainiac teaming up with Pryor as Mr. Mxyzptlk to
destroy Superman. Or, you could “borrow” a plot device from the James
Bond flick “Diamonds Are Forever” where a reclusive millionaire turns
out to by Bond’s arch nemesis, Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Ross Webster
could’ve have been a recluse, whose early scenes are shot from behind.
When the mid point of the screenplay is reached, Webster then removes
a toupee to reveal his bald scalp, so the audience knows that it was
really Lex Luthor in disguise the whole time.
Yes, it’s easy for me to rewrite the script and recast the actors many
years after the fact, but “Superman III” as it was could’ve been
salvaged during post-production if those intended to be comedic
elements mentioned above were nixed and re-shoots gave the Gus Gorman
character a better introduction. For example, there is bank robber
being chased by the police in the middle of slapstick opening. Gus
Gorman could be walking down the street, reading the want-ads, so one
know he’s in a financial jam as appose to the long scene at the
unemployment office. The bank robber takes Gus hostage, there is a
stand off with the police, and Superman saves Gus after having already
saved the man drowning in his car. Gus would then be indebted to
Superman, making him all the more conflicted when he must appose
Superman later in the movie.
The saving graces of this film are the performances of Christopher
Reeve and Annette O’Toole. Also, Richard Pryor’s embezzlement scheme
would resurface in Mike Judge‘s “Office Space.” “Superman III” is the
beginning of the end for the franchise. I’m second guessing the
filmmakers, but no one knows for sure what would have happened if the
original treatment had been developed further. Evidently, there would
have been some incestuous overtones between Superman and Supergirl.
That alone may have killed the franchise even quicker.
Speaking of “Supergirl,” it’s been so long since I’ve seen that movie
that I can’t critique it in anyway. I only remember that Helen Slater
was cute and Christopher Reeve did not make a cameo. Supergirl
admiring a poster of her Kryptonian cousin was probably the moment I
enjoyed most as a young lad. Though, Marc McClure was happy to appear
as Jimmy Olsen. Almost every time there’s a Superman marathon on TV,
McClure seems to be the host. He’s made a career out of playing Jimmy
Olsen.
“Superman IV: The Quest for Peace” (1987)
Directed by Sidney J. Furie
Starring Christopher Reeve as Superman / Clark Kent,
Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor,
Margot Kidder as Lois Lane,
& Mark Pillow as Nuclear Man
“Superman IV” was the first Superman movie which I saw as a kid, so
there is always a sense of nostalgia when I view this particular film.
When you’re in kindergarten, you don’t realize that the special
effects are terrible and that the third act makes no sense due to
major cuts done in the editing process. It’s just a good guy in tights
and a cape vs. a bad guy in tights and a cape. That was more than
enough to satiate me at the time. Now I cringe at wires showing,
dreadful blue screen shots, and inane lines of dialogue.
The Salkinds sold the film rights to Canon Films. Canon was infamous
for low budget exploitation movies starring the likes Charles Bronson,
Chuck Norris, and Jean-Claude Van Damme. 1987 was the year that they
futilely tried to expand into special effects oriented blockbusters
like “Superman IV” and “Masters of the Universe,” another childhood
favorite that doesn’t exactly stand the test of time. Low budget,
special effect driven films, that only appeal to children? No wonder
this company eventually folded.
Christopher Reeve is as solid as he was throughout the entire series.
Gene Hackman makes a welcome return as the greatest criminal mind of
the modern era. Same can be said for Margot Kidder, who only had a
cameo in “Superman III.” Nuclear Man is actually my favorite aspect of
the movie. He’s a character that is unintentionally funnier than
anything that was suppose to be funny in “Superman III.” Who the hell
is Mark Pillow? Was he an actor? Was he a male model? Either way, he
was dubbed by Gene Hackman and roared a lot. Why did a solar powered
clone of Superman come out looking like an aerobics instructor with a
perfect 1980s, Patrick Swayze “Road House” quaff, and Lex Luthor‘s
voice? Why couldn’t the clone have been Bizarro? That would have made
the most sense. I guess we can thank Nuclear Man for making “Superman
IV” one of those movies that’s so bad, it’s kind of good. Having said
that, I still won’t even try to explain how Mariel Hemingway’s
character didn’t suffocate in outer space.
Christopher Reeve did receive a story credit, but his Cold War nuclear
disarmament message was reduced to a subplot which merely setup the
creation of Nuclear Man. Since the intentions of this film were noble,
I have more respect for it than blatantly commercial superhero movies
like Joel Schumacher’s “Batman & Robin.” “Superman IV” was Christopher
Reeve’s swansong as the Man of Steel. He was able to flesh out every
facet of the Superman character over the course of the four films. As
bad as the sequels became, he always rose above the material. He
successfully portrayed the Man of Steel, the mild mannered Clark Kent,
Kal-El the Last Son of Krypton, and even an evil Red Kryptonite
version of Superman in “Superman III.” A tough act to follow and in my
humble opinion, Dean Cain, Tom Welling, and Brandon Routh were not
able to measure up to Christopher Reeve.
It’s not that I’m partial to Reeve and won’t give others a chance. I
do have high hopes for Henry Cavill in Zach Snyder‘s “Man of Steel.”
It’s ironic that in the final scene of “Superman IV,” Superman says to
Lex Luthor, “See you in twenty,” because it would be nineteen years
before these characters would return to the big screen.
“Superman Returns” (2006)
Directed by Bryan Singer
Starring Brandon Routh as Superman / Clark Kent,
Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor,
& Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane
Superman fans such as myself had waited a long time for this film. The
1990s belonged solely to the Batman franchise. As a young lad, I
viewed only an episode or two of the syndicated “Superboy” series. I
tried to follow “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” but
that was a cheesy romantic comedy which just so happened to have a
superhero as its leading man. I then tried following “Smallville,” but
that was another in a long line of WB teen soap operas. It had many
good qualities in all fairness, but still reeked of a “Dawson’s Creek”
vibe at times. Kevin Smith wrote a Superman screenplay that was never
produced. Tim Burton was to direct “Superman Lives” with Nicholas Cage
as the Last Son of Krypton. Brett Ratner had allegedly been signed to
make a Superman trilogy. I even heard Sir Anthony Hopkins state on
“Late Night with Conan O‘Brien” that he was cast as Jor-El. Then,
Wolfgang Petersen was suppose to make a “Batman vs. Superman” film,
written by the same offender who dared to pen Joel Schumacher’s
“Batman & Robin,” Akiva Goldsman. I believe that both JJ Abrams and
McG were attached to these projects at various points, but none of
this came to fruition.
Bryan Singer finally came on board as director. This excited fanboys
as he had helmed the first two highly successfully “X-Men” films. The
second, “X2: X-Men United,” being one of the great superhero films in
my opinion. And that’s coming from someone who prefers DC to Marvel.
What had me most intrigued was that this would not be a reboot like
“Batman Begins” and “Casino Royale,” it would be a continuation of the
Christopher Reeve films! Or at least the first two which had Richard
Donner involved. Sadly, the world wanted to forget all about Gus
Gorman and Nuclear Man. There would even be footage of the late Marlon
Brando used to resurrect Jor-EL.
Brandon Routh, a basically unknown soap opera actor with a physical
resemblance to Christopher Reeve was cast as the Man of Steel, Kate
Bosworth as Lois Lane, and Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor. Frank Langella,
who I wished had played Brainiac back in the 1980s, was cast as Perry
White. Noel Neil and Jack Larson from the 1950s George Reeves’
“Adventures of Superman” were given cameos. It’s obvious that Bryan
Singer is a big fan of Superman, who wanted to pay tribute to the
history of the character. Ultimately, that turned out to be the
problem with the film. Not much new was added to the mythology. It was
more like a “retread” than a “return.” The only thing new added to the
story was the child of Superman and Lois Lane. I hate meeting the
children of iconic heroes. I’m talking to you Shia LeBeouf in “Indiana
Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” I guess if Bryan Singer
had continued to make Superman films, the son of Superman would have
become a Superboy type character, but we’ll never know.
With the exception of one sequence where an airplane nearly crashes
into a baseball stadium, most of the film is sluggish. In a strange
way it reminds me of “Star Trek: The Motion Picture.” It wasn’t poorly
made, but it still couldn’t inspire audiences. Brandon Routh was a tad
wooden, but he showed some potential. Unfortunately for him, he is now
to Superman what George Lazenby is to James Bond. An actor with a
dubious distinction of having a short lived run as an iconic hero.
Kate Bosworth just didn’t work for me as Lois Lane. I didn’t find her
interesting at all. She is probably the biggest misfire ever in that
role. I was also disappointed in Kevin Spacey’s take on Lex Luthor.
I’m not sure if it was his fault though. Like I said, Bryan Singer
didn’t update the mythology. Gene Hackman played a mad scientist /
evil genius Lex Luthor in the 1970s. The Lex of the comics
transitioned into a corrupt business man in the 1980s and again into a
corrupt politician in the new millennium. It was now time to update
Lex on the big screen. Kevin Spacey’s Lex Luthor should have used the
money he swindled from the elderly widow to form LexCorp.
The time gap between films was explained by having Superman on a
galactic quest for other Kryptonian survivors. A good plot device, but
Superman came up empty. What about Supergirl and Argo City? Again,
Bryan Singer seemed to be fan of everything Superman BUT the comic
books. I’m not a comic book fanatic, but I would still like to see
characters like Brainiac, Bizarro, Metallo, and Doomsday on the big
screen.
After the release of “Superman Returns,” there was a lot of griping
about the lack of action in the film. I had a feeling that there
wouldn’t be a sequel despite some good reviews and decent box office
returns. Audiences left the theaters disappointed. So the film that
was meant to resurrect the 1978 film series turned out to be the final
nail in its coffin. It’s ironic because I think ”Superman Returns” was
still a lot better than stuff like “Daredevil” and “Ghost Rider,”
however “Daredevil” had a spin-off with “Elektra” and “Ghost Rider:
Spirit of Vengeance” was released in 2012. Maybe DC is held to a
higher standard than Marvel?
There have been a ton of great Marvel films in the new millennium, but
even the not so good ones still got sequels. Marvel has made popcorn
movies while DC hasn’t any success lately save for Christopher Nolan’s
“The Dark Knight Trilogy.” A great deal of effort went into both
”Superman Returns” and “Watchmen” only for them to be meet with
lukewarm receptions. Then, DC movies like “Jonah Hex” and “Green
Lantern” were made to be fun popcorn movies like the ones done by
Marvel and feedback was still mixed. DC just can’t win unless The Dark
Knight is involved. It may be up to Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel” to
rescue not only the Superman series, but the entire DC film universe.
David
May 19, 2013, 8:13:37 AM5/19/13
to
>The only real problem I had with this movie is that it took TOO LONG to get
>to Superman - almost one third of the movie passed before we got to see him
>in costume.
"TMC" wrote in message
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�Superman: The Movie� (1978)
Serials had been produced for both Superman and Batman in the 1940s.
Then there was the �Adventures of Superman� TV series starring George
Reeves in the 1950s and the campy �Batman� series starring Adam West
in the 1960s. However, it was �Superman: The Movie,� directed by
of �The Twilight Zone,� and �The Omen,� a blockbuster horror movie.
Son of Krypton.� Krypton, Smallville, the Fortress of Solitude, and
�reboot� the franchise because the origin story has been revisited
many times.
Many great superhero films followed �Superman: The Movie,� showcasing
The Beatles in �A Hard Day�s Night� and �The Three Musketeers� for the
neutral. That�s show business. Creative differences happen all the
time. And as far as Brando goes, he wasn�t in �The Godfather, Part
II,� so is it really that big of a surprise that he wasn�t in
�Superman II�?
�Kneel before Zod!� The beginning of �Superman: The Movie� sets up its
Superman reversing the Earth�s orbit to turn back time. I think things
worked out for the best as a cliffhanger would�ve been an
why it is acceptable to me for Superman�s mother, played by Susannah
father�s. The romance doesn�t get too mushy and Margot Kidder appears
I believe that was the �look� in the late 1970s. Leading ladies
weren�t expected to be curvy.
The battles between Superman and the three villains were sufficiently
epic. I know that comic book aficionados take umbrage with the
additional telekinetic powers that Superman and the three villains
manifest in the third act. Even Peter Griffin on �Family Guy� asked
what was the deal with the giant cellophane �S� that Superman used as
participate in the re-shoots with Richard Lester. I won�t speculate on
the reasons why. There are a few accounts, but I�m staying neutral.
Richard Donner�s cut of �Superman II� was released in 2006 to coincide
with the release of Bryan Singer�s �Superman Returns.� Quite frankly,
I don�t find one version of �Superman II� to be better than the other.
They�re just different is all. Richard Lester has been accused of
adding far too much comic relief to his cut of �Superman II,�
something he is definitely guilty of when it comes to �Superman III,�
but there is humor in Richard Donner�s cut. When Lex Luthor and Miss
What the hell happened? Okay, here�s a very truncated backstory of
�Superman III�� Producer Iyla Salkind wrote a treatment which featured
about it. Warner Brothers apparently didn�t wish to make a film that
Johnny Carson� that he had enjoyed �Superman II� and would be eager to
She�s beautiful, engaging, and just as appreciative of Clark as she is
of Superman. O�Toole would go on to play Martha Kent on the TV series
�Smallville.� Robert Vaughn plays Ross Webster, a sort of Lex Luthor
wannabe. Okay, so the filmmakers claim that they didn�t want to repeat
themselves. That�s fine, so they had Lana Lang as the love interest
instead of Lois Lane, but if you�re not going to have Lex Luthor, then
in �Superman III� as a simpler explanation for Superman�s heel turn.
�Superman III� is universally referred to as �the one with Richard
Pryor.� I actually wouldn�t have a problem with Pryor in the cast if
he had been used right. If you�ve seen his performance in �Blue
Collar,� you know that he had range as an actor. Maybe he could�ve
was sufficiently sinister as Skeletor in �Masters of the Universe�
Bond flick �Diamonds Are Forever� where a reclusive millionaire turns
out to by Bond�s arch nemesis, Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Ross Webster
could�ve have been a recluse, whose early scenes are shot from behind.
years after the fact, but �Superman III� as it was could�ve been
would resurface in Mike Judge�s �Office Space.� �Superman III� is the
beginning of the end for the franchise. I�m second guessing the
that I can�t critique it in anyway. I only remember that Helen Slater
McClure seems to be the host. He�s made a career out of playing Jimmy
Olsen.
�Superman IV: The Quest for Peace� (1987)
favorite that doesn�t exactly stand the test of time. Low budget,
the movie. He�s a character that is unintentionally funnier than
anything that was suppose to be funny in �Superman III.� Who the hell
voice? Why couldn�t the clone have been Bizarro? That would have made
the most sense. I guess we can thank Nuclear Man for making �Superman
IV� one of those movies that�s so bad, it�s kind of good. Having said
that, I still won�t even try to explain how Mariel Hemingway�s
character didn�t suffocate in outer space.
Christopher Reeve did receive a story credit, but his Cold War nuclear
disarmament message was reduced to a subplot which merely setup the
creation of Nuclear Man. Since the intentions of this film were noble,
I have more respect for it than blatantly commercial superhero movies
like Joel Schumacher�s �Batman & Robin.� �Superman IV� was Christopher
Reeve�s swansong as the Man of Steel. He was able to flesh out every
do have high hopes for Henry Cavill in Zach Snyder�s �Man of Steel.�
It�s ironic that in the final scene of �Superman IV,� Superman says to
Lex Luthor, �See you in twenty,� because it would be nineteen years
tried to follow �Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,� but
Wolfgang Petersen was suppose to make a �Batman vs. Superman� film,
written by the same offender who dared to pen Joel Schumacher�s
�Batman & Robin,� Akiva Goldsman. I believe that both JJ Abrams and
second, �X2: X-Men United,� being one of the great superhero films in
my opinion. And that�s coming from someone who prefers DC to Marvel.
�Adventures of Superman� were given cameos. It�s obvious that Bryan
Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.� I guess if Bryan Singer
With the exception of one sequence where an airplane nearly crashes
into a baseball stadium, most of the film is sluggish. In a strange
way it reminds me of �Star Trek: The Motion Picture.� It wasn�t poorly
made, but it still couldn�t inspire audiences. Brandon Routh was a tad
I�m not sure if it was his fault though. Like I said, Bryan Singer
didn�t update the mythology. Gene Hackman played a mad scientist /
still a lot better than stuff like �Daredevil� and �Ghost Rider,�
however �Daredevil� had a spin-off with �Elektra� and �Ghost Rider:
Spirit of Vengeance� was released in 2012. Maybe DC is held to a
�The Dark Knight Trilogy.� A great deal of effort went into both
�Superman Returns� and �Watchmen� only for them to be meet with
lukewarm receptions. Then, DC movies like �Jonah Hex� and �Green
Lantern� were made to be fun popcorn movies like the ones done by
Marvel and feedback was still mixed. DC just can�t win unless The Dark
Knight is involved. It may be up to Zack Snyder�s �Man of Steel� to
>to Superman - almost one third of the movie passed before we got to see him
>in costume.
"TMC" wrote in message
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�Superman: The Movie� (1978)
Directed by Richard Donner
Starring Christopher Reeve as Superman / Clark Kent,
Marlon Brando as Jor-El,
Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor,
& Margot Kidder as Lois Lane
I debated whether or not to review the first film because my comments
would be so overwhelmingly positive, that it might make for a boring
read, but the article would be lacking without the original epic�
Starring Christopher Reeve as Superman / Clark Kent,
Marlon Brando as Jor-El,
Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor,
& Margot Kidder as Lois Lane
I debated whether or not to review the first film because my comments
would be so overwhelmingly positive, that it might make for a boring
Serials had been produced for both Superman and Batman in the 1940s.
Reeves in the 1950s and the campy �Batman� series starring Adam West
in the 1960s. However, it was �Superman: The Movie,� directed by
Richard Donner and released in 1978 that inspired the comic book film
adaptations that are now so immensely popular.
It was the father / son producing team of Alexander and Iyla Salkind
who licensed the film rights to the character from DC Comics. They get
a bad wrap because of the falling out they eventually had with Richard
Donner, but they deserve a great deal of credit as well. Bringing in
Mario Puzo, author of �The Godfather,� to pen the first draft of the
adaptations that are now so immensely popular.
It was the father / son producing team of Alexander and Iyla Salkind
who licensed the film rights to the character from DC Comics. They get
a bad wrap because of the falling out they eventually had with Richard
Donner, but they deserve a great deal of credit as well. Bringing in
screenplay and casting Academy Award winners Marlon Brando as Jor-El
and Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor legitimized the project. Guy Hamilton,
veteran of four James Bond films, was initially signed to direct, but
his income tax evasion troubles lead to him being replaced by Richard
Donner, who had directed �Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,� a classic episode
and Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor legitimized the project. Guy Hamilton,
veteran of four James Bond films, was initially signed to direct, but
his income tax evasion troubles lead to him being replaced by Richard
of �The Twilight Zone,� and �The Omen,� a blockbuster horror movie.
Donner then brought in screenwriter Tom Mankiewicz, another James Bond
veteran, to polish the script.
The success of film was predicated on the success of the actor chosen
to portray the iconic �Man of Steel.� The Salkinds evidently wanted an
veteran, to polish the script.
The success of film was predicated on the success of the actor chosen
established star like Paul Newman or Robert Redford. Sylvester
Stallone, who has just starred in �Rocky,� was also in the running,
but it has been said that Marlon Brando nixed the idea. Richard Donner
knew it was best to cast an unknown and choose Christopher Reeve. I
can�t say enough good things about Christopher Reeve and his
knew it was best to cast an unknown and choose Christopher Reeve. I
performance. It was almost like he walked out of the pages of Action
Comics # 1. He encompassed the valiant and selfless nature of Superman
as well as the everyman values of Clark Kent. When I was a nine years
old and went trick or treating costumed as Superman, I surely never
thought of myself as Dean Cain. In my mind I was only Christopher
Reeve. Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, I believe, represented the women of
the 1970s with her cocky and opinionated personality. She was also
able to be adoringly flustered in the presence of Superman.
A lot has been said over the years about Marlon Brando receiving top
billing for an extended cameo, but he added all the gravitas which was
required of him. I suppose you could label Gene Hackman�s performance
Comics # 1. He encompassed the valiant and selfless nature of Superman
as well as the everyman values of Clark Kent. When I was a nine years
old and went trick or treating costumed as Superman, I surely never
thought of myself as Dean Cain. In my mind I was only Christopher
Reeve. Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, I believe, represented the women of
the 1970s with her cocky and opinionated personality. She was also
able to be adoringly flustered in the presence of Superman.
A lot has been said over the years about Marlon Brando receiving top
billing for an extended cameo, but he added all the gravitas which was
as tongue-in-cheek, but he was pretentious enough and bit of a
narcissist, so he surely fit the bill even if he refused to appear
bald on camera until his final scene.
�Superman: The Movie� was the definitive origin story for the �Last
narcissist, so he surely fit the bill even if he refused to appear
bald on camera until his final scene.
Son of Krypton.� Krypton, Smallville, the Fortress of Solitude, and
Metropolis are aptly depicted. This is a story that includes science-
fiction, action, romance, and comedy. An epic in every sense of the
word with a great cast and celebrated score by renowned composer, John
Williams. That�s why I am personally leery of filmmakers attempting to
fiction, action, romance, and comedy. An epic in every sense of the
word with a great cast and celebrated score by renowned composer, John
�reboot� the franchise because the origin story has been revisited
many times.
Many great superhero films followed �Superman: The Movie,� showcasing
characters such as Batman, Spider-Man, Iron Man, and the X-Men. As of
late, film critics seem to only praise the darker, edgier comic book
adaptations, so it�s almost refreshing to look back and see Superman
late, film critics seem to only praise the darker, edgier comic book
saving a cute little kitten who was stuck in a tree. Sorry, but not
every superhero should be brooding and wallowing in self pity.
Superman is a rarity as a selfless character. Quentin Tarantino wrote
a monologue for �Kill Bill: Vol. 2� which I feel perfectly sums up the
every superhero should be brooding and wallowing in self pity.
Superman is a rarity as a selfless character. Quentin Tarantino wrote
differences between the Man of Steel and other comic book superheroes.
�Superman II� (1980)
Directed by Richard Lester
Starring Christopher Reeve as Superman / Clark Kent,
Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor,
Margot Kidder as Lois Lane,
& Terence Stamp as General Zod
Much talked about controversy surrounds the second installment of the
franchise as neither Richard Donner nor Marlon Brando returned.
Donner, having already shot most of the sequel during production of
�Superman: The Movie,� was replaced by Richard Lester, who directed
Starring Christopher Reeve as Superman / Clark Kent,
Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor,
Margot Kidder as Lois Lane,
& Terence Stamp as General Zod
Much talked about controversy surrounds the second installment of the
franchise as neither Richard Donner nor Marlon Brando returned.
Donner, having already shot most of the sequel during production of
The Beatles in �A Hard Day�s Night� and �The Three Musketeers� for the
Salkinds. There is a lot of finger pointing when it comes to the
falling out between Donner and the Salkinds, but I�ll try to remain
neutral. That�s show business. Creative differences happen all the
time. And as far as Brando goes, he wasn�t in �The Godfather, Part
II,� so is it really that big of a surprise that he wasn�t in
�Superman II�?
�Kneel before Zod!� The beginning of �Superman: The Movie� sets up its
sequel, which is an unique approach as sequels are usually setup at
the end of a film. The first movie was to have ended on a cliffhanger
before the filmmakers borrowed the intended end of �Superman II� with
the end of a film. The first movie was to have ended on a cliffhanger
Superman reversing the Earth�s orbit to turn back time. I think things
worked out for the best as a cliffhanger would�ve been an
unsatisfactory climax to the first film.
The three Kryptonian outcasts from The Phantom Zone� General Zod,
Ursa, and Non, make for some formidable adversaries. Zod is awesomely
pompous and Ursa is sexy in that evil chick kind of way. Non is just
there to be a brute, but every team needs a heavy hitter.
The romantic storyline between Lois and Clark comes full circle with
the Man of Steel relinquishes his superpowers in favor of love. That�s
pompous and Ursa is sexy in that evil chick kind of way. Non is just
there to be a brute, but every team needs a heavy hitter.
The romantic storyline between Lois and Clark comes full circle with
why it is acceptable to me for Superman�s mother, played by Susannah
York, to appear in the Fortress of Solitude as appose to Marlon Brando
as Jor-El. Superman is looking for relationship advice, so it is
logical that he seeks his mother�s wisdom instead of his stoic
as Jor-El. Superman is looking for relationship advice, so it is
father�s. The romance doesn�t get too mushy and Margot Kidder appears
more attractive to me in the sequel than she did in the original. She
was a little too skinny for my taste in �Superman: The Movie,� though
I believe that was the �look� in the late 1970s. Leading ladies
weren�t expected to be curvy.
The battles between Superman and the three villains were sufficiently
epic. I know that comic book aficionados take umbrage with the
additional telekinetic powers that Superman and the three villains
what was the deal with the giant cellophane �S� that Superman used as
a weapon? But the producers claim on the DVD commentary that DC Comics
approved of everything. I guess Lex Luthor was short changed a bit as
he had to play second fiddle to the Kryptonian outcasts. All of Gene
Hackman�s scenes were shot by Richard Donner and Hackman didn�t
approved of everything. I guess Lex Luthor was short changed a bit as
he had to play second fiddle to the Kryptonian outcasts. All of Gene
participate in the re-shoots with Richard Lester. I won�t speculate on
the reasons why. There are a few accounts, but I�m staying neutral.
Richard Donner�s cut of �Superman II� was released in 2006 to coincide
with the release of Bryan Singer�s �Superman Returns.� Quite frankly,
I don�t find one version of �Superman II� to be better than the other.
They�re just different is all. Richard Lester has been accused of
adding far too much comic relief to his cut of �Superman II,�
something he is definitely guilty of when it comes to �Superman III,�
but there is humor in Richard Donner�s cut. When Lex Luthor and Miss
Tessmacher discover the Fortress of Solitude, Tessmacher goes in
search of a bathroom and Lex hears a toilet flushing a minute later.
There�s a toilet in the Fortress of Solitude? Okay, so Superman has to
search of a bathroom and Lex hears a toilet flushing a minute later.
use the bathroom too, but did the audience really need to hear the
toilet flushing? That was just as unfunny to me as all the lame jokes
in �Superman III.� Nevertheless, �Superman II� in any form is one of
toilet flushing? That was just as unfunny to me as all the lame jokes
the rare sequels that lives up to its predecessor.
�Superman III� (1983)
Directed by Richard Lester
Starring Christopher Reeve as Superman / Clark Kent,
Richard Pryor as Gus Gorman,
& Annette O�Toole as Lana Lang
Starring Christopher Reeve as Superman / Clark Kent,
Richard Pryor as Gus Gorman,
What the hell happened? Okay, here�s a very truncated backstory of
�Superman III�� Producer Iyla Salkind wrote a treatment which featured
Brainiac, Mr. Mxyzptlk, and Supergirl. This treatment is available
online, but I�ve not read it because I haven�t heard many good things
about it. Warner Brothers apparently didn�t wish to make a film that
incorporated so much comic book source material. Richard Pryor,
legendary standup comic, then declared on �The Tonight Show with
Johnny Carson� that he had enjoyed �Superman II� and would be eager to
appear in the next Superman film. The die was cast.
The filmmakers incorporated many comedic elements into �Superman III.�
The opening credits roll as a slapstick routine unfolds in the streets
of Metropolis. Richard Pryor as inept computer programmer Gus Gorman
gets drunk while wearing a giant cowboy hat. Later, he accidentally
skies off of a skyscraper. During the film�s climax, the villains
of Metropolis. Richard Pryor as inept computer programmer Gus Gorman
gets drunk while wearing a giant cowboy hat. Later, he accidentally
capture Superman in some sort of giant balloon that will deprive him
of air. Doesn�t Superman fly in outer space? Obviously he can hold his
breath for quite a long time. One of female villains even turns into a
robot of some kind.
Believe it or not, there is stuff to like about this movie. There are
two excellent action sequences. First, Superman puts out a fire at a
chemical plant. Later, the two halves of his personality, Superman and
Clark Kent, battle each other in a junk yard. The pilgrimage back to
Smallville and reunion with Lana Lang is the heart of the story.
Annette O�Toole as Lana Lang is by far the best addition to the cast.
robot of some kind.
Believe it or not, there is stuff to like about this movie. There are
two excellent action sequences. First, Superman puts out a fire at a
chemical plant. Later, the two halves of his personality, Superman and
Clark Kent, battle each other in a junk yard. The pilgrimage back to
Smallville and reunion with Lana Lang is the heart of the story.
She�s beautiful, engaging, and just as appreciative of Clark as she is
of Superman. O�Toole would go on to play Martha Kent on the TV series
�Smallville.� Robert Vaughn plays Ross Webster, a sort of Lex Luthor
wannabe. Okay, so the filmmakers claim that they didn�t want to repeat
themselves. That�s fine, so they had Lana Lang as the love interest
instead of Lois Lane, but if you�re not going to have Lex Luthor, then
have a completely different type of villain.
Christopher Reeve is superb once again. This time he gets the chance
to portray an evil version of Superman after Gus Gorman infects the
�Man of Steel� with a synthetic Kryptonite that is laced with tar. I
Christopher Reeve is superb once again. This time he gets the chance
to portray an evil version of Superman after Gus Gorman infects the
believe in the comic books that it is Red Kryptonite which alters
Superman�s personality, so I don�t know why Red Kryptonite wasn�t used
in �Superman III� as a simpler explanation for Superman�s heel turn.
�Superman III� is universally referred to as �the one with Richard
Pryor.� I actually wouldn�t have a problem with Pryor in the cast if
he had been used right. If you�ve seen his performance in �Blue
Collar,� you know that he had range as an actor. Maybe he could�ve
played Mr. Mxyzptlk? That may sound like strange casting as Dudley
Moore was rumored for the part, but bare with me. On the DVD
commentary, Iyla Salkind says that he wanted Frank Langella for Ross
Webster. Langella could�ve also been a good choice for Brainiac. He
Moore was rumored for the part, but bare with me. On the DVD
commentary, Iyla Salkind says that he wanted Frank Langella for Ross
was sufficiently sinister as Skeletor in �Masters of the Universe�
four years later and was able to act through the prosthetic makeup.
So, Langella as Brainiac teaming up with Pryor as Mr. Mxyzptlk to
destroy Superman. Or, you could �borrow� a plot device from the James
So, Langella as Brainiac teaming up with Pryor as Mr. Mxyzptlk to
Bond flick �Diamonds Are Forever� where a reclusive millionaire turns
out to by Bond�s arch nemesis, Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Ross Webster
could�ve have been a recluse, whose early scenes are shot from behind.
When the mid point of the screenplay is reached, Webster then removes
a toupee to reveal his bald scalp, so the audience knows that it was
really Lex Luthor in disguise the whole time.
Yes, it�s easy for me to rewrite the script and recast the actors many
a toupee to reveal his bald scalp, so the audience knows that it was
really Lex Luthor in disguise the whole time.
years after the fact, but �Superman III� as it was could�ve been
salvaged during post-production if those intended to be comedic
elements mentioned above were nixed and re-shoots gave the Gus Gorman
character a better introduction. For example, there is bank robber
being chased by the police in the middle of slapstick opening. Gus
Gorman could be walking down the street, reading the want-ads, so one
know he�s in a financial jam as appose to the long scene at the
elements mentioned above were nixed and re-shoots gave the Gus Gorman
character a better introduction. For example, there is bank robber
being chased by the police in the middle of slapstick opening. Gus
Gorman could be walking down the street, reading the want-ads, so one
unemployment office. The bank robber takes Gus hostage, there is a
stand off with the police, and Superman saves Gus after having already
saved the man drowning in his car. Gus would then be indebted to
Superman, making him all the more conflicted when he must appose
Superman later in the movie.
The saving graces of this film are the performances of Christopher
Reeve and Annette O�Toole. Also, Richard Pryor�s embezzlement scheme
stand off with the police, and Superman saves Gus after having already
saved the man drowning in his car. Gus would then be indebted to
Superman, making him all the more conflicted when he must appose
Superman later in the movie.
The saving graces of this film are the performances of Christopher
would resurface in Mike Judge�s �Office Space.� �Superman III� is the
beginning of the end for the franchise. I�m second guessing the
filmmakers, but no one knows for sure what would have happened if the
original treatment had been developed further. Evidently, there would
have been some incestuous overtones between Superman and Supergirl.
That alone may have killed the franchise even quicker.
Speaking of �Supergirl,� it�s been so long since I�ve seen that movie
original treatment had been developed further. Evidently, there would
have been some incestuous overtones between Superman and Supergirl.
That alone may have killed the franchise even quicker.
that I can�t critique it in anyway. I only remember that Helen Slater
was cute and Christopher Reeve did not make a cameo. Supergirl
admiring a poster of her Kryptonian cousin was probably the moment I
enjoyed most as a young lad. Though, Marc McClure was happy to appear
as Jimmy Olsen. Almost every time there�s a Superman marathon on TV,
admiring a poster of her Kryptonian cousin was probably the moment I
enjoyed most as a young lad. Though, Marc McClure was happy to appear
McClure seems to be the host. He�s made a career out of playing Jimmy
Olsen.
�Superman IV: The Quest for Peace� (1987)
Directed by Sidney J. Furie
Starring Christopher Reeve as Superman / Clark Kent,
Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor,
Margot Kidder as Lois Lane,
& Mark Pillow as Nuclear Man
�Superman IV� was the first Superman movie which I saw as a kid, so
Starring Christopher Reeve as Superman / Clark Kent,
Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor,
Margot Kidder as Lois Lane,
& Mark Pillow as Nuclear Man
there is always a sense of nostalgia when I view this particular film.
When you�re in kindergarten, you don�t realize that the special
effects are terrible and that the third act makes no sense due to
major cuts done in the editing process. It�s just a good guy in tights
and a cape vs. a bad guy in tights and a cape. That was more than
enough to satiate me at the time. Now I cringe at wires showing,
dreadful blue screen shots, and inane lines of dialogue.
The Salkinds sold the film rights to Canon Films. Canon was infamous
for low budget exploitation movies starring the likes Charles Bronson,
Chuck Norris, and Jean-Claude Van Damme. 1987 was the year that they
futilely tried to expand into special effects oriented blockbusters
like �Superman IV� and �Masters of the Universe,� another childhood
enough to satiate me at the time. Now I cringe at wires showing,
dreadful blue screen shots, and inane lines of dialogue.
The Salkinds sold the film rights to Canon Films. Canon was infamous
for low budget exploitation movies starring the likes Charles Bronson,
Chuck Norris, and Jean-Claude Van Damme. 1987 was the year that they
futilely tried to expand into special effects oriented blockbusters
favorite that doesn�t exactly stand the test of time. Low budget,
special effect driven films, that only appeal to children? No wonder
this company eventually folded.
Christopher Reeve is as solid as he was throughout the entire series.
Gene Hackman makes a welcome return as the greatest criminal mind of
the modern era. Same can be said for Margot Kidder, who only had a
cameo in �Superman III.� Nuclear Man is actually my favorite aspect of
this company eventually folded.
Christopher Reeve is as solid as he was throughout the entire series.
Gene Hackman makes a welcome return as the greatest criminal mind of
the modern era. Same can be said for Margot Kidder, who only had a
the movie. He�s a character that is unintentionally funnier than
anything that was suppose to be funny in �Superman III.� Who the hell
is Mark Pillow? Was he an actor? Was he a male model? Either way, he
was dubbed by Gene Hackman and roared a lot. Why did a solar powered
clone of Superman come out looking like an aerobics instructor with a
perfect 1980s, Patrick Swayze �Road House� quaff, and Lex Luthor�s
was dubbed by Gene Hackman and roared a lot. Why did a solar powered
clone of Superman come out looking like an aerobics instructor with a
voice? Why couldn�t the clone have been Bizarro? That would have made
the most sense. I guess we can thank Nuclear Man for making �Superman
IV� one of those movies that�s so bad, it�s kind of good. Having said
that, I still won�t even try to explain how Mariel Hemingway�s
character didn�t suffocate in outer space.
Christopher Reeve did receive a story credit, but his Cold War nuclear
disarmament message was reduced to a subplot which merely setup the
creation of Nuclear Man. Since the intentions of this film were noble,
I have more respect for it than blatantly commercial superhero movies
Reeve�s swansong as the Man of Steel. He was able to flesh out every
facet of the Superman character over the course of the four films. As
bad as the sequels became, he always rose above the material. He
successfully portrayed the Man of Steel, the mild mannered Clark Kent,
Kal-El the Last Son of Krypton, and even an evil Red Kryptonite
version of Superman in �Superman III.� A tough act to follow and in my
bad as the sequels became, he always rose above the material. He
successfully portrayed the Man of Steel, the mild mannered Clark Kent,
Kal-El the Last Son of Krypton, and even an evil Red Kryptonite
humble opinion, Dean Cain, Tom Welling, and Brandon Routh were not
able to measure up to Christopher Reeve.
It�s not that I�m partial to Reeve and won�t give others a chance. I
able to measure up to Christopher Reeve.
do have high hopes for Henry Cavill in Zach Snyder�s �Man of Steel.�
It�s ironic that in the final scene of �Superman IV,� Superman says to
Lex Luthor, �See you in twenty,� because it would be nineteen years
before these characters would return to the big screen.
�Superman Returns� (2006)
Directed by Bryan Singer
Starring Brandon Routh as Superman / Clark Kent,
Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor,
& Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane
Superman fans such as myself had waited a long time for this film. The
1990s belonged solely to the Batman franchise. As a young lad, I
viewed only an episode or two of the syndicated �Superboy� series. I
Starring Brandon Routh as Superman / Clark Kent,
Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor,
& Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane
Superman fans such as myself had waited a long time for this film. The
1990s belonged solely to the Batman franchise. As a young lad, I
tried to follow �Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,� but
that was a cheesy romantic comedy which just so happened to have a
superhero as its leading man. I then tried following �Smallville,� but
that was another in a long line of WB teen soap operas. It had many
good qualities in all fairness, but still reeked of a �Dawson�s Creek�
vibe at times. Kevin Smith wrote a Superman screenplay that was never
produced. Tim Burton was to direct �Superman Lives� with Nicholas Cage
as the Last Son of Krypton. Brett Ratner had allegedly been signed to
make a Superman trilogy. I even heard Sir Anthony Hopkins state on
�Late Night with Conan O�Brien� that he was cast as Jor-El. Then,
make a Superman trilogy. I even heard Sir Anthony Hopkins state on
Wolfgang Petersen was suppose to make a �Batman vs. Superman� film,
written by the same offender who dared to pen Joel Schumacher�s
�Batman & Robin,� Akiva Goldsman. I believe that both JJ Abrams and
McG were attached to these projects at various points, but none of
this came to fruition.
Bryan Singer finally came on board as director. This excited fanboys
as he had helmed the first two highly successfully �X-Men� films. The
this came to fruition.
Bryan Singer finally came on board as director. This excited fanboys
second, �X2: X-Men United,� being one of the great superhero films in
my opinion. And that�s coming from someone who prefers DC to Marvel.
What had me most intrigued was that this would not be a reboot like
�Batman Begins� and �Casino Royale,� it would be a continuation of the
Christopher Reeve films! Or at least the first two which had Richard
Donner involved. Sadly, the world wanted to forget all about Gus
Gorman and Nuclear Man. There would even be footage of the late Marlon
Brando used to resurrect Jor-EL.
Brandon Routh, a basically unknown soap opera actor with a physical
resemblance to Christopher Reeve was cast as the Man of Steel, Kate
Bosworth as Lois Lane, and Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor. Frank Langella,
who I wished had played Brainiac back in the 1980s, was cast as Perry
White. Noel Neil and Jack Larson from the 1950s George Reeves�
Donner involved. Sadly, the world wanted to forget all about Gus
Gorman and Nuclear Man. There would even be footage of the late Marlon
Brando used to resurrect Jor-EL.
Brandon Routh, a basically unknown soap opera actor with a physical
resemblance to Christopher Reeve was cast as the Man of Steel, Kate
Bosworth as Lois Lane, and Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor. Frank Langella,
who I wished had played Brainiac back in the 1980s, was cast as Perry
�Adventures of Superman� were given cameos. It�s obvious that Bryan
Singer is a big fan of Superman, who wanted to pay tribute to the
history of the character. Ultimately, that turned out to be the
problem with the film. Not much new was added to the mythology. It was
more like a �retread� than a �return.� The only thing new added to the
history of the character. Ultimately, that turned out to be the
problem with the film. Not much new was added to the mythology. It was
story was the child of Superman and Lois Lane. I hate meeting the
children of iconic heroes. I�m talking to you Shia LeBeouf in �Indiana
Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.� I guess if Bryan Singer
had continued to make Superman films, the son of Superman would have
become a Superboy type character, but we�ll never know.
With the exception of one sequence where an airplane nearly crashes
into a baseball stadium, most of the film is sluggish. In a strange
made, but it still couldn�t inspire audiences. Brandon Routh was a tad
wooden, but he showed some potential. Unfortunately for him, he is now
to Superman what George Lazenby is to James Bond. An actor with a
dubious distinction of having a short lived run as an iconic hero.
Kate Bosworth just didn�t work for me as Lois Lane. I didn�t find her
to Superman what George Lazenby is to James Bond. An actor with a
dubious distinction of having a short lived run as an iconic hero.
interesting at all. She is probably the biggest misfire ever in that
role. I was also disappointed in Kevin Spacey�s take on Lex Luthor.
I�m not sure if it was his fault though. Like I said, Bryan Singer
didn�t update the mythology. Gene Hackman played a mad scientist /
evil genius Lex Luthor in the 1970s. The Lex of the comics
transitioned into a corrupt business man in the 1980s and again into a
corrupt politician in the new millennium. It was now time to update
Lex on the big screen. Kevin Spacey�s Lex Luthor should have used the
transitioned into a corrupt business man in the 1980s and again into a
corrupt politician in the new millennium. It was now time to update
money he swindled from the elderly widow to form LexCorp.
The time gap between films was explained by having Superman on a
galactic quest for other Kryptonian survivors. A good plot device, but
Superman came up empty. What about Supergirl and Argo City? Again,
Bryan Singer seemed to be fan of everything Superman BUT the comic
books. I�m not a comic book fanatic, but I would still like to see
The time gap between films was explained by having Superman on a
galactic quest for other Kryptonian survivors. A good plot device, but
Superman came up empty. What about Supergirl and Argo City? Again,
Bryan Singer seemed to be fan of everything Superman BUT the comic
characters like Brainiac, Bizarro, Metallo, and Doomsday on the big
screen.
After the release of �Superman Returns,� there was a lot of griping
screen.
about the lack of action in the film. I had a feeling that there
wouldn�t be a sequel despite some good reviews and decent box office
returns. Audiences left the theaters disappointed. So the film that
was meant to resurrect the 1978 film series turned out to be the final
nail in its coffin. It�s ironic because I think �Superman Returns� was
was meant to resurrect the 1978 film series turned out to be the final
still a lot better than stuff like �Daredevil� and �Ghost Rider,�
however �Daredevil� had a spin-off with �Elektra� and �Ghost Rider:
Spirit of Vengeance� was released in 2012. Maybe DC is held to a
higher standard than Marvel?
There have been a ton of great Marvel films in the new millennium, but
even the not so good ones still got sequels. Marvel has made popcorn
movies while DC hasn�t any success lately save for Christopher Nolan�s
There have been a ton of great Marvel films in the new millennium, but
even the not so good ones still got sequels. Marvel has made popcorn
�The Dark Knight Trilogy.� A great deal of effort went into both
�Superman Returns� and �Watchmen� only for them to be meet with
lukewarm receptions. Then, DC movies like �Jonah Hex� and �Green
Lantern� were made to be fun popcorn movies like the ones done by
Marvel and feedback was still mixed. DC just can�t win unless The Dark
Knight is involved. It may be up to Zack Snyder�s �Man of Steel� to
Bill Steele
May 20, 2013, 12:51:42 PM5/20/13
to
In article
<fbb49862-6dfe-4801...@a10g2000pbr.googlegroups.com>,
TMC <tmc...@gmail.com> wrote:
> http://domcappelloblog.wordpress.com/2013/05/18/superman-sequels/
I find myself agreeing with most of this, especially the praise for
Christopher Reeve -- and not just because he went to Cornell.
One thing missing from the analysis is that Superman Returns was
essentially a remake of Superman I: Superman suddenly appears in
Metropolis, saves Lois from an aircraft-related disaster (I can't recall
for sure, but I think they even echoed the "air travel is safe" line),
he goes to her apartment and they fly together, and Luthor has a plot
involving real estate. The only thing missing was Miss Teschmacher and
the only thing new was the kid.
I'm showing my age, but I still flinch at "Lex Luthor." He was much more
sinister as a one-name character.
<fbb49862-6dfe-4801...@a10g2000pbr.googlegroups.com>,
TMC <tmc...@gmail.com> wrote:
> http://domcappelloblog.wordpress.com/2013/05/18/superman-sequels/
I find myself agreeing with most of this, especially the praise for
Christopher Reeve -- and not just because he went to Cornell.
One thing missing from the analysis is that Superman Returns was
essentially a remake of Superman I: Superman suddenly appears in
Metropolis, saves Lois from an aircraft-related disaster (I can't recall
for sure, but I think they even echoed the "air travel is safe" line),
he goes to her apartment and they fly together, and Luthor has a plot
involving real estate. The only thing missing was Miss Teschmacher and
the only thing new was the kid.
I'm showing my age, but I still flinch at "Lex Luthor." He was much more
sinister as a one-name character.
Howard Brazee
May 20, 2013, 7:46:45 PM5/20/13
to
On Mon, 20 May 2013 12:51:42 -0400, Bill Steele <ws...@cornel.edu>
wrote:
>I'm showing my age, but I still flinch at "Lex Luthor." He was much more
>sinister as a one-name character.
What name?
--
Anybody who agrees with one side all of the time or disagrees with the
other side all of the time is equally guilty of letting others do
their thinking for them.
wrote:
>I'm showing my age, but I still flinch at "Lex Luthor." He was much more
>sinister as a one-name character.
--
Anybody who agrees with one side all of the time or disagrees with the
other side all of the time is equally guilty of letting others do
their thinking for them.
Super-Menace
May 20, 2013, 11:44:29 PM5/20/13
to
In article <vedlp8taadhoc0gkf...@4ax.com>, Howard Brazee
for the flashback story in which Superboy meets Luthor for the first
time (Adventure 271, April 1960). A little later, his full given name
was said to be Alexis. Later still, he was named Alexander.
This was my first issue of Adventure, and so it was my introduction to
Superboy. The Luthor story ends with the statement that "As we all
know, Luthor grew up to become Superman's arch-enemy, and one of the
most dastardly criminals in the history of crime!" Well, I didn't
know that (I'd just begun reading Superman, too), and I still remember
feeling left out. BTW I also remember being disappointed when I
discovered that Superboy was a younger Superman, and not a separate
character. (I guess I was decades ahead of my time.) The only
knowledge I had of Superman was from the TV show, which I'd been
watching for several years, and of course there was no sign of either
Superboy or Luthor in it.
<how...@brazee.net> wrote:
> On Mon, 20 May 2013 12:51:42 -0400, Bill Steele <ws...@cornel.edu>
> wrote:
>
> >I'm showing my age, but I still flinch at "Lex Luthor." He was much more
> >sinister as a one-name character.
>
> What name?
He was known only as Luthor until 1960, when they needed a first name
> On Mon, 20 May 2013 12:51:42 -0400, Bill Steele <ws...@cornel.edu>
> wrote:
>
> >I'm showing my age, but I still flinch at "Lex Luthor." He was much more
> >sinister as a one-name character.
>
> What name?
for the flashback story in which Superboy meets Luthor for the first
time (Adventure 271, April 1960). A little later, his full given name
was said to be Alexis. Later still, he was named Alexander.
This was my first issue of Adventure, and so it was my introduction to
Superboy. The Luthor story ends with the statement that "As we all
know, Luthor grew up to become Superman's arch-enemy, and one of the
most dastardly criminals in the history of crime!" Well, I didn't
know that (I'd just begun reading Superman, too), and I still remember
feeling left out. BTW I also remember being disappointed when I
discovered that Superboy was a younger Superman, and not a separate
character. (I guess I was decades ahead of my time.) The only
knowledge I had of Superman was from the TV show, which I'd been
watching for several years, and of course there was no sign of either
Superboy or Luthor in it.
Bill Steele
May 21, 2013, 1:01:11 PM5/21/13
to
In article <200520132344293954%fort...@arctic.com.invalid>,
And back then he was a mad scientist, rather than a business mogul. Of
course, fashions in supervillains have changed.
From somewhere around that time I recall a panel in which Clark was
musing over the fact that many of the people in his life had double-L
names. Sort of a breaking of the fourth wall, I think. That may be why
they decided to use Lex.
All in the tradition of alliterative names for comic characters so
extensively advanced by Marvel.
course, fashions in supervillains have changed.
From somewhere around that time I recall a panel in which Clark was
musing over the fact that many of the people in his life had double-L
names. Sort of a breaking of the fourth wall, I think. That may be why
they decided to use Lex.
All in the tradition of alliterative names for comic characters so
extensively advanced by Marvel.
Super-Menace
May 21, 2013, 4:08:30 PM5/21/13
to
In article <ws21-7ECF8C.1...@70-3-168-216.pools.spcsdns.net>,
Oh, absolutely. The LL thing was kind of a joke even back then. Even
today, Jon Stewart will occasionally identify a newsmaker with those
initials as, for example, "former Hawaii governor and potential
Superman girlfriend Linda Lingle."
today, Jon Stewart will occasionally identify a newsmaker with those
initials as, for example, "former Hawaii governor and potential
Superman girlfriend Linda Lingle."
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