Superman I (1978)

Superman I (1978)

7/10

Starring

Marlon Brando

Gene Hackman

Christopher Reeves

Directed by Richard Donner

For me, here is where it all started, when Christopher Reeves bore the famous “S” sign on his chest flying around being a goody goody and kicking the ass of Lex Luther.

With the bad reviews that plagued the new addition to the Superman franchise Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), the urge to see Christopher Reeves perform in this Richard Donner masterpiece was high and I have finally succumbed to it.

Reeves wasn’t the first actor to bore the red cape with a S on his chest, but he is the most memorable (maybe because of my age), he was also not well known by the time of the release. The movie cost a total of $55 million to make, making it the most expensive film at that time. Out of that huge sum, Marlon Brando who played Jor-El took home $3.7 million and part of the movie profits and Gene Hackman took home $2 million, but little known Reeves was paid $250,000.

Most of the budget went into the special effects which was high class then and can be overlooked if you are seeing this movie now, as the story draws you in and is captivating enough to keep you watching after you have gotten over the 45 minutes kinda dull intro.

The movie production ran for 19 months and both Superman I and Superman II were shot back to back although Donner didn’t direct the second part.

Worth noting in this movie is the life Christopher Reeves brought into this character his portrayal of Superman is memorable and can be classified as the best amongst those who played Superman before him and after him.

This Richard Donner (Lethal Weapon 1 – 4) Superman is one of the best adaptation I have seen and if you have not seen it, then you are missing out.

The movie starts with life on Krypton, where we see Jor-El send some criminals away because of their crime. Then we see Jor-El warn the council about the upcoming demise of Krypton, which he was ignored and he sent his son to Earth to be saved.

He was raised by the Kents as a young man who has the ability to fly, stronger than everyone on earth and his skin is impenetrable. He grew up to be a news reporter working at the daily planet, and living a secret life as Superman. Now all this we know.

In this film, Lex as usual is plotting to destroy the world, but the presence of this Superman came as a challenge he was ready to face. He decided to investigate Superman existence, using details he got from an interview Superman had with Lois Lane and he discovered Kryptonite which he intends to use to keep Superman down while he goes on his plan.

Here is an awesome movie being both a critical and commercial success, kicking off Christopher Reeves career and making over $300 million in the box office, and worth seeing again.

Here is another one for the archives.