Superman (1978) Movie Review

Synopsis:

In his adult years, Kal-El is Clark Kent (Christopher Reeve), a mild-mannered reporter at the Daily Planet. Clark must become Superman to stop the scheming Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) from taking over the world.

Review:

Superman made his first-ever appearance in Action Comics #1 (June 1938). Since then, he has inspired many audiences.

40 years later, director Richard Donner released his version of the Man of Steel to the world.

For context, Richard Donner also directed the acclaimed buddy-cop film Lethal Weapon that same year.

With that under his belt, Donner used his filmmaking techniques to bring Superman to life. For the most part, Donner succeeds.

Outside of some dated effects and a by-the-numbers plot, Superman is a fun watch for fans of the character.

Christopher Reeve is the film’s jewel, showcasing to many why he is the ideal Superman.

Evoking the character’s classic look from the 1930s, Reeve portrays the hero with grace and charm.

These come across in his scenes with Margot Kidder’s Lois Lane. Both display good chemistry on screen, even if their scenes together are brief.

Fans of Superman may also appreciate how Christopher Reeve portrays his alter egos. As Clark Kent, Reeve bumbles around with nervous energy.

In contrast, Reeve’s Superman exhibits a confident persona. For fans of Superman from the comics, there is no denying Reeve’s fit for the character.

Joining Reeve is veteran actor Gene Hackman. For context, he portrays the cunning business tycoon Lex Luthor. In each scene, Hackman has fun with his dialogue.

This energetic performance from Gene goes well in contrast to Reeve’s sterner approach to Superman.

Though the plot surrounding Luthor is not that interesting, Hackman and Reeve make do with what they have.

Superman can also stumble with its pacing at times during the first half. For context, the film starts on Kal-El’s home planet, Krypton.

It is in this scene that the film introduces Kal’s father, Jor-El (Marlon Brando), to the audience. Other than delivering exposition, Brando has a limited purpose.

This also happens when teenage Kal-El (Jeff East) visits the Fortress of Solitude.

In this scene, Brando amounts to little more than a talking head. For an actor of his stature, certain fans may express disappointment.

This film’s practical effects can also stumble during its first half. Take when Kal runs alongside a locomotive, for example.

As soon as Kal starts running, it is obvious that actor Jeff East is being pulled by wires.

For its time, this scene may have created the illusion of speed. As a scene many years later, it fails to hold up as well.

In other areas, Superman’s practical effects hold up well. Take, during the film’s climax, when the Hoover Dam and Golden Gate Bridge start falling apart.

Donner’s use of miniatures for each structure shows the director’s creative side. While it may appear a little obvious at times, their sense of scale remains.

Furthermore, Donner filmed most of Superman’s flight scenes at night. This allowed him to hide most of the wirework that pulled Christopher Reeve around.

Though the wirework may be obvious, Donner films each scene with care. From a visual standpoint, this film has many highlights that take place at night.

As an example, Donner uses green to display the city’s street lights and skyscrapers.

This allows them to stand out more amidst the black sky.

As a whole, most of Superman’s visuals are good. This happens to include most of its practical effects.

Accompanying each of these sequences is John Williams’s iconic score.

His main theme alone inspires hope and the belief that anyone can take to the skies. Take the score’s use during the film’s title sequence.

Williams’s horns give the music a sense of power, while his use of piano puts audiences at ease.

While most of Williams’ other music in the film can’t match his main theme, it remains catchy even today.

Conclusion:

To conclude, Superman is a film that audiences of the character should be more than happy with. Take Christopher Reeve’s Superman as an example.

Reeve can convey a sense of confidence and charm as the character that few have matched since.

His brief scenes with Margot Kidder’s Lois Lane are a good example of this.

Both play off each other well and have good chemistry. Other actors, such as Gene Hackman, also get to have fun.

In every scene, Gene appears to have enjoyed his time on screen. While the plot surrounding him may be outlandish, it fits the characters’ nature.

Other actors, such as Marlon Brando, have very little to do. As a whole, Brando’s performance as Jor-El is competent.

Despite this, all he does is give exposition. This may disappoint some fans of the actor. Otherwise, the rest of the film’s performances are good.

This film’s practical effects, outside of a few scenes, hold up well. Richard Donner’s visuals also complement Superman’s flight sequences at night.

As expected, John Williams’s score for Superman is a standout.

Williams conveys pure heroism with his main theme. With that, it is a theme that will resonate for years to come.

Superman’s main flaws are some of its outdated practical effects, pacing, and the use of Marlon Brando.

Despite that, Superman fans should enjoy watching the Man of Steel soar.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 7/10

Story - 7/10

Practical effects - 7.5/10

Visuals - 7/10

Soundtrack - 8/10

Overall score: 7.3 out of 10