Superman
Even after a rebooted version, the original still rises as the best of all.
When Lois Lane’s helicopter is about to fall from the rooftop of the Daily Planet’s building, Clark Kent runs through a revolving door and comes out as Superman for the first time.
By the moment he soars and saves her with one hand, while he holds the helicopter with another, we are no longer sitting on our chair, but jumping all over the room trying to contain our enthusiasm. John Williams's brilliant soundtrack, of course, has much to do with it.
Richard Donner’s Superman, from 1978, still rises as the best adaptation of the character to the screens. At that time, Superman comic books still had a certain naiveness and that is exactly where the screenwriters stepped in to show a magnificent work.
Mario Puzo, David Newman, Leslie Newman and Robert Benton gave to the story an extreme realistic covering, and that made all the difference. Even Lex Luthor, wonderfully played by Gene Hackman, has such credibility that he manages to steal all the scenes in which he appears.
Not to mention Christopher Reeve as Superman. An unknown actor then, Reeve was so perfect as the last son of Krypton that he will be forever remembered for his role. Especially after his tragic accident that proved he could be a Superman, both on and off the screen.
This classic Superman movie had three sequels, all available through a DVD box, a must-have item for your collection. The second movie, even though not as good as the first, is still entertaining, showing Superman fighting against Kryptonian criminals who have the same powers as the hero.
The third one has the delightful presence of Richard Pryor and is also pretty good. The subject is interesting, showing Superman giving up his role as earth’s saviour to live a peaceful life at Lois Lane's side.
The fourth is the problem. Even though Christopher Reeve created the story of a nuclear man spawned by Lex Luthor, the movie fails to thrill as much as its predecessors.
Too bad the recent version wasn’t more than just a reheating of the first film’s best moments, Superman deserves a new film with updated special effects. Kevin Spacey’s Luthor is ridiculous if compared to Gene Hackman’s.
Those who just saw Brian Singer’s film must watch the original. You’ll discover some moments and jokes which were embarrassingly copied from the 1978 version.
Even with the special effects being pretty crude compared to nowadays, when Superman soars for the first time, it will be hard for you to remain seated.
Written by: Edward Olivier
Reviewers Rating: 9
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Added: 22-May-2007
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