My Review of Superman (1978)

        With Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice being released this weekend I thought I would review what I think is both the best Batman stand-alone film and the best Superman stand-alone film. Next on deck is by far the best Superman film of all-time... Superman (1978). So without further ado...







        Just before the destruction of the planet Krypton, scientist Jor-El (played by Marlon Brando) sends his infant son Kal-El on a spaceship to Earth. Raised by kindly farmers Jonathan (played by Glenn Ford) and Martha Kent (played by Phyllis Thaxter), young Clark (played by Christopher Reeve) discovers the source of his superhuman powers and moves to Metropolis to fight evil. As Superman, he battles the villainous Lex Luthor (played by Gene Hackman), while, as novice reporter Clark Kent, he attempts to woo co-worker Lois Lane (played by Margot Kidder).

        This film is pretty brilliant. If it wasn't for this film, then comic book films would never have gotten made as this is the first true comic book film so the genre owes a lot to this film. Superman is a character that is pretty difficult to do because he is so powerful that it's hard to find anything to challenge him, but give credit to director Richard Donner who did an outstanding job of making this film feel realistic, but also making a fun film. Christopher Reeve is perfect as Clark Kent/Superman as he makes the character feel like the overgrown boy scout he is. In any great superhero film you have to have a great villain and Gene Hackman is that as he gives a terrific performance as Lex Luthor and really captures the diabolical side of the character from the comics. The film has some pretty great visuals especially for the 1970's and they really make the film standout. There are a lot of campy moments in the film that just don't work and it makes the whole film look dopey. The plot of the film is really nothing that stands out as great, but it's simple enough for everyone to follow along and not get overwhelmed with information. Overall this is the perfect for the time it was released and while it has campy moments that make you cringe, it's a film that did a great job of establishing an iconic character. I give Superman (1978) a 9 out of 10.

        So ladies and gentlemen what did you think of Superman (1978), what would you rate it, are you excited for Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and what did you think of my review? Let me know in the comments section below and let your voice be heard.

                                                                                                                           Jonah Sparks