Superman

 

Superman 1978

• Director: Richard Donner
• Seen by this director: Lethal Weapon, Omen, many TV series
• Based on the book: no
• Cast: Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Ned Beatty, Jackie Cooper, Glenn Ford, Valerie Perrine, many cameos
• Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in:
• Christopher Reeve – The Remains of the Day, The Aviator, Superman II and III
• Margot Kidder – Superman II and III
• Marlon Brando – Don Juan DeMarco, A Dry White Season, Superman II, Apocalypse Now, The Godfather, Reflections in a Golden Eye, Candy, Mutiny on the Bounty, The Young Lions, Teahouse of the August Moon, On the Waterfront, Julius Caesar, A Streetcar Named Desire
• Gene Hackman – The Royal Tenenbaums, The Birdcage, Get Shorty, Geronimo, Class Action, Postcards from the Edge, Mississippi Burning, Reds, Superman II, The Conversation, The Poseidon Adventure, The French Connection, Bonnie and Clyde, Hawaii
• Ned Beatty – Homicide Life on the Streets
• Jackie Cooper – something, I’m sure
• Glen Ford – something, I’m sure
• Valerie Perrine – Superman II, Lenny
• Why? Superman!
• Seen: Once before (at least). Now 27 October 2022      

       When I was a little kid I’d rush to my grandparents’ (we didn’t have a TV) after school to watch Superman. I grew up but my superhero worship didn’t. Politically I’m against superheroes and saviours. I believe in solidarity and, ‘Onward, comrades!’ But wouldn’t life be dreary without Wolverine, Batman, Doctor Who, Hermione, Harry and Ron, Dark Phoenix, Merlin, T’Challa? And Superman.

       This film is the true story. It must be with all the famous actors. Marlon Brando would never lie.

       Best moment: when Clark Kent (Reeve) has to come out as Superman because Lois Lane (Kidder) is in danger. He looks frantically around for a phone booth to change in but all he finds is one of those modern plexiglass half-booths with no doors.

       That sets the tone, slapstick, silly, hammy. And it’s too long.

       But who can resist the bumbling Clark Kent or the dorky Superman or the cheeky Lois Lane? And so much is so beautifully films. And that ending! He doesn’t even need the TARDIS!

       I still love the X-Men (and Women), Batman, the Doctor(s), the HP trio (not to mention Professor McGonagall), Merlin and the Black Panther but Superman will always have a place in my childish heart.      

3 ½  * of 5