Superman (1978)

Possibly controversial opinion coming: this is still by far the best Superman-film out there to this day. 

So you could just stop reading now if you disagree, but on every viewing, I just grow to love this one even more. Heck, considering the hell the makers went through just to get this made, it's almost like poetry that what we got, was so good. 

Have the effects aged well? Not all of them. Is it cheesy? Yes, but it is a Superman-film. Treating this like it's serious matter is a little weird, considering we're talking about an almost invincible guy that can fly and wears his underpants on the outside. 

Anyway...

This is Superman's origin and first steps toward becoming a global phenomenon. You get a fun little intro on Krypton, where Jor-El and Lara send their only son Kal-El to Earth, as the sole survivor of the disaster which is to befall their planet. The little boy is discovered by a loving older couple (the Kent household) and he grows up as a stalwart youth who is a little frustrated that he can do lots of incredible stuff, yet he can't show it. So he goes off into the Arctic where a crystal creates a new place to stay, where he learns much during about twelve years. 

Then Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter, starts to work for the Daily Planet and is paired with feisty reporter Lois Lane. But one day, Superman reveals himself and plans to do as much good as he can, because he is pretty much a big boy scout. You know, here for "truth, justice and the American Way"? And yes, I'm well aware that especially that latter bit hasn't aged particularly well, but let's just say that it is the thought that counts. 

But unbeknownst to many, genius Lex Luthor is planning to drop California into the sea and become filthy rich with a development scheme. 

Will Superman be able to thwart Lex? Will he hit it off with Lois? How will it all play out?

That last question can be answered as: like a lot of fun. That's how.

You see, a big deal of the charm of this one is the spot on casting and the quirky dialogue. Margot Kidder is still one of the best Lois Lanes ever. She is on fire, almost like an Energizer bunny, but you believe in her being a reporter that gets her stuff done. She goes completely gaga over Superman, which makes sense as a human reaction, so it all makes clicks. Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor is having a blast and even though his plan is a little convoluted, it works for this film. Heck, he and his henchman Otis provide some excellent comedic stuff. Does it feel a little out of place? Maybe just a little, but in all honesty: most superhero films are ridiculous enough in their premise, so if it gets a little wacky, you can better just go for it. I also really like Jackie Cooper as Perry White, chief of the Daily Planet. He feels how a genuine boss for a newspaper would feel, especially in the era in which it all plays out. So yes, the side characters are all great. 

But why do I actually love this above all? The main reason to watch this over and over? 

Christopher Reeve.

At the time, nobody knew this young actor, but to me, he IS Superman. He not only looks the part, his portrayal is honest, true to his word and it feels like he means every word he says. Also, his acting is so underrated here. As Clark Kent, he hunches, is clumsy and speaks in a fairly soft and high voice, but as soon as he becomes Superman, his entire stance becomes larger than life and his voice drops a few notes. It gets better the more you notice the details. I'm not saying other actors like Henry Cavill do a poor job, because they don't, but Reeves is just so darn good in the role, so iconic that it is hard to picture someone else as the true Superman. 

Is he the bulkiest version? No, but he doesn't need to be. He does feel like the perfect casting, even though it's because he put in the time and the effort to make a rather ridiculous idea work. If you applaud the man for something, at least applaud him for this. 

Yes, Marlon Brando is fine as Jor-El as well. Funny how roughly 5 minutes of screentime can also be pretty accurate for any portrayal, but this at least feels as if Brando wasn't working on autopilot, instead of many other films he was in. 

But even with all this, 'Superman' is just an enormous amount of fun to watch. The characters are memorable, the dialogue is quirky and engaging, you care about everyone and it is funny and exhilarating at the same time. Yes, it does show its age at times, but normally you shouldn't care all that much. This is one for the ages, and it still stands tall today. 

Also: Christopher Reeves, you are sorely missed. Fly high, you wonderful man, you.