World One of the biggest reasons Donner's Superman is still so beloved

[Shawn_Short]

I can't belive Im finally about to say this, and I know this thread will get shut down. The original Superman was a good flick for it's time, but it is hardly timeless. The one thing that film had going for it and that was Christopher Reeve. Outside of that, the film had dated effects, a cookie cutter plot by todays standards, the worst interpretation of either Lois Lane or Lex Luthor to date, campiness, a hookie ending, disco ball Krypton, and more.

It was assinine, by both Singer and some fans on this board, to think that this nearly 30 year old movie could not be topped. It could be done rather easily, with the only obstacle being Reeve comparison. And another assinine thing Singer did was assume Smallville could serve as a basis for those who did not like or had not seen the Donner film. What a f%cking turd.

The love and affection for the film was actually dying off in the early 90's, the film was becoming easily forgotten, until an incident happened. When Christopher Reeve had his accident, people became aware of the man because of his courage during that time, and in that aspect began caring about the films had made as Superman again.

The accident that Reeve had is the reason while Donner's film is still talked about today.

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

No dude. Superman the Movie is still a great movie. It's looking it's age NOW, b/c of CGI......but other than the SFX...it's pretty easy to access.

And yeah, cookie cutter story by today's standards....but that's why it's such a revolutionary flick. That's why it's still beloved.

Campiness is PART of Superman. Yeah, Lex was pretty damn campy....and he's the only THING I didn't really like. But, Lois was great. Nothing wrong with her interpretation.

I think the movie is so beloved b/c it's a great movie. Not MAINLY, as you say it is, b/c of Reeve's accident. The movie is STILL one of the top 10 best comic films in MANY eyes. Only a handful of superhero films can even hold up to it.

So, I see what you mean....but I do think your wrong with it.

 

[The Kid]

Come on

Let me hear you say it just once...

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

lol.....

 

[Danger Mouse]

Even after a zillion viewings, I still feel a lump in my throat as I grin like a kid when Superman made his first appearance as he flew towards the falling Lane and the helicopter.

That movie is a timeless classic. Yes, it has its flaws, but it's great nonetheless.

 

[buggs0268]

Well so does Jaws. The way Roy Scheider killed the shark would never happen. They did those things back then. But the fact is it still is a classic, and the movie that is still the top Superhero film which all others are judged by.

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Nostalgia is another thing.

I mean, we can't just toss it away b/c it's old. And, it's impressive how it's still stood the times. I mean, the things that date it are completely out of the filmmakers control. But, there's not music...no specific line in the story that I can think of that dates the thing.

 

[The Kid]

The only thing I didn't like was Otis. i never thought much of the 'can you read my mind' Poem until I came here and read all about how people hated it. I can see it's a pretty boring poem, but I think it fits the scene well... *shrugs* indifference is a waist-deep pool, isn't it.

The excellent performance by Reeve, even just his casting, is so special and so rare. I'm glad I could witness it during my lifetime.

The story's BIG, grand and operatic, and accompanied by probably the greatest superhero theme I'll ever hear in my life besides Elfman's batman theme. Every hero should have one, I think, that's just instantly recognizable and perfect for their character.

I mean here's how you make a superhero movie. the story's takes itself seriously of course, it's not comedy, but doesn't forget that it's from a superhero comic book which I personally believe should never forget one very important element in its basic design: FUN. It's just a fun epic movie full of colorful comicbook characters, over the top performances, intense drama, and breathtaking visuals. And I ate it up.

If it was just reeve that made it great then Superman III and IV would be viewed as a classic too, don't you think?

 

[Zor-El]

If it was just reeve that made it great then Superman III and IV would be viewed as a classic too, don't you think?

That's an awesome way of putting it. Chris Reeve was amazing, but it's success was a combination of lots of things that came together beautifully. And though it is by no means perfect, i still think it works on many levels... and whether or not you liked SII III IV or even SR, you've gotta admit, while flawed, Superman: the Movie is one hell of an origin story.

 

[buggs0268]

The only thing I didn't like was Otis. i never thought much of the 'can you read my mind' Poem until I came here and read all about how people hated it. I can see it's a pretty boring poem, but I think it fits the scene well... *shrugs* indifference is a waist-deep pool, isn't it.

The excellent performance by Reeve, even just his casting, is so special and so rare. I'm glad I could witness it during my lifetime.

The story's BIG, grand and operatic, and accompanied by probably the greatest superhero theme I'll ever hear in my life besides Elfman's batman theme. Every hero should have one, I think, that's just instantly recognizable and perfect for their character.

I mean here's how you make a superhero movie. the story's takes itself seriously of course, it's not comedy, but doesn't forget that it's from a superhero comic book which I personally believe should never forget one very important element in its basic design: FUN. It's just a fun epic movie full of colorful comicbook characters, over the top performances, intense drama, and breathtaking visuals. And I ate it up.

If it was just reeve that made it great then Superman III and IV would be viewed as a classic too, don't you think?

when I was a kid I hated the "can you read my mind poem" when watching it for the first time in the theaters. I was ten and I remmber cringing in my seat when it started, and people kind of laughing at first. But as i got older, I just realized that you are just hearing what she is saying in her head, and it doesnt even bother me anymore.

 

[SUPERSEBAS]

I can't belive Im finally about to say this, and I know this thread will get shut down. The original Superman was a good flick for it's time, but it is hardly timeless. The one thing that film had going for it and that was Christopher Reeve. Outside of that, the film had dated effects, a cookie cutter plot by todays standards, the worst interpretation of either Lois Lane or Lex Luthor to date, campiness, a hookie ending, disco ball Krypton, and more.

It was assinine, by both Singer and some fans on this board, to think that this nearly 30 year old movie could not be topped. It could be done rather easily, with the only obstacle being Reeve comparison. And another assinine thing Singer did was assume Smallville could serve as a basis for those who did not like or had not seen the Donner film. What a f%cking turd.

The love and affection for the film was actually dying off in the early 90's, the film was becoming easily forgotten, until an incident happened. When Christopher Reeve had his accident, people became aware of the man because of his courage during that time, and in that aspect began caring about the films had made as Superman again.

The accident that Reeve had is the reason while Donner's film is still talked about today.

I was allways a big fan of the superman of Chris Reeve and of the first movie since I have 3 years old!!!!! to this days!!!!

SO.. you are very wrOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOng!!!!

 

[SFII]

^lol i still don't really like the "Can You Read My Mind?" poem part.
infact, some of the Lois & Superman romantic flying dragged on a little too long, and seemed kinda cheesey. so, yeah that's probably the worst part of the movie for me.
I loved Margot Kidder as Lois Lane. she was the best Lois in my opinion.
One thing i didn't like about Lex Luthor is that he wasn't bald. I wish he would've been bald throughout the movie, instead of the very end. becuz it wasn't like the Superfriends cartoon.
Otis was okay for comic relief, but he was kinda annoying.
Miss Tessmocker was kinda boring too. but she was kinda cute. but also kinda annoying.
Christopher Reeve was great. he just seemed so perfect as Superman, and as Clark Kent. he was better than the Superman on the Superfriends cartoon.
Christopher Reeve is the greatest actor to portray a comic book hero.

The movie itself was very good. some of the earthquake effects were cheap tho. and i wasn't very high on Superman facing an earthquake. but, it was very cool and kinda creepy to see Superman get very pissed off, and then break the laws and spin the world backwards to save Lois. man, that showed how much he really loves her.
and then ofcourse in Superman II, he takes it a step further and gives up his powers for her.
btw, Superman The Movie was a really good movie, although it does have its flaws, but i still believe Superman II is a better movie. it's my personal favorite. Superman 1 is boring in comparison to Superman 2. so much more excitement and drama in Superman II. it was a great plot.

 

[Kevin Roegele]

I can't belive Im finally about to say this, and I know this thread will get shut down. The original Superman was a good flick for it's time, but it is hardly timeless. The one thing that film had going for it and that was Christopher Reeve. Outside of that, the film had dated effects, a cookie cutter plot by todays standards, the worst interpretation of either Lois Lane or Lex Luthor to date, campiness, a hookie ending, disco ball Krypton, and more.

It was assinine, by both Singer and some fans on this board, to think that this nearly 30 year old movie could not be topped. It could be done rather easily, with the only obstacle being Reeve comparison. And another assinine thing Singer did was assume Smallville could serve as a basis for those who did not like or had not seen the Donner film. What a f%cking turd.

The love and affection for the film was actually dying off in the early 90's, the film was becoming easily forgotten, until an incident happened. When Christopher Reeve had his accident, people became aware of the man because of his courage during that time, and in that aspect began caring about the films had made as Superman again.

The accident that Reeve had is the reason while Donner's film is still talked about today.

Superman has some of the greatest cinematography ever, ground-breaking special effects, a wonderful script, bullseye-perfect direction by Richard Donner, some of the greatest movie music of all-time.....Lois and Lex worked perfectly in the film, regardless of whether they match up to your ideals of the characters.

Superman remains the greatest superhero movie.

 

[ReeveFan1978]

I liked Can you read my mind--it fit perfectly..Maybe It's because Im a female I could appreciate it in a different way.

I think Chris' accident put a nostalgia element to Chris as Superman but Im not sure that affected how people felt about the movie. Just how people felt about Chris the man.

EL

 

[Bat Attack]

Superman the movie is my 2nd favorite superhero movie of all time. I just love everything about it! And Margot Kidder is still my favorite Lois Lane.

 

[SUPERSEBAS]

For me!! Superman II have some GREAT moments!!! but is not a well done movie!!! have a lot of special effects defects!!! and Superman the movie thosen have them!!

 

[Harlekin]

Superman is still a great movie, although I tend to skip the 'my mind' bit when I watch it on DVD.

 

[captain_jimbo]

Superman the movie is my 2nd favorite superhero movie of all time. I just love everything about it! And Margot Kidder is still my favorite Lois Lane.

Well said, I do too.

...By the way, what's your favourite movie?

 

[casketmouth]

^lol i still don't really like the "Can You Read My Mind?" poem part.
infact, some of the Lois & Superman romantic flying dragged on a little too long, and seemed kinda cheesey. so, yeah that's probably the worst part of the movie for me.
I loved Margot Kidder as Lois Lane. she was the best Lois in my opinion.
One thing i didn't like about Lex Luthor is that he wasn't bald. I wish he would've been bald throughout the movie, instead of the very end. becuz it wasn't like the Superfriends cartoon.
Otis was okay for comic relief, but he was kinda annoying.
Miss Tessmocker was kinda boring too. but she was kinda cute. but also kinda annoying.
Christopher Reeve was great. he just seemed so perfect as Superman, and as Clark Kent. he was better than the Superman on the Superfriends cartoon.
Christopher Reeve is the greatest actor to portray a comic book hero.

The movie itself was very good. some of the earthquake effects were cheap tho. and i wasn't very high on Superman facing an earthquake. but, it was very cool and kinda creepy to see Superman get very pissed off, and then break the laws and spin the world backwards to save Lois. man, that showed how much he really loves her.
and then ofcourse in Superman II, he takes it a step further and gives up his powers for her.
btw, Superman The Movie was a really good movie, although it does have its flaws, but i still believe Superman II is a better movie. it's my personal favorite. Superman 1 is boring in comparison to Superman 2. so much more excitement and drama in Superman II. it was a great plot.

Superman 2 had its moments until the amnesia kiss which is as bad as The Bat credit card in B&R

 

[casketmouth]

Superman has some of the greatest cinematography ever, ground-breaking special effects, a wonderful script, bullseye-perfect direction by Richard Donner, some of the greatest movie music of all-time.....Lois and Lex worked perfectly in the film, regardless of whether they match up to your ideals of the characters.

Superman remains the greatest superhero movie.

no batman begins blows it out of the water...and I mean WOOSH!!!!

 

[Kevin Roegele]

I'd say the theme tune is as much as reason for the success of the movie as Reeve. Any movie would be popular with that theme tune.

 

[Spoarz™]

Superman has some of the greatest cinematography ever, ground-breaking special effects, a wonderful script, bullseye-perfect direction by Richard Donner, some of the greatest movie music of all-time.....Lois and Lex worked perfectly in the film, regardless of whether they match up to your ideals of the characters.

Exactly. This is why Superman The Movie is still so beloved even now. So many elements of the film were just right when the film was made.

 

[DogofKrypton]

It's kind of hard to take a person serious when they drop a mis-guided "opinion bomb" on a message board, then not post again in their own thread to back-up their statements.

 

[Kal-El Reeve]

Even with Returns out, I still say until someone does it better that Donner's Superman: The Movie by far is the best of the movies. It has its bad points yeah but it made you believe, and that is a hard thing to do.

 

[buggs0268]

^lol i still don't really like the "Can You Read My Mind?" poem part.
infact, some of the Lois & Superman romantic flying dragged on a little too long, and seemed kinda cheesey. so, yeah that's probably the worst part of the movie for me.
I loved Margot Kidder as Lois Lane. she was the best Lois in my opinion.
One thing i didn't like about Lex Luthor is that he wasn't bald. I wish he would've been bald throughout the movie, instead of the very end. becuz it wasn't like the Superfriends cartoon.
Otis was okay for comic relief, but he was kinda annoying.
Miss Tessmocker was kinda boring too. but she was kinda cute. but also kinda annoying.
Christopher Reeve was great. he just seemed so perfect as Superman, and as Clark Kent. he was better than the Superman on the Superfriends cartoon.
Christopher Reeve is the greatest actor to portray a comic book hero.

The movie itself was very good. some of the earthquake effects were cheap tho. and i wasn't very high on Superman facing an earthquake. but, it was very cool and kinda creepy to see Superman get very pissed off, and then break the laws and spin the world backwards to save Lois. man, that showed how much he really loves her.
and then ofcourse in Superman II, he takes it a step further and gives up his powers for her.
btw, Superman The Movie was a really good movie, although it does have its flaws, but i still believe Superman II is a better movie. it's my personal favorite. Superman 1 is boring in comparison to Superman 2. so much more excitement and drama in Superman II. it was a great plot.

It went on because it was a date. It was a big deal as far as the Superman/Lois Lane canon. I thought it's running time was just fine. Man I remember what it was like before the MTV cut ever two second stuff.