MovieChat Forums > Superman (1978) Discussion > I thought this was a bad movie

I thought this was a bad movie

posted 7 years ago by rmacchiarelli
9 replies | jump to latest

When I first saw it about a year ago, completely underwhelmed by it expecting a huge action movie with Superman which I didn't get, instead was what I had thought I be a series of dated effects, a cheesy Lex Luther Real Estate scheme, and lame action.

However u can't say I was more wrong about a film when I was rewatching it last nught. The action wasn't great, but it wasn't meant to be. The story and life of Superman as it's told is incredibly done and the characters are all amazingly realized. The acting, specifically Christopher Reeve masterfully pulling off both Clark Kent and Superman. The relationship is Superman and Lois was well done. Basically I'm seeing this movie Joe for what it really is, a character driven tale of Superman. Now the special effects were very dated in 2017, Lex Luthor's plan is dumb, Lex and Otis are bafoons, and when he goes back in time is a cheap plot point that is ultimately effective so to the direction and acting of the cast.

Before the boards die, I need to let this be known.

[–] brianthorn-43912 7 years ago

Superman is a classic film and is the best of all the superman movies that have come and gone!!

[–] mcdemuth 7 years ago

Yes, as you say, this was a character driven story... not a SFX or Action driven story.

And if, like you say, you are used to they way films look day, watching this movie from nearly 40 years ago, it will seem "dated" you...

But people need to keep in mind, this movie was the best the industry had to offer. They were having to invent FX throughout the making of the film to make people think that Superman could fly. Of course it would seem "dated" today. There have been so many improvements since "Day One".

Also, remember... Richard Donner chose to make this film based on reality. "What would it really be like if Superman was really among us?" This was completely different than just about anything that came before. Remember the "Adventures of Superman" & "Batman" TV Shows... We could have got something like this instead. And from the looks of the screen tests they were doing... Without Richard Donner, I think that is what we would have gotten.

I am not saying that people should like this movie. Either you do or don't...

But I think newer viewers should keep in mind what they were trying to do, and what they were facing back in 1978. And if anyone does this, I don't think anyone will really see this as a "bad" movie. Just different.

[–] vicky_lc2001 (1907) 7 years ago

Oliver Harper has a great review of this film, I highly recommend it.

I love this film, it was perfect for me except for Gene Hackman who I thought was the weakest.

[–] Gd5150 (11050) 6 years ago

Trust me from the start it was bad. The endless opening credits. Christopher Reeves’s cheesy acting. Margot Kidder.

One of the worst movies ever.

I remember seeing it in the theatre as a kid. It’s not even bad in a good way like Jaws 3. It’s just bad and not a movie you’d ever want to see twice.

[–] Costumer (1789) 6 years ago

Really? I've seen it dozens of times and love it. You are entitled to your opinion and it certainly as valid as mine. But don't project you're opinion on others. Its a movie YOU would not want to see twice. It is a movie that many more (certainly not all) would like to see again and again.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

I am somewhat inclined to agree. I liked it when I was young but it doesn't hold up today. Really the only part that does is the helicopter rescue.

Christopher Reeve was a so-so Superman who looks okay, but I can't stand his Clark Kent. The greatest Clark Kent of all was George Reeves. Even back in the 50s he just had this air of being a real cool guy instead of the nerdy and wimpy Christopher Reeve Kent.

[–] Keelai (32016) 6 years ago

Superman starring Chris Reeve is my favorite superhero movie. The FX is dated now, but I like the director's concept to take reality and drop comic book characters into it. Reeve looked like the comic book character, chemistry was great, music perfect, humor and romance and it was a perfect popcorn movie.

I like George Reeves' Superman too and enjoyed seeing Noel Neill's cameo.

[–] Culburn (3638) 6 years ago

Absolutely. I just watched the final 1/2 hour on SyFy, Keel. The last there when he breaks the 4th wall for just a beat of the heart.

Kidder is so fresh & beautiful.

[–] [deleted] 5 years ago

Cool story, bro.