Christopher Reeve remains the gold standard for Superman. Everyone who worked on this film *got* the character. And understood that what makes Superman a great character is not his strength, his power, or his alien origin. It's his humanity.
@Latest Obsession I agree to a point the difference is in the original Superman they showed his struggle particularly when he says I can make a touch down every time, it showed he couldn’t show what he could do or be who he truly is because people would find out he’s an alien, but his father told him your meant to do more than throw footballs, man of steel was just depressing and lingered on that point way to long, the director zack Snyder just doesn’t get Superman and he has interviews we’re you can tell, he doesn’t even like the hopeful Superman he’s more into gritty stuff, which means he’s better suited for Batman, not Superman.
@Latest Obsession people seem to forget that the Character has been evolving since day one. I grew up with Reeve's adaptation and it was great for the time. But I do prefer the Man Of Steel, take.
@Latest Obsession In a way, you’re correct. It showed a character with even greater and even more burdensome flaws. But that character wasn’t Superman or Clark. It abandoned the character completely to create a new character that lacked any of the endearing or intriguing aspects of the character. A character that saves people more out of cynical obligation or selfish desire than out of a genuine love for the people of his adoptive world. By doing so, Zach shot himself in the foot, unintentionally making all of his Christ-allegories and comparisons dead on arrival. Zach is such a talented director, but he really needed a reset of his priorities for the character. I’d love to see him make a Dead-Man or even a Punisher movie.
Fun fact: According to Roger Moore's autobiography, he witnessed Christopher Reeve walking through the canteen at Pinewood Studios in full Superman costume, oblivious to the swooning female admirers he left in his wake. When he did the same thing dressed as Clark Kent, no one paid any attention.
The technical details of Reeve's performance still don't get enough recognition, I think. The way he worked extensively with the crew to make Superman's lift-offs and landings look as graceful and effortless as a figure skater stepping onto the ice. The hunched posture and nervous mannerisms that make Clark feel like a completely separate character to Superman's unthreatening but completely unassailable confidence. Wonderful stuff!
@@michaelccozens couldn’t agree with you more, that’s why despite the fact the special affects are dated I still I’m convinced that he’s flying. Christopher Reeves, Wow outstanding performance R.I.P 🙏🏼
The film didn't stand the test of time very well. Mainly because we have moved beyond the innocence and nativity betrayed in the film.. At the time it had real gravitas and that helicopter catching scene took the roof off cinemas...
@@LiveFromThePorcelainPalace Yeah, she even wears that pillbox hat. Tho I must say I preferred Phyllis Coates as Lois in the TV show's first season. She was no-nonsense and had a great scream!
Actually, before the 50s, she was Lois in the 40s with Kirk Alyn. When the TV show came out in the 50s, they originally used Phyllis Coates as Lois (in the entire first season), before going with Noel Neil.
RIP and long live the greatest Superman actor of all time. Christopher Reeve (September 25, 1952 - October 10, 2004), aged 52 You will always be remembered as a legend.
Also to Dana Charles Reeve (née Morosini; March 17, 1961 - March 6, 2006) was an American actress, singer, and activist for disability causes. For ever together flying amongst the universe....
What's so impressive about Christopher Reeve's performance is how he was able to visibly change between Clark and Superman. You see it in the scene when Clark almost tells Lois that he's Superman. His voice is deeper and he stands taller and more confident when he's going to reveal himself. But in the moment he decides not to, the pitch of his voice gets higher and he hunches his shoulders to appear shorter and more meek.
Which why I believe he is the only one that made it believable that people don't catch on. It's not the glasses as some like to say, but his whole demeanor.
EXACTLY!!! People never get that.... Always bring up "ohh world class Pulitzer prize winning reporter can't tell who someone is if they comb their hair different and throw on a pair of glasses? Bs." It's more than that. The way he talks, walks, reacts, interacts. David Caradean(sure I miss spelled it but it's 3am ATM and too tired to care) said it best in the movie Kill Bill vol.2. Clark Kent is Superman's critique of the human race. He's seen as timid, weak a coward. Christopher Reeve nailed it perfectly and no one else has done that since
It is John Williams after all. Probably the most super hero theme ever. Even DC knew to use it for the 75th and 80th anniversary of the character video.
@@CalciumChief I was on the Atlanta Olympic matching band for the 96 summer Olympics. He directed us when we played the Summon the Heroes Olympic theme on TV that year.
If there was ever any need to prove that this man is a musical genius, this theme should have taken care of that. I still would have loved to see it used with Cavill. That and better writing.
The opening score is truly one of the most iconic pieces in pop culture history. I sincerely cry tears of joy whenever I hear it. It's a link to my childhood that is very strong. The visceral reaction that Superman has to the death of Lois, I feel it in my soul every time I watch.
It's shocking how many solid, soul-striking emotional moments there are in this film between the campy stuff. The almost-reveal of himself in Lois' apartment is another one.
@@Patriiiiick 3rd one is underrated tbh. The Evil Superman bits and Smallville sections are fucking great, but it got bogged down by trying to be two things. There's still much to enjoy there though.
From the movie poster, "You'll believe a man can fly" - Christopher Reeve set the bar for Superman performances to follow. I have loved this film since I was a kid, thanks for reacting!
I was 11 years old when this movie came out. I remember the commercials for it had the tagline you will believe a man can fly. After seeing this for the first time I indeed did believe a man could fly. RIP Christopher Reeve.
Me too...When Superman first appeared in the Fortress of Solitude and flew straight at the camera and banked by...the whole theater erupted in applause. It was amazing.
The older i get, the more i appreciate Christopher Reeve's take on Superman. Especially when he's Clark and needs to balance "how do i keep people thinking i'm a dork while stopping whatever bad guy is up to" The story on how this got made is interesting. The producers were more or less trying to grift off the rights fees, but needed this first movie to land big so they paid for the some of the biggest names in hollywood at the time (Donner, Hackman, Brando, Puzo, John Williams)
I've seen a couple of different "Making of" films as well as Donners personal recollections of how they screwed him over (out of the second film). It's pretty ridiculous. Donner had to fight TOOTH AND NAIL to make Superman work! It was largely HIS FIGHT that gave us this gem. If Mel Brooks had written *THE PRODUCERS* but made it about THESE schmucks (the producers of Superman) instead of a couple of fictional characters and it was the Superman film instead of a play called "Springtime for Hitler" - I'll bet it would absolutely hit the same darkly comedic bits!
@@logandarklighter its been a while since I read up on it but always remembered that the Salkinds were running a grift with the superman rights and all the creative talents had to fight tooth and nail to get a decent movie out of it
My mother took me to see this in the theater when I was 8, and it's the best movie memory of my life. I had been sick in bed for two weeks and was finally better, so my mother left work early so we could go to see this movie.
I can still get goosebumps at the "helicopter/Superman saves Lois" scene to this day. And it may not seem like much- but the shot of Superman walking to Luthor's underground lair through the auto-machine guns... That just *FEELS* like Superman! Impervious to bullets like they are not even there! I've watched several of your reactions but this one definitely had me laughing several times at the witty remarks! Loved it! Looking forward to you watching the sequel.
When I was 5 years old, I used to love going to my grandfather's house. He had HBO and they used to show this, Superman 2, and Star Wars on a pretty regular basis. I watched those 3 movies constantly.
At Superman's first flight in the Fortress, it was Reeve's idea to angle himself for when Superman passes the camera. Donner loved it and put it in the film.
@5:25 -In the Krypton scenes, the costumes aren’t made of tin foil, they’re made of a special material developed by 3M for movie screens. They were very reflective and were sown together while wearing cotton gloves, because the natural oil from human skin would destroy their reflective quality. The actual shooting involved projecting a white light onto the costumes via a special 45-degree mirror. The costumes would reflect the light, and that’s what gave them their glow.
Fantastic review, I'm glad to see this movie still holds its own after all these years. This was the first that set the standards for all superhero movies. This was the first movie I saw at the cinema as a child in 1978 and it holds a special place in my memories. Can't wait for Superman 2 reaction, keep up the good work👏👏
One other little tidbit of information is the running scene where Clark races the train and jumps in front of it. The little girl is supposed to be Lois years earlier, but the mother is the original Lois Lane from the George Reeves TV show from the 50's and Grandpa is the original Superman from the first serials of Superman from the 40's...
I'm Brazilian and SUPERMAN for me is the best superhero movie of all time! I watched it at the cinema when I was a child and I still feel like a child today and I am enchanted by the action scenes and special effects! For me it will always be a wonderful and untouchable classic.
THANK you for this. p.s. Cliff Claven ;) My favourite opener to any film: "This is no fantasy. No careless product of wild imagination." As an eleven year old sitting in the theatre, I was like "ok". I still get chills.
I remember when this first came out--it was marketed as "you will believe a man can fly.". And honestly, after all the campy superhero tv shows, this film was viewed as a serious attempt at making a good superhero movie. The effects haven't aged well. But it did have heart and a few memorable lines (the chewing gum wrapper line was quoted in Ready Player One). Plus, there was a lot of press about marlon brando being paid $1 million for a few minutes of camera time as Jor-El.
Superrrrrr....man This is actually my favorite John Williams score, which was a hard conclusion to reach considering he's basically done every ultra-famous movie score ever. It just so perfectly encapsulates the character.
I remember watching this movie in the theater on its opening night. I figured there might be a few 10 year olds in line to watch a comic book movie (I was in college at the time); I was shocked to see that the line went all the way around the theater and most everyone in line was my age or older. Fortunately we made it in (theaters were huge back in the day before they split them up into 20 smaller theaters!). Still remember how the audience gasped so loudly the first time Superman flew - the ads leading up to opening night kept saying "you will believe a man can fly" and the effects were so far beyond anything we were used to then. Still amazing they made this movie without any CGI! Just a magical experience.
One of those rare films in which so many great elements come together at once - Christopher Reeve's and Margot Kidder's casting (some of the greatest in film history), Richard Donner's directing, and for me, John Williams greatest score. Mrs Movies would make a fine Lois Lane with her smart, wholesome and sassy ways.
@@eatsmylifeYT Hmm, a tad assumptive there. I'm not sucking-up to Mrs Movie at all, I am merely saying that 'Mrs' and Lois share similar character traits. At most, this is both an observation and compliment. You really need to brush-up on your cognitive functioning before responding to onllne comments and making an exhibition of yourself.
@@dangiambrone7350 A tad "assumptive"? You're the one assuming she'd make a good Lois and I'm assumptive? You're making an ass out of yourself due to your assumption.
Imagine seeing this film like I did when it was released in 78, on the enormous 60' screen inside the Chinese Theater with a newly installed Dolby 6-track stereophonic sound system....state-of-the-art for its time. Btw, the material used for the Kryptonian costumes was the same reflective material used for cinema screens, made out of minuscule balls of glass.”
Holy nostalgia, Batman. Probably saw this and the sequel a million times as a kid. As hot a Henry Cavill is, Christopher Reeve was IT and will always be Superman for me.
Still the best comicbook movie ever made, largely down to Reeves' performance. Every time he finds Lois, the look of pure anguish on his face makes me cry every time.
This was one of THE movies when it first hit the theaters. The cast is top notch including Gene Hackman. Another Gene Hackman film to add to your list is 'The Poseidon Adventure' - 1972.
24:39 And this scene proves why the glasses disguise is actually plausible. Just complete change in vocal inflection and the way he carries himself and it's two distinct people. This always blows me away how Reeve nailed this.
This is an awesome movie when I watched it back in the day an when I was a kid. It is so good that even to this day when it come to the cinema Christopher Reeve is still the face of Superman. No disrespect to Henry Cavill. He is good but DAMN Christopher nailed it, nailed it.
Did you notice Larry Hagman small part in this film? Larry Hagman is from I Dream of Jeannie. This movie made me a Superman fan. This is my favorite Superman film. You'll have to watch all 4 films along with Superman Returns. The train scene has the original Lois playing Lois's Mother when she was a little girl the man who plays her Father is the original Superman Kirk Alyn he was before George Reeves.
5:28 actually highly reflective material.. looks gray in real life but the camera picks it up as a glow... like what they used on the first lightsabers
IIRC, that effect was completely unintentional at first. They only discovered the material looked the way it did on-camera when it was first being used, but they liked the effect so much they decided to make wider use of it.
Christopher Reeves was hands down the best Superman. Not because his movies were the best or had the best action (though they were awesome), but because he really captured both Superman and Clark Kent perfectly. He just nailed the comic book feel of both Kent and his superhero counterpart.
The best Clark Kent imo is Tom Welling but that because he played it so well and for so long he wasn’t really ever superman even thought they are the same person he was superman but as Clark Kent
This movie was an impactful moment from my childhood. I have vivid memories of my parents taking me to see it as a little kid, on opening weekend. To this day, when I watch that scene where Superman saves Lois and the helicopter, I still hear the audience reacting, and I get goosebumps. I spent the next year with a towel tied around my neck, jumping off furniture, trying to fly. This is the grand daddy of comic book movies, and created the template still used to this day, and in a time where superhero movies are the biggest blockbusters, people forget that this movie started it all, and how perfect the casting of then unknown Christopher Reeve was.
This movie is the PERFECT comic book origin movie. This is the blueprint for all other comic book origin movies even today. Such a fantastic movie and John Williams is the king of movie soundtracks.
Cliff Claven was the mailman on "Cheers." Another one I noticed was Larry Hagman, who played the lead soldier who wanted to give mouth-to-mouth. Remember he played J.R. Ewing on "Dallas."
I love the scene where the camera flys through the eye of Jor El's crystal face and "Superman" is revealed for the first time. It wasn't instinct, it was "programmed" into him during his trip to Earth, that's how he knew what to do with the Kryptonian crystal.
@@SB992REBORN The more I see this movie the more I believe it's programmed into his memories. So to Kal El it seems like an instinct, but it's actually memory recall.
At this time in my life if someone asks me my choice for favorite comic book movie, I'll say Superman from 1978. It was a favorite movie when I was a wee kid (along with Star Wars and Rocky, of course). But today it still retains its magnificence. Perfect cast, with Christopher Reeve indelibly embodying the moralistic character of the Man of Steel. And John Williams' score still stirs up excitement in me when I hear it today.
The suits the Kryptonians wore were covered in little glass beads. They were basically just big reflectors like reflector clothing. Same stuff they used on the original light sabers in Star Wars.
Great reaction! This was probably the origin of blockbuster superhero movies. Just a fun movie. I saw it with my mom as a kid and i think she loved it more. They actually filmed Superman I and II at the same time to save money. Another great soundtrack by John Williams, too. The version you watched was the directors cut not the theatrical release (which was shorter). So that is probably why your wife felt it was draggy.
No probably about it. It was first, by 11 years before Batman. If this had failed, there would never be a dime put toward any super hero movie ever again. Just like in comic books, if Superman didn't succeed, nothing would have come afterwards. He is nowhere near my favorite, but respect has to be given to The Man of Steel.
Grew up with the Christopher Reeve Superman movies. Christopher Reeve in my opinion is still the best live action version of Superman but Henry Cavill is up there as well.
It wasn't supposed to be spinning the world backwards, Superman was doing what Flash traditionally does - going so fast that he can time travel, he just traveled into the past. Visual representation is truly lacking in that regard
Yes, this always has to be brought up. It's not like he grabbed mount everest and dragged the earth backwards, that would just kill everybody. I think the ZS Justice League scene portrays the concept better but we wouldn't have that without this.
Good grief... I have been thinking since I was 6 years old, some 43 years, that he was turning the world back, and had no idea what that was all about. This makes so much more sense... from a sci-fi perspective anyhow.
I absolutely love his physicality in the scene when Clarke almost tells Lois - he takes his glasses off but he immediately stands straighter, taller - it's great physical acting.
I was 6 when this film came out but it just occurred to me now when they showed the first scene on the Daily Planet that this was also the same year Wordstar was invented.
This is THE Superman movie. The score for this movie is, imo, John Williams’ greatest work. The casting is perfect! Christopher Reeves is soooo good and Margo Kidder’s Lois Lane is iconic! This was also the first big budget superhero movie. Thank you for reacting to this. Along with “2010” this is one of the greatest overlooked films of the last 45 years! Don’t get me wrong, I like the new digs, but I miss the paneling. Also, Crow, Servo and Godzilla. 😎
The Kryptonian outfits were not tin foil... They were made of a specially produced "front projection" screen material that was used for shots of Superman flying. They noticed that at certain angles to the lights the material seemed to glow and decided it would be a neat effect for the Krypton outfits. It's a similar effect to what they used for the original lightsabers in the first Star Wars film before they decided to rotoscope over that with a color effect. They had a motorized spinning rod covered with reflective materiel attached to the handles with a wire hidden in the sleeves of the costumes. It created a white glowing effect but didn't look great, so in post-production they added the hand painted colored effects over top of that. In "The Empire Strikes Back" they just used rotoscoping over the stationary rods.
The reason that Christopher Reeve is the greatest Superman is the way he played Clark Kent. Just watch the scene where he almost tells Lois his secret, his voice, posture, personality, and total body language changes. Henry Cavill makes a good Superman but he plays Clark as the exact same guy but in a suit and glasses.
Agreed. With Reeve, you can kinda believe that Clark and Superman are two different people, but with Cavill, and maybe they didn’t want to overdue it with him being clumsy or goofy, but he doesn’t make it a point to act differently. And that’s often been kind of the charm of heroes like Superman or Spider-Man.
Personally I would have brought back an old obscure superpower so whenever Henry Cavill's version is photographed or around people who's around both his alter egos he "super-tightens" his facial muscles to slightly alter his features in two different ways. So the glasses add to this illusion. They could also do this thing where Kent often has a five o'clock shadow but Superman never does and leave it for the audience to speculate how he does that.
While Superman Returns may not be a great film, I do believe Brandon Routh did a decent job portraying this version of Superman (as Superman Returns is a direct sequel to Superman II). Brandon certainly had the same look as Chris. I have a for to ask, if you do react to Superman II, do the Donner Cut.
I was happy that CW's Crisis on Infinite Earth's crossover brought Routh back as Superman so that he could really show off how good he could be as the character.
John Williams should have won an Oscar for this! He was on a role from Jaws, to Star Wars, Superman, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. All of them were amazing!
I was in my early 20's in the Army just out of basic training and was just heading to Germany for the first two years of my four years in the service. I was literally sitting in the plane taking off watching the "flying" credits to this movie as we began our trip...talk about sense-a-round! It was great!
"Can you read my Mind" scene. The Music is the song called "Can You Read My Mind" and the 'poem' is actually the lyrics to the song, buut they discovered that Margot Kidder couldn't sing, so they just had her recite the lyrics.
That's 3M material they were wearing in Krypton. Its naturally dole grey, but when light is shined on it bounces back light at 10X its intensity. The original lightsabers in Star Wars from 1977 (No, I won't call it A New Hope) used this. Worked for the most part, but they wanted some color and rotoscoped it instead from there on.
Mario Puzo's screenplay NAILED it! It placed the world's perennial superhero, as he was and all that he stood for, and placed him in a world, as it is and all that it stood, and let Superman's unassuming confidence & humane quality, play out.
Einstein's theory of special relativity states that an object that is traveling near the speed of light such as baby supermans ship experiences time slower than than the universe around it that is not moving at the speed of light. Some the three or 4 years baby superman experiences in his ship(judging by how much he grew) was thousands of years in real time
The most expensive film made up to that point, with a budget of $55 million, Superman was released in December 1978 to critical and financial success; its worldwide box office earnings of $300 million made it the second-highest-grossing release of the year. I remember waiting in line to see this. The line was so long it wrapped around the building, and sold out quick for the day. I loved it. Too all of the Supermen who are no longer with us. R.I.P.. Kirk Alyn, George Reeves, and Christopher Reed..And the baby who played Superman in this movie died at the age of 14 from solvent abuse.. And the rest of the cast that are no longer with us. May they all rest in peace. Thank you for your reaction to this gem of a movie..take care..xx
Thumbs up out the wazoo for doing this one. One of the classic, sweetest movies ever made, I keep trying to get reactors to do this one, but I guess it's too old? I think Christopher Reeve was the perfect Superman. I read Superman comics my whole life, and you'd swear they modeled the comics after Reeve. Incredibly good-looking, with this instant change in persona when he dons Clark's glasses. And one of the sweetest, wonderful scenes I've ever seen in a movie is the balcony interaction where Margot Kidder shows why she beat out all these other glamorous actresses for the part. You can look for the Lois audition video online. Her schoolgirl-crush mien was adorable, and Christopher Reeve's gentle approach to this powerful, invincible immigrant from space was sublime. I haven't even started in on the reaction, but kudos for doing it. There's a sprinkling of reactors who've done it, but just a sprinkling. Thanks so much. Gotta go get a snack so I can watch. Handsome? Yes, I'm a guy, and even to me, he's pretty freaking handsome. Love you guys. :)
Actually, its Superman's SECOND theatrical movie. The first one was 'Superman & the Molemen', starring George Reeves. This film spawned the TV series shortly afterwards.
If you watch Superman II, watch both versions... the cinema one, and the Richard Donner cut, it's a little rough in spots but the story is better I think. Love this channel! ;)
This was the very first time that Superman had ever flown on screen. Also Chris Reeve believed in staying in character as much as possible during filming. He bickered a lot with Margot Kidder who said that he needed to lighten up. Of course when the camera went on they were very much in love.
“Bad vibrations?” “You’ve got me?!!!! Who’s got you??!!!!” “Can you read my mind????” “Miss Stesbacherrrrrrrrr!!!!” “Mistuh Luthore” and other quotable I can’t recall atm
Love the scene after Lois and Superman fly when Clark almost tells her. In seconds you can see why Chris Reeve was perfect. 2 completely different characters in how he plays Clark and Superman.
Yeah, no. Mild Mannered Clark Kent is Superman's inner own introverted self. It's creator Jerry Siegel's comment on himself and humanity. Having infinite potential for courage to do good and change the world for the better but suppressing it subconsciously due to conditioned insecurity and fear.
Fun Facts: -The Kryptonians speak parliamentary English. -Their clothing is made from the reflective material in safety vests. -The red sun was a coffee can with kerosene in it, shot from above. -Mr & Mrs lane (from the train) were the original Lois lane and Jimmy Olsen from the serials. -Rex Reed's cameo was an accident. He didn't know that he was walking though a hot shoot, until the night of the premier. I was six when this movie came out. I loved it them and I love it now.
i really recommend you to watch Smallville. Best Superhero Series ever, best Clark Kent after Mr Reeve, Best Lex Luthor ever (played by Michael Rosenbaum), also Mr Reeve and many other Superman Actors were guest Stars. 10 great Seasons with awesome Storylines and shows how he became the man of Steel.
Great review! FYI, the lady who played Lois' mom, on the train, was actually Lois Lane in the black and white tv show from the 50s that starred George Reeves.
Christopher Reeve remains the gold standard for Superman. Everyone who worked on this film *got* the character. And understood that what makes Superman a great character is not his strength, his power, or his alien origin.
It's his humanity.
😀👍🏼 💯
Yes!
@Latest Obsession I agree to a point the difference is in the original Superman they showed his struggle particularly when he says I can make a touch down every time, it showed he couldn’t show what he could do or be who he truly is because people would find out he’s an alien, but his father told him your meant to do more than throw footballs, man of steel was just depressing and lingered on that point way to long, the director zack Snyder just doesn’t get Superman and he has interviews we’re you can tell, he doesn’t even like the hopeful Superman he’s more into gritty stuff, which means he’s better suited for Batman, not Superman.
@Latest Obsession people seem to forget that the Character has been evolving since day one. I grew up with Reeve's adaptation and it was great for the time. But I do prefer the Man Of Steel, take.
@Latest Obsession In a way, you’re correct. It showed a character with even greater and even more burdensome flaws. But that character wasn’t Superman or Clark. It abandoned the character completely to create a new character that lacked any of the endearing or intriguing aspects of the character. A character that saves people more out of cynical obligation or selfish desire than out of a genuine love for the people of his adoptive world. By doing so, Zach shot himself in the foot, unintentionally making all of his Christ-allegories and comparisons dead on arrival. Zach is such a talented director, but he really needed a reset of his priorities for the character. I’d love to see him make a Dead-Man or even a Punisher movie.
Fun fact: According to Roger Moore's autobiography, he witnessed Christopher Reeve walking through the canteen at Pinewood Studios in full Superman costume, oblivious to the swooning female admirers he left in his wake. When he did the same thing dressed as Clark Kent, no one paid any attention.
The technical details of Reeve's performance still don't get enough recognition, I think. The way he worked extensively with the crew to make Superman's lift-offs and landings look as graceful and effortless as a figure skater stepping onto the ice. The hunched posture and nervous mannerisms that make Clark feel like a completely separate character to Superman's unthreatening but completely unassailable confidence. Wonderful stuff!
@@michaelccozens couldn’t agree with you more, that’s why despite the fact the special affects are dated I still I’m convinced that he’s flying. Christopher Reeves, Wow outstanding performance R.I.P 🙏🏼
The film didn't stand the test of time very well. Mainly because we have moved beyond the innocence and nativity betrayed in the film..
At the time it had real gravitas and that helicopter catching scene took the roof off cinemas...
This it what sets Christopher Reeve apart from the rest. He plays two different characters and makes you believe it.
@@daveofyorkshire301 I think maybe you got autocorrected from naivete but yeah, exactly
Fun fact: The parents of little Lois were Noel Neil. The original Lois Lane from the 50s. And the very first live action Superman, Kirk Alyn.
They even made Noel Neill dress like Lois from the TV show
@@LiveFromThePorcelainPalace Yeah, she even wears that pillbox hat. Tho I must say I preferred Phyllis Coates as Lois in the TV show's first season. She was no-nonsense and had a great scream!
Kirk Alyn is listed as General Sam Lane (uncredited).
Actually, before the 50s, she was Lois in the 40s with Kirk Alyn. When the TV show came out in the 50s, they originally used Phyllis Coates as Lois (in the entire first season), before going with Noel Neil.
Knowing what I know about Ms Neill, they didn't have to make her. She probably showed up on set in the outfit :)
RIP and long live the greatest Superman actor of all time.
Christopher Reeve (September 25, 1952 - October 10, 2004), aged 52
You will always be remembered as a legend.
Also to Dana Charles Reeve (née Morosini; March 17, 1961 - March 6, 2006) was an American actress, singer, and activist for disability causes.
For ever together flying amongst the universe....
The man could have done a Kingdom Come movie in the 2000s after the X-Men and Spiderman hits-and we all would have fucking ROARED.
Indeed.
"They can be a great people, Kal-El. They wish to be. They only lack the light to show them the way". I tear up every time.
Amazing screenplay by Mario Puzo and other talented writers.
Me too man,
"For this reason, above all others, I have sent them you, my only son."
@@lukeskywalker6809 Irony, considering he WROTE The Godfather, and now Francis Ford Coppola is bitching about superhero movies.
@@JnEricsonx well, MARVEL Superhero movies. And he has a point about their formulaic nature with a few exceptions.
What's so impressive about Christopher Reeve's performance is how he was able to visibly change between Clark and Superman. You see it in the scene when Clark almost tells Lois that he's Superman. His voice is deeper and he stands taller and more confident when he's going to reveal himself. But in the moment he decides not to, the pitch of his voice gets higher and he hunches his shoulders to appear shorter and more meek.
That scene is incredible!!
Which why I believe he is the only one that made it believable that people don't catch on. It's not the glasses as some like to say, but his whole demeanor.
EXACTLY!!!
People never get that.... Always bring up "ohh world class Pulitzer prize winning reporter can't tell who someone is if they comb their hair different and throw on a pair of glasses? Bs."
It's more than that. The way he talks, walks, reacts, interacts. David Caradean(sure I miss spelled it but it's 3am ATM and too tired to care) said it best in the movie Kill Bill vol.2. Clark Kent is Superman's critique of the human race. He's seen as timid, weak a coward.
Christopher Reeve nailed it perfectly and no one else has done that since
Also, when he's Clark, his hair is parted on the right side, but when he's Superman, his hair is parted on the left side.
This theme is one that makes you feel as though you can just go out and save the world
It is John Williams after all. Probably the most super hero theme ever. Even DC knew to use it for the 75th and 80th anniversary of the character video.
@@CalciumChief I was on the Atlanta Olympic matching band for the 96 summer Olympics. He directed us when we played the Summon the Heroes Olympic theme on TV that year.
If there was ever any need to prove that this man is a musical genius, this theme should have taken care of that. I still would have loved to see it used with Cavill. That and better writing.
The credit sequence is a chapter of the movie unto itself!!
Or fly
The opening score is truly one of the most iconic pieces in pop culture history. I sincerely cry tears of joy whenever I hear it. It's a link to my childhood that is very strong.
The visceral reaction that Superman has to the death of Lois, I feel it in my soul every time I watch.
It's shocking how many solid, soul-striking emotional moments there are in this film between the campy stuff. The almost-reveal of himself in Lois' apartment is another one.
This movie is a huge part of my childhood. And along came the sequel, which I love even more.
I'll even watch the 3rd one off I see it on TV, mainly just for surly Superman in the bar.
@@Patriiiiick 3rd one is underrated tbh. The Evil Superman bits and Smallville sections are fucking great, but it got bogged down by trying to be two things. There's still much to enjoy there though.
Best sequel ever made because they filmed them on top of each other
Oh man, I hope they react before Zod.
2nd best sequel aliens 3rd best hellraiser 2
From the movie poster, "You'll believe a man can fly" - Christopher Reeve set the bar for Superman performances to follow. I have loved this film since I was a kid, thanks for reacting!
I was 11 years old when this movie came out. I remember the commercials for it had the tagline you will believe a man can fly. After seeing this for the first time I indeed did believe a man could fly. RIP Christopher Reeve.
Me too...When Superman first appeared in the Fortress of Solitude and flew straight at the camera and banked by...the whole theater erupted in applause. It was amazing.
Yeah, RIP in peace Superman...
Reeve was a hang glider which made his flying scenes more realistic.
The older i get, the more i appreciate Christopher Reeve's take on Superman. Especially when he's Clark and needs to balance "how do i keep people thinking i'm a dork while stopping whatever bad guy is up to"
The story on how this got made is interesting. The producers were more or less trying to grift off the rights fees, but needed this first movie to land big so they paid for the some of the biggest names in hollywood at the time (Donner, Hackman, Brando, Puzo, John Williams)
I've seen a couple of different "Making of" films as well as Donners personal recollections of how they screwed him over (out of the second film). It's pretty ridiculous. Donner had to fight TOOTH AND NAIL to make Superman work! It was largely HIS FIGHT that gave us this gem.
If Mel Brooks had written *THE PRODUCERS* but made it about THESE schmucks (the producers of Superman) instead of a couple of fictional characters and it was the Superman film instead of a play called "Springtime for Hitler" - I'll bet it would absolutely hit the same darkly comedic bits!
@@logandarklighter its been a while since I read up on it but always remembered that the Salkinds were running a grift with the superman rights and all the creative talents had to fight tooth and nail to get a decent movie out of it
My mother took me to see this in the theater when I was 8, and it's the best movie memory of my life.
I had been sick in bed for two weeks and was finally better, so my mother left work early so we could go to see this movie.
That’s good
I can still get goosebumps at the "helicopter/Superman saves Lois" scene to this day.
And it may not seem like much- but the shot of Superman walking to Luthor's underground lair through the auto-machine guns... That just *FEELS* like Superman! Impervious to bullets like they are not even there!
I've watched several of your reactions but this one definitely had me laughing several times at the witty remarks! Loved it! Looking forward to you watching the sequel.
Me too.
Now this is a treat. This movie influenced majority of my life! Revee influenced the type of person I wanted to be. And its still my favourite movie!
Noises Off (1992) comedy gives a different view on Christopher Reeve acting .
When I was 5 years old, I used to love going to my grandfather's house. He had HBO and they used to show this, Superman 2, and Star Wars on a pretty regular basis. I watched those 3 movies constantly.
Reeve was a Greek statue in this movie. He lifted weights because he refused to wear a padded suit.
Oh, and I love the dad jokes! "At least they tracked him down"....😂😂😂😂
At Superman's first flight in the Fortress, it was Reeve's idea to angle himself for when Superman passes the camera. Donner loved it and put it in the film.
How could you not have watched the icon that is CHRISTOPHER REEVES..... and you say you are a superman fan..... REALLY????!!!!.... still love you guys
The “They tracked him down” part got me clutching my gut and made me spit out my water 😂😂😂
34:45 I can't believe you looked away during Superman's personal smile to you.
Lol I noticed that too and it lo key bummed me out that she did that
@5:25 -In the Krypton scenes, the costumes aren’t made of tin foil, they’re made of a special material developed by 3M for movie screens. They were very reflective and were sown together while wearing cotton gloves, because the natural oil from human skin would destroy their reflective quality. The actual shooting involved projecting a white light onto the costumes via a special 45-degree mirror. The costumes would reflect the light, and that’s what gave them their glow.
Just letting you know I'm sharing your fun fact with another reactor. Great stuff. Ty.
24:39 I love the line "Thats Clark, nice!" Lois is so stunned by Superman, that she cant talk!
Fantastic review, I'm glad to see this movie still holds its own after all these years. This was the first that set the standards for all superhero movies. This was the first movie I saw at the cinema as a child in 1978 and it holds a special place in my memories. Can't wait for Superman 2 reaction, keep up the good work👏👏
One other little tidbit of information is the running scene where Clark races the train and jumps in front of it. The little girl is supposed to be Lois years earlier, but the mother is the original Lois Lane from the George Reeves TV show from the 50's and Grandpa is the original Superman from the first serials of Superman from the 40's...
She was also Lois in the Kirk Alyn serials as well.
And Kirk Alyn played Lois's dad in the scene
I love John Williams’ The Planet Krypton theme. So epic
I'm Brazilian and SUPERMAN for me is the best superhero movie of all time! I watched it at the cinema when I was a child and I still feel like a child today and I am enchanted by the action scenes and special effects! For me it will always be a wonderful and untouchable classic.
THANK you for this.
p.s. Cliff Claven ;)
My favourite opener to any film: "This is no fantasy. No careless product of wild imagination." As an eleven year old sitting in the theatre, I was like "ok". I still get chills.
I remember when this first came out--it was marketed as "you will believe a man can fly.". And honestly, after all the campy superhero tv shows, this film was viewed as a serious attempt at making a good superhero movie. The effects haven't aged well. But it did have heart and a few memorable lines (the chewing gum wrapper line was quoted in Ready Player One). Plus, there was a lot of press about marlon brando being paid $1 million for a few minutes of camera time as Jor-El.
Superrrrrr....man
This is actually my favorite John Williams score, which was a hard conclusion to reach considering he's basically done every ultra-famous movie score ever. It just so perfectly encapsulates the character.
I remember watching this movie in the theater on its opening night. I figured there might be a few 10 year olds in line to watch a comic book movie (I was in college at the time); I was shocked to see that the line went all the way around the theater and most everyone in line was my age or older. Fortunately we made it in (theaters were huge back in the day before they split them up into 20 smaller theaters!). Still remember how the audience gasped so loudly the first time Superman flew - the ads leading up to opening night kept saying "you will believe a man can fly" and the effects were so far beyond anything we were used to then. Still amazing they made this movie without any CGI! Just a magical experience.
Reminds me of how my theater had 43 showings of NWH opening night between the theaters it had available.
One of those rare films in which so many great elements come together at once - Christopher Reeve's and Margot Kidder's casting (some of the greatest in film history), Richard Donner's directing, and for me, John Williams greatest score.
Mrs Movies would make a fine Lois Lane with her smart, wholesome and sassy ways.
She can’t she’s already Supergirl apparently judging by her apparel
Stop sucking up to her. You guys are pathetic.
@@eatsmylifeYT Hmm, a tad assumptive there. I'm not sucking-up to Mrs Movie at all, I am merely saying that 'Mrs' and Lois share similar character traits. At most, this is both an observation and compliment. You really need to brush-up on your cognitive functioning before responding to onllne comments and making an exhibition of yourself.
@@-M0LE I could be wrong, but didn't Lois wear a Superman t-shirt in The Fortress of Solitude in Superman 2?
@@dangiambrone7350 A tad "assumptive"? You're the one assuming she'd make a good Lois and I'm assumptive? You're making an ass out of yourself due to your assumption.
Imagine seeing this film like I did when it was released in 78, on the enormous 60' screen inside the Chinese Theater with a newly installed Dolby 6-track stereophonic sound system....state-of-the-art for its time.
Btw, the material used for the Kryptonian costumes was the same reflective material used for cinema screens, made out of minuscule balls of glass.”
Holy nostalgia, Batman. Probably saw this and the sequel a million times as a kid. As hot a Henry Cavill is, Christopher Reeve was IT and will always be Superman for me.
Legend has it that that football is still in orbit to this day. Didn't quite make it to escape velocity, but nice try, Clark.
Still the best comicbook movie ever made, largely down to Reeves' performance. Every time he finds Lois, the look of pure anguish on his face makes me cry every time.
And that's when Batman says something like "He was more human than I am" when referring to Clark...you believe it.
What do you mean "every time he finds Lois"? He only finds Lois dead once. Are you naturally stupid or do you have to work at it?
That baby played his part to perfection. No wonder he was nominated for best supporting actor.
Unfortunately later in his life, sadly he died in 1991 aged just 14 after inhaling solvents.
And the naked one was best unsupported actor.
And Marlon B nominated played his part perfect while reading off the baby!!!!!!!!! 😉
I watched this movie for the first time just a few years ago, loved it, Christopher Reeve is fantastic as Superman
"I never lie, Lois" Well apart from lying about my name at work.
This was one of THE movies when it first hit the theaters. The cast is top notch including Gene Hackman. Another Gene Hackman film to add to your list is 'The Poseidon Adventure' - 1972.
And The French Connection. Good buddy cop movie, before buddy cop was a thing and became a joke.
Nice reaction with fun comments. I liked, "I didn't know the Statue of Liberty was in Metropolis" . lol
Have very, very fond memories of watching this movie in the cinema as a kid back in 1978. One of those never to be forgotten childhood memories.
24:39 And this scene proves why the glasses disguise is actually plausible. Just complete change in vocal inflection and the way he carries himself and it's two distinct people. This always blows me away how Reeve nailed this.
This is an awesome movie when I watched it back in the day an when I was a kid. It is so good that even to this day when it come to the cinema Christopher Reeve is still the face of Superman. No disrespect to Henry Cavill. He is good but DAMN Christopher nailed it, nailed it.
The Superman/Lois Lane relationship is one of the greatest love stories in comic book movies.
Did you notice Larry Hagman small part in this film? Larry Hagman is from I Dream of Jeannie. This movie made me a Superman fan. This is my favorite Superman film. You'll have to watch all 4 films along with Superman Returns. The train scene has the original Lois playing Lois's Mother when she was a little girl the man who plays her Father is the original Superman Kirk Alyn he was before George Reeves.
I've seen this film like 10 times, but thats the first time I noticed, it was him!
They might remember Larry Hagman as "Jr Ewing" from "Dallas".
Even in this movie old Larry was close to a pretty woman. He was like that both on I Dream of Jennie and Dallas.
5:28 actually highly reflective material.. looks gray in real life but the camera picks it up as a glow... like what they used on the first lightsabers
IIRC, that effect was completely unintentional at first. They only discovered the material looked the way it did on-camera when it was first being used, but they liked the effect so much they decided to make wider use of it.
Scotch-lite. What they make movie screens and high-viz vests out of.
Christopher Reeves was hands down the best Superman.
Not because his movies were the best or had the best action (though they were awesome), but because he really captured both Superman and Clark Kent perfectly. He just nailed the comic book feel of both Kent and his superhero counterpart.
The best Clark Kent imo is Tom Welling but that because he played it so well and for so long he wasn’t really ever superman even thought they are the same person he was superman but as Clark Kent
@@-M0LE yeah, no. Byrne-esque Clark bring a gloryhog football star cheater in the modern media era disqualifies him.
This movie was an impactful moment from my childhood. I have vivid memories of my parents taking me to see it as a little kid, on opening weekend. To this day, when I watch that scene where Superman saves Lois and the helicopter, I still hear the audience reacting, and I get goosebumps. I spent the next year with a towel tied around my neck, jumping off furniture, trying to fly.
This is the grand daddy of comic book movies, and created the template still used to this day, and in a time where superhero movies are the biggest blockbusters, people forget that this movie started it all, and how perfect the casting of then unknown Christopher Reeve was.
More like the daddy, the granddaddy is stuff like black and white serials and Superman vs the Mole Men.
EDIT: Not to mention the Batman 1966 movie.
This movie is the PERFECT comic book origin movie. This is the blueprint for all other comic book origin movies even today. Such a fantastic movie and John Williams is the king of movie soundtracks.
I think Henry Cavill playing Superman will stand the test of time also...
Cliff Claven was the mailman on "Cheers." Another one I noticed was Larry Hagman, who played the lead soldier who wanted to give mouth-to-mouth. Remember he played J.R. Ewing on "Dallas."
I love the scene where the camera flys through the eye of Jor El's crystal face and "Superman" is revealed for the first time.
It wasn't instinct, it was "programmed" into him during his trip to Earth, that's how he knew what to do with the Kryptonian crystal.
its both
@@SB992REBORN The more I see this movie the more I believe it's programmed into his memories. So to Kal El it seems like an instinct, but it's actually memory recall.
At this time in my life if someone asks me my choice for favorite comic book movie, I'll say Superman from 1978. It was a favorite movie when I was a wee kid (along with Star Wars and Rocky, of course). But today it still retains its magnificence. Perfect cast, with Christopher Reeve indelibly embodying the moralistic character of the Man of Steel. And John Williams' score still stirs up excitement in me when I hear it today.
I still remember watching this in the theater in Puerto Rico, I was five years old. Lois's death still haunts me to this day.
The suits the Kryptonians wore were covered in little glass beads. They were basically just big reflectors like reflector clothing. Same stuff they used on the original light sabers in Star Wars.
This movie is amazing, helped define my childhood and imagination. I’ve never seen a reaction to it, so thank you!
I get chills hearing the soundtrack to this. Brings back memories...anyone else run around the house with a towel as a cape?
No it was a pillowcase for me.
Great reaction! This was probably the origin of blockbuster superhero movies. Just a fun movie. I saw it with my mom as a kid and i think she loved it more. They actually filmed Superman I and II at the same time to save money. Another great soundtrack by John Williams, too.
The version you watched was the directors cut not the theatrical release (which was shorter). So that is probably why your wife felt it was draggy.
The theatrical never showed him inside the mountain.
No probably about it. It was first, by 11 years before Batman. If this had failed, there would never be a dime put toward any super hero movie ever again. Just like in comic books, if Superman didn't succeed, nothing would have come afterwards.
He is nowhere near my favorite, but respect has to be given to The Man of Steel.
That was Larry Hagman, JR Ewing himself, as the general who insists on giving the "wounded" girl mouth to mouth.
I noticed it too. 25:55
Grew up with the Christopher Reeve Superman movies. Christopher Reeve in my opinion is still the best live action version of Superman but Henry Cavill is up there as well.
@18:19 It's more than just the glasses making him look different, which you'll definitely be seeing in the next one.
Now this is a movie that I don't see a reaction to. Can't wait! "Look, on RUclips!" "Is it a bird?! Is it a plane?!" "No, it's SUPERMAN!!!"
I should of said "Birds Of Prey" and "Airplane" lol
My favorite most influential movie of my life!! Superman!
It wasn't supposed to be spinning the world backwards, Superman was doing what Flash traditionally does - going so fast that he can time travel, he just traveled into the past. Visual representation is truly lacking in that regard
Yes, this always has to be brought up. It's not like he grabbed mount everest and dragged the earth backwards, that would just kill everybody.
I think the ZS Justice League scene portrays the concept better but we wouldn't have that without this.
Good grief... I have been thinking since I was 6 years old, some 43 years, that he was turning the world back, and had no idea what that was all about. This makes so much more sense... from a sci-fi perspective anyhow.
@@BeeWhistler Yes, found out about it from another comment somewhere, then looked it up
I absolutely love his physicality in the scene when Clarke almost tells Lois - he takes his glasses off but he immediately stands straighter, taller - it's great physical acting.
15:45. “At least they tracked him down.” Now, you gotta admit, that was a good one! 😂😂😂
I was 6 when this film came out but it just occurred to me now when they showed the first scene on the Daily Planet that this was also the same year Wordstar was invented.
This is THE Superman movie. The score for this movie is, imo, John Williams’ greatest work. The casting is perfect! Christopher Reeves is soooo good and Margo Kidder’s Lois Lane is iconic! This was also the first big budget superhero movie. Thank you for reacting to this. Along with “2010” this is one of the greatest overlooked films of the last 45 years! Don’t get me wrong, I like the new digs, but I miss the paneling. Also, Crow, Servo and Godzilla. 😎
Reeve
@@jamesanderson6373 Maybe Jamie mixed him up with George Reeves? Just the name, that is.
I LIKE 2010. Never saw 2001, but as a 80's kid, I watched 2010 a lot, mainly because, "Hey, it's the Sheriff from Jaws!"
"Sergeant, I wouldn't have any of my men do anything I wouldn't do myself."
"But sir, I'm the medic!"
😀
The Kryptonian outfits were not tin foil... They were made of a specially produced "front projection" screen material that was used for shots of Superman flying. They noticed that at certain angles to the lights the material seemed to glow and decided it would be a neat effect for the Krypton outfits.
It's a similar effect to what they used for the original lightsabers in the first Star Wars film before they decided to rotoscope over that with a color effect. They had a motorized spinning rod covered with reflective materiel attached to the handles with a wire hidden in the sleeves of the costumes. It created a white glowing effect but didn't look great, so in post-production they added the hand painted colored effects over top of that. In "The Empire Strikes Back" they just used rotoscoping over the stationary rods.
The reason that Christopher Reeve is the greatest Superman is the way he played Clark Kent. Just watch the scene where he almost tells Lois his secret, his voice, posture, personality, and total body language changes. Henry Cavill makes a good Superman but he plays Clark as the exact same guy but in a suit and glasses.
Agreed. With Reeve, you can kinda believe that Clark and Superman are two different people, but with Cavill, and maybe they didn’t want to overdue it with him being clumsy or goofy, but he doesn’t make it a point to act differently. And that’s often been kind of the charm of heroes like Superman or Spider-Man.
Personally I would have brought back an old obscure superpower so whenever Henry Cavill's version is photographed or around people who's around both his alter egos he "super-tightens" his facial muscles to slightly alter his features in two different ways. So the glasses add to this illusion. They could also do this thing where Kent often has a five o'clock shadow but Superman never does and leave it for the audience to speculate how he does that.
While Superman Returns may not be a great film, I do believe Brandon Routh did a decent job portraying this version of Superman (as Superman Returns is a direct sequel to Superman II). Brandon certainly had the same look as Chris. I have a for to ask, if you do react to Superman II, do the Donner Cut.
I thought it was a reboot as a kid.
I was happy that CW's Crisis on Infinite Earth's crossover brought Routh back as Superman so that he could really show off how good he could be as the character.
John Williams should have won an Oscar for this! He was on a role from Jaws, to Star Wars, Superman, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. All of them were amazing!
yes got a special Oscars award for this score !
He was SO amazing, and my first movie star crush. "Somewhere in Time" is a great romantic story that he stars in, in case you want to watch. 💜
Cliff they screamed , he’s called CLIFF!!!!
I was in my early 20's in the Army just out of basic training and was just heading to Germany for the first two years of my four years in the service. I was literally sitting in the plane taking off watching the "flying" credits to this movie as we began our trip...talk about sense-a-round! It was great!
What a cool memory!
"Can you read my Mind" scene. The Music is the song called "Can You Read My Mind" and the 'poem' is actually the lyrics to the song, buut they discovered that Margot Kidder couldn't sing, so they just had her recite the lyrics.
The tracked him down joke was awesome keep them coming 😂😂
That's 3M material they were wearing in Krypton. Its naturally dole grey, but when light is shined on it bounces back light at 10X its intensity. The original lightsabers in Star Wars from 1977 (No, I won't call it A New Hope) used this. Worked for the most part, but they wanted some color and rotoscoped it instead from there on.
I've seen this movie a bunch, and I never realized how spicy that meeting is between Supes and Lois until your reaction focused on it, lol.
Oh so spicy! The kind of stuff that'd go right over kid's heads but have women in the audience sweating.
Mario Puzo's screenplay NAILED it! It placed the world's perennial superhero, as he was and all that he stood for, and placed him in a world, as it is and all that it stood, and let Superman's unassuming confidence & humane quality, play out.
Einstein's theory of special relativity states that an object that is traveling near the speed of light such as baby supermans ship experiences time slower than than the universe around it that is not moving at the speed of light. Some the three or 4 years baby superman experiences in his ship(judging by how much he grew) was thousands of years in real time
The most expensive film made up to that point, with a budget of $55 million, Superman was released in December 1978 to critical and financial success; its worldwide box office earnings of $300 million made it the second-highest-grossing release of the year. I remember waiting in line to see this. The line was so long it wrapped around the building, and sold out quick for the day. I loved it. Too all of the Supermen who are no longer with us. R.I.P.. Kirk Alyn, George Reeves, and Christopher Reed..And the baby who played Superman in this movie died at the age of 14 from solvent abuse.. And the rest of the cast that are no longer with us. May they all rest in peace. Thank you for your reaction to this gem of a movie..take care..xx
Thumbs up out the wazoo for doing this one. One of the classic, sweetest movies ever made, I keep trying to get reactors to do this one, but I guess it's too old? I think Christopher Reeve was the perfect Superman. I read Superman comics my whole life, and you'd swear they modeled the comics after Reeve. Incredibly good-looking, with this instant change in persona when he dons Clark's glasses.
And one of the sweetest, wonderful scenes I've ever seen in a movie is the balcony interaction where Margot Kidder shows why she beat out all these other glamorous actresses for the part. You can look for the Lois audition video online. Her schoolgirl-crush mien was adorable, and Christopher Reeve's gentle approach to this powerful, invincible immigrant from space was sublime. I haven't even started in on the reaction, but kudos for doing it. There's a sprinkling of reactors who've done it, but just a sprinkling. Thanks so much. Gotta go get a snack so I can watch.
Handsome? Yes, I'm a guy, and even to me, he's pretty freaking handsome. Love you guys. :)
Actually, its Superman's SECOND theatrical movie. The first one was 'Superman & the Molemen', starring George Reeves. This film spawned the TV series shortly afterwards.
If you watch Superman II, watch both versions... the cinema one, and the Richard Donner cut, it's a little rough in spots but the story is better I think. Love this channel! ;)
The Donner cut is where you find out about one of Superman's lesser known powers... the ability to sweat buckets from his armpits! :D
This was the very first time that Superman had ever flown on screen. Also Chris Reeve believed in staying in character as much as possible during filming. He bickered a lot with Margot Kidder who said that he needed to lighten up. Of course when the camera went on they were very much in love.
"They better watch out. If that hits them they're going to be in major pain." Nope that's Damon Wayans. Different movie.
The best ever Superman of all time. I was almost 4 when i watched this in the theatre. I remember the whole experience .
For a superpower I'd go with flight. Also, Superman Returns gets a bad rap but I still enjoy it.
“Bad vibrations?”
“You’ve got me?!!!! Who’s got you??!!!!”
“Can you read my mind????”
“Miss Stesbacherrrrrrrrr!!!!”
“Mistuh Luthore”
and other quotable I can’t recall atm
@11:00 I don’t think she could stomach that joke.
Love the scene after Lois and Superman fly when Clark almost tells her. In seconds you can see why Chris Reeve was perfect. 2 completely different characters in how he plays Clark and Superman.
Remember what Jerry Seinfeld said: Clark Kent is Superman's comment on the human race as he sees us: fussy, nerdy, cowardly, fragile.
Yeah, no. Mild Mannered Clark Kent is Superman's inner own introverted self. It's creator Jerry Siegel's comment on himself and humanity. Having infinite potential for courage to do good and change the world for the better but suppressing it subconsciously due to conditioned insecurity and fear.
Fun Facts:
-The Kryptonians speak parliamentary English.
-Their clothing is made from the reflective material in safety vests.
-The red sun was a coffee can with kerosene in it, shot from above.
-Mr & Mrs lane (from the train) were the original Lois lane and Jimmy Olsen from the serials.
-Rex Reed's cameo was an accident. He didn't know that he was walking though a hot shoot, until the night of the premier.
I was six when this movie came out.
I loved it them and I love it now.
I just now realized that Cliff Clavin appeared in two of the most iconic movie properties of all time - Superman and Star Wars.
I think it was Empire, on Hoth, not the original Star wars.
Cheers.
8:50
The lady, that the little girl woke up, is Noel Neill. She played Lois Lane, in the Superman TV series, 1952 - 1958.
i really recommend you to watch Smallville. Best Superhero Series ever, best Clark Kent after Mr Reeve, Best Lex Luthor ever (played by Michael Rosenbaum), also Mr Reeve and many other Superman Actors were guest Stars. 10 great Seasons with awesome Storylines and shows how he became the man of Steel.
Great review! FYI, the lady who played Lois' mom, on the train, was actually Lois Lane in the black and white tv show from the 50s that starred George Reeves.