It has nothing to do with emotional complexity. That kind of reasoning is a bit of a copout, especially when films like Logan and The Dark Knight are beloved. MOS and BvS just aren't seen as good films by quite a number of fans.
people have a right not to like those films if that is how they feel. neither one are as good as the first 2 Reeve superman films IMO. BvS had some glaring issues with the editing. Zach snyder has made some real stinkers.
When you watch it, it answers the question... Why doesn't Lois ever know that Clark is Superman? It's the way the late Christopher Reeve played them both (Clark and Superman) was amazing. The shy, awkward, very little confidence Clark and the strong, powerful, assured and truthful Superman is a kudo's to his acting ability. And his change into Superman for the first time is epic. From the buildup of the Superman theme to the score just emphasize the awesomeness Rest in Peace Christopher. The true essential Superman
I always felt like Chris Reeve was playing a character while he's Kent but, more himself while wearing the cape......Watch his screen test....REEEAAALLY stiff.....A few rehearsals to relax and VIOLA....Clark is who he PRETENDS to be. Superman is who he really IS...
Henry Cavill, the last actor to play Superman, took a challenge of just standing outside in a city, under a Batman v Superman, poster - and no one paid him any attention.
Hello! Reeve actually plays Superman and Clark Kent differently. Pay atention to the voice, posture, words and accent. Reeve based his characterization of Kent on Cary Grant in "Bringing up baby" (1938). Reeve makes two different characters. That is why he is the best actor who made Superman.
He didn’t chose to leave his mother he was compelled by the green crystal. It summoned him from the barn when he turned 18, told him he had to leave, told him where to go and what to do with the crystal. This was all predetermined by Jor-El, evidenced when he spoke to Kal saying it was his 18th year. Also he arranged for a family friend to take care of Martha and sent her a portion of his weekly salary.
If you look carefully Clark Kent has more than just the glasses as his disguise. It’s also the way he stands, he trips and stumbles, he also puts on a stutter. When he is superman he has none of them.
Yes, in addition to his glasses, his hair style is different....slicked down and parted on the opposite side. His posture and general body language is different. His voice is different. He is literally a different person in every way. There is even one version of Superman lore which suggests either he or his glasses project a form of Kryptonian hypnotism which actually does make him appear to be a completely different person when dressed as Clark Kent.
It's been over 45 years since I've been to a drive-in. I remember watching ET on one. My parents went with some friends to watch Jaws. We were supposed to be sleeping in the back. When the first time I seen that shark was the last time I raised my head that whole time we were there.
Christopher Reeve is the ONLY Superman (and Margot Kidder is the ONLY Lois Lane). Period. This is the gold standard of all superhero movies. Saw this in '78 (was 11) and it blew my mind. When Clark changes into Superman for the first time (running into the close-up of the S on his chest) the audience went crazy. When he saved Lois the audience erupted and were cheering. When he grabbed the chopper they were on their feet! Never before and never since have I EVER experienced a film like that. Nice that you got the joke about the phone booth (that was a huge laugh!). I lived 5 min. from Hackensack, NJ and the audience could not stop laughing when Luthor uttered that line. A perfect film.
One of my favorite shots in the film is where Superman brings her back to her apartment and flies away, and there’s a knock on the door and it’s Clark at the door in one long uninterrupted shot. It’s just brilliant.
It was really clever how they did it too. Lois waved goodbye to Superman flying away on a back projection screen. Clark was already at her door when they were filming it.
The clothes didn't just appear on him as he was falling, as it was established when he changed the first time, he was moving too fast for the viewer to see.
His disguise isn't just his glasses. He changes his entire posture and character. And yes .he does change his voice Clark is high pitched, nasally, and stuttery Superman is deep and confident
BTW, after saving Lois, my assumption was THEN he took off to take care of everything else. He just switched priorities... he saved her way before the road split. I saw this movie in Hollywood when it opened (back when theaters had curtains, which hyped that opening) and then got to interview Richard Donner for my film school a few days later. Your legitimacy sends me back. The Marvel Universe owes its existence to this movie.
The scene where Clark is running past the train and a young Lois sees him... Her parents were played by Noel Neill (Lois on the 1950's TV show) and Kirk Alyn (Superman in the 1940's serials).. And Ms Neill wore one of her outfits from the show.
What Christopher Reeves did in this movie it's just phenomenal the way he portrayed both Clark Kent and Superman you really couldn't tell the difference actually and it wasn't it it's not until you see him in the Superman costume that you really see what he brought to the characters impressed everybody when they first met Christopher reeves the way he could carry or how he understood how Clark view the world
Glenn Ford is so good in this movie. He has only two scenes, but leaves such an indelible impression of Jonathan Kent that he permeates the entire film. You feel his presence in Superman.
Costner is in Man of steel maybe 20-22mins more than a cameo (with the dumbest death ever and the worst line ever uttered by Jonathan Kent that "maybe" he should let people die) and is terrible, but Glenn Ford is in this maybe 7 min's and the definitive Jonathan Kent
Regarding the logic of how Lois flies with Superman. It's been said that Superman has an aura around his body that can be extended out to encapsulate other items that he touches. This is what allows Lois to fly until they're no longer touching, this is also why the helicopter didn't snap when he caught it mid air by the landing struts. But keep in mind, this comes from a time where riders were giving Superman all kinds of crazy powers. In one of the comics Superman can shoot miniature super men from his hands... Crazy. Eventually a clone of Superman was made, we know him today is Superboy or Connor Kent/Con-El. Superboy has a power called tactile telekinesis which allows him to completely manipulate and control whatever it is he's touching, it's basically a play on how Superman is able to extend his aura. Most Superman fans in the '70s were aware of this power but it is not really used in today's version of Superman.
Let's make this nice and simple. The missile still hit, but Supes was able to be everywhere at once, stopping all the dangers before anyone got hurt. The missile still had to hit so that they could indict Lex. Don't overcomplicate it.
I believe the canon reason is his hearing and superspeed are just that good he can hear a cry from help from all over the world and perceives things fast enough he can seperate individual ones to locate individuals he needs to save. I recall one storyline mentions he tracks lois's heartbeat specifically so he knows if she's in danger by her heart racing.
32:00 lex luthor did not deliberately aim the missile at Hackensack New Jersey. Remember Otis screwed up... By setting the third one to 117 and the fourth one to zero. If Otis did not screw up the rocket would have been headed to California as initially planned.
Christopher Reeve (RIP) was THE definitive Superman. He will never be surpassed by any other actor IMHO. Haven’t even seen the video yet, will watch later. Margot Kidder the quintessential Lois Lane. Superman II is worth a watch, not a bad sequel. Terrance Stamp was an excellent villain. The next two I forgot and wish I never saw. LOL☮️👏😂
@@batgurrl Ah, well I saw the theatrical release of Superman II and decided the Richard Donner Director's Cut version was the one to have in my DVD/Blu-ray collection.
@@batgurrl No need to apologize. When time and finances permit, add the DVD to your collection. Donner did both films at essentially the same time and had the 2nd portion about 85% done when they brought in another director. So, the two films match up well without the usual gap in time between original and sequel film and you get to see what his vision was for the two films when seen as a pair.
Christopher Reeve actually did change the cadence and pitch of his voice along with his posture to make himself appear to be 2 different people. We had never seen a Superman that actually looked like he WAS flying. It helped that Reeve was a pilot so he knew what position of his body would just look ridiculous when it came to possible flight.
@@FlixTalk also he used the glasses to great effect. Watch the scene in Lois' apartment when he almost tells her who he is. He completely changed when he took the glasses off and again when he put them back on.
I saw this version as a pre-release audience reaction test screening and I am glad you picked it. One of the things omitted from the theatrical release is the 'death trap defenses' scene. People who only see the theatrical go straight from his boring down into the ground to his breaking down the door. FYI, Hackensack, N.J. wasn't chosen by Lex. It became a target because Otis goofed with the coordinates, 3 sets of digits on his arm instead of 4.
Accidentally bombing New Jersey was the greatest comedic touch, and Hackensack is the perfect target zero both for the way it rolls off the tongue and the image that it conjures up for one who has never been there.
NOW you need to REACT to SUPERMAN II which for me is the BEST Christopher Reeve SUPERMAN movie. YOU will LOVE that one! IT's GREAT!! I LOVE Christopher Reeve and it was SO TRAGIC when he got thrown from his horse and was paralyzed from the neck down. SO unfair. RIP Christopher Reeve, you are missed. ( HE is the BEST Superman for ME)
Superman wasn't supposed to alter history, so he tried to be as minimal with it as possible. He managed to repair the fault and keep California from falling into the sea. But the aftershocks still did cause a lot of damage and killed people. But for Lois, he decided if he was going to do time travel, that he would only do it enough to save her as an exception. He probably did something several miles down the road where the crack originated and stopped it. Sure, he could have reversed time to stop ALL the damage, but I think he didn't want to make such a huge change in history. This way, the nuke still goes off, but the damage is something minimal but still possible. Also, the reason the other missile went to Hackensack is simply because that's where Otis' screw up happened to be the coordinates for. That's why they had to alter the second missile.
Lois Lane's mother on the train was played by the actress who played Lois Lane in the 1950s Superman TV series. The lady who played Lana Lang in this movie ended up playing Martha Kent in the Smallville TV show.
And sitting across, silently playing Lois's father, was the first movie Superman, Kirk Alyn (Noel Neill played Lois to his Superman in the serials as well).
Actually Lana in the film was not played by the same actress that appeared in Smallville. The young actress playing Lana in this film was Diane Sherry. In Smallville Martha was played by Annette O'Toole.
Lex Luther didn't decide on New Jersey for the 2nd missile.. that was becasue Otis screwed up with the coordinates! They modified 2 missiles, not just the one twice
IMO this is still the best Superman film made, Reeve captured the heart of who superman is at his heart better than anyone else has so far. He is the Babe Ruth or Michael Jorden of Superman.
This movie get from 1 to 5 stars get a million. Everybody did an amazing job but Christopher Reeves performance is unparalleled. I could explain all of the scenes with his powers and how they worked and to an extent the going back in time by flying around the Earth. I'm at work right now so I'll follow up later
Christopher Reeve is the epitome of Superman hands down. I saw this film in theaters when I was 15 in 1979 and many many times since. Brandon Routh in Superman Returns is a close second, then Henry Cavill . What I like about this version is it really follows the comic book origin story even better than the Zack Snyder Man Of Steel version. Superman II is also good but III and IV are worth skipping. Fun Fact: Noel. Neal who played Lois Lane in the TV series with George Reeves is on board the train in the scene where Clark is racing it.
Agreed on all your points, saw in the theater also , Christopher Reeve is Superman and everyone else is playing the part, I thought Brandon was great also, thanks
A good followup to watch is SUPERMAN RETURNS with Brandon Routh . It was a nod to this Richard Donner version of Superman movie . Please check it out please .
Clark Kent DOES slouch and his voice stutters, Superman stands tall has no glasses and his voice is stable. Back in 1978 hiking the HOLLYWOOD sign wasn't illegal (yet).
There is nothing significant about Hackensack, New Jersey. The second missile being sent there was not part of Lex's original plan. He only planned on hijacking one missile and setting it to strike the San Andreas Fault in California. But Otis messed up the coordinates of the first missile (Army Bird) and set it to Hackensack New Jersey instead of California. That's why they had to divert the Navy later on to hijack another missile. Miss Teshmacher programmed the Navy Bird missile to the correct coordinates in California. The fact that there were now two nuclear missiles that went off their original course just turned out to be a fortunate happenstance for Lex, as it ensured that Superman couldn't reach both of them. But that little insurance policy wasn't actually planned because his original plan was to kill Superman Kryptonite anyway. I'm a huge Superman fan. This movie came out the year I was born so I literally grew up with it. I'm sure this has been explained by others already, but many of Superman's powers are based on "tactile telekinesis". He has an energy field around his body based on manipulation of gravitons, that allows him to basically levitate. Anything he touches has this field extended around it, which is why Lois can seemingly fly when she's touching him (and also why he can catch her while she's falling without killing her). This ability also explains his superhuman strength and his ability to lift huge masses without them collapsing under their own weight. His super senses (high frequency hearing, x-ray vision etc) are based on his alien anatomy. There are some issues with this movie today, including some material which might be considered very dated and inappropriate. The scene where Miss Teschmacher pretends to be hurt in a car accident and the soldiers suggest a "vigorous chest massage" and "mouth to mouth" to help her is incredibly cringy today. Also, she kisses Superman while he's incapacitated with Kryptonite. While that probably made her come off as sympathetic in the 1970s, today that's basically sexual assault. Also, I'm sure that showing a little kid's penis wasn't really considered to be a big deal back then, but again today it comes off as a bit cringy (although for some reason they do the same thing in the Henry Cavill Man of Steel movie). I do remember parts of this movie scaring me a bit as a child (the destruction of Krypton with everyone dying was rather intense, and so was Lois Lane being crushed by the earthquake). The scene where Lex kills the cop on the train tracks actually gave me nightmares, lol. But there's a special place in my heart for this film as the wire work still comes off as largely convincing even today (although the blue screen effects don't hold up as well). John Williams score is as magical as Christopher Reeve's acting. Funny story, I'm actually an extra in Man of Steel (as one of the soldiers in a large formation awaiting the arrival of General Zod and Faora). That scene was shot at Edwards Air Force Base in 2012 (where I worked at the time) and all of the solders in that scene (minus the principle actors) are real Airmen stationed at the base. There was only one extra in that scene who wasn't a member of the military. His name is Aaron Smolinski and he played one of the officers in front. He's also the same actor who played Clark Kent as a child in this movie (the baby penis kid, lol). That's just a random, weird coincidence.
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.
In general a fun reaction to your first time seeing the movie but you're completely wrong about Reeve's Clark Kent/Superman. His disguise is WAY more than a pair of glasses, he intentionally hunches to make himself shorter, puts on a higher voice, and in general acts like a meek, well, mild mannered, person. You even skip over the scene where he shows EXACTLY how different the two halves of the character are played. Also, one of his super powers is literally his hearing. Dude can hear the entire world lol. It's not hard to understand how he knows who to help.
I just think people didn't question plot holes like the missiles back then. I grew up on these movies, and Star Wars, and we just thought Superman was too cool. I think we were more involved in the imagery and not the plot as kids. He was just so perfect as Superman. It's like he stepped right out of the comics. Lynda Carter also had that strong visual as Wonder Woman. She was unbelievable casting. She was Wonder Woman and you get lost in that. I'm still in awe as a adult when I see these Superman's or Lynda Carter's Wonder Woman TV show.
My guess is Supes spun the earth & time in reverse so far, they weren't launched and he fixed it all in between the point he goes back, and Louis is with Jimmy by the car, so it is just not shown. Or...he went in reverse order of missiles and got the California one, then NJ one knowing exactly where they are this time, so they don't explode. He can supposedly hear everyone hollering or talking on the planet (so magic and a pre-spidey super sense). Cavill is indeed superman (as are Routh and others, each being their own), but there can only be one old school good guy Team America Superman, and that is Reeves (no disrespect to the previous originals).
I couldn’t care less about the plot holes, because I was 10 years old when this came out. Every time I see it I’m 10 again, and I think that the vibe of the film trumps the plot issues by a wide margin. What a colossal cosmic coincidence that Otis’ mistake on the first missile’s coordinates sent it toward Ms. Teschmacher’s mom in Hackensack, and that she was the one person in Lex Luther’s camp who had the stones to free Superman. THAT might be the biggest “plot convenience” in cinematic history, but who care, lol?
Christopher Reeves is STILL the best Superman and Clark Kent. I enjoy Henry Cavill as Superman but he's an okay Clark Kent. Brandon Routh in Superman Returns was a good Clark Kent and a decent Superman. Tom Welling was a great Clark Kent and okay as Superman same with Dean Cain in the Adventures of Lois and Clark who played a better Clark over Superman. I haven't watched George Reeves to get an opinion. Plus Margot Kidder is the best Lois, their chemistry was dynamic. Plus, the John Williams score is like no other. The best superhero theme song EVER!!!
Just try to ignore the plot holes David! Hahahaha!!! I watched this when I was a little boy and didn't care since then. Richard Donner who just directed THE OMEN two years earlier was supposed to direct OMEN II but because of his obligation to this film he declined. Mario Puzo, who wrote THE GODFATHER also wrote the screenplay for this film as well as the 1974 disaster film EARTHQUAKE. You should watch the sequels too! Richard Pryor is in part 3!!! You should also see Supergirl (1984) which was released in between Superman III and Superman IV. Supergirl also has Faye Dunaway as the main villain. The line about the chewing gum wrapper unlocking the secrets of the universe was referenced in READY PLAYER ONE. Well, there are many other facts and trivia I wish I could share with you now but I am on a treadmill at the gym now. LOL! Perhaps the others could fill you in. Thanks for the great reaction David and thank you for showing the Donner cut which features that scene where Superman is riddled with bullets, fire and snow. Other reactors on RUclips never show that scene because they used only the theatrical version.
Saw this movie in the theater on opening night; just a fantastic experience as it was so different than anything else before. Remember this was in the days when CGI were just three letters of the alphabet so all the special effects had to be done with miniatures or physical effects. He doesn't have spidey-sense; he has super hearing where, if he concentrates, can basically hear any sound on earth. In terms of his powers, when someone asks "what can he do?", the real answer is "whatever the plot requires."
I try to imagine that the time travel works like in Harry Potter, where there’s technically two Supermans saving simultaneously. And don’t forget, Superman has super hearing and hear people yell for help MILES away 😉 I love how in the show Smallville, Clark explains how he tries to save people in order of peril level(like if it’s something the cops/fire department can handle without him). You should definitely check out the show for more details about his powers, krypton origins, and depth to the character development.
I prefer the theatrical cut. It's tighter, better paced. It's true that we all want to see the directors total vision but it takes a lot of people to make a film and the editor is very important too. Stuart Baird and Dick Donner used to have regular fights but it was all in the cause of making a fantastic product which of course they achieved. And they always made up in the the end. We will never see the like of Superman The Movie again. Lightning in a bottle. Probably best not too thing too hard about anything time travel related hey. Let's just say he had already saved everyone from the missiles and did it specifically to save Lois. He interfered with human history....but not too much. Great reaction.
My wife and I met Margot Kidder (unsure of spelling) before she passed away. She was a delight to talk to. We talked about her work before and after Superman.
Lois (Margot Kidder) talks about the gas station blowing up and telephone poles going everywhere. Superman (Christopher Reeve) must have therefore only gone back far enough in time to save her rather than stop everything from happening. However, that means there was an earthquake but not a fault line fracture where it consumes the car. Yes, a plot hole but this movie was not about a murder mystery either. It's a love story. Nothing makes sense when love is involved. Time gets bent, the impossible becomes possible etc.
I was 11 years old when this came out and the trailer tagline was “You will believe a man can fly.” , and I absolutely did. The sequel is even better imo but after that the series falls off a cliff.
When they shot this film they were also shooting Superman II. Also, the guy who got Christopher Reeves into shape is the same guy who played Darth Vader in the suit.
Wondering if the rocket still detonated is my main complaint about this movie. Would have been fine if they hadn't added in her line about the gas station blowing up, but overall this and part 2 is still my all time favorite Superman movies. The thing about the time travel scene that I like to believe is that him making the Earth spin backwards isn't what actually turned back time, but the Earth turning backwards was just a perspective to show that time was reversing.
Yes. He flew faster than the speed of light and went back in time himself. The rest was just how they wanted to show it visually. As a kid I always thought he spun the Earth backwards and I couldn't figure out how that would make time go backwards. Wasn't until we actually looked at it in high school physics that I realised what had actually happened. (Later confirmed on DVD extras)
If you want to see something good, watch an episode of the 1950s "Adventures of Superman" TV series. It's low budget and naive, but in six seasons, there wasn't a bad episode.
In 1978 you COULD hike that close to the Hollywood sign. There's a 44-year time jump between when this was made and when you watched it. And a 74-year difference between when this was made and when Columbia Pictures released the first live action Superman serial starring Kirk Alyn as Clark Kent/Superman and Noel Neill as Lois Lane (which is why you didn't recognize them as Lois Lane's parents when young Clark races past the train.
It's interesting that the current TV series Superman and Lois cast an actess (Elizabeth Tulloch) as Lois Lane that looks remarkably like the late Margot Kidder. Perhaps it was a bit of a tribute since Kidder had died a few years earlier.
Hi. Great reaction. Tall and skinny Chris Reeve decided to go on a weight lifting regimen. He was a method actor and stayed in character as much as possible; Margot Kidder wanted him to lighten up. They bickered about it a lot. I like the dialogue too. Mario Puzo got main screenwriting credit but R. Donner brought in script doctor Tom Mankiewicz for major rewriting. Please do Superman II
Great reaction, man! You cracked me up! Gaaaaa, best not to overthink it; they approach it like a comic book, where not everything makes sense! lol. You asked to know what's different in this cut? 19:44 that's an added scene, I've never seen that one before. There was another one during the Krypton section, where you made a joke about "Tin Foil Man" or something. That was not in the theatrical release. 28:29 - this whole little bit with the machine guns, then the fire and then the ice.... isn't in the theatrical release, he just spirals down and goes right into Lex's lair. 33:48 - you're right you can't hike the Hollywood sign that close.....which is probably why it didn't appear in the original theatrical release! Anyways, laughed my butt off watching this with you!
I didn't see it mentioned, but.... Mr. Reeve was told, "You are Superman. You are ALWAYS Superman. When you are Clark you are playing Superman Playing Clark Kent." And it made all the difference in the world. And as for the tag line, "You will believe a man can fly." Go back and re-watch that first flight in the Fortress of Solitude. The wire works and acting totally made us believe.
It's been said a million times by now, but it's a fact that that "reversing time by reversing the Earth's rotation" thing is a complete load of stupid bullshit. There's no way in hell that would happen, it makes absolutely zero sense and that's not even remotely how the Earth's rotation works. The writers of this movie were on some kind of super crack to even THINK that makes any sense, and it's just really, REALLY dumb. The rest of the movie is ok.
For me, it's a big case of "who cares?" I always figured the passing wind was holding her up. I couldn't help thinking, "THAT'S what he finds hard to believe?"
Superman WAS a good script and the effects were just fine, some of them created on the spot for this film. The film won a special Oscar for special effects in a time when special effects weren’t recognized by the Academy.
I recently saw old batman and superman movies from the 50s I think on TUBI, and even though I love this superman, I'd imagine future generations will view this like I view those old superman and batman movies
you want to see a good scene for for seeing the diffrence as to why people can't tell he is superman beyond the glasses? the one scne in lois's apartemtn when she leaves the room, and clark stand up staright deepends his voice, and unslouches, and back you see exactly why
The damage caused by the earthquake is caused by 2 (or more) Tectonic Plates rubbing against each other and moving. Superman is lifting the Pacific (?) Tectonic Plate back into place, thus stopping the earthquake. Easy peasy, assuming of course you can LIFT A TECTONIC PLATE!
Way back in the prehistoric times of the 1979s writers and directors of movies didn't have to show every little thing to viewers...they knew their audience was smart enough to fill in the blanks...Nowadays people are under the belief that they need everything told to them for them to be happy...because you can't imagine it doesn't make it a plot hole... prequels and sequels have ruined imagination.
I'll give you an answer about those rockets after reversing earth's history. Actually, you answered your own questions. Don't ask anymore questions, suspension of disbelief and so on and so forth.
I’ve seen all three cuts and the major difference is pacing. The theatrical cut is the best cut because it includes only what is necessary. The other two versions really add nothing to the story.
Interesting . I felt the donner cut was really good. Though there wasn't any resolve with the people trapped in the glass from the beginning or the "tin foil" man lol but I enjoyed the young lois lane cameo and other scenes that I read were in the Donner Cut
They really don't make genuine, heartfelt movies like this anymore. It's ironic that the MCU is closer to this (especially with Captain America), and DC is so far removed with its emo and angst that you wouldn't even realize this is the company that Superman comes from.
If you watch Superman II, then you must ONLY watch the "Donner Cut" of Superman II !! There is another version directed by Richard Lester, but, it's pathetic! Trust me!!
I appreciate that you went back and watched the 1978 version. I understand that you have questions but, sometimes! You just have to buckle up, and enjoy the ride. Like you would on a roller-coaster. 😆😅😂🤣👍👍👍
We have the tendency to see what we want. Clark Kent is meant to be the nerdy type. His back hunched, soft voice, and timid speech pattern. While Superman is straight back, confidence, no hesitation. Even during filming, Reeves wasn't noticed as Clark, but in Superman outfit had crowds. In the beginning in train scene, I believe they got the original Lois and Jimmy for the 50's series
I always hated the "Superman spins the world backwards" climax. One, for the obvious, the rockets are still coming. A massive plot hole. Second, it drives home the idea that Superman is God-like. While Superman 2 (please react) puts the character through great peril, there's not much to do with a superhero who can perform a feat like that. The creators never intended this. When you see Superman in the late 30s through the 50s, he has great powers but he has to grunt and sweat to show his strength. Check out the classic Fleisher Superman cartoons of the 1940s for perfect examples. Love your content, buddy!
Millions did not die thanks to Superman. Only Lois Lane died. That's why he reverse time to save Lois Lane and nobody died! Yes the rocket still hit! But Superman fix the San Andreas fault then he saved everyone who was in danger. He did a quick head count of everybody using his superhering and he heard Lois choking to death on her own blood. Pay attention to what's happening in the movie and remember Superman's super powers. He could have spun the world back to the point where the rockets were never even launched. But then he wouldn't have lex luthor on trial for the attempt of murder of millions of people.
I remember seeing at the theater and who was sitting around me , the place was packed in my little north Texas town and everyone was fully engaged, laughing clapping cheering etc, them was fun special experiences, thanks again
I don't get people trying to analyze the logic of the glasses. It's an oversimplification when people say that glasses doesn't work. Sigh. Quite a superficial argument. It isn't just about the glasses. It's about looking normal. The disguise, completely different personality when he changes into Clark Kent. I think most people don't look very different in glasses, but some people do. Christopher Reeve was very convincing playing two parts. He wasn't recognizable to me as Clark Kent. The idea is that no one could think of Superman, a larger than life person, being a reporter, a normal human being in a suit and tie, and glasses. Also, he does change his voice.
Thanks for watching the director's cut; I'd never seen the whole scene where little Lois Lane sees teen Clark outside the train before. In the final movie version, you only see little Lois pointing outside the window, then it cuts away before her mother calls her by name. I had read behind the scenes trivia that revealed who that was supposed to be, but I'd never seen that scene. Here's more fun trivia about that scene: Lois' mother in that scene is one of the two actresses who played Lois in the Superman TV series in the 50s, and here father in that scene is Kirk Alyn who was the first actor to play Superman in live action (as opposed to the radio series and theatrical cartoons) in 2 movie serials. I agree with you that the end makes no sense and it used to bug me because Superman could never turn back time by spinning around the earth in the comics (and, scientifically, that would likely cause all kinds of disasters on the planet without actually turning back time in real life). I saw a comment where someone theorizes that Superman isn't turning back time in that scene, he's just using his super speed to travel back in time himself (which he did do in the comics). There were a lot of goofy parts of the movie that you pointed out that I didn't much like because they just didn't happen in the comics. He can't just magically change into his uniform in mid-flight and he doesn't have spidey-sense. Supposedly, he heard Lois with his super-hearing. Though how he can separate out all the other sounds on earth doesn't make much sense. He also didn't leave his mother for 12 years to be tutored by Jor El in the Fortress of Solitude. He went to Metropolis University in that time.
Did he stop the missiles? This was the question I asked my dad when I was 10 years old when I first saw it in theaters. To my understanding, my dad said since he turned back time and everything went into reverse, he can go back to time to where he met Luther and nullified all the interaction since he already knew what was going to happened. There would be no nukes to both places and Lois would of just ran out of gas anyway. I may be missing little pieces as Jimmy did say leave a a guy in the middle of nowhere during an earthquake, but you get the idea. It's a fantasy movie and there will always be holes. To this date, it's still the best Superman movie ever. A masterpiece for 1978 that shows the true galant knight that was Clark Kent and great acting by Christopher Reeves. The part of Superman and his gut wrenching scream after Lois dies always gets me.
Superman possesses super-senses, including super hearing, which is how he could hear & recognized Lois gasping for air inside her car. In the round-the-world scene after the death of Lois, Superman uses his incredible speed to actually fly back through time & stop Lois from being trapped In the avalanche.
I dig the content! Man of Steel and Batman v Superman were too emotionally complex for some. Can't wait until you get to them.
Omg thank you so much for the super thanks! It means a lot and I will be checking out those movies. Which do you recommend? Man of steel or BVS first?
@@FlixTalk Man of Steel then BVS in order.
It has nothing to do with emotional complexity. That kind of reasoning is a bit of a copout, especially when films like Logan and The Dark Knight are beloved.
MOS and BvS just aren't seen as good films by quite a number of fans.
@@Dmaduruh Your opinion, homie.
people have a right not to like those films if that is how they feel. neither one are as good as the first 2 Reeve superman films IMO. BvS had some glaring issues with the editing. Zach snyder has made some real stinkers.
When you watch it, it answers the question... Why doesn't Lois ever know that Clark is Superman? It's the way the late Christopher Reeve played them both (Clark and Superman) was amazing. The shy, awkward, very little confidence Clark and the strong, powerful, assured and truthful Superman is a kudo's to his acting ability.
And his change into Superman for the first time is epic. From the buildup of the Superman theme to the score just emphasize the awesomeness
Rest in Peace Christopher. The true essential Superman
I always felt like Chris Reeve was playing a character while he's Kent but, more himself while wearing the cape......Watch his screen test....REEEAAALLY stiff.....A few rehearsals to relax and VIOLA....Clark is who he PRETENDS to be. Superman is who he really IS...
Henry Cavill, the last actor to play Superman, took a challenge of just standing outside in a city, under a Batman v Superman, poster - and no one paid him any attention.
"Say, Jim, that's a BAD OUTFIT! WHOOOO!"
Hello! Reeve actually plays Superman and Clark Kent differently. Pay atention to the voice, posture, words and accent. Reeve based his characterization of Kent on Cary Grant in "Bringing up baby" (1938). Reeve makes two different characters. That is why he is the best actor who made Superman.
Preach!
You understand
Wow, I never knew that man.
He didn’t chose to leave his mother he was compelled by the green crystal. It summoned him from the barn when he turned 18, told him he had to leave, told him where to go and what to do with the crystal. This was all predetermined by Jor-El, evidenced when he spoke to Kal saying it was his 18th year. Also he arranged for a family friend to take care of Martha and sent her a portion of his weekly salary.
If you look carefully Clark Kent has more than just the glasses as his disguise. It’s also the way he stands, he trips and stumbles, he also puts on a stutter. When he is superman he has none of them.
Yes, in addition to his glasses, his hair style is different....slicked down and parted on the opposite side. His posture and general body language is different. His voice is different. He is literally a different person in every way.
There is even one version of Superman lore which suggests either he or his glasses project a form of Kryptonian hypnotism which actually does make him appear to be a completely different person when dressed as Clark Kent.
And his hair is different.☮️
Saw this in the theater when I was 6. And the sequel at a drive in. Life was great back then.
It's been over 45 years since I've been to a drive-in. I remember watching ET on one. My parents went with some friends to watch Jaws. We were supposed to be sleeping in the back. When the first time I seen that shark was the last time I raised my head that whole time we were there.
I know how you feel, I was 8 and this was the first time my mom let me watch a movie in the movie theater, just me and my older brother
Wow thats cool
Christopher Reeve is the ONLY Superman (and Margot Kidder is the ONLY Lois Lane). Period. This is the gold standard of all superhero movies. Saw this in '78 (was 11) and it blew my mind. When Clark changes into Superman for the first time (running into the close-up of the S on his chest) the audience went crazy. When he saved Lois the audience erupted and were cheering. When he grabbed the chopper they were on their feet! Never before and never since have I EVER experienced a film like that. Nice that you got the joke about the phone booth (that was a huge laugh!). I lived 5 min. from Hackensack, NJ and the audience could not stop laughing when Luthor uttered that line. A perfect film.
100x yes
Yep! I was fourteen then.
The audience went wild!☮️
The helicopter scene gets me every time. I'm right there with the crowd cheering him with goosebumps
15:39
Interesting how the phone booth transformation was already a cliche in 1978 😂
One of my favorite shots in the film is where Superman brings her back to her apartment and flies away, and there’s a knock on the door and it’s Clark at the door in one long uninterrupted shot. It’s just brilliant.
It was really clever how they did it too. Lois waved goodbye to Superman flying away on a back projection screen. Clark was already at her door when they were filming it.
@@leslauner5062 it amazes me how many people miss that it’s one shot. That is real movie magic right there.
this film has NO CGI. RIchard Donner is by far the best all-around filmmaker to ever direct a SUperman film.
The clothes didn't just appear on him as he was falling, as it was established when he changed the first time, he was moving too fast for the viewer to see.
His disguise isn't just his glasses. He changes his entire posture and character. And yes .he does change his voice
Clark is high pitched, nasally, and stuttery Superman is deep and confident
I don't think he has a " spidey" sense. He just listens to the people he cares about and can hear when they are in trouble.
BTW, after saving Lois, my assumption was THEN he took off to take care of everything else. He just switched priorities... he saved her way before the road split. I saw this movie in Hollywood when it opened (back when theaters had curtains, which hyped that opening) and then got to interview Richard Donner for my film school a few days later. Your legitimacy sends me back. The Marvel Universe owes its existence to this movie.
The scene where Clark is running past the train and a young Lois sees him... Her parents were played by Noel Neill (Lois on the 1950's TV show) and Kirk Alyn (Superman in the 1940's serials).. And Ms Neill wore one of her outfits from the show.
Noel Neill was also Kirk Alyn's Lois in the 40s
He didn't fly to every city to make sure everyone's good, he uses his super hearing and super vision to see where the problems are.
What Christopher Reeves did in this movie it's just phenomenal the way he portrayed both Clark Kent and Superman you really couldn't tell the difference actually and it wasn't it it's not until you see him in the Superman costume that you really see what he brought to the characters impressed everybody when they first met Christopher reeves the way he could carry or how he understood how Clark view the world
*Reeve
Reeve is perfect casting , only thing that matches him his RDJ as Ironman and Hemsworth as Thor
Nah. Reeve is still in a class by himself.
Glenn Ford is so good in this movie. He has only two scenes, but leaves such an indelible impression of Jonathan Kent that he permeates the entire film. You feel his presence in Superman.
Costner is in Man of steel maybe 20-22mins more than a cameo (with the dumbest death ever and the worst line ever uttered by Jonathan Kent that "maybe" he should let people die) and is terrible, but Glenn Ford is in this maybe 7 min's and the definitive Jonathan Kent
@@redsabreanakin John Schneider was pretty good a Johnathan Kent in the "Smallville" series.
@@RustyX2010 he was indeed. 👍
Regarding the logic of how Lois flies with Superman. It's been said that Superman has an aura around his body that can be extended out to encapsulate other items that he touches. This is what allows Lois to fly until they're no longer touching, this is also why the helicopter didn't snap when he caught it mid air by the landing struts. But keep in mind, this comes from a time where riders were giving Superman all kinds of crazy powers. In one of the comics Superman can shoot miniature super men from his hands... Crazy. Eventually a clone of Superman was made, we know him today is Superboy or Connor Kent/Con-El. Superboy has a power called tactile telekinesis which allows him to completely manipulate and control whatever it is he's touching, it's basically a play on how Superman is able to extend his aura. Most Superman fans in the '70s were aware of this power but it is not really used in today's version of Superman.
Let's make this nice and simple. The missile still hit, but Supes was able to be everywhere at once, stopping all the dangers before anyone got hurt. The missile still had to hit so that they could indict Lex. Don't overcomplicate it.
🤔🤔😂😂😂
I believe the canon reason is his hearing and superspeed are just that good he can hear a cry from help from all over the world and perceives things fast enough he can seperate individual ones to locate individuals he needs to save. I recall one storyline mentions he tracks lois's heartbeat specifically so he knows if she's in danger by her heart racing.
As a Superman fan, I can safely say YES :)
32:00 lex luthor did not deliberately aim the missile at Hackensack New Jersey. Remember Otis screwed up... By setting the third one to 117 and the fourth one to zero. If Otis did not screw up the rocket would have been headed to California as initially planned.
Otis got wrong co-ordinates so he didn't plan to even change the other one.
Christopher Reeve IS the best Superman EVER. Superman The movie made Superheroes movies great
Pretty familiar with the 1950s "The Adventures of Superman?"
Christopher Reeve (RIP) was THE definitive Superman. He will never be surpassed by any other actor IMHO. Haven’t even seen the video yet, will watch later. Margot Kidder the quintessential Lois Lane. Superman II is worth a watch, not a bad sequel. Terrance Stamp was an excellent villain. The next two I forgot and wish I never saw. LOL☮️👏😂
I agree with you that Christopher Reeve is the definitive Superman.
I prefer the Richard Donner Director's Cut version of Superman II.
@@pauld6967 🙏TY but I truly don’t remember if I saw a directors cut of II
@@batgurrl Ah, well I saw the theatrical release of Superman II and decided the Richard Donner Director's Cut version was the one to have in my DVD/Blu-ray collection.
@@pauld6967 I have no idea what the directors cut has, sorry
@@batgurrl No need to apologize.
When time and finances permit, add the DVD to your collection.
Donner did both films at essentially the same time and had the 2nd portion about 85% done when they brought in another director. So, the two films match up well without the usual gap in time between original and sequel film and you get to see what his vision was for the two films when seen as a pair.
The second Missle was only going to Hackensack because Otis put in the wrong numbers(coordinates)
Christopher Reeve actually did change the cadence and pitch of his voice along with his posture to make himself appear to be 2 different people.
We had never seen a Superman that actually looked like he WAS flying. It helped that Reeve was a pilot so he knew what position of his body would just look ridiculous when it came to possible flight.
Ahh I must have not have noticed lol yeah it was definitely fun
@@FlixTalk also he used the glasses to great effect. Watch the scene in Lois' apartment when he almost tells her who he is. He completely changed when he took the glasses off and again when he put them back on.
I saw this version as a pre-release audience reaction test screening and I am glad you picked it.
One of the things omitted from the theatrical release is the 'death trap defenses' scene. People who only see the theatrical go straight from his boring down into the ground to his breaking down the door.
FYI, Hackensack, N.J. wasn't chosen by Lex. It became a target because Otis goofed with the coordinates, 3 sets of digits on his arm instead of 4.
Accidentally bombing New Jersey was the greatest comedic touch, and Hackensack is the perfect target zero both for the way it rolls off the tongue and the image that it conjures up for one who has never been there.
Just enjoy the innocence of a fun sci-fi super hero movie from the 1970's......too many questions
NOW you need to REACT to SUPERMAN II which for me is the BEST Christopher Reeve SUPERMAN movie. YOU will LOVE that one! IT's GREAT!! I LOVE Christopher Reeve and it was SO TRAGIC when he got thrown from his horse and was paralyzed from the neck down. SO unfair. RIP Christopher Reeve, you are missed. ( HE is the BEST Superman for ME)
Superman wasn't supposed to alter history, so he tried to be as minimal with it as possible. He managed to repair the fault and keep California from falling into the sea. But the aftershocks still did cause a lot of damage and killed people. But for Lois, he decided if he was going to do time travel, that he would only do it enough to save her as an exception. He probably did something several miles down the road where the crack originated and stopped it. Sure, he could have reversed time to stop ALL the damage, but I think he didn't want to make such a huge change in history. This way, the nuke still goes off, but the damage is something minimal but still possible. Also, the reason the other missile went to Hackensack is simply because that's where Otis' screw up happened to be the coordinates for. That's why they had to alter the second missile.
i believe he reversed time just enough to save lois lane. so his actions on saving california were done already... if you get what i am saying.
Lois Lane's mother on the train was played by the actress who played Lois Lane in the 1950s Superman TV series.
The lady who played Lana Lang in this movie ended up playing Martha Kent in the Smallville TV show.
And sitting across, silently playing Lois's father, was the first movie Superman, Kirk Alyn (Noel Neill played Lois to his Superman in the serials as well).
superman 3 not this movie
Actually Lana in the film was not played by the same actress that appeared in Smallville. The young actress playing Lana in this film was Diane Sherry. In Smallville Martha was played by Annette O'Toole.
And jimmy from this movie played the cop that Lois gave coffee to in the Snyder cut justice league.
@@adamn7516 I believe AO played Lana in Superman IV. Didn't google
Lex Luther didn't decide on New Jersey for the 2nd missile.. that was becasue Otis screwed up with the coordinates! They modified 2 missiles, not just the one twice
IMO this is still the best Superman film made, Reeve captured the heart of who superman is at his heart better than anyone else has so far. He is the Babe Ruth or Michael Jorden of Superman.
*Jordan
Don't think, just watch. Every answer to every question is...It's Superman.
This movie get from 1 to 5 stars get a million. Everybody did an amazing job but Christopher Reeves performance is unparalleled. I could explain all of the scenes with his powers and how they worked and to an extent the going back in time by flying around the Earth. I'm at work right now so I'll follow up later
can you follow up now?
Christopher Reeve is the epitome of Superman hands down. I saw this film in theaters when I was 15 in 1979 and many many times since. Brandon Routh in Superman Returns is a close second, then Henry Cavill . What I like about this version is it really follows the comic book origin story even better than the Zack Snyder Man Of Steel version. Superman II is also good but III and IV are worth skipping. Fun Fact: Noel. Neal who played Lois Lane in the TV series with George Reeves is on board the train in the scene where Clark is racing it.
Agreed on all your points, saw in the theater also , Christopher Reeve is Superman and everyone else is playing the part, I thought Brandon was great also, thanks
Christopher Reeves looks HEROIC. Cavill just looks beefy.
I agree
The reason why he's the best, is because he plays 2 parts, Clark and Superman and plays them to letter.
Hey, let's not forget George Reeves of the 1950s TV series The Adventures of Superman. I thought he was great too.
yea he has super senses that go beyond hearing
Oh okay makes sense then
The Director's Cut of any film is usually the best version of that film, in my professional filmmaking opinion.
A good followup to watch is SUPERMAN RETURNS with Brandon Routh . It was a nod to this Richard Donner version of Superman movie . Please check it out please .
I'd love to check it out! I'll look into it!
Clark Kent DOES slouch and his voice stutters, Superman stands tall has no glasses and his voice is stable. Back in 1978 hiking the HOLLYWOOD sign wasn't illegal (yet).
I refuse to watch another Superman Movie. Since this was released ..This is The only Superman I will accept .
There is nothing significant about Hackensack, New Jersey. The second missile being sent there was not part of Lex's original plan. He only planned on hijacking one missile and setting it to strike the San Andreas Fault in California. But Otis messed up the coordinates of the first missile (Army Bird) and set it to Hackensack New Jersey instead of California. That's why they had to divert the Navy later on to hijack another missile. Miss Teshmacher programmed the Navy Bird missile to the correct coordinates in California. The fact that there were now two nuclear missiles that went off their original course just turned out to be a fortunate happenstance for Lex, as it ensured that Superman couldn't reach both of them. But that little insurance policy wasn't actually planned because his original plan was to kill Superman Kryptonite anyway. I'm a huge Superman fan. This movie came out the year I was born so I literally grew up with it.
I'm sure this has been explained by others already, but many of Superman's powers are based on "tactile telekinesis". He has an energy field around his body based on manipulation of gravitons, that allows him to basically levitate. Anything he touches has this field extended around it, which is why Lois can seemingly fly when she's touching him (and also why he can catch her while she's falling without killing her). This ability also explains his superhuman strength and his ability to lift huge masses without them collapsing under their own weight. His super senses (high frequency hearing, x-ray vision etc) are based on his alien anatomy.
There are some issues with this movie today, including some material which might be considered very dated and inappropriate. The scene where Miss Teschmacher pretends to be hurt in a car accident and the soldiers suggest a "vigorous chest massage" and "mouth to mouth" to help her is incredibly cringy today. Also, she kisses Superman while he's incapacitated with Kryptonite. While that probably made her come off as sympathetic in the 1970s, today that's basically sexual assault. Also, I'm sure that showing a little kid's penis wasn't really considered to be a big deal back then, but again today it comes off as a bit cringy (although for some reason they do the same thing in the Henry Cavill Man of Steel movie).
I do remember parts of this movie scaring me a bit as a child (the destruction of Krypton with everyone dying was rather intense, and so was Lois Lane being crushed by the earthquake). The scene where Lex kills the cop on the train tracks actually gave me nightmares, lol. But there's a special place in my heart for this film as the wire work still comes off as largely convincing even today (although the blue screen effects don't hold up as well). John Williams score is as magical as Christopher Reeve's acting.
Funny story, I'm actually an extra in Man of Steel (as one of the soldiers in a large formation awaiting the arrival of General Zod and Faora). That scene was shot at Edwards Air Force Base in 2012 (where I worked at the time) and all of the solders in that scene (minus the principle actors) are real Airmen stationed at the base. There was only one extra in that scene who wasn't a member of the military. His name is Aaron Smolinski and he played one of the officers in front. He's also the same actor who played Clark Kent as a child in this movie (the baby penis kid, lol). That's just a random, weird coincidence.
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.
It's just a movie. You have to let reality suspend. Can a man fly? Come on now!
In general a fun reaction to your first time seeing the movie but you're completely wrong about Reeve's Clark Kent/Superman. His disguise is WAY more than a pair of glasses, he intentionally hunches to make himself shorter, puts on a higher voice, and in general acts like a meek, well, mild mannered, person. You even skip over the scene where he shows EXACTLY how different the two halves of the character are played. Also, one of his super powers is literally his hearing. Dude can hear the entire world lol. It's not hard to understand how he knows who to help.
I just think people didn't question plot holes like the missiles back then. I grew up on these movies, and Star Wars, and we just thought Superman was too cool. I think we were more involved in the imagery and not the plot as kids. He was just so perfect as Superman. It's like he stepped right out of the comics. Lynda Carter also had that strong visual as Wonder Woman. She was unbelievable casting. She was Wonder Woman and you get lost in that. I'm still in awe as a adult when I see these Superman's or Lynda Carter's Wonder Woman TV show.
What plot holes?
There are no plot holes in this screenplay.
Christopher Reeve is the greatest Superman ever
My guess is Supes spun the earth & time in reverse so far, they weren't launched and he fixed it all in between the point he goes back, and Louis is with Jimmy by the car, so it is just not shown. Or...he went in reverse order of missiles and got the California one, then NJ one knowing exactly where they are this time, so they don't explode. He can supposedly hear everyone hollering or talking on the planet (so magic and a pre-spidey super sense).
Cavill is indeed superman (as are Routh and others, each being their own), but there can only be one old school good guy Team America Superman, and that is Reeves (no disrespect to the previous originals).
I couldn’t care less about the plot holes, because I was 10 years old when this came out. Every time I see it I’m 10 again, and I think that the vibe of the film trumps the plot issues by a wide margin.
What a colossal cosmic coincidence that Otis’ mistake on the first missile’s coordinates sent it toward Ms. Teschmacher’s mom in Hackensack, and that she was the one person in Lex Luther’s camp who had the stones to free Superman. THAT might be the biggest “plot convenience” in cinematic history, but who care, lol?
Christopher Reeves is STILL the best Superman and Clark Kent. I enjoy Henry Cavill as Superman but he's an okay Clark Kent. Brandon Routh in Superman Returns was a good Clark Kent and a decent Superman. Tom Welling was a great Clark Kent and okay as Superman same with Dean Cain in the Adventures of Lois and Clark who played a better Clark over Superman. I haven't watched George Reeves to get an opinion. Plus Margot Kidder is the best Lois, their chemistry was dynamic. Plus, the John Williams score is like no other. The best superhero theme song EVER!!!
Superman from Superfriends best is. Saturday morning tv was.
*Reeve
Like you said at the beginning. You have to watch fantasy films a certain way. Full enjoyment comes from the suspension of disbelief.
Just try to ignore the plot holes David! Hahahaha!!! I watched this when I was a little boy and didn't care since then. Richard Donner who just directed THE OMEN two years earlier was supposed to direct OMEN II but because of his obligation to this film he declined. Mario Puzo, who wrote THE GODFATHER also wrote the screenplay for this film as well as the 1974 disaster film EARTHQUAKE. You should watch the sequels too! Richard Pryor is in part 3!!! You should also see Supergirl (1984) which was released in between Superman III and Superman IV. Supergirl also has Faye Dunaway as the main villain. The line about the chewing gum wrapper unlocking the secrets of the universe was referenced in READY PLAYER ONE. Well, there are many other facts and trivia I wish I could share with you now but I am on a treadmill at the gym now. LOL! Perhaps the others could fill you in. Thanks for the great reaction David and thank you for showing the Donner cut which features that scene where Superman is riddled with bullets, fire and snow. Other reactors on RUclips never show that scene because they used only the theatrical version.
I will LOVE Christopher Reeve forever!! ❤❤❤❤❤
Christopher Reeve is The Superman
Saw this movie in the theater on opening night; just a fantastic experience as it was so different than anything else before. Remember this was in the days when CGI were just three letters of the alphabet so all the special effects had to be done with miniatures or physical effects. He doesn't have spidey-sense; he has super hearing where, if he concentrates, can basically hear any sound on earth. In terms of his powers, when someone asks "what can he do?", the real answer is "whatever the plot requires."
I try to imagine that the time travel works like in Harry Potter, where there’s technically two Supermans saving simultaneously. And don’t forget, Superman has super hearing and hear people yell for help MILES away 😉 I love how in the show Smallville, Clark explains how he tries to save people in order of peril level(like if it’s something the cops/fire department can handle without him). You should definitely check out the show for more details about his powers, krypton origins, and depth to the character development.
I prefer the theatrical cut. It's tighter, better paced. It's true that we all want to see the directors total vision but it takes a lot of people to make a film and the editor is very important too. Stuart Baird and Dick Donner used to have regular fights but it was all in the cause of making a fantastic product which of course they achieved. And they always made up in the the end. We will never see the like of Superman The Movie again. Lightning in a bottle.
Probably best not too thing too hard about anything time travel related hey. Let's just say he had already saved everyone from the missiles and did it specifically to save Lois. He interfered with human history....but not too much.
Great reaction.
My wife and I met Margot Kidder (unsure of spelling) before she passed away. She was a delight to talk to. We talked about her work before and after Superman.
Lois (Margot Kidder) talks about the gas station blowing up and telephone poles going everywhere. Superman (Christopher Reeve) must have therefore only gone back far enough in time to save her rather than stop everything from happening. However, that means there was an earthquake but not a fault line fracture where it consumes the car. Yes, a plot hole but this movie was not about a murder mystery either. It's a love story. Nothing makes sense when love is involved. Time gets bent, the impossible becomes possible etc.
36:25 There's only two kisses in this film, and they're both non-consensual. 🤔
What This movie did was allow Superman to fail... And how it affected him on an emotional level.
I was 11 years old when this came out and the trailer tagline was “You will believe a man can fly.” , and I absolutely did. The sequel is even better imo but after that the series falls off a cliff.
Magical nostalgia. I plan on watching the sequels! Bad or not
@@FlixTalk part 3 is ok but part 4 is an abomination, Christopher Reeve tried to have the release stopped and refused to do publicity.🤣👍
When they shot this film they were also shooting Superman II. Also, the guy who got Christopher Reeves into shape is the same guy who played Darth Vader in the suit.
That's awesome trivia thank you! And thanks for watching
David prowse
Reeve, not Reeves.
Wondering if the rocket still detonated is my main complaint about this movie. Would have been fine if they hadn't added in her line about the gas station blowing up, but overall this and part 2 is still my all time favorite Superman movies. The thing about the time travel scene that I like to believe is that him making the Earth spin backwards isn't what actually turned back time, but the Earth turning backwards was just a perspective to show that time was reversing.
Thank you for the comment & thanks for watching!
Yes. He flew faster than the speed of light and went back in time himself. The rest was just how they wanted to show it visually. As a kid I always thought he spun the Earth backwards and I couldn't figure out how that would make time go backwards. Wasn't until we actually looked at it in high school physics that I realised what had actually happened. (Later confirmed on DVD extras)
Truth, Justice, and the American Way.
If you want to see something good, watch an episode of the 1950s "Adventures of Superman" TV series. It's low budget and naive, but in six seasons, there wasn't a bad episode.
My childhood in a nutshell! Your reaction to him catching Lois and the helicopter is me every time. Nice video my dude!!!!
Thanks for watching!
In 1978 you COULD hike that close to the Hollywood sign.
There's a 44-year time jump between when this was made and when you watched it.
And a 74-year difference between when this was made and when Columbia Pictures released the first live action Superman serial starring Kirk Alyn as Clark Kent/Superman and Noel Neill as Lois Lane (which is why you didn't recognize them as Lois Lane's parents when young Clark races past the train.
It's interesting that the current TV series Superman and Lois cast an actess (Elizabeth Tulloch) as Lois Lane that looks remarkably like the late Margot Kidder. Perhaps it was a bit of a tribute since Kidder had died a few years earlier.
Hi. Great reaction. Tall and skinny Chris Reeve decided to go on a weight lifting regimen. He was a method actor and stayed in character as much as possible; Margot Kidder wanted him to lighten up. They bickered about it a lot.
I like the dialogue too. Mario Puzo got main screenwriting credit but R. Donner brought in script doctor Tom Mankiewicz for major rewriting. Please do Superman II
Mankiewicz did get a credit as a “consultant”. He did a commentary track on the movie with Donner. They were a couple of interesting guys.
Great reaction, man! You cracked me up! Gaaaaa, best not to overthink it; they approach it like a comic book, where not everything makes sense! lol. You asked to know what's different in this cut? 19:44 that's an added scene, I've never seen that one before. There was another one during the Krypton section, where you made a joke about "Tin Foil Man" or something. That was not in the theatrical release. 28:29 - this whole little bit with the machine guns, then the fire and then the ice.... isn't in the theatrical release, he just spirals down and goes right into Lex's lair. 33:48 - you're right you can't hike the Hollywood sign that close.....which is probably why it didn't appear in the original theatrical release! Anyways, laughed my butt off watching this with you!
Thank you so much for the info and thanks for watching!
I didn't see it mentioned, but.... Mr. Reeve was told, "You are Superman. You are ALWAYS Superman. When you are Clark you are playing Superman Playing Clark Kent." And it made all the difference in the world.
And as for the tag line, "You will believe a man can fly." Go back and re-watch that first flight in the Fortress of Solitude. The wire works and acting totally made us believe.
The Phantom Zone is like a living death.
It's been said a million times by now, but it's a fact that that "reversing time by reversing the Earth's rotation" thing is a complete load of stupid bullshit. There's no way in hell that would happen, it makes absolutely zero sense and that's not even remotely how the Earth's rotation works. The writers of this movie were on some kind of super crack to even THINK that makes any sense, and it's just really, REALLY dumb.
The rest of the movie is ok.
😂😂😂😂😂
Your mindset is the reason why Superman is considered passe..
Your cynicalism towards the world and how it's workings...
Your lack of Hope and Wonder.
I'll try to do better lol thanks for watching
23:35 I'll say Superman is able to transfer his gravity defiance to whom he touches. That theory makes it work for me.
For me, it's a big case of "who cares?" I always figured the passing wind was holding her up. I couldn't help thinking, "THAT'S what he finds hard to believe?"
Imagine a Superman movie with Christopher Reeves, better special effects AND a good script.
😯😯😯🔥🔥🔥🔥
Reeve, not Reeves.
Superman WAS a good script and the effects were just fine, some of them created on the spot for this film. The film won a special Oscar for special effects in a time when special effects weren’t recognized by the Academy.
I recently saw old batman and superman movies from the 50s I think on TUBI, and even though I love this superman, I'd imagine future generations will view this like I view those old superman and batman movies
Watching the original Adam West Batman movie soon!
you want to see a good scene for for seeing the diffrence as to why people can't tell he is superman beyond the glasses? the one scne in lois's apartemtn when she leaves the room, and clark stand up staright deepends his voice, and unslouches, and back you see exactly why
The damage caused by the earthquake is caused by 2 (or more) Tectonic Plates rubbing against each other and moving. Superman is lifting the Pacific (?) Tectonic Plate back into place, thus stopping the earthquake. Easy peasy, assuming of course you can LIFT A TECTONIC PLATE!
Way back in the prehistoric times of the 1979s writers and directors of movies didn't have to show every little thing to viewers...they knew their audience was smart enough to fill in the blanks...Nowadays people are under the belief that they need everything told to them for them to be happy...because you can't imagine it doesn't make it a plot hole... prequels and sequels have ruined imagination.
Facts!! People can really ruin and suck the fun out of a movie these days by thinking they are know-it-alls. Who cares...just enjoy
I'll give you an answer about those rockets after reversing earth's history. Actually, you answered your own questions. Don't ask anymore questions, suspension of disbelief and so on and so forth.
Lol good comment! Thanks for watching
Lois died because Superman gave his word to Miss Tesmacher........He never lies...
I’ve seen all three cuts and the major difference is pacing. The theatrical cut is the best cut because it includes only what is necessary. The other two versions really add nothing to the story.
Interesting . I felt the donner cut was really good. Though there wasn't any resolve with the people trapped in the glass from the beginning or the "tin foil" man lol but I enjoyed the young lois lane cameo and other scenes that I read were in the Donner Cut
They really don't make genuine, heartfelt movies like this anymore. It's ironic that the MCU is closer to this (especially with Captain America), and DC is so far removed with its emo and angst that you wouldn't even realize this is the company that Superman comes from.
If you watch Superman II, then you must ONLY watch the "Donner Cut" of Superman II !! There is another version directed by Richard Lester, but, it's pathetic! Trust me!!
This isn't the cinema release.
I appreciate that you went back and watched the 1978 version. I understand that you have questions but, sometimes! You just have to buckle up, and enjoy the ride. Like you would on a roller-coaster. 😆😅😂🤣👍👍👍
We have the tendency to see what we want. Clark Kent is meant to be the nerdy type. His back hunched, soft voice, and timid speech pattern. While Superman is straight back, confidence, no hesitation. Even during filming, Reeves wasn't noticed as Clark, but in Superman outfit had crowds. In the beginning in train scene, I believe they got the original Lois and Jimmy for the 50's series
I always hated the "Superman spins the world backwards" climax. One, for the obvious, the rockets are still coming. A massive plot hole. Second, it drives home the idea that Superman is God-like. While Superman 2 (please react) puts the character through great peril, there's not much to do with a superhero who can perform a feat like that.
The creators never intended this. When you see Superman in the late 30s through the 50s, he has great powers but he has to grunt and sweat to show his strength. Check out the classic Fleisher Superman cartoons of the 1940s for perfect examples.
Love your content, buddy!
Millions did not die thanks to Superman. Only Lois Lane died. That's why he reverse time to save Lois Lane and nobody died! Yes the rocket still hit! But Superman fix the San Andreas fault then he saved everyone who was in danger. He did a quick head count of everybody using his superhering and he heard Lois choking to death on her own blood.
Pay attention to what's happening in the movie and remember Superman's super powers.
He could have spun the world back to the point where the rockets were never even launched. But then he wouldn't have lex luthor on trial for the attempt of murder of millions of people.
I remember seeing at the theater and who was sitting around me , the place was packed in my little north Texas town and everyone was fully engaged, laughing clapping cheering etc, them was fun special experiences, thanks again
Sounds like a fun memory! Thank you for watching!
I don't get people trying to analyze the logic of the glasses. It's an oversimplification when people say that glasses doesn't work. Sigh. Quite a superficial argument. It isn't just about the glasses. It's about looking normal. The disguise, completely different personality when he changes into Clark Kent. I think most people don't look very different in glasses, but some people do. Christopher Reeve was very convincing playing two parts. He wasn't recognizable to me as Clark Kent. The idea is that no one could think of Superman, a larger than life person, being a reporter, a normal human being in a suit and tie, and glasses. Also, he does change his voice.
Thanks for watching the director's cut; I'd never seen the whole scene where little Lois Lane sees teen Clark outside the train before. In the final movie version, you only see little Lois pointing outside the window, then it cuts away before her mother calls her by name. I had read behind the scenes trivia that revealed who that was supposed to be, but I'd never seen that scene. Here's more fun trivia about that scene: Lois' mother in that scene is one of the two actresses who played Lois in the Superman TV series in the 50s, and here father in that scene is Kirk Alyn who was the first actor to play Superman in live action (as opposed to the radio series and theatrical cartoons) in 2 movie serials.
I agree with you that the end makes no sense and it used to bug me because Superman could never turn back time by spinning around the earth in the comics (and, scientifically, that would likely cause all kinds of disasters on the planet without actually turning back time in real life). I saw a comment where someone theorizes that Superman isn't turning back time in that scene, he's just using his super speed to travel back in time himself (which he did do in the comics).
There were a lot of goofy parts of the movie that you pointed out that I didn't much like because they just didn't happen in the comics. He can't just magically change into his uniform in mid-flight and he doesn't have spidey-sense. Supposedly, he heard Lois with his super-hearing. Though how he can separate out all the other sounds on earth doesn't make much sense. He also didn't leave his mother for 12 years to be tutored by Jor El in the Fortress of Solitude. He went to Metropolis University in that time.
Did he stop the missiles? This was the question I asked my dad when I was 10 years old when I first saw it in theaters. To my understanding, my dad said since he turned back time and everything went into reverse, he can go back to time to where he met Luther and nullified all the interaction since he already knew what was going to happened. There would be no nukes to both places and Lois would of just ran out of gas anyway. I may be missing little pieces as Jimmy did say leave a a guy in the middle of nowhere during an earthquake, but you get the idea. It's a fantasy movie and there will always be holes. To this date, it's still the best Superman movie ever. A masterpiece for 1978 that shows the true galant knight that was Clark Kent and great acting by Christopher Reeves. The part of Superman and his gut wrenching scream after Lois dies always gets me.
Superman possesses super-senses, including super hearing, which is how he could hear & recognized Lois gasping for air inside her car.
In the round-the-world scene after the death of Lois, Superman uses his incredible speed to actually fly back through time & stop Lois from being trapped In the avalanche.