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What Do You Think of "Superman: The Movie"? Let's Let Director Richard Donner Know

To help celebrate director Richard Donner's 80th birthday, this is a call to all CBM readers to let us know what you think of Superman: The Movie. What are your general thoughts of it? Did it impact your life in some way? How has it influenced Hollywood and the superhero film? The idea is to take your comments and forward them to Mr. Donner.
This just seems like a great opportunity to express our appreciation for this classic film that also introduced Christopher Reeve to the world. So please share your memories and thoughts below.

13 Yes
1 No
EdGross
10/25/2009

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100 Comments

It was a great movie! I'm sure he's heard that before, though
MultiPurposePoni - 10/25/2009, 8:01 PM
it was Fantastic! classic.
KeepItReal - 10/25/2009, 8:04 PM
It's definitely what set the bar. I think it should be credited for for finally treating the genre seriously, instead of producing something cut-rate that was only supposed to appeal to kids.
KentAllard - 10/25/2009, 8:19 PM
He's responsible for two of the greatest comic book movies of all time, and every comic book movie made after it owes him a debt of gratitude. As aged as some of the effects are you can't tell me that your breath doesn't catch when you see him fly the first time, I don't know if it's the look of Reeves or the stunning score by John Williams. Regardless of whatever it is that makes Superman the Movie great it cannot be denied that there is something magical about that movie that just can't be diminished by time.
thwhtGuardian - 10/25/2009, 8:19 PM
i remember watching this movie again and again as a kid. my parents were both big sci-fi nuts and saw the movie when it came out. the vhs copy in our home had worn out from the amount of times me and my brother watched the dang thing and started my life long love of the superman character. it started my love of superman and of motion pictures. i wanted to know how how a film like that could get made. My love of comics, film, sci-fi and everything that i have become started here. life long dc comics fan and i owe it to richard donner.
Boogie138 - 10/25/2009, 8:28 PM
It got me into comics. I taped it off of a TV airing and watched it a lot! It is one of my favorite movies still.
screams - 10/25/2009, 8:31 PM
probably the best superhero movie ever made!
Mileena16 - 10/25/2009, 8:34 PM

What can be said about Donner that hasn't been said already? He's a genius. He is responsible for the single greatest superhero movie ever made. How many people can say that? It's true that the cast, special effects, and music ( The most iconic and most powerful superhero theme ever made) were top notch, but that's only because it took such a skilled director to make it. Donner is even more amazing, because he created STM in a time where the superhero genre hadn't been firmly established yet. He set the bar for how superhero movies are supposed to be made, and has had his film engraved in comic book movie history. Donner will always get my undying respect because he was the first pioneer in the discovery of the modern superhero genre, and he truly cared for the character that he made his film on. Have a Happy Birthday Richard, you definitely deserve it
supermarioworldE - 10/25/2009, 8:43 PM
You can believe a man can fly!!!



Happy B-Day RICH!

I cant remember yesterday let alone when i first saw SUPERMAN lol!?

Ive got a question for him though, like what does he think of other DC heroes like GREEN LANTERN, WW etc??

Oh an THE TICK!!! ; D
LEEE777 - 10/25/2009, 8:51 PM
Well what can I say Superman the movie I can honestly say saved my life, I got to experience it during a very tough time in my life and it inspired me to turn things around. Sure it's Christopher Reeve's performance as Superman in all the movies and his fight with spinal cord injuries but you were the one that put him in that role and I thank you. Happy birth day Mr. Donner!
Superman4 - 10/25/2009, 8:56 PM
Iconic! Definitive movie that set a tough standard for a successive film to follow. Thanks again, Mr. Donner.
Phinehas - 10/25/2009, 9:14 PM
Thank you Mr RICHARD DONNER, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
Your movie is a dream, thank´s.
OSCURO - 10/25/2009, 9:15 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY lol

who do you think would win lol

luffycapri - 10/25/2009, 9:16 PM
I can't say it saved my life, but I can remember the first time I saw the film and there isn't a year that goes by that I don't throw it in the, now DVD player, and experience the magic again. It is, without a doubt, the most inspirational film of its time. It had humor, love, drama, determination and a bunch of other things I just can't think of in 1 sitting.

Happy Birthday Mr. Donner, I wish there were more like you to inspire other aspiring directors!
Jimdlux - 10/25/2009, 9:23 PM
80, God bless him. There's not many of his old school talent around anymore, what a service this man did for my childhood, many thanks.
ASSASSIN666 - 10/25/2009, 9:29 PM
i first saw Superman: The Movie when i was five.
i was instantly awed by the sheer spectacle of this film. this movie introduced me to the genre of super heroes and have been entranced by them ever since.
i wasn't around when it first came out but i know that it had ground breaking effects for it's time.
donner showed a real respect for the character and i only wish that some filmakers could do the same.
Wadey09 - 10/25/2009, 9:36 PM
IT'S A CLASSIC MOVIE, EVERYTHING IT DID INSPIRED EVERY SUPERMAN THING THAT HAPPENED AFTER BECAUSE IT WAS AN ICONIC LANDMARK IN FILM..IT WAS TRULY BRILLIANT,TIMELESS AND IT MAKES RICHARD DONNER TRULY IMMORTALIZED.
GUNSMITH - 10/25/2009, 9:48 PM
If I had to pick a favorite movie of all time it would be VERY difficult for me as I think it would be for most any fan of film. But I believe that the movie that would come out on top is SUPERMAN. That movie has it all. It's dramatic, exciting, romantic, thought provoking, and just plain fun to watch! But most importantly Richard Donner, Christopher Reeve, and their fellow filmmakers gave us a representation of a role model who so many kids could look up to and strive to emulate. They gave us a hero who fought for what was right for the right reasons and didn't abuse his power. It seems that that sort of hero no longer exists and that today we encounter only anti-heroes with shaky and/or non-existent moral compasses. I'm very grateful for the SUPERMAN that Richard Donner helped give to a generation and I can only hope that the good people producing future films such as Thor, Captain America, and Captain Marvel take into account the affect that these heroic examples have on children and the power that they wield in influencing young people in their motivation to be honest, just, and patriotic. Thank you Mr. Donner.

P.S. The Richard Donner cut of Superman 2 was a dream come true!
gibbyblaylock - 10/25/2009, 9:56 PM
Epic, aand so was Superman II: The Richard Donner cut. Too bad WB didn't see what they had. Instead we originally got an okay version of 2, a terrible 3 and a God awful 4. Just bought the Ultimate collection with all the movies so I've been on a Superman marathon. I can't believe that I actually liked part 4 when I was a kid. It's pretty terrible. Too bad it had to be Reeve's last outing as Superman.
Tobuttica - 10/25/2009, 10:37 PM
Superman: The Movie is the way other superhero films should be made. In my top 5 favorite movies of all time.
gtrman - 10/25/2009, 10:39 PM
Donner was a genius. Great casting, terrific story/plot. He made comic book fans & non comic book fans love a character who was a symbol of hope. He will always be 2 on my Top Five Greatest Comic Book Movie Director. And without Superman he still is an awesome director & writier.
Sketch99 - 10/25/2009, 11:14 PM
Thank you Mr. Donner for teaching us a man could fly.

Your wonderful film helped cement the action blockbuster events of summer and brought the dreams of comic readers to life. When the genere of comic book movies is defined, yours is the foundation that has yet to be matched.

Happy Birthday
JYCowboy - 10/25/2009, 11:24 PM
Everytime I see the film I still experience the sense of wonder and excitement that i felt the first time I saw it. This film will always be one of my favorites. It is a classic in all meanings of the word.

The film was brilliant in its use of the effects of the time. The film is a story masterfully told as only Richard Donner could tell it.

This is and will always be the cornerstone of the fantasy genre.

It could truely make you believe that men could fly, dreams could come true.

on a side note I would love to write the next movie if given the option ;)
THEHAWK - 10/25/2009, 11:29 PM
KNEEL BEFORE ZOD!
THEHAWK - 10/25/2009, 11:30 PM
richard donner, you are a legend!happy birthday!
FORTAPACHE - 10/25/2009, 11:31 PM
I think the success of this movie opened up the EYES of the Hollywood big wigs.Comic book movies could make money if done right and your Superman was one of the first. Thanks to you we now enjoy everything from Superman,Batman,X-Men to the Ninja Turtles on the big screen...so THANK YOU SIR.
BLADE4040 - 10/25/2009, 11:43 PM
Happy Birthday Mr Donner! I saw your movie when I was 6 and WOW it shaped me and gave me the fight I needed that year (was going through chemo for cancer).

I recently saw your version of the first 2 films and loved them as well. Please keep giving input into the DC film world - I think they need it even with the few successes they have seen.
ozmang - 10/26/2009, 12:18 AM
Wheres my LUFFY spray???!

Oh wait a min, thats not Anime! : D

Joking man!!
LEEE777 - 10/26/2009, 12:24 AM
leee-i didn'nt know so many guys could look so crap wearing the same outfit!;)
FORTAPACHE - 10/26/2009, 12:33 AM
LEEE777 - 10/26/2009, 1:15 AM
HAPPY 80th Mr. donner you have made a wonderful superman if it was it for you superman would not be possible to make thank god for you to make christopher reeve the star of the man of steel i watch his movies over and over again it makes me feel like a kid again and just remember christopher reeve AKA superman will always be with us
Marvel Rules - 10/26/2009, 1:21 AM
Happy 80th birthday Mr.Donner! :) truly you've made a instant classic. watching that really brought me to superman's world. great job!:D
prototype 3D - 10/26/2009, 1:50 AM
A classic, just watched it again yesterday. The feeling of warm nostalgia it inspires is only equaled by star wars: a new hope. Happy birtday indeed Mr Donner.
wards - 10/26/2009, 2:20 AM
I truly believe this is the greatest film of all time. There, I said it.
Greenlantern1417 - 10/26/2009, 2:23 AM
there is nothing that i can say that has'nt been said before so all im gona say is thank u Donner thank you
thedarkknight666 - 10/26/2009, 3:54 AM
Everyone has pretty much said how i feel so il say i love the bit where the lil girl gets smacked...good times :)
teabag - 10/26/2009, 4:14 AM
Great movie! Truely a classic.
Spilox - 10/26/2009, 4:25 AM
Superman the movie, is reason i started reading & buying comics and loving CBM!

And that film was the foundation of comic book movies today!

Best CBM of all time! Happy Birthday Mr.Donner

You made me believe a man could fly! :)
BigNick - 10/26/2009, 4:43 AM
this movie was great. my favorite part was when he was shown underground repairing the fault line. raising the roof you might say. EPIC!

but superman 3 is the best blueboy film.

grif - 10/26/2009, 4:48 AM
one of the best cbms. probably the best with superman in it
Denn1s - 10/26/2009, 5:14 AM
Mr Donner,
Happy Birthday.
I saw Superman I and II in the theaters when I was a small boy, and I changed my life forever.

Thank you and thanks to Christopher Reeve for making me believe.
Skyh00k - 10/26/2009, 5:20 AM
Classic. Great for it's time.
BmanHall - 10/26/2009, 5:56 AM
I actually watched it fairly recently on TV with my nephew and he was awestruck..this kid has seen LOTR, X Men, Iron Man, you name it, and he was still just fascinated by Superman. It really has held up very well. So thanks Donner, now make another one!
Rorschach01 - 10/26/2009, 6:23 AM
Superman the movie was one of the greatest movie ever made. Happy birthday and thank you Mr. Donner for giving us real Superman. I would love to see another Superman movie directed by Mr.Donner.
Gatcha01 - 10/26/2009, 6:53 AM
I dont think anyone other than Donner has created the ultimate origin story.....its magical to watch :)
teabag - 10/26/2009, 6:56 AM
This is a superior product in the genre.

Superman the Movie represents two particular milestones.

Firstly it showed the world that a great film with definite mass appeal can be made from a comic book character and it was the earliest indication of that.

And secondly it was by far the best Superman film of all time. Superman is the most popular comic book character of all time so that's HUGE. It's a major accomplishment.

Congratulations, Mr. Donner and happy birthday!
DarthMulder - 10/26/2009, 7:08 AM
I've never really cared for Superman , but to me what makes the old school movies about the character so cool is that all of the action sequences involved physicality . No CGI ! They would send cars flying through the air , they created destruct(a-i)ble environments and blew stuff up ! It was incredible . They should make more movies like they used to , imagine the Doomsday showdown . Doomsday would of course have to be partially computer generated , but that would'nt have to stop them from throwing real cars hundreds of feet or having actual dust and debris from buildings they created for destruction laying around . Hey , remember John Carpenter's "The Thing" ? Animatronics and puppeteers , all hands on and 100% raw ! Awesome .
wussupman - 10/26/2009, 7:25 AM
Uh, guys, you DO realize that Donner was Executive Producer for the much-hated and -derided Wolverine?

Frankly, none of Donner's films even get close to my favorites list, or even films I would watch intentionally again. Some of his earlier TV work was obviously important in my formative years (born in the same year he did Man from U.N.C.L.E.), including work on Gilligan's Island, Twilight Zone, Banana Splits, The Rifleman, Combat!, Get smart, Wild Wild West, 6 Million Dollar Man, Kojak, Petrocelli, among others. However, I stand by my contention: Superman and Superman II sucked donkey balls and Donner was the kiss of death for the franchise.

It is for his disastrous work in those two movies that we suffered through all of the first Batman movie series garbage, by lowering the bar so low.

So no, Donner, not one of my favorites. He is NO Stanley Kubrick, nor even a Jon Favreau.
bropous - 10/26/2009, 7:57 AM
EPIC FAIL!

Why?

1. Marlon Brando as Jor-El. NO NEED and it blew the budget out of the water.

2. Glenn Ford as Papa Kent. NO NEED and it blew the budget out of the water.

3. Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor. NO NEED, he did a TERRIBLE job.

4. Ned Beatty as whoever. EPIC FAIL.

5. Valerie Perrine as whoever. EPIC FAIL.

6. Christopher "Light in the Loafers" Reeve as Clark Kent/Superman. EPIC FAIL. Too much of a weenie, not a big buff guy like Superman would be, struck me as having as much balls as the little punk they had play his kid in the latest Superman abomination.

7. Jackie Cooper as Perry White. EPIC FAIL.

8. Margot Kidder as Lois Lane. Okay, Donner gets a gold star for her.

9. Special effects. EPIC FAIL. Chris Reeve, plastered hair, table, blow dryer. 'Nuff said. Fortress of Solitude: Cylinders and crystals, poor modeling, crappy construction/destruction effects. Again, stained the entire franchise.

10. Script. EPIC FAIL. Too long on origin, no real heavy-duty villain, too much simpering over Lois. Was it this one or in the pathetic follow-on where Lois recites her poem? BARF!

Donner relied far too heavily on high powered stars who chewed up budget and screen time. I for one do NOT shoot a wad in my pants the moment Marlon Brando appears on screen, and Glen Ford put in a FAR better performance in Midway (about the same time in his career). Fortunately, this was about the end of the Hollywood Star Power formula which opened the door for a lot of "unknowns" who began to break into movies in the 1980s (except for the absolute ABOMINATION Dune, which sucked donkey balls for mainly the same reasons).

Let us not forget: Richard Donner also fostered the abomination known as "The Goonies".

Go ahead and celebrate his birthday, please leave my comments out of what you are forwarding. Donner just is not, and has never been, my cup of tea.
bropous - 10/26/2009, 8:12 AM
@bropous. Dude how can you say that it was that bad. It was one of the first comic movies. Because of it we got Batman and all of the others.

And how can you say that the first Batman movies sucked? the first one was amazing, my favorite out of all of them, including TDK. The second movie scared me and still does to this day, I have issues with Danny Devito.

But Brando and Ford did not kill the films. Brando's voiceover throughout the film was amazing and definately helped elevate the film to its level of awe and wonder.
And I felt bad when Glenn Ford died in the film. In his short time on screen you had grown attached to his character, that is the sign of a good actor.

And Christopher Reeves was the Superman we needed back in the day. He embodied all of the alues needed in a hero, truth justice, all that stuff.
THEHAWK - 10/26/2009, 8:34 AM
People who use the term EPIC FAIL...EPIC FAIL!
Rorschach01 - 10/26/2009, 9:14 AM
bropous: I agree with pretty much everything you said,but like I mention earlier if not for this film we wouldn't have this website. That first Superman movie made all the other's possible and I've always stated that I thought Chris Reeeve was too wimpy for my taste.

Gene Hackman was a terrible Lex Luthor too campy

I thought Lois was portrayed GREAT and for the time 1978 the Special Effects were amazing.

I think the script \ origin is the reason why so many non comicbook fans liked the movie because they were able to get a true understanding who Superman is.

Again my biggest problem with that movie is Chris Reeve and Gene Hackman they just didnt do it for me. Dont get me wrong a liked Chris Reeve in other parts just not as Superman.... he WAS just TOO WIMPY AND UNALTHETIC.
BLADE4040 - 10/26/2009, 9:20 AM
BLADE! Good to see ya man, I thought we had lost you!
THEHAWK - 10/26/2009, 9:49 AM
First of all, happy birthday Mr. Donner. I first saw Superman: The Motion Picture on tv when I was three years old and it had and immediate impact on me. As a matter of fact, I dressed up as Superman for that Halloween. That movie was epic in scope, but at the same time, very grounded in story and character. It's very clear that Donner had a firm grasp on who Superman is: altruistic and flawed at the same time. This is the movie that made it possible for all of us comic book geeks to be taken seriously. I just watched Superman II: The Donner Cut yesterday and, I've got to say, that movie is far superior than the theatrical release. The Salkinds did a great disservice to the franchise when they replaced Donner with Richard Lester. Not that Lester's a bad filmmaker, I just don't think he had as much passion for the character. Richard Donner made one of the best comic book movies (hell, one of the best movies in general) of all time that still excites fans of all ages. Kudos to you, Dick. Verisimilitude!
MatchesMalone - 10/26/2009, 9:55 AM
Bropous + Blade4040: reeves was 6'5" and at least 240, wtf are you guys on? wimpy my ass!
wards - 10/26/2009, 10:06 AM
Bropus@ John Fav has made one good movie in his directing career so how can you compare him to Donner who has made some of my much loved movies like..

The Leathel Weapon movies
Scrooged
Goonies
Lady Hawk

Happy Birthday Richard you are a GREAT visionary :)
teabag - 10/26/2009, 10:34 AM
I've never met someone who didn't love the Goonies. Wow.
thwhtGuardian - 10/26/2009, 10:44 AM
@ Bropous: I actually liked the Goonies as a kid lol Now it's just funny and dated but it's kind of a stretch to say it's an "abomination". I mean if that's your idea of an abomination, I would hate to see what you would say about a REALLY bad movie.

Boxing Helena, Gigli, Spice World, Battlefield Earth.... Those are REAL abominations.

Goonies... eh it depends on who you ask. I
am pretty sure most people like The Goonies.

Also I am afraid I really just don't get the point about Midway. I mean i don't even think Brando was in it was he? Glenn Ford did an amazing job, but whats that got to do with Brando's cash grab with Superman?

DarthMulder - 10/26/2009, 10:48 AM
The movie that eventually came out and the sequels were actually very visionary. I watched Superman 3 again yesterday and realised that the plot was based on The Brainiac storylines, but it appears that the premise was dumbed down to satisfy Hollywood. This movie in its originality would have been far greater than it already is. Donner wasn't there for the 3rd I realise but the first 2 felt the same issues as far as dubming down. Its too bad because you begin to see the vison that Donner had in the first one. Even the way it starts out, it would be interesting to see what he could do with that vision and todays technology.
continuezero - 10/26/2009, 10:50 AM
Well, Hawk, I can say Superman AND Batman (the first one) sucked because they DID. Both movies looked for actors to fill the roles, and not the best actor to fill the roles. It was star power only, and no real effort made to find "the best person for the job". Nicholson totally blew through the Joker makeup, and although I did like Michael Keaton as Batman, the whole thing was way too cartoonish in my opinion, and got worse with each incarnation until Batman Begins, which I LOVED.

I hated the Superman movies as well as the first run of the Batman movies exactly because of what Blade4040 said: Too campy. Hackman ruined Luthor, and Ned Beatty's despicable comic relief made me physically ill. I just wanted to see Superman say he had a purty mouth and make him squeal like a pig.

I do think that Margot Kidder's Lois was one of the bright spots of the film. Brando just was completely out of place, and put too high a price tag on that movie as well as any follow-on that was required to use his material.

John Williams' soundtrack: PHENOMENAL. Just like any soundtrack he creates.

I will admit, however: I have not seen the Donner Cut for Superman II, perhaps it would be better. I thought Zod and his cohorts well done.

wards, Reeve may have been big, but he still struck me as a total puss. He just did not fill that big blue suit for me. Superman is supposed to be the toughest guy in existence, even being a Boy Scout. Reeves did the Boy Scout part fine. He completely sucked arse as the toughest guy in existence.

I guess I had come to see Superman I with a lifetime of Superman fandom and was totally unimpressed (even at age 13 when I saw it in the theater the first week it was out). Donner just does not do it for me, not only his Superman movies, but the rest of his opuses (opi?) really just do not hit my buttons.

So sorry, Rorsch, I do respect your opinions, so how about turn around is fair play and respect mine. I do like a lot of the animated series with Superman and the JLA, so it's not like I will despise ANY Superman movie, only ones that really, really, truly suck.

So, EPIC FAIL is how I view each and every Superman movie to date, starting with the first one. And I WANTED to see a decent Superman movie made, but walked out of that theater all those many years ago severely disappointed.

With such a great character, and so many ways to go with all of the comic book source material, even star power could not save Donner's Superman. In fact, to me, the star power factor KILLED any chance it had to really excel. I still hold out hope for a truly WATCHABLE Superman movie, as I know one will be made some day that will truly blow my socks off.

'Nuff Said, True Believers!
bropous - 10/26/2009, 10:50 AM
I understand your point, teabag, but I pretty much hated every other movie Donner made. I happen to like how Fabreau creates a film. Donner just put out movies that never drew me in. So, Favreau did one good movie in your opinion, and in my opinion, Donner never made a movie I ever liked. Different strokes, but then again I love the movies they use for Mystery Science Theater 3000 so what do I know...

And, yes, I despised The Goonies, thwhtGuard. If you're never met anyone who did not like it, you need to get out more. I've even met people who did not like The Ten Commandments (not me though) and people who love Plan Nine from Outer Space (me)...

Darth Mulder, are you THE Darth Mulder of the Total War: Medieval mods??? And the Midway comment was more towards Glen Ford's acting in both movies rather than my point about Brando, although I can guarantee you he made a hefty fee off Superman as well. Guess he just fit an admiral more than Pappy Kent in my opinion. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
bropous - 10/26/2009, 10:59 AM
Goonies is awesome :P




teabag - 10/26/2009, 11:25 AM
@ Bropous: Nope that's not me, although I know who your talking about.
That same guy used to use the name Darth Mulder all over the web and about 8 years ago he was actively on my first movie web site, Countingdown.com where I was known as Vanisher.
I always thought it was funny and nerdy putting X Files and Star wars together like that, so I appropriated it all these years later lol

So you were also unhappy with Ford's small casting as Jonathan Kent... well maybe he should have been cast as Jor-El. However, despite Brando's ego and greed I think thought everything came out alright anyway. But I respect your point of view thogh fo sho
DarthMulder - 10/26/2009, 11:28 AM
I like Plan 9! Dude, I do respect your opinion but your just not backing it up very well. You say Donner [frick]ed up the characters? Have you ever read a Superman comic? More specifically, have you ever read a Superman comic from th era the Donner movies were made? Because unless I am missing something, Reeve portrayed that Supes/Clark spot on. Lex> Yeah he was a bit lighter..but Hackman was still great. You strike me as a very harsh..even pedantic critic. Nothing wrong with that, your views are your own, but if you really cant wrap your head around the fact that these movies are never going to be perfect representatives of the comics, your going to be very disappointed, for a very long time!
Rorschach01 - 10/26/2009, 11:30 AM
@Bropous. Come on man. Reeves was perfect for the 70's Superman. He didn't go around breaking necks and snapping people like toothpicks because THAT IS NOT SUPERMAN! Supes knows he has the powers, he can win any fight. But the enduring thing about the older versions of Superman is that he knows he can win any fight, but he looks for other ways to solve his problems, he avoided fights. The writers nowadays have ruined the character by trying to darken him too much. But he fit the Superman of his day.

And you better be glad they went with the Lex they did. the comic Lex at the tiem was... baaaad! A one sided cackling feind bent on world domination. hackman added layers to the character and gave him a practical goal, which reflected the times. Land. The 70's and early 80's were troubled economically and lex was making money the easiest way he knew how.

And while you hated the original Batman movies and "loved" Batman Begins. I enjoyed the Original Tim Burton film and HATED Batman Begins. I blame Christian Bale's overacting as Batman and the "Tumbler". I hate that car it is even more impractical then that rail that Burton had in the original.


But if you feel that way whatever

THEHAWK abides.
THEHAWK - 10/26/2009, 12:39 PM
I prefer Batman to Begins...Nolans world strays too far from the comics for my liking :)
teabag - 10/26/2009, 12:43 PM
Thank you T-BAG
THEHAWK - 10/26/2009, 12:51 PM
Tea....we have had this convo before, but would you like me to list all the ways that Burton's movies deviate from the comics much more than Nolan's?..cos i will!
Rorschach01 - 10/26/2009, 1:08 PM
In my life certain movies came up that I would mark as a special time in my life. When the first Star Wars came along, I could remember the first screening experience as if I had just seen it yesterday. It expanded my boundaries of what film making could achieve.

When Superman came along, I was thrilled because here was a director who went through a lot of crap to make a great Superman movie. And the crew and actors all seemed to take their roles very seriously.

And the second Superman movie, I didn't like it until Donner came back to restore most of what he intended to have in the first place. I bought the Donner cut and love it. I could never be bothered to buy the other fellow's butchery.

I only wish Donner could have been left alone to develop the franchise, since he seemed to have the best take on it at that time.

And I loved Goonies. It was a lot of fun. :)

Happy 80th Birthday Richard Donner! And thank you!
CyberViking2000 - 10/26/2009, 1:46 PM
Ror@ you could but then it would also depend on which interpritation of batman your looking at...but if you want to i wont stop ya ..oh and if you do ive already said before that Nolan got Gordon right lol :P
teabag - 10/26/2009, 3:00 PM
OMG! This is the reason why I'm such a Superman fan. Richard Donner's Superman film (along with Christopher Reeve's epic portrayal of the Man of Steel) is still one of, if not THE BEST CBM of all time. These two men, and how well they worked together, were Amazing! It's because of this film, it made me believe that a man could FLY.
Happy Birthday Richard Donner!
Magicfingers - 10/26/2009, 3:05 PM
With genius casting and a strong grasp of the characters, the release of this film was a watershed moment in pop culture that busted down the doors for the many CBMs we enjoy today! I'm sure that nearly everyone who has had the privilege of seeing this classic has some special memories attached to it!

It's odd that on this very site, so many bash Bryan Singer's attempt at the Superman mthology, not seeming to realize that he made the movie that way on purpose!! I truly believe that Singer intended to up the action quotient in the sequel, as was the example set by the original 1978 picture and its follow-up! I also think that he intended to get rid of the kid with some plot twist, but apparently, now we'll never know!

Anyway, Happy Birthday Mr. Donner and thank you for creating an indelible part of pop culture!
JonF - 10/26/2009, 3:27 PM
JohnF@ I think after nearly 30 yrs people just wanted to see a differant take on the character...me included :)
teabag - 10/26/2009, 3:40 PM
compared to the special effects now a days....... but
each new actor has to live up to the one who gave superman his face.

brandon routh can....... he is c.reeves reincarnated!
phenomenon - 10/26/2009, 3:41 PM
The 1978 Superman Film did what it's promotional poster said....It made us believe that a man could fly! The special effects in the movie were top notch for its time. I think Mr. Reeves did a wonderful job of playing a complex character of Clark Kent and Superman. If you watch the film, to this day, I am taken aback how well he played both characters so differently. He is still missed. Mr. Donner gave us a great film to enjoy or the ages. Thank you and happy birthday.
icebergslick - 10/26/2009, 3:55 PM
JonF and Tea-
Not just that, but one that wasn't so impotent with exposition of plot. Very weak. Can't argue with good visuals. But the story, the characters are too weak. Tea's right. It's time for an update. Donner's version was perfect for its time. It is still watchable. Last night, I watched John Wayne's, "The Searchers". Argueably, his best film. I thought to myself if they remade this today how would they do it? Then it occurred to me. They would only ruin a timeless film. The only weakness of that film is the filters over the cameras to make the day look like night (ever notice how they squint at night? lol). Anyway, In much the same way, the limitations of Donner's film adds to its charm. Superman is fictional/mythological hero that defies known physical laws. This would require an enormous amount of CGI to capture him in a manner that would reach on-screen potential. Donner did the BEST with what he had in '77. Superb. To copy it, would be ludicrous. Only a homosexual would do something like that.
Phinehas - 10/26/2009, 4:28 PM
first 2 were the best, but everything from there wasn't gud. i did like the cast he worked with, the script, and wat he worked with during the time of chirstopher reeve... rip christopher reeve, for he showed that a man can fly.
kyle dalton - 10/26/2009, 5:28 PM
Phin,, would it it hurt you badly if I told you they have remade searchers...The missing by ron howard.
thwhtGuardian - 10/26/2009, 5:36 PM
thwg@ Yeah and it was crap :)
teabag - 10/26/2009, 5:52 PM
Superman:The Movie was a groundbreaking moment in comic book film history. It gave fans the chance to "believe a man can fly". Big ups to RD for making the film and the experience of comic/real life mesh, bringing us into a new era where soon to follow were Spiderman, The Incredible Hulk, The Flash as well as the future bigscreen treatments.
Thanks Richard Donner, your legacy will never be forgotten.
SupermanReturns2 - 10/26/2009, 7:08 PM
Iv said it many times before on here and I'll say it again. SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE=BEST COMIC BOOK MOVIE OF ALL TIME!!!!! Great special effects (for its time), perfect cast, (maybe someone hotter than margot kidder though), and just a triumphant film and story!!!! Still makes the hair on my neck raise when the theme plays. Reeve WAS, no IS superman. oh and -"bropous", your a complete idiot!
Comickid65 - 10/26/2009, 7:09 PM
I've seen this movie so many times I almost know it word for word.
Happy Birthday RICHARD DONNER.
And thank you.
AusFan - 10/26/2009, 7:24 PM
gripping Superman scream when Lois dies. Classic

This movie was decades ahead of its time
jusme6 - 10/26/2009, 7:30 PM
Hawk: what's up? I feel special someone noticed I was gone...LOL

wards: size has nothing to do with whether your a wimp or not and Reeve wasnt 240 HE was more like 220-225. He looked the part, but his demeanor,the way he carried himself,and you could tell he just wasnt a guy who could handle himself.

Bruce Lee was small, but I wouldnt call him a wimp would you? Like I said size has nothing to do with it.
Oh and I didnt like the first Batman(Keaton) either especially Jack N. as the Joker... I'll take Bale and Ledger any day of the week and twice on sundays NUFF SAID!!
BLADE4040 - 10/26/2009, 9:21 PM
twG-
Not at all.
Ah, the Missing. A copycat synopsis of the story. Total fail. What is remembered today? The Missing or the Searchers? I was talking about a real remake not a copy cat scenario. Much akin to 310 to Yuma. I think they'd just foul it up.
Phinehas - 10/26/2009, 10:03 PM
The first superman film was surely a signifigant part of my childhood, and still plays a roll to this day. it gave me something to believe in as a child, I got to look deeper into it when I was in my teens, and Mr. Donner's work has always been an inspiration to get into film myself. Happy 80th.
acoldbloodedepitaph - 10/26/2009, 10:12 PM
I didn't actually mind bale's yuma, it was about equal to the original in my mind, but I think that's up to taste.
thwhtGuardian - 10/26/2009, 10:54 PM
310 to Yuma may not have been a good example of a film to compare to remakes. There were aspects of it that I liked that were updated and some that weren't. I couldn't stand his foul-mouthed little son. Kids didn't talk like that to their parents then. They just didn't, that is so Hollyweird.
Phinehas - 10/26/2009, 11:50 PM
@BLADE. Good to see you buddy I was thinking about you a while back. I had some artilce or story I thought you'd like because we talked about something, but I forgot... damn Roofies.

@Phin. I know what you mean. I am still pissed that they are remaking Harvey. Arguably Jimmy Stewarts best performance.
THEHAWK - 10/27/2009, 12:35 AM
rorsch: Of COURSE I had read Superman comics before seeing the first Donner Superman movie. Plenty of them. That's why I did not like the Donner film. The ones that crack me up are the ones who say this movie got them into comic books or introduced them to the character.

blades has it right: Chris Reeve just had no real believability as the character he was portraying. He comes off as a wimp even when in the Superman suit. His weak performance, along with the weak storyline, the absolutely ludicrous. weak and pathetic device of flying counter to the earth's rotation to turn back time and resurrect Lois, and the strained injection of actors into roles they really did not fit all worked together to kill this movie for me.

It is not by any stretch of the imagination THE worst comic book to date, but every single Superman movie made is certainly a second-rate effort when you look at the source material already there from which to draw.

I still hold out hope for a decently watchable Superman movie, with a Superman who makes you actually think he could rip a planet in half, but won't.
bropous - 10/27/2009, 5:55 AM
The first Superman movie with Christopher Reeve remains as my gold standard for the greatest comic book movie ever made. The Donner Cut of Superman II is also excellent, but just a notch below the first one. This is how to do it right. Costume is right- no faggy armor or black leather. Story follows canon, not some hack's idea of how HE wants to do it. Solid acting- Reeve made a great Superman. I found him FAR more believable as The Man of Steel than wimpy Routh. Hackman made a great Luthor. Great cinematography. Fine special effects. This film also shows how special effects SHOULD be used- to ENHANCE the story, not OVERWHELM it. Sadly, that has been lost today, when movies look more like live action cartoons (and not in a good way), and the effects shots dominate the story. I wish more comic movies like this one would come out- true to the characters and what made them great in the first place.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Donner, and thank you, not just for Superman, but also for the Goonies, the Lethal Weapon films, and the many fine episodes of various TV shows that I grew up watching.
comicb00kguy - 10/27/2009, 7:40 AM
Let's be honest here folks. Superman was a great superhero film for 1978. Donner gave a descent interpretation of the character and Christopher Reeve did an amazing job portraying the dichotomy of the character. Nevertheless, in comparison to the rich mythos of Superman, the movie(s) failed in comparison.

You can compare that to the Burton's 1989 Batman. It was a great comic book film for its day but when compared to the storylines of the comic book, it lacked that certain feel which would enable it to be beyond great--to be amazing.

Singer's Superman Returns is a great example of a movie that had endless potential but ultimately failed because it was tethered to the original movies. Singer should have never attempted to connected the movie as a pseudo-sequel to Superman I and II. It needed to be a reboot, a stand alone film which reintroduced the character. Batman Begins accomplished this.

Personally I like Brandon Routh as Superman and the rest of the characters, except for Singer's take on Lex Luthor. Give me a new Superman film--a reboot with Brandon Routh and bring in Michael Rosenbaum's Lex Luthor from Smallville.

So saith the Spectre.
Spectre1983 - 10/27/2009, 10:08 AM
I was old enough to really anticipate Superman coming out in 1978 -- I was 18. "You'll believe a Man can Fly" was the advertising slogan.

And yet the film was a huge disappointment.

I really enjoyed the opening. The origin story was well done. Then came Superman flying out of the Fortress. Christopher Reeve did a great job as Clark/Superman. The visuals and special effects were great for the day. The opening action scene with the helicopter was even better. The tone of the film so far was perfect.

And then it fell into the trap of being a "comic book" instead of a super hero. A moronic Lex Luthor and dumber henchmen. (No way this idiot could be the greatest criminal mind ever.) Lois Lane as a ditz, and a not very attractive one. (Perry White and Jimmy Olsen were OK, but Jimmy should have had red hair.) And worst of all -- a plot that had holes in it that you could drive a truck through. Clark was warned that he could not change the past. He does, and there were NO CONSEQUENCES AT ALL. Why didn't he just go farther back and stop the missles from launching in the first place so that the thousands or millions hurt and killed were never in danger? Stupid, stupid plot. It ruined the movie for me. Even to this day.

If you put time travel into a story, you need to be prepared to make full use of it. Doing it the way it was used in Superman: The Movie was horrible. (A good example? Time Cop!)

Mr. Donner, although you made a great visual feast, the story stunk. Even Ladyhawk was a much better film.
Local Man - 10/27/2009, 10:33 AM
Local Man - You're overanalyzing. The film is based on a children's property, so it was supposed to be fun! If you look at it too closely or take it too seriously it invariably falls apart! It's a fantasy; exactly how realistic should it be?

The time travel thing bugged me originally too, but considering some of the crap that went on in Superman comics in the late '50s and '60s, in which Mort Weisinger had Superman doing all kinds of things he shouldn't be able to do, it isn't really as far fetched as it first seems to be! Howabout when he was standing on the side of the building? He isn't Spider-Man! Let's not forget that it was Mario Puzo who wrote the script!

I believe in the Director's Cut of Superman II, the consequences of trying to change the past were reflected in the Phantom Zone villains being released from their prison(even though Superman destroyed the Phantom Zone mirror with the missile he sent into outer space, I think that may have been what Donner was getting at), but that version of the movie ends with more of the same time-travel, so I understand where you're coming from!

Phinehas/teabag - Singer didn't COMPLETELY copy it, but he heavily borrowed from the tone as well as from Reeve's performance. His intention was to introduce the character to a younger contemporary audience unfamiliar with the 1978 picture. He wanted to recreate the sense of awe and wonder he felt when first seeing the flick as a child and give a semblance of continuity between the two franchises!

In that, he suceeded, however many ignore the nice touches he contributed, namely the scene where Superman lifts the runaway car to stop it, which nicely re-created the cover to Action Comics No.1; the big budget expanded airplane scene, (which I thought was awesome!- the '78 version only showed him stabilizing the wing of the plane); and the demonstration of Superman's incredible strength(shown when lifting the continent of New Krypton)! He also added to Clark's cinema origin showing us the first time Clark learned he could fly!

I appreciate the fact that Singer had the good sense to use John Williams' theme! Not to mention the fact that the ending scene of Superman smiling at the camera while flying through outer space perfectly pays homage to the original series of films!

There were also plenty of beautiful art deco designs throughout the indoor Daily Planet scenes! We had never seen Clark change in an elevator shaft before, and the cool rush of wind that Supes created when he burst out of the roof was a nice effect! Howabout the scene where he rushed in front of the bullet to stop it, only to have the gunman shoot him in the eye? Never had we seen such realistic violence in a Superman film, such as when Lex stabbed him with the shard of Kryptonite and the thugs viciously beat Supes up, allowing Lex to throw him off a HIGH cliff to his doom? This perfectly showcased Lex's hatred of Superman!

With the expansion of Clark's relationship with Lois and the added complication of a child Clark didn't know he fathered, it gives us a combination reboot and sequel that doesn't contradict the first two movies while still moving the story forward. Everything that Singer added to make the film his own is bashed by many of the users of this site, so it seems that he can't win! Maybe he wasn't the right man for the job, but I for one was satisfied with the film that I got!

Also, a lot of people seem to forget that Superman isn't a warrior! He wasn't bred to fight and was never formally trained in hand to hand combat, nor is he violent. So the arguement of there not being enough action in SR is understandable, but you're likely looking in the wrong place if you're waiting for an epic battle to occur in a Superman film meant to relaunch the franchise! It contradicts who he is on many levels, though I loved the action in Superman II!! I'm sure this oversight will be corrected in any future installments, so I'm not sweating it!

As far as the overuse of Lex Luthor, Lex is so ingrained in Superman lore that he likely will always be used in some capacity, as he is essentially as much a supporting cast member as he is a villain! The studio is probably afraid that an epic Superman movie can't be made without including Lex! Even if this were true, he shouldn't be the MAIN antagonist ALL of the time!

At least Singer kept him bald for the majority of the film, which was another thing that bugged me about the '78 version! Why the hell did Gene Hackman have hair? Of course it was later revealed that Lex wore a wig, but it seemed so unnecessary! I also don't think that Lex should have been so much older than Superman, but that's a minor point. I have to say, Kevin Spacey's portrayal was MUCH better than John Shea's performance from the Lois and Clark show, which took Hackman's interpretation even farther away from what the character should be and ALSO had hair!

It's amazing to me that a film with such good cinematography and special effects can be hated by so many! Singer had good intentions, but he did not have the benefit of hindsight, nor did he have any of US as consultants, so I think he did alright!! We are truly spoiled when we have nothing better to complain about! Here's hoping for a new movie that is less polarizing among the fan base!
JonF - 10/27/2009, 12:22 PM
bropus - What amazes me about this site is that people are always complaining about being attacked for having different opinions when they KNOW that they're saying something inflammatory! This is CBM.com, not airyourgrievances.com!!

If you don't like Donner's movies, then why bother posting anything?

Your comments about Chris Reeve? "EPIC FAIL"! Who the hell came up with that stupid term anyway? There has seldom been a better piece of casting! Who the hell else do you think agrees with you? It's as if you're trying to goad people into attacking you!

If you're not aware, the Superman comics were in disarray back in the 70s, with too many different interpretations running around! Julius Scwartz had his version, which did'nt jibe with the version presented in the other titles, which contradicted the Superboy mythology, which flew in the face of the Golden Age version, etc., etc.!

Donner chose to cast the character that way! With so many different interpretations, how could he have been wrong? In fact, your bashing his opinion, so you're an idiot for telling others not to bash you!
JonF - 10/27/2009, 12:54 PM
JonF@ Returns is still boring to watch tho...i find my self skipping to the action...plus when i i first saw superman i did beleive a man can fly...with returns i beleived that cgi guy could fly...seriously if you cant perfect a real looking Routh through CGi dont do a close up of it :)
teabag - 10/28/2009, 7:15 AM
teabag - I understand where you're coming from, but it was impossible for Singer to know this without any feedback from those in the know! He isn't a comic book reader, so he uses a different approach than most of us would. I can tell that he probably wasn't aware of the high anticipation for an all-out action flick!

People bash this film because they were diappointed that it didn't match their expectations, not because of its quality! To judge a non - action film using action film standards is unfair! I didn't have a problem with the SFX! I think you're just being harsh out of anger!
JonF - 10/28/2009, 3:21 PM
Great Movie,an Instant Classic!
NightAvenger4 - 10/29/2009, 4:47 PM
Tea-
skipping to what action??? There is no action! Just Lex's goons kicking Supes while he's down. Yawn.
Phinehas - 10/31/2009, 6:22 PM
its good but it could be updated with an amazing director and producer to get up in the new batman movies rating zone
Jameskid00 - 11/3/2009, 12:17 PM

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