Superman The Movie (1978) Retrospective / Review 

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That end flyby where Christopher Reeve flies past the screen and smiles at the camera. That is one of the best moments in cinematic history.

Christopher Reeve is and will always be Superman. RIP

I was just married in December 1978 and my wife and I went to see the movie. I was fascinated by the movie poster with the streak of rainbow with the silver S emblem. I was soooooo amazed with the movie, I came back 9 more times to see it with friends and others. I was a huge "Adventures of Superman" fan when I was a kid and this was so far advanced it was amazing. It will be in my mind, the movie the every other will be measured to. RIP Christopher Reeve, you were truly a "Superman"

The one thing that irritates me about current comic book movies, in the last 25 years or more, is the introduction of the hero. As Oliver notes, when Superman shows up, everyone is like 'Holy @£$%!!! that dude's flying, holding that woman, and lifting a helicopter'. And when Superman grabs Lois, and says 'Don't worry, I've got you'...and then Lois says 'You've got me?! Who's got you?'. Everyone is just amazed, enthralled...they sell this incredibly illusion and you believe it. They are reacting how everyone would believably react. It's the perfect introduction of the superhero. Perfect, down to a T, and it still makes me well up watching it. Sad I didn't realise how good Reeve was until much later. Compare this to current superhero movies. Superhero shows up, and people are just like 'Oh...yeah...can lift cars...yeah, good for them...whats on TV?. It's so...unspectacular. Like, yeah, whatever.

I have great respect for Henry Cavill and especially Brandon Routh, but Christopher Reeve IS Superman. There's no other.

I teach middle school and I recently had a student refer to the 2006 Superman as the "old one". Worse still, he had never even heard about the 70s Supeman. Unfortunately, they have laws about hitting students.

"Peter Pan flew with children, Lois, in a fairy tale." Chris' delivery of that line always gives me happy chills.

The granddaddy of superhero movies, with the definitive Superman, Christopher Reeve, who will never be equaled. And the score, good god, the score. John Williams is the greatest film composer ever, and this is my personal favorite score ever. Parts of it, like the music during the death and funeral of Jonathan Kent, bring tears to my eyes. I love The Dark Knight, many of the MCU movies, some of the X-Men films, and the vastly underrated Superman Returns, but Superman the Movie will always be my favorite superhero film.

When I saw this for the first time in the theater, the crowd burst into huge applause when Superman was revealed for the first time and flew. It was such an electric feeling in that audience that day. :-) I still get goosebumps when I see that scene because of that memory. Another cool memory regarding this movie is that it is the first movie I ever saw on video tape... a neighbor had a Betamax and a big collection of tapes back in '79 and he told me to pick out a movie to watch. I specifically remember Jaws and Superman in the box of tapes, but there were many others. Superman was the one I picked, and he commented that he had just gotten that one. I will also always remember being marveled that you can watch a movie whenever you wanted like that. Funny how something like that was so amazing at the time. :-) Our family didn't get a VCR until 1983, so it was cool to get a taste of home video a bit early. :-)

Some people can have their Marvel cinematic universe and Christopher Nolan Dark Knight films. This movie to me is the best superhero movie ever made.

Happy 100th Birthday, Jerry Siegel. Thank you for co-creating one of the greatest heroes of all time. And also thanks to Joe Shuster as well.

For me, Christopher Reeve is Superman, to the point that I find it impossible to enjoy seeing anyone else attempting to play him. The pure warmth he had, his grace and his voice, make him impossible to surpass. I can't stand Elvis impersonators for the same reason. No matter how competent they are, they'll never capture what made the real one so special and I think anyone who doesn't know the difference, lacks the depth required to see that. I think to a generation brought up in the culture of manufactured pop stars and music that is solely designed to make money etc, the integrity and meaning of the original Superman films will be largely lost, and they won't notice the lack of substance in Man Of Steel, which is a highly stylised movie that looks good and nothing else. It doesn't help when a Director is more interested in putting their own stamp on something, rather than retaining the integrity that made it mean so much to people in the first place. The Director of Man Of Steel has been quoted as saying "Everyone clings to the Christopher Reeve Superman". If he doesn't have a fundamental and basic understanding of why that is, then quite why he was let anywhere near Superman, is beyond me.

Respect to Christopher Reeve! My hero at the time!

I especially enjoyed the part where you mentioned Christopher Reeve's portrayal of flying and how few actors have matched it. It's something i've never really noticed but watching the clips i can totally understand.

Great homage to Superman & Christopher Reeve, may he rest in peace. Almost moved to tears by this homage. GJ!

Here’s a cute anecdote to illustrate how impactful this music is: When my nephew was almost 4 years old, he heard the main theme once, and I told him it was Superman’s song -he’s never seen the film, mind you, and only heard the tune that one time. He never forgot it; and to this day, 2 years later, when he puts on a red cape and runs around, he sings the melody. The main theme is superb. It’s so memorable and the second I hear those first three or four notes, Christopher Reeve’s Superman springs immediately to mind

Superman without a doubt is the ultimate superhero movie. It has it all; action, suspense, humor, drama, and most of all, heart. Movies just aren't made that way anymore, for obvious rea$on$$$$.

You're so right about the sharp decline of memorable comic book movie themes, it is such a shame.

Thank you for a wonderful retrospective. It is, in my humble opinion, the archetype of films about superheroes. Donner treated it with such respect and admiration. Granted, I was fortunate enough to see it TWICE on the big screen as a kid. To this day, those opening credits give me chills. One memory is how the theater actually had curtains (an older theater) and, when the black and white opening narrative (girl reading comic) drifts into space and the credits began, the curtains rolled back on cue to the majestic titles. It actually had a greater effect on me than Star Wars the previous year. To this day...it remains one of my favorite films of all time. The magic has yet to diminish.

you make me cry amigo...chris reeve the only superman.

If I wore a hat, it would be off to you, Oliver. Just when I thought you had outdone yourself, you push everything to higher level. Thank you. This nearly brought a tear to my eye. I'll never get tired of saying that Christopher Reeve is my greatest inspiration in life, and every ounce of praise you offered him really touched me. Superman was never just a role to him, he clearly shared that same undying sense of hope and determination that defines Superman. Reeve inspires me because he never gave up hope.

This review put a tear in my eye and reminded me why I love this move. :')

Off all movies in human history - there is only one movie, that made us believe a man can fly... Superman is the epiphany of movie making ! And a man Christopher Reeve - what a man ! Thank you for this very beautiful retrospective review.

John Williams theme is undoubtedly one if the most stirring, uplifting and triumphant scores in film history. It's sad that this style of music isn't used in superhero movies today. It would be interesting if you made a video discussing the shift in musical styles.

This was a great and very informative retrospective. You really did put a lot of thought, effort and above all your heart into this one.

Not a fan of Brando at all, but he nails Jorel, I believe in his wisdom and the connection to his son, my dad introduced this to me when I was very young it remains a very special film to me. I respect George Reeves and Kirk Allyn very much but Reeve will always be the Superman for which all are measure.

Every Superman reboot they attempt will pale in comparison to this movie and every actor playing Superman will live in the shadow of Christopher Reeve. I don't envy the task these filmmakers face. The amazing thing about this movie is that the adults of the time also accepted this as a proper, respectful adaptation.

Holy cow, Oliver. These retrospectives of yours are easily among the best movie reviews on the 'tube. Thanks for the last few and next many hours of excellent videos!

Great review! I love how you mostly talked about behind the scenes things rather than the story we all know. I learned some new things from your video, so that was cool! You mentioned future generations possibly rejecting this movie because it's "old" and to that, I'd like to say it makes me sad to think about that. I'm only 18, but I think the flying effects in this film are fantastic, the scope and story are beyond epic, and Christopher Reeve truly is Superman. He looks the part, and his flying looks so real to me! I thought Man of Steel was so artificial-looking and lacked the lightness and heart of the 1978 film. I hope future generations like this movie as much as I do! It captures the spirit of Superman perfectly!

Christopher Reeve flying as Superman is just about the greatest moment in the history of cinema.. for me anyway. No one has been able to replicate this even after all these years.

The best Superman film ever and always will be. It feels like a real epic, exploring actual characters, lives and real world locations. The cinematography is breathtaking, the effects were so amazing that they still stand up and the casting was just magic. Modern superhero movies just lather every shot in disgusting dark blue filters for cheap atmosphere instead of set dressing, lighting and filming with artistry. The acting is always just miserable, angry BS for cheap impact and the computer generated effects always just take me out of the story and feel like incredibly expensive computer game cut scenes. Superman The Movie nailed it first time. I went back to it over a decade after having last seen it, since some of the new Superman movies came out, expecting it to be dated and not as great as I remembered it. It was still just as magic and amazing.

*applause* Great review man. Superb. You honor Chris Reeve's memory. Almost teared-up at the end there.

Good lord I'm sat here in tears after watching this. It has such a strong connection to my childhood. Beautiful review Olly. Like you, this film means so much to me. I grew up watching Superman; he was my idol, and so was Christopher Reeve. When I was a kid all I wanted was to be someone's hero when I grew up, and a part of me still does. Thank you for doing this.

for every one who watched batman v superman in last few weeks.... erase your mind and sit back one night open the pop corn and enjoy this lesson in movie perfection. Chris Reeves got it so right along with John Williams Donner and just about everyone. . . always And will be Superman.......

Superman I and II will always be the best super hero movies ever. I am glad my parents took me to the movie theater to see it,and when it came out in VHS I saw it so many times I learned all the dialogs and sounds and still remembers it ... Watched it last week.

Movie storytelling on an operatic scope has been lost on some comic book hero adaptations. Instead of recreating a 'TV show' style they need to build on this model bringing in modern technology where possible only to reinforce story, not have special effects be it's backbone. Superman sets it's own standards in this area and has placed the bar very very high here. Even from 35 years ago.....Christopher Reeve will always be 'my' Superman. Great retrospective on a brilliant film...not just as an adaptation, but as a film well made AS a film.

Never before has a movie review got me so nostalgic, so emotional. Perhaps because it's from a period from my childhood that I find so precious.

John Williams superman theme still gives me chills everytime I hear it

I’m 45 and Superman is my favourite film of all time. The humanity, the innocence, the acting, the music. Everything.

This movie was and, still is, absolutely magical! One of my all time favorite movies. I'm 49 years old and I still feel like a little kid when I watch this movie. I'm always relieved of stress whenever I watch it.

Chris Reeve was and will always be Superman. He nailed it. The perfect example of what one expects of a super hero and he was mature. Not like the baby faced ego maniac heroes of today.

Actually, there is one other actor that resembled his comic book counterpart, and that was Billy Campbell with Cliff Secord, The Rocketeer. Even Campbell admitted that he was a bit spooked at how much the guy in the pages looked like him.

Even given it's nonsensical ending, this remains THE best Superman film, from it's pitch perfect casting, top notch direction, brilliant and epic score and it's memorable visual effects, I would watch this movie again in a Metropolis heartbeat before any of the more recent big screen attempts... Reeve will ALWAYS be the best incarnation of this classic American pop culture character for me. GREAT review, as always, Sir...keep 'em coming...

Such a tragedy that an actor as great as Christopher Reeve who played such a powerful character as Superman ended up like he did. Paralysed after an accident. RIP to you Christopher you were definitely the best to play the part ever. Respect!!!

😆My Dad, when he was here, always got a kick out of that Lois Lane line: "You got me. Well who's got you?" Haha!!

as a teenager, Dean Cain was Superman to me, and after Smallville began, I discovered the original movies. The Donner films are excellent, and Mr. Reeve is and will remain the iconic Superman. Many have followed, but Christopher Reeve cannot be replaced. Your commentary on this movie was wonder... Bravo.

this movie always put a nostalgic smile on my face... RIP Christopher Reeve ..

Very touching review. One of the few movies I watched alone in the theaters at 12 and was just awestruck. I have a few movies that I love as much, they become part of your personal history.

Great review. The thing I noticed is how this is really not comparable to Man of Steel, which despite being the same material is an altogether very different type of film. This film does a fantastic job of portraying the death of Krypton as the tragic end of an enlightened age, with Superman being the hope for such a thing to rise again, while Man of Steel represents Krypton as still in its death throes, a thing which needs to die so that new light can rise from its ashes. I really like the fact that both films are very different but I can really understand how people who like this version of Superman find Man of Steel distasteful. This one is definitely more uplifting, whereas Man of Steel has a somewhat bleak undertone. I know the vid is not a contrast between the films, but the comparison is always inevitable and showcases what strengths this film really has.

Best review ever. It was really quite obvious why you were holding out on your review of Superman, this being your favorite movie of all time. Nice job.

Thank you for a wonderful retrospective. Truly your best by far. Superman the Movie is my favorite film of all time. I was at the perfect age when it came out (8 years old). I was so deeply moved by Richard Donner's film that it foreshadowed the rest of my life. Before the age of Netflix, Blue Ray, DVD, and even VHS, I had repeated viewings the best way possible; by waiting on line at the theater to see it, and see it, and see it again! To this day, all I have to hear is just the first few notes of John Williams' iconic score and immediatley the hairs on the back of my neck stand at attention and my arms fill with goosebumps. Like so many adult-kids of my generation, Christopher Reeve's performance made me believe in Superman, and for what he stood for- Truth, Justice, and the American way. Thank You

Excellent review, and excellent music by John Williams used within the review. Indeed, Chris Reeve, for me, will always be Superman.

I think "Superman" was great mostly due to its script by Mario Puzo. He knew exactly how to balance the moments - serious ones with funny ones, drama and romance, fantasy and realism. The mixture was about perfect. None of the other Superman movies were so credible, so deep and so entertaining at the same time; and this applies to most other superhero movies you get to see. I guess that's the reason why I love Superman I although I am not usually a superhero fan.

Today, still the best Superman movie ever. And I agree with the soundtrack, I can hear it and play the movie in my mind. Priceless.

I was nine and saw this with my best friend in a theater opening weekend. As long as I live, I’ll never forget that first scene....Superman catching Lois and then the helicopter...the whole theater erupted, kids and adults too. But to be that age, in that time watching that movie...it’s difficult to convey, except to say it was pure magic. A perfect moment.

I was 11 years old when this Movie came out and it was the 1st movie that my best friend and I went to see without our parents or any other adult as it was an evening screening our mothers were quite worried about us. I will never forget how I felt leaving the theater that night, I truly felt like I could fly and in fact I have had vivid flying dreams all my life since that moment. This movie is the Gold Standard in which superhero movies are judged and Christopher Reeves proved to be Superman all his courageous life. Thank you to all who had a hand in this movie, you really did show a boy he could fly even if only in his dreams.

You could not be more correct about soundtracks that cannot hope to compare to the depth and gravity and excitement and memorable nature of the work of that time. There is a unique magic that gets you even if you're only listening to it that many composers today either fail to capture or simply lack the artistic ability to create. Thank you for yet another wonderful review.

I love the look Superman gives Lois after the bird spooks her. I wish current Superman could be fun like that.

Hi Oliver, I stumbled upon your reviews/retrospectives and picked this one to express my thanks. I am of similar age to you, and it seems we grew up on the same films. What I admire most about your reviews is the obvious love of movies, not just for their technical prowess, which u so aptly describe and revere but what they convey emotionally.(eg.Your Spider-Man circa 1970s review with your mates). I noticed your clear affection for this movie-this sums it up for me. Quality is secondary almost-what makes a movie great to me are the memories it stirs up afterwards. This is why cinema is so popular-and always will be. Keep up the good work! James, Glasgow

“And over the last few years we have heard a lot about something called ‘family values’. And like many of you, I have struggled to figure out what that means. And since my accident, I've found a definition that seems to make sense. I think it means that we're all family. And that we all have value.” Christopher Reeve, speaking at the Democratic National Convention in 1996. What a Super Man.

absolutely wonderful video, it makes me want to watch this movie again! Christopher Reeve will always be my favourite Superman

The best film of superheroes of history, sorry avangers and marvel!

The way Christopher Reeve breaks the fourth wall with that smile at the end, makes him even MORE believable as Superman. Love this film so much.

Superman is an example of a movie that excels on every possible level. Story, writing, acting, casting, music, effects, cinematography, and of course directing. EVERYTHING works flawlessly. A film that makes you laugh, cry, and believe a man can fly.

"His name is Kal-El. He will call himself Clark Kent. But the world will know him...as Superman. This year, Superman brings you the gift of flight."

I'm a tad embarrassed to admit that I choked up a bit near the end of this video. I love this movie so much, and it's clear you do as well.

I just want to say that much, since I cannot put this comment on all of your retrospective reviews, that I found this channel just a couple of days ago and I absolutely LOVE them! Thanks very much for the work and the effort you put into these! It is great that we are able to share the passion and love for these classics we grew up with! Thanks Oliver! It is a great pleasure indeed!

Mr. Reeve was absolutely incredible! I remember seeing Superman the movie with my father. It was an epic experience! Being in the movie theatre with all of these new (at the time) special effects was mind blowing! The music of John Williams had you humming the theme well after the movie had ended. Then the unknown Juilliard trained Christopher Reeve who I saw in person before the tragic accident. He was bigger than life! Both on screen and in person! He was special and will be missed!

i remember seeing this at the cinema when i was 8, loved it then , love it still, its my favourite superhero film ever

There was a Superman Restored International Cut that was made available on DVD from a fan website for a limited time about 4 years ago. One of the missing scenes that was restored was the complete uncut scene of the Krypton Stormtrooper pursuing Jor-El and his wife to arrest them whilst the destruction of Krypton is just about to happen. The Krypton Stormtrooper then gets killed by falling debris and shows a close up of his eyes in horror before getting killed. This is an interesting scene that should have been complete in the 2001 director's cut version to make more sense. The director's cut version only showed him teleporting from the council members and didn't show the rest of it as to what happened to him.

I remember watching this movie as a child at my grandparents' house. My grandmother had taped it on VHS and I would ask to watch it every night I was there. We all sat down with a bowl of ice cream and watched the film. My grandmother would later go on to tape each of the Superman movies when they became available on cable. We watched all of them time and time again, grainy picture and all; even the jumpy scenes when one would have to pause the recording during commercials, and we LOVED IT. I still come back to watch this movie as an adult, and there is hardly a scene that doesn't leave me smiling. This is an amazing movie, and is probably the most dear to my heart. Your review has done it justice. Thank you.

Whilst it's not my favourite superhero film, this, even today, is definitely the biggest superhero film.

Well said! Agreed 100%. What shocks me is how John Williams didn't receive the Oscar. This is his best work in my opinion.

Sorry for the delay Olly, I saw this when you first uploaded it but I've been too busy to comment. What a masterpiece of editing buddy, I completely agree that the 78 movie will always be my favourite Superhero movie. It wasn't my first (Superman III has that honour lol) but almost every single aspect is perfect. The cast, effects, tone, script, direction are all sublime and it really is the perfect storm of ingredients. The highest compliment i can pay is that after watching this I sat down in front of the TV and subjected my wife to the extended cut of the movie lol. Thanks for sharing as always Olly, I highly enjoyed this and it'll be in my favourites to watch several times. Merry Christmas buddy, have a good one

That montage at the start almost made me cry, I still find it odd all the new sound effects added later on like on the DVD release, not to mention the deleted scene where he gets shot and frozen, yeah it was great for back then like you said. Man I loved the original 4 Superman movies as a kid to the point I was going to jump off my balcony to see him save me lucky I didn’t eh? And that was it, he was so believable, he made Superman for me and many others. LOL I always thought of Thunderbirds on that scene too! It’s also my Number 1! Dude you poured your heart out in this video and it shows, this is a masterpiece, you did the movie justice buddy and you deserve a pat on the back. You have grown heavily as a reviewer and I enjoyed the whole video. Thank you for putting so much time and effort into your work as it pure perfect entertainment. Liked, Faved. (P.S I watched your Crow video and loved it, just yet to add a book sized comment lol, Take care good sir and Happy Christmas! ~Alan

Go fly with superman again Margot! glad I got the chance to meet you, thank you for all the memories, taken to soon xxx

The thing I enjoy about Reeve's Superman (regardless of movie) is ; A positive story and the outfit. I absolutely hate these dark uniforms that modern movies are using. Okay, Batman is understandable, though I prefer 1989's outfit but the rest - why so dark?

As always, incredible review. I really look forward to these (and the tidbits you provide on movie history). Thanks Oliver Harper !

This is the first movie I ever saw as a child… It was, and forever will be one of the greatest experiences of my entire life. My dad and I still watch this movie, often times with tears in our eyes, reminiscing about days gone by. I love this film and always will. Christopher Reeve will always be my Superman.

This was the first movie i'd ever scene at the pictures.. i can't really remember much of watching it back then as i was five.. At the age of 47, this movie still makes my hair prickle.. Like the helicopter scene, Clark leaving his mother and the flight with Lois Lane.. Great stuff

I think this is your best Retropective yet Oliver I seen a lot your videos btw a few years ago I got 2 see Reeve's Superman costume he was a very tall man

Now this is one movie which should be re-released. Superman 2 as well.

I love your split trailer recuts in your retrospectives! I've been binging your stuff for weeks! Great job!

Hi Oliver, I've recently started watching your videos and enjoy them very much. I love how informative and well put together they are while always having a great deal of respect for the source material. I this at be my favorite one yet. It's made with a ton of heart and a nice touch of class, most notably how you dedicated it to Christopher Reeve's memory. Great job my friend, keep them coming!

Hello Oliver, it has been quite some time since I last watched your retrospective videos. I remember the first that I watched was for my favorite Disney SciFi film, Flight of The Navigator. Now, over the last two days, I have watched so much more, including your original Superman movie retrospectives. I wanted to watch this one last because something told me that it would be absolutely incredible and heartfelt. You, like me really know what reigns as nostalgic, from piecing and editing clips together with a good set of music segues and transitions, to just really tapping into the heart of what Christopher Reeve was to people like me as kids. He was, is, and always will be Superman. Thank you so much for this, and a beautifully edited ending as well.

Still the best super hero movie as far as I'm concerned. It was captured everything that a comic book movie should be and John Williams theme made every kid believe they were superman when they heard it!

Most joyous experience I've ever had going to a theater! I probably wrongly scrutinize ever the recent Superman films too much. They're marvelous to look at but... I just feel empty afterwards. Nothing can match seeing this on the big screen as a child. I remember watching it on its first airings on HBO & staying up to watch it everytime it was on. Pre VCR lol. The first cd I bought in the 90's was the soundtrack. I bought a version done by the Scotish Orchestra, a best of cd re-recording, the 2 cd release & the box set. Love the music! I can't thank everyone involved enough for this film.

"Like a big blue bird!" Excellent video. I saw it in 1978 as a 10 year old. A few years later I saw the extended 2 night ABC version. This one is so extremely well done, more so than the fun but somewhat imperfectly edited Superman 2. When I bought the DVD around 2001, it enthralled me even more -- and my 2 young sons who also, despite their different generation, think of Chris Reeve when Superman is mentioned.

..just love your reviews, they are actually informative about the subject and thus far much interesting than majority of them on internet. Another thing that I love how you consider different aspect of the films also (like music). P.S. always looking for your next reviews :)

Absolutely wonderful. Thank you for this lovely, respectful review Oliver. I don't think this version will ever be surpassed.

Such a wonderful film. I interviewed Richard Donner at our film school right after he was fired from Superman II. We had such a great time he made a return appearance. It's amazing what he went through to remain true to the source material and the current comic book genre has benefited greatly from his effort.

I've been watching your videos for the past few weeks and they've all been very enjoyable, but this is on another level entirely. The montage at the end brought a tear to my eye. Such a brilliant love letter to this film.

This review is a great piece of filmmaking/editing. Brilliant. You should be proud. I am a massive fan of this film

Is that how your warped brain gets his kicks? luv it

Thank you so much for another beautifully succinct review, Oliver! I feel incredibly privileged to have watched this movie at the cinema when I was 15 years old. After the movie, as I came out, I launched myself off the front steps and was quite disappointed when I didn't stay in the air. It was one of the first movies I bought on VHS, then DVD. My elderly mum (aged 88) loves it, and in a few weeks, we're going to watch it again together.

So many feeling with this movie… happiness, sadness, memories… childhood, good times… goosebumps, but always a smile

The extended cuts were shown here across two nights on television in the early 80s, and no movie ever got me more excited. When I finally rented it on VHS in 1986 I remember being baffled why certain scenes were missing. I finally recorded my own copy on VHS off the television but the cut the network aired was never consistent. I still remember the Superman 2 ending where Lex, Zod, and cohorts are escorted from the Fortress of Solitude by the police, but watching it again on the official VHS version I was left wondering whether it was all a part of my imagination. In the Superman 1 television airings, the fire, ice, and bullets scene would sometimes be there and sometimes not. Pretty confusing stuff as a kid. Anyhow I agree, Superman is the zenith of superhero movies, and I only wish it could be matched or surpassed -- perhaps in another 30-40 years but unlikely; there seems to be a massive gap in the current crop of movies, and it's right where the heart and soul used to be. It has to be said that Man of Steel was a major disappointment, badly written and acted, and the choice to not use John Williams score was arrogant. Williams score is Superman, in as much as the Bond score is James Bond. Reboot or not, this character should take the score with him. Especially when the alternative is just plain generic and underwhelming. I thought the Danny Elfman score should have been kept for Batman, too. I just find Hans Zimmer's scores flat; Germanic/Nordic minimalism isn't warranted in a superhero score. Williams score did have it all: excitement, sentiment, hope, tragedy, comedy, just multi-dimensional. I liked Lois's poem, too, and thought it added a sweet dimension to the film.

Congrats on your latest review video, an informative, masterfully edited and heartfelt tribute to the greatest superhero movie of all time. While the film is not without flaws due to the overly comical third act---and while I love Gene Hackman, his Lex was occasionally a bit too campy---what the film does right it does right, it does beautifully. It remains as magical, funny and inspirational as ever. And Christopher Reeve will always be the greatest screen Superman ever; in his all-short time on this Earth, he gave hope to many and made us believe that man could fly.

I'll never forget seeing this for the first time on the big screen in December 1978. What a thrill it was! And what a nice and proper tribute you gave it, Oliver. Thank you!