Supergirl Series Premiere thoughts

  
When a Supergirl TV show was first announced, I was apprehensive. The last time Supergirl was launched out of the comics on her own, it was for 1984’s Supergirl, which starred Helen Slater, and promptly flopped at the box office. 

Initial photos of Melissa Benoist in costume didn’t inspire me, either. At first glance, the design looks lazy. It literally looks like someone cut the logo out of fabric from Michael’s and adhered it with a special craft kit. And her hair still seemed more strawberry blonde than anything. I was stuck on Kara having been blonde for the entirety of her existence.
In spite of all of this, I was quite taken by the extended preview released several months ago. The cast seemed to gel, and the spirit of the show seemed upbeat! *GASP* I’m pleased to tell you that the show is very much in this spirit of fun and whimsy, in spite of the drama in Kara’s life.

The show starts on Krypton. Jor-El and Lara are launching baby Kal-El to Earth, and in a nearby dwelling, Zor-El and Allura are sending their daughter, Kara, who looks to be around 12, to be Kal-El’s protector on Earth. (If you don’t know already, they’re cousins.) Kara’s rocket is pulled into a wormhole, and is stuck there for 24 years. When the ship breaks free, it makes its way to Earth. Kal-El, now Superman, finds his now-younger cousin and matches her with a family to care for her.

Cut to National City. Kara, now a young adult, is an errand girl for media mogul Cat Grant. Kara becomes smitten with new guy James Olsen, Pulitzer winning Metropolis photographer who now works for Grant. Her sister Alex works in National City as well. When Kara strikes out on a blind date and Alex’s plane starts to go down, Kara takes action, revealing herself to the world.

The origin story is executed in a way that explains what it needs to, but doesn’t get bogged down, as some stories do. The entire first episode is imminently watchable, and leaves the viewer interested in what happens next. 

What we really have here is several things: a solid superhero show, a show with a more diverse cast than most superhero shows, and a family-friendly show that hopefully encourages girls to dream bigger.

Supergirl airs on Monday nights at 8/7 central.

Lego Dimensions: Too Much Fun to be Legal

  
So…I’ve been a huge fan of the Disney Infinity series since I got the first starter set. It just appeals to me to be able to do specific missions in that character’s world, and then to be able to take them elsewhere to cross over with other characters. Having the figures to hold onto is admittedly a huge part of the fun.

  

Lego Dimensions knows that last part too well. They capitalize on that element of toy-in-game by having the player build vehicles, figures, and the portal itself. It doesn’t stop there, either. Each vehicle has two rebuilds which change the vehicle’s capabilities and are earned in-game. It also crosses many universes into one game, both in its main story and in the separate worlds for each individual license. These include Lord of the Rings, Back to the Future, DC Comics, The Lego Movie, Jurassic World, The Wizard of Oz, and more. 

  
The main story involves Batman, Gandalf, and WyldStyle (of Lego Movie fame) getting drawn into a battle against Lord Vortech, who enlists the aid of the Joker, Saruman, Lex Luthor, Mr. Burns, and other villains to bring his evil plot to life. Also, Vortech has kidnapped Frodo Baggins, Robin, and Metalbeard.

Of course, any world that is involved in the through story can be accessed through the main hub, as long as you have a figure from that world, and possibly downloaded the specific content needed. This does get expensive, but it’s insanely fun. Level Packs add another quest for you to enjoy.

If you like Legos or toy-in-game play or both, drop the dough on this one. It’s insanely fun and hard to put down.

My “Best Of Film” 2013 edition: “Man of Steel”

After a lengthy break, I’m back, looking to discuss all things nerdy. Since I last posted, my Batman blog, “No Hope In Crime Alley,” has gone live. (itsanomen.wordpress.com) I will be using this site to focus on film from now through the award season that will soon begin. I want to use this space to discuss my favorite movies of the last year, not necessarily the award darlings.

Thos of you who know me or are familiar with my work know that my biggest nerd soft spot is for DC Comics Superheroes. I am waiting patiently for DC’s film versions of their heroes to take off like Marvel’s have. The Nolan trilogy is a gem as far as I’m concerned, but Nolan himself has repeatedly stated that his story exists apart from the other DC characters. With Zach Snyder’s “Man of Steel,” we may just have our springboard into a terrific cinematic DC Universe.

Our story begins on Krypton. This is not the austere crystal structure where Marlon Brando condemned Terrence Stamp’s Zod. This is a sort of advanced version of Earth, with science having become incredibly sophisticated, and with its natural resources having been depleted. Jor-El and his wife, Lara, have gone outside of the law and had a baby of natural birth. Krypton has made birth a genetic operation, as they believe it to be more efficient and that it produces a better result. Jor-El is certain that Krypton is a dying planet, and that the end is coming soon. He plans on sending baby Kal-El to a distant world that is flourishing. He knows that the different atmospheric conditions and yellow sun will give baby Kal an advantage over the citizens of Earth. Jor-El is confident that his son will use this advantage to help, not hurt, the human race.

Kal is raised on Earth by the Kents, who are a loving but protective couple. Clark is shown in flashbacks trying to adjust to his powers, which seem to manfest in childhood and grow stronger and stronger as he becomes an adult. His mother, Martha, approaches him with gentle sympathy. His father, Jonathan, fears what will happen when the world finds out, and pushes for Clark to hide and control his abilities, even if it means not doing the things he is capable of. Clark grows into a conflicted young adult. He knows he can save people, but he fears their reaction to his very existence. When he stumbles across an old Kryptonian ship, Clark learns of his great heritage, and that he is the hope for Krypton’s legacy to continue. Clark has already left a trail of mystery behind him, and the trail is picked up by investigative journalist Lois Lane. As Lois comes closer and closer to learning the truth about him, Clark must confront General Zod, an old friend-turned-enemy from Jor-El’s past.

This movie was by no means necessary, but it brings Superman into our modern age quite nicely. Henry Cavill has a classic Superman quality, but he gives us a young Clark who is more unsure than we have ever seen him on screen. He gets a pretty nice arc, and develops into Superman quite organically. Amy Adams brings a bravado to Lois that stands out from portrayals we have previously seen. Michael Shannon is at times  driven, at times maniacal as Zod, giving us a very unusual for for our hero. Diane Lane is simply great in her few scenes, giving Martha the right amount of small-town sweetness and maternal heart. Russell Crowe is surprisingly right for Jor-El, showing him to be a man of science but also a man with a big heart. Kevin Costner was the real revelation to me. He does a take on Jonathan that is similar to the great Glenn Ford, but has a bit more fear for his son than has been previously seen. Jonathan knows that the world will learn about his son one day. He only hopes that Clark will be ready. The scenes with him are truly the emotional core of this movie.

Zach Snyder hits most of the right notes with his visual style and direction. Many fans have complained about the intense destruction in the battle scenes. I was, as a long time fan of the character, never bothered by this, and I was glad to see some serious action, especially after the lackluster “Superman Returns. (2006)” Hans Zimmer provides a score that is not iconic in the John Williams sense, but gives our hero a majesty and intensity that just works.

Since the release of this film, I have heard countless debates comparing it to the original Christopher Reeve/Richard Donner flick. Honestly, there’s no point. For many, the original “Superman (1978)” will never be topped. For a younger generation, that original series is too cheesy. If you know the reason behind my naming of this blog, you know that Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Clark/Superman is very dear to me. However, the story must be retold. If these heroes are to stay relevant, we have to put them up against modern problems and modern ideals and see where they fit. “Man of Steel” does EXACTLY that, and for me, the two films can coexist in the wider mythos, alongside George Reeves, the Fleischer series, the Timm-verse Superman, and the 1940’s radio show.

This isn’t a perfect Superman movie, but it’s a terrific one for our era. Catch it now on Blu-Ray and DVD.

Essential Superheroes-on-film: a list

I’ll admit it…I was stuck for a topic today. I have yet to see Inception again, and my review of Scott Pilgrim is fairly complete after a single viewing. I can’t afford to go pick up Batman: Under The Red Hood. So as I sit here, unkempt and in PJ’s and still slightly cobwebby from my post work nap, it occurs to me that I COULD just talk a bit about the superhero films that matter to me and why I feel that they’re important. So…yeah. Why not?

These movies are not ranked in my estimation. Each one ‘gets’ its subject matter in one way or another, but comparing most of these movies is pointless and nonsensical…much like the first Fantastic Four movie!

I’m going to try to go chronologically. So we begin with…

Superman (1978) – Richard Donner’s vision of Superman and his world was based around the idea of verisimilitude, which is essentially making the fictional world seem real on its own terms. Donner and his fantastic ensemble cast succeed in doing just that, which was at the time more than anyone expected from a movie based on a comic book. Were it not for the character-based nature of this movie, none of the great superhero movies that we know now would have been made in similar fashion. Reeve is pitch-perfect as both Superman and Clark Kent, bringing a Cary Grant-like comic timing to the latter, while the former is played very straight and with real midwestern earnestness. Gene Hackman is very fun to watch as the maniacal mad scientist incarnation of Luthor, and Marlon Brando brings the appropriate gravitas to the role of Jor-El, Superman’s Kryptonian father. Glenn Ford lends much humility to his brief scenes as Jonathan Kent, and Jackie Cooper nails curmudgeonly news editor Perry White. John Wiliams’ score is beyond iconic…it has come to represent the very character of Superman. The story continues in…

Superman II (Richard Donner cut) – I opted for this cut because it rings more true to me than the original. See, Richard Donner had filmed a lot of Superman II while still making the first film. He didn’t get along with the Salkinds, the father/son team who produced the Superman movies. After the first film was released and became a hit, the Salkinds fired Donner. They replaced him with Richard Lester, who brought more of a campy feel to the whole idea of Superman. Several years ago, at the request of fanboys like yours truly, Warner Bros. allowed Donner to put his version of “Superman II” together using unused footage and screen tests. The end result is significantly different, and I feel that the story has more real emotion. Even the love story works better! The great thing about Superman II, though, is that Superman’s limits are tested in nearly every respect possible. The level of drama was, I think, unexpected from the perspective of the many fans who saw this film.

Batman (1989) – Prior to the release of this movie, the dominant image of Batman in the eyes of the world was still Adam West doing the Watusi and dropping awful lines without flinching. Tim Burton’s original film, while far from perfect, did succeed in establishing Batman as a character that is practically operatic; shrouded in mystery, this Batman was part urban legend, part psychologically damaged little boy, and immersed in darkness. Nicholson’s Joker is very good, although it misses the mark slightly for me. He did succeed in making the Joker seem dangerous and unhinged, though. Keaton’s brooding Batman is shockingly good at times, considering how outraged fanboys were over his casting as Wayne/Batman. Elfman’s score is the most iconic part of this movie, and in my opinion it’s still one of his best.

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm – If you missed this one, it’s ok. It just means that you’re not a geek. This 78 minute animated film noir was made by the creative team responsible for Batman: The Animated Series. It was released in theaters for all of a week, but found success on home video. The story gives possible insight into Batman’s past, including a serious romance and a possible long-forgotten connection to the Joker. I include this simply for the quality of storytelling. Also, I really enjoy Mark Hamill’s interpretation of the Joker and Kevin Conroy’s vocal realization of Batman. It’s not going to change your life, but it’s fun to watch and brilliant to look at.

Unbreakable – I’m as disappointed in M. Night Shyamalan as anyone these days. I haven’t seen “The Last Airbender” yet, but I was horrified at how bad “The Happening” was. I also hated “The Village.” But in Night’s early career, when the stories were more straightforward, I think he was much more effective. Bruce Willis is brooding and calm as David Dunne, an every man who is stalked by a handicapped art gallery owner (Samuel L. Jackson), who believes that David has super powers. The pacing is deliberately slow, but it works. I include this simply because to me it works and it’s very different from anything else in the superhero genre.

Spider-Man – To me, this was the first great Marvel Comics movie. It remains a very fun movie to watch! Tobey Maguire captures the nerdy, hopeless essence of young Peter Parker, and he makes Peter’s transition into Spider-Man incredibly fun to watch! Raimi uses NYC to great effect, and the Spidey costume looks great. Elfman’s score is once again a treat. I feel that Spider-Man proved that it is possible to stick reasonably close to your source material and still make an entertaining movie.

The Incredibles – Thank God for Pixar’s willingness to take a chance on Brad Bird’s crazy concept! The premise of a world in which ‘Supers’ are hated is at once brilliant and depressing. The manner in which this story plays out, though, is quite miraculous. By the film’s end, I feel exhilarated, moved, and wanting for more! Bird’s affinity for 1950’s/1960’s retro, along with Michael Giacchino’s slick score, give this movie a style all its own.

Batman Begins – Nolan’s decision to revisit Batman’s origins was a bold one, and it payed off. He’s smart to attract a first rate cast, all of whom are great, with the exception of Katie Holmes, who seems to be in over her head. This movie helps to establish that Batman, perhaps moreso than any other superhero, is a myth, and myths can be successfully retold. This telling is thrilling, psychologically interesting, and rooted in character study. Fantastic setup for its colossal sequel.

Iron Man – If you had told me ten years ago that they would make a GREAT Iron Man movie, I would have laughed until my sides hurt. I never expected this clever, funny, and exciting flick, which is 80% powered by Robert Downey, Jr. and his infallible likability. He’s a perfect Tony Stark. He’s intelligent. He exudes charm. He’s tortured. His casting, though brilliant, borders on typecasting. The fantastic effects are great to watch, but I really admire the message that those who make weapons have to take responsibility for how they are used.

The Dark Knight – This movie is very personal to me. I’ve been into Batman (as well as Superman) for most of my life. I received my first Batman comic in 1979. I was four. I’m pretty sure that that comic book pushed me to learn how to read. So to say that I know Batman would be putting it lightly. I loved the 1989 Batman when it was first released. I watched it obsessively. But deep down I was wondering if a movie could ever tell the complicated stories that were being told in the comics at that point. I had assumed not. Then “Batman Begins” came along. Christopher Nolan and David Goyer had captured the tone of DC Comics’ take on Batman! Who knew that they would get even more ambitious in the sequel? The Dark Knight is about four principal characters whose paths all intersect at one point. The principal characters are like points on a square. Batman is a force for good, but he’ll bend the rules to do what is needed…except for that one particular rule. To his right is Jim Gordon, who can’t bend the rules, but looks the other way as Batman does so. Then there’s Harvey Dent, a large than life DA who wants nothing more than to clean up Gotham. Completing the square is the Joker, a self-proclaimed agent of chaos whose sole purpose is to disrupt and cripple the city, bringing Gotham to its knees. Ledger’s Joker is a performance that defies description. Suffice it to say that he embodied for me the vicious, bent take on the character that I had always loved reading in the best comics. While the origin story isn’t really covered (obviously THIS Joker wasn’t dropped into a vat of chemicals), this version seems more classic to me, almost identical to the character’s first appearance in Batman #1 in 1940. While many don’t like it, I enjoy Bale’s Batman/Bruce Wayne as well! His inner turmoil is somewhat subtle, but totally right in my mind. The ambitiously complex plot gives the world that thes characters inhabit a sense of depth for me. In spite of its length, I could watch this movie every day.

Kick-Ass – Film adaptation of Mark Millar’s comic series tells the story of a world where superheroes are just crazy people with no special abilities running around in homemade costumes. Because the material is somewhat unique, I won’t give you a synopsis. I will say that the movie is funny, overly violent, and unique, although it borrows heavily in terms of cinematic style from Tarantino, at least in the climactic action sequences. Chloe Moretz as Hit Girl and Nicolas Cage as Big Daddy steal the show effortlessly. This movie is new on video and on demand. I recommend that you go track it down and watch it!

That’s my list for now. Remember that these are only opinions and could change at any time! For now, though, if you haven’t seem any of the above, please do so! I’ll be back tomorrow with a piece suggested by a fan…

Is Superman still valid? Or is it a (Bat)man’s world?

I don’t know why, but I was thinking all day today whether I prefer Batman or Superman. I have been a huge fan of both since my toddler days. Superman was my first movie; Batman was my favorite TV show. Superman is fantastical in every way, while Batman could happen. This is a debate I have often with myself. I can’t say that one wins out over the other. They’re each iconic characters and pop culture fixtures. They each have their own flavor.

I think that our cultural climate tends to favor one over the other at any given moment. In this time of economic uncertainty, and in a time when we still stand in the shadow of 9/11, Batman seems to speak to our hearts. Batman will go to any length to prevent wrongdoing. He’s not above using intimidation to get results. He does follow a certain moral code, but he’s comfortable walking right up to that line, stopping just shy of crossing it. Superman, by contrast, is clad in bright basic colors, is more outwardly hopeful, likes to smile, is friendly and polite, and can do just about anything. I feel like Superman reminds us of what we used to be, and what we used to feel. He represents, for many people, blind optimism, a notion that currently seems to be out of fashion. Maybe Superman is just too depressing for us as a nation and a world right now.

If the box office track record of these two characters in this decade is an indicator, Batman is feeling much more love these days. People flocked to “The Dark Knight” in record-breaking numbers. Just two years prior, “Superman Returns” was given a rather lukewarm reception. In the end, it barely covered its budget. Granted, the quality of the film is thought to be less than Nolan’s Batman films, at least by this fan. Nolan is an excellent and visionary director, as evidenced by all of his films since “Memento.” (As of this writing, I have not seen Inception. If it’s as good as I think it is, I’ll be writing about it on Saturday.) Nolan’s semi-realism approach to Batman has produced two fantastic films that are true to the characters as they have been portrayed in Batman comic lore since the late 1980’s. Singer’s attempt at Superman isn’t all bad, but it’s a misfire. Too much was contingent upon Brandon Routh’s uncanny resemblance to Christopher Reeve. The attempt to darken Superman’s costume, the Fortress of Solitude, and the overall production design seems to detract from the character. Quality of movie aside, I have to think that the idea of a man who will go to almost any length to prevent another man – who is essentially an unstoppable terrorist – from controlling an entire city is a much more appealing premise in this day and age than a trite story of Superman versus Lex Luthor that degenerates into a soap opera by its end.

The pro-Superman folks might argue that “Smallville,” the TV show that retells the story of Clark Kent’s high school and college years, is finding an audience. I argue back that 1) Smallville is a fairly loose adaptation of the Superman character, and therefore doesn’t count, and 2) it seems to be directed at – and reaching – a certain demographic. I would say that few people out of the 18-34 set is following the series. I would even guess that most of that audience skews younger. I haven’t done the research, so I could be wrong here.

The above arguments might make me sound as though I’m siding firmly with Batman. Not so. I’m merely observing what the world seems to think. The Internet is abuzz with casting rumors for Nolan’s third Batman film, while news of a rebooted Superman franchise seems to hold little interest. My personal opinion is that both hold a very strong relevance in our troubled times. Batman is just a guy. He has certain advantages, sure. Being immeasurably wealthy can get you far in crime fighting. The memory of your murdered parents helps in the motivation department. But he’s a man who has chosen to be the best he can be at what he does, and as Batman, he wants to give the people of Gotham a reason to hope. He made a conscious choice. Superman is also the result of a choice. Here is a being who is practically a living god. He could potentially enslave a city, a country, or the world. Because of his morally-centered Midwestern small town upbringing, Superman chooses to do what he sees as right. He chooses to help the helpless. He chooses to live as a man because he loves humanity. He can stop an alien invasion, but isn’t above rescuing a kitten in a tree. His heart is as big as he is – maybe even bigger. To me, Superman and Batman are Yin and Yang. Each is a compliment of the other, two halves of a perfect circle. In today’s world, I feel like we want a Batman, but we could really use a Superman. I suggest we take a little of both.

Never too old for cartoons

As I write this, I’m watching some of the Superman short cartoons that were produced between 1941 and 1943. For anyone who loves either Superman or animation, these are a must. They were made with such style and care that even now they captivate with their unique style and remarkably fluid movement.

I’ve decided to take this time today to salute animation. People today dont seem to understand why a man who is almost thirty five would have such an affinity for animated things. Cartoons were always a big deal to me. Saturday mornings as a kid were more like church to me than actual church! Those were truly the days…sitting in my pajamas watching the tube for 6 hours or so, at some point consuming a delightfully oversugared cereal…I can almost taste the Captain Krunch! For me personally, the many versions of Super Friends that aired during these years were a huge favorite. How could they not be? Superman and Batman, fighting side by side? Yes, please!

Cartoon specials were a big event in my young life as well. Prime time visits from Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman were essential Christmas rituals, and Charlie Brown would usually turn up every holiday. Bugs Bunny was on for an hour every Saturday night, and in my early school years, I would run from the school bus to the house to watch Tom and Jerry and Scooby-Doo.

My mom introduced me to animated films by way of classic Disney. I began with Pinocchio. Everything about that movie was appealing to me. It’s still a favorite. I also distinctly remember loving Disney’s take on Robin Hood. The newer Disney captured my attention as well, most notably The Lion King. The first time I saw that incredible opening sequence will always be a highlight of my movie-going memories.

Then there’s Pixar. What can be said that isn’t already obvious? Pixar has always told stories with incredible care (no pun intended). The body of work that they have produced in less than 20 years of making animated features is of a higher quality than some movie studios amass in twice as much time! While I don’t love Cars or Ratatouille, every other movie that they have made would be in my top 100 movies of all time list. The Toy Story series, Monsters Inc, Finding Nemo, Up, Wall*E…all so lovingly crafted, entertaining, and moving. It probably goes without saying that I have a huge soft spot for The Incredibles. I’ll save the why’s of that one for a later post…

To backtrack just a bit…at the beginning of my senior year of high school, a momentous thing happened. Batman got his own cartoon. Not only that, it was BRILLIANT. The look was far removed from anything that had come before, and the animation was heavily influenced by the aforementioned Superman cartoons. The whole design of the show was dark and stylized, the cars and cityscapes nodding back to the 1930’s and 1940’s. The voice cast was comprised of real actors rather than voiceover artists. In spite of a crazy schedule over the next few years, I managed to catch every episode. A similar Superman series followed, as did a very good Justice League series. But neither had quite the impact on me as Batman. I mean, here were the comics I read, come to life! I love to go back and watch certain episodes. They don’t disappoint.

At the risk of being long winded, I must mention “The Iron Giant.” This is an animated movie that completely took me by surprise. The story has a strong parallel to E.T, but the actual message moves me in a spiritual way. You can’t help but root for the Giant when you watch this underappreciated gem. See it. Your kids may be bored but you will love it.

I guess the point I hope to make here is that I love the fact that animation can do anything that the imagination can dream. It offers you as a viewer an escape into a place that you couldn’t otherwise visit. Just this year so far, I’ve trained dragons, seen Andy off to college, and watched a super villain go soft over three little orphan girls. The beauty of it is that there will be more worlds to visit, yet I can go back to the ones I’ve already been to anytime I want to. I’m going to leave you now and re-join Superman as he takes out some Japanese/Nazi spies.

Superman pajamas

Welcome to my blog! I’ve found that I enjoy writing about movies, superheroes, and science fiction/fantasy. This blog will cover all of those subjects. I find myself looking back at my childhood quite frequently these days, so I’m going to start at the beginning of my nerd existence.

I can’t say that I know the date. I imagine that it was late spring or early summer of 1979. My parents told me that we were going to go see Superman. Having never seen a movie on a big screen, I didn’t quite grasp the concept. Was he actually going to be there? No, my mom told me. It was like TV, but really big. My mom told me I could wear my Superman pajamas, which were a tiny replica of Supes’ costume, and my then-most prized possession. This was pretty exciting to my almost-four-year-old mind!

We saw “Superman” at the Skyline Drive-In, which was at that time the only movie theater in New Lexington, Ohio. I remember the anticipation brimming over inside of me as we found our spot and my dad grabbed the speaker and attached it to the window. The experience was truly overwhelming for me. I was in a state of euphoric excitement! The memory that sticks the most prominently in my mind is the scene where Clark Kent first pulls his dress shirt open, revealing the Superman logo for the very first time. There he stood, taller than most of the trees surrounding the drive-in. I had seen him on TV in the persona of George Reeves, thanks to the miracle of syndicated reruns. I had seen him in cartoon form, where he served as the unofficial leader of the Super Friends. But this – WOW. There he stood, flesh and Kryptonian blood, clad in an even more vivid rendition of his signature red, yellow, and blue. Even now, 31 years later, I can’t fully describe the feeling I had that night.

All of these years later, I still love that movie and rank it as one of my top 5 personal favorite movies of all time. Richard Donner got how Superman’s world could really work in film. He had a fantastic cast to help him bring it to life. From Brando as Jor-El to Hackman as Lex Luthor, to great actors in supporting roles like Jackie Cooper as Perry White and Glenn Ford as Jonathan Kent, the ensemble performs solidly throughout. But there would be no Superman without the charm, poise, confidence, and all-around skill of Christopher Reeve. To me, no one else could ever embody Superman so perfectly, while contrasting that embodiment with the nearly opposite personality of Clark Kent. It’s basically a perfect performance to me. The establishment of Krypton, Smallville, and finally Metropolis is executed with great thought and care, giving Superman and his supporting cast believable worlds to inhabit. While the story does defy a reasonable suspension of disbelief at times, particularly at its climax (let’s face it – it’s a movie about a nearly invulnerable man who can almost do anything, including move time itself backwards, it would seem!), I still defend it as one of the best comic book films ever made. Were it not for this movie, the superhero film adaptations that have followed would never have been made.

Much has been made through the years over the similarities between Superman and the Judeo-Christian Messiah. The beautiful thing about Richard Donner’s Superman is that Donner focuses on the sense of doing right by people that is a crucial part of the Superman mythos. The Man of Steel never called himself a savior. His moral Midwestern upbringing makes him want to help. He puts the good of the many ahead of his own needs. He’s honest to a fault, kind, and not the least bit cynical. Donner’s direction, along with Reeve’s masterful method approach to the character, have provided this fanboy with a very definitive version of a uniquely iconic hero.

A little over a year later, I had the opportunity to see the movie again. This seems like a funny thing to say in this age of Blu-Ray and downloads. My kindergarten mate and lifelong friend David Lanning had this crazy channel called HBO. My TV only got three channels. Apparently this HBO showed movies without commercials. David invited me over to watch Superman. I remember plopping down on his living room floor. As the London Symphony Orchestra brought John Williams’ optimistic overture to its clarion trumpet-driven crescendoed climax, the skin on my arm felt a tidal wave of goose flesh. I still get a touch of that when I hear that music, even after all of these years. The movie became an annual fixture on network TV soon after that, and I believe that I saw every airing. It became a tradition for me.

The tagline of Superman: The Movie when it first came out in 1978 was “You will believe (that) a man can fly.” I did, and I still do. Superman is real. He flies around the eclectic world of my inagination, and he looks exactly like Christopher Reeve circa 1978.