The cast included Christopher Reeve as Superman/Clark Kent, Gene Hackman as evil mastermind Lex Luthor, and Margot Kidder as reporter Lois Lane.
SUMMARY
Alien scientist Jor-El predicts that his home planet Krypton will soon be destroyed. No one believes him and he promises that he and his wife will stay put. He says nothing of his infant son Kal-El. Jor-El and his wife Lara send Kal-El to earth in order to escape the approaching destruction. He also mentions that their son will be useful on earth and protected.
Kal-El travels through space and time, arriving at earth. He is immediately adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Kent, who find him on the side of the road. Kal-El is named Clark and grows up, struggling with his super powers. After his adopted father's death, he leaves the Kent farm.
In Metropolis, Clark disguises himself as a shy and clumsy man. He finds a job as a reporter at the Daily Planet and meets Lois Lane. He leaves for a period of time to speak with his father in an arctic cave (this confused me, but it had something to do with time travel and alien technology).
Upon returning to Metropolis, Clark saves Lois Lane from certain death (as the unnamed hero). He soon becomes a public superhero, named Superman.
Sinister genius Lex Luthor plans to blow up much of California and become the owner of the new California (as he has bought much "wasteland"). Towards the end of the movie, he launches two missiles that will achieve his evil plot. Lois Lane is caught in the destruction and Superman is faced with a choice: save Lois Lane or save millions of innocent people?
CONTENT
There is much violence in Superman. In one scene, Lois Lane is trapped in a helicopter that is about to fall off of the Daily Planet skyscraper. She screams throughout the entire scene until Superman rescues her. In other scenes, weapons and guns are used against Superman. Also, there is one scene where a character is shown (multiple times) being buried by sand. Although the violence is minor compared to other superhero movies of today (Batman Begins, Thor, The Avengers, etc.), it is enough to possibly scare younger viewers.
There is language used throughout the film. I recall at least a few uses of God's name and at least one SOB. This is one aspect that comes into play through the entire movie.
Lex Luthor's assistant/secretary Mrs. Teschmacher is often shown wearing rather inappropriate outfits. From her dresses to her swimsuit, her clothes are not appropriate.
Superman loves Lois Lane and there are one or two scenes where they kiss. Also, quite unnecessarily, Mrs. Teschmacher kisses Superman after saving him from deadly Kryptonite.
I also noticed a parallel between Superman and Jesus Christ, whether intentionally done or not. I did not like this, as Superman is not God, but rather an alien. I was disturbed when Jor-El talks about him "transferring" himself to his son so that they become one.
Superman is an exciting superhero/science fiction movie, apart from all of the drawbacks. There were many points that I found it hard to believe, though (even for a science fiction film!). In one scene, Superman turns back time by spinning the world around. This was a little much for me, and I enjoy superhero movies.
In conclusion, I would say this film is an okay choice for a movie night. Pre-teens might be alright with the violence, but some may not. I would suggest finding a different movie for younger children.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Length: 143 minutes
Rating: PG
Director: Richard Donner
Producers: Alexander Salkind, Illya Salkind, Pierre Spengler
Music: John Williams
Year of release: 1978
Audience: Pre-teens, Teens, Adults
(For more on the Superman-Christ parallel, I suggest reading the article found at this link, written shortly after the release of Superman Returns: http://christiananswers.net/spotlight/movies/2006/superman-interview.html)
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