After the Kryptonian council fails to heed the warning of the planet Krypton’s inevitable destruction predicted by scientist Jor-El, he and his wife Lara, use what little time they have left to preserve the life of their infant son Kal-El. They place him in a rocket ship with pre-accordance set for the planet Earth, a planet that resides in a solar system with a yellow sun. Knowing that the yellow rays of the sun will have a precise reaction to Kryptonian physiology, endowing Kal-El with super strength, invulnerability, super-hearing, and speed, Jor-El and Lara, take comfort in their final moments, knowing that their son will be safe from harm. Following the ultimate destruction of Krypton, after years of space travel, Kal-El crash lands on Earth in Smallville Kansas, he’s found and raised by Jonathan and Martha Kent and is given the name Clark by his adopted parents. It’s not long before the Kent’s realize that Clark isn’t like other children. As the years go by, Clark struggles through adolescence , feeling awkward around his peers, frustrated with the responsibility he shoulders of keeping his powers a secret. “Is it showing off to do the things I can do, Is a bird showing off when it fly’s? Every time I’m thrown the ball I can score a touch down, every time “! Says Clark, sharing his frustration with his adoptive father Jonathan, who replies, ” You were sent here for a reason, I don’t know what that reason is, but I do know one thing, it’s not to score touch downs”.

Soon after the loss of his adopted father, Clark uncovers the rocket ship that brought him to Smallville and inside the ship, is a Kryptonian relic in the shape of a crystal. Clark says goodbye to his mother, then sets out on a long journey into the unknown future. After walking a great distance he finds himself in the Arctic, where the Kryptonian crystal transforms part of the landscape into a Fortress of Solitude, furnished with Kryptonian technology, through which, Clark is able to see and speak with his biological father Jor-El, through pre-recorded messages, he learns of his heritage and more importantly, his destiny. “They can be a great people Kal-El, they wish to be, they only lack the light to show the way”. Jor-El ergs, about the human race. Charged by the words of both fathers and armed with abilities far beyond those of mortal men, Clark re-emerges in Metropolis where he begins his fight for truth, justice and the American way, and is re-named once again after an exclusive interview with Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane, with her front page head line, “I SPENT THE NIGHT WITH SUPERMAN”.

Superman the movie is a stunning motion picture adaption of the popular DC comic book and is a fully realized vision by it’s director, Richard Donner. Christopher Reeve, delivers a legendary performance in the duel role of Clark Kent and Superman, balancing physical prowess as the Man of Steel with physical comedy as mild mannered reporter for the Daily Planet. Reeve truly made us all believe that a man could fly. Gene Hackman is maniacal as the Man of Steel’s arch-enemy, Lex Luthor. Hackman has some of the best lines in the movie and delivers some of the best punch lines as well. “The greatest criminal mind of our time” Boasts Luthor, about himself and proves that title when he brings the Man of Steel to his knee’s with his wits and a little help from Superman’s weakness, Kryptonite. Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder have great chemistry on screen together as Clark and Lois, and share some very endearing scenes, although they can be a bit corny, those scenes are simply a product of the time. Ned Betty supplies some very effective comedy relief as Otis, Lex Luthors bumbling henchman. Valarie Perrine is just as cleaver as she is sexy as the lovely Miss Teschmacher. Jackie Cooper is perfect as Perry white, publisher of the Daily Planet, and Marc McClure captures the wide eyed innocence of Daily Planet photographer, Jimmy Olsen. As short as his role is in the film, Marlon Brando gives a stand out performance as Superman’s father Jor-El.

With unforgettable theme music composed by John Williams that is distinctively recognizable as the music from the Superman movies and an exceptionally well rounded cast, Superman is a classic that soars high above many of the comic book based films of the past and present. This film is great wholesome family entertainment, with eye catching special effects. A fun, thrill ride of an action adventure movie with an old school set of family values. Christopher Reeve proves that he’s just as tailor fit for this role as the tight spandex costume he dons as the Man of Steel. Richard Donner’s Superman the movie goes beyond super, it’s superb and gets an easy A . A, as in Awesome ! And deserves a top notch rating of, 5 out of 5 stars.

This review is based purely on my own honest personal opinion and was written out of genuine respect and appreciation for the character of Superman. Thanks for reading.

Source: http://comicbookmovie.com/superman_movies/news/?a=52135