Tuesday, October 30, 2012

My Favorite Movies of All Time-Superman

I am sure some will say Superman?  Really?  I was watching something on TV where a kid was dressed as Zod for Halloween.  Zod was a character in Superman II.  The costume made me laugh.  It also made me remember how wonderful and entertaining Christopher Reeve was as Superman.   I was only six years old when the first movie came out, but I remember all of them clearly.  I prefer the first two movies, but the note of lighthearted fun in each make them easy to watch.  I've heard they are making a new Superman movie for 2013.  I heard the actor playing Superman is British.  Really?  Not sure how I feel about that.

I told my kids about the Zod costume and was shocked that my children had never seen any of the Christopher Reeve Superman movies.  I guess with all of the modern action movies, older goofy movies are not as well known to the kids.  We didn't get a chance today, but this week I am going to watch one or two of the movies with the kids.

After Reeve, my favorite actor in the movies is Gene Hackman.   He was unforgettable as Lex Luthor and Terrance Stamp was an outstanding bad guy as Zod.  I think Sebastian and Isabel will really enjoy the movies.

I feel I must also mention what an amazing inspiration Christopher Reeve was.  He did not let a horrible accident dampen his spirit and he became a hero to many, myself included.  I love that his family is still doing good work in his name.

Let's take a walk down memory lane.
Here is what Wikipedia has to say about the Christopher Reeve Superman movies.


Superman
Film
Superman is a 1978 superhero film based on the DC Comics character of the same name. Richard Donner directed the film, which stars Christopher Reeve as Superman, as well as Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, ... Wikipedia
Cast
Margot Kidder (Lois Lane)
Margot Kidder
Lois Lane
Gene Hackman (Lex Luthor)
Gene Hackman
Lex Luthor
Marlon Brando (Jor-El)
Marlon Brando
Jor‑El
Jackie Cooper (Perry White)
Jackie Cooper
Perry White



Superman II
Superman II is the 1980 sequel to the 1978 superhero film Superman and stars Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve, Terence Stamp, Ned Beatty, Sarah Douglas, Margot Kidder, and Jack O'Halloran. It was the only Superman film to be filmed by two directors. Wikipedia
Cast
Margot Kidder (Lois Lane)
Margot Kidder
Lois Lane
Gene Hackman (Lex Luthor)
Gene Hackman
Lex Luthor
Terence Stamp (General Zod)
Terence Stamp
General Zod



Superman III
Superman III is a 1983 superhero action comedy film and the third film in the Superman film series based upon the long-running DC Comics superhero. Wikipedia
Cast
Margot Kidder (Lois Lane)
Margot Kidder
Lois Lane
Richard Pryor (Gus Gorman)
Richard Pryor
Gus Gorman
Annette O'Toole (Lana Lang)
Annette O'Toole
Lana Lang
Jackie Cooper (Perry White)
Jackie Cooper
Perry White



Superman IV: The Quest For Peace
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace is a 1987 superhero film directed by Sidney J. Furie. It is the fourth film in the original Superman film series and the last installment to star Christopher Reeve as Superman. Wikipedia
Release dateJuly 24, 1987 (USA)
DVD release dateMay 1, 2001
Running time90 minutes
Cast
Margot Kidder (Lois Lane)
Margot Kidder
Lois Lane
Gene Hackman (Lex Luthor)
Gene Hackman
Lex Luthor
Jackie Cooper (Perry White)
Jackie Cooper
Perry White
Marc McClure (Jimmy Olsen)
Marc McClure
Jimmy Olsen


Here are a few amazing pictures from the movie series:

Photo Courtesy:  herocomplex.latimes.com
I remember as a young girl thinking Christopher Reeve was the most handsome man I had ever seen.
Photo Courtesy:  nme.com
Photo Courtesy:  grahamscrackers.com
I liked Lex because Gene Hackman is a genius actor, he almost stole the show, almost.
    general-zod-superman-image
    Photo Courtesy:  collider.com
    I still want to giggle when I see Zod's chest hair.

    Photo Courtesy:  collider.com
    Photo Courtesy:  thefastertimes.com

    Photo Courtesy:  herocomplex.latimes.com

      Photo Courtesy:  blogs.indiewire.com
        Yes, the movies are sappy and goofy but the fun cannot be denied.  See them if you get a chance, definitely worth the time.