Movie Reviews Special: Superman

Bursting onto the scene in 1938, Superman is without doubt one of the best-loved comic book characters of all time. Up there with Batman and Spider-Man, he is one of the most recognisable heroes on the planet, who has enjoyed great success on the printed page through comics and magazines; on the airwaves through radio shows and audio dramas; and on television via cartoons and live-action series.

Superman has also captured the imagination, attention, and hearts of millions of audiences through a sizeable collection of films. Similar to the aforementioned Batman and Spider-Man, who have also forged out a career in movies, Superman is a screen icon, with a range of pictures in his portfolio.

His latest big screen offering arrives in cinemas in July, and promises to be his most dazzling adventure yet. Directed by James Gunn, and simply titled Superman, the film will see David Corenswet don the red and blue costume to play Clark Kent/Superman, opposite a cast which includes Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Isabela Merced, and Nathan Fillion.

Will it be one of the biggest films of the year? Who knows, but at the very least, fans are hoping it’ll be ‘super’!

And to celebrate the forthcoming release of Superman, this edition of Movie Reviews Special is dedicated to the movies of the Man of Steel. From live-action pictures to animated affairs and docu-films, below you will find reviews for six Super-movies.

Films reviewed in this Special include Superman: The Movie, Superman II, Superman Returns, Hollywoodland, Justice League: Doom, and The Death of “Superman Lives”: What Happened?.

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Now streaming…

Superman: The Movie (1978) 

First up is Superman: The Movie. Directed by Richard Donner, and starring Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Margot Kidder, Marlon Brando, Glenn Ford, and Jackie Cooper, the film is an epic comic book adventure which details the origin of Superman.

Beginning on the doomed planet Krypton, the film follows baby Kal-El as he is sent to Earth to escape the fate of his fellow Kryptonians (Spoiler: They die when the planet explodes). Arriving in Smallville, Kansas, Kal-El is found by the Kents, given the name Clark, and raised as their son.

Gaining unique abilities due to his close proximity to the sun, Clark becomes a super-powered being. The Kents then guide him to be a model citizen, taking him through school, and beyond.

After learning details about his alien heritage, Clark comes to understand his abilities can be used for the greater good. Heading to the city of Metropolis he takes a job at The Daily Planet, where under the guise of a mild mannered newspaper reporter he hopes to blend into the background while simultaneously performing great feats as a superhero.

When it comes to comic book movies, few come as big, as grand, or as influential as 1978’s Superman: The Movie. The picture is easily one of the most important entries in the super hero genre, and arguably one of the most widely seen.

Even those who haven’t caught the film are familiar with the details. The destruction of Krypton, Clark’s childhood in Smallville, and his arrival at The Daily Planet are aspects of the movie many are aware of – yet they are not even the most famous scenes!

The helicopter rescue in Metropolis, as well as Superman’s first flight with Lois Lane are the iconic scenes, as is the imprisonment of three Kryptonian criminals, introduced in this first movie as a set-up for Superman II. And then there is the big finale, where Superman turns back time in order to save Lois from dying.

Everywhere you turn, there’s so much going on in Superman: The Movie, and certainly a great deal to keep audiences entertained. Whether it’s the action, the romance, or the spectacle, the film is keen to cram it all in, mixing elements of drama, sci-fi, fantasy, and ‘70s disaster movie along the way.

The real trump card is in the casting, which includes plenty of top names who add weight and gravitas to the picture. This includes established actors such as Brando, Ford, Cooper, and Hackman, who not only contribute acting talent to the film, but also ground the more fantastical side of the story.

This then allows for Christopher Reeve (an unknown actor at the time of the movie’s release) to come in as Clark/Superman, and blow everyone away. It’s well documented he is marvellous in the lead role, but let’s add more praise by saying the picture wouldn’t work without him.

Yes, all of the many, many great elements are there, including a rousing theme by composer John Williams, but Reeve is the glue holding everything together. His commitment to the role, as well as his dedication to sell Superman as more than just a 2D character, is vital to the film.

He also became a huge source of inspiration for other actors taking on super hero roles. Without Reeve in Superman: The Movie, there would be no Keaton in Batman (1989), no Maguire in Spider-Man (2002), and no Downey Jr. in Iron Man (2008).

What’s perhaps the most important element of Superman: The Movie is just how hopeful the film is. It’s not mean-spirited, and there’s no cynicism; it’s simply a film that wants to show how great it would be if a powerful person used that power to help others.

There’s a key line in the film which tells audiences all they need to know about Superman, and it happens when Lois asks Superman the question, “who are you?”. Superman’s simple response, “a friend”, speaks volumes.

He isn’t calling himself a hero, a champion, or even a ‘super’ man (it’s Lois that names him), he merely thinks of himself as a friend doing good deeds because he can. We all need friends like this, and that’s how Superman is positioned in this film, as a friend to all.

When Superman: The Movie was filmed, there was a real desire from director Richard Donner to make an exceptional picture, which could not only sell the character to worldwide audiences, but also deliver a film that could stand the test of time. He certainly achieved this, firstly by introducing all the key elements of the character (his origin, his weakness to Kryptonite, etc), and then by setting the bar extremely high for the countless comic book movies that followed.

Is Superman: The Movie one of the best super hero films of all time? Undoubtedly.

Should you wish to check out Superman: The Movie, the film is currently available to stream on Sky/NOW in the UK.

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Now streaming…

Superman II (1980)

And from one Christopher Reeve Superman movie to another. Picking up shortly after the events of Superman: The Movie, Superman II, sees three Kryptonian criminals accidentally released from imprisonment in the Phantom Zone.

Arriving on Earth, Zod, Ursa, and Non waste no time in demonstrating their vast power, as well as their desire to rule the planet. Destroying landmarks, and terrorising the locals, the trio storm the White House and capture the US President, all with the aim of enslaving the human race.

Earth’s only hope rests in the hands of Superman. But unfortunately, Supes is distracted, going through his own personal journey with Lois Lane, and giving up his powers in the process.

With a cast that includes Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Terence Stamp, Sarah Douglas, and Jack O’Halloran, Superman II is not only a great sequel, many claim it is an equal. Heck, others will tell you it’s actually better than the original film.

Why? Because Superman II has a faster pace, it boasts more action, and requires less exposition. Plus, you have three menacing super villains!

While Superman: The Movie offered up a fab turn for Gene Hackman as criminal foe, Lex Luthor, it didn’t have a super-strong antagonist Superman could fight. Superman II fixes this issue by bringing in General Zod and his cohorts to trade blows with the Man of Steel.

And as a result, one of the highlights of Superman II is a super-powered showdown in the streets of Metropolis, which takes place during the back-half of the movie. Seeing Superman go toe-to-toe (or cape-to-black-jumpsuit) with the evil Kryptonians is a real thrill, and plays out like something ripped straight from the pages of Action Comics.

Other highlights of Superman II include a terrorist plot at the Eiffel Tower; a terrifying encounter on the Moon; and a rescue at Niagara Falls. Then there’s an unexpected fight at a diner; a hostile takeover at The Daily Planet; and a final showdown in the Fortress of Solitude.

Oh, and if that wasn’t enough, the film returns to the diner for some payback, and Superman helps to rebuild a heavily damaged White House. Plus, there are multiple interactions between Clark Kent and Lois Lane which are fun and playful.

With all this and much, much more, there’s a lot going on in Superman II, and pretty much all of it is gold. Only an amnesia-inducing ‘super kiss’ is a misstep, but this is easily overlooked.

During production, Superman II had plenty of backstage drama, with original director, Richard Donner fired and replaced mid-shoot with Richard Lester, but none of this derails the film. Superman II is an absolute blast!

Few sequels manage to hit the same heights as their predecessor, yet Superman II does. Long before the MCU began pumping out decent super-sequels, this movie was the gold standard for follow-up films.

Should you wish to watch Superman II, the film is currently streaming on Sky/NOW in the UK.

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Now streaming…

Superman Returns (2006)

In Superman Returns, five years have passed since Superman travelled away from Earth in search of the remains of Krypton. In the time since he left, Lex Luthor has been released from prison, Lois Lane got engaged and gave birth to a son, and more recently she won the Pulitzer Prize for her Daily Planet article, ‘Why the World Doesn’t Need Superman’.

Upon returning home to Earth, Clark/Superman attempts to slot back into his former life, but with all these new developments things aren’t what they once were. As he readjusts to this new way of living, he gets caught up in Luthor’s latest scheme, which involves growing a new landmass in the Atlantic Ocean using a stolen Kryptonian crystal laced with Kryptonite!

Released into cinemas in 2006, 19 years after 1987’s Superman IV: The Quest for Peace flopped on the big screen, Superman Returns is a sequel to the Christopher Reeve movies, but one which a.) doesn’t star Reeve, and b.) ignores some of the previous films. Canonically taking place after the events of Superman II, the film completely bypasses Superman III (1983), Supergirl (1984), and the aforementioned Superman IV, to act as a belated Part III in the series.

For this instalment, Bryan Singer sits in the director’s chair, bringing along a cast which includes Kate Bosworth, James Marsden, Frank Langella, Parker Posey, and Kevin Spacey. Meanwhile, Brandon Routh takes over from Reeve as the big guy in the cape.

And Routh proves to be a great Clark/Superman. He looks uncannily like Reeve, but he’s not in the movie just for visuals, he’s actually good in the role.

As good as Reeve? No, but not a bad replacement. 

With more time and stronger material he could have made this part his own. Superman Returns didn’t produce any sequels, but if it had, Routh would have been marvellous moving forward.

Highlights of the film include Spacey as Luthor; Parker Posey as Luthor’s right hand gal, Kitty Kowalski; and Frank Langella as Perry White, who is great in the limited screen time he is given. The film also brings back the iconic John Williams theme music from the previous Reeve movies; resurrects Marlon Brando (via archive footage) for a quick cameo; and features some decent scenes of action and spectacle.

The film is often criticised for its lack of action, but this is not fair to the movie, nor is it accurate. Superman Returns contains a number of action sequences, including a stand-out scene in which Superman rescues passengers (including Lois) from a plane disaster. 

The plane rescue is a genuinely exciting sequence. It’s big, it’s exhilarating, it’s heroic!

When people criticise the action, the criticism is really aimed at the absence of a super-powered villain for Superman to face. This is a more accurate critique.

Super-powered situations aside, where Superman Returns actually struggles is in the movie’s desire to stick closely to the Reeve films (rehashing too many ideas); in the casting of Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane (the casting doesn’t work); and in the muted colour palette and lighting (the film looks washed out and dour). While Superman Returns contains moments of optimism and heroism, the general tone is far too depressing for its own good, and this is a significant stumbling block.

However, despite some flaws, Superman Returns is a decent film with plenty of the right ingredients. It’s not up there with the best Reeve films, but there is lots to like.

Should you wish to take a look, Superman Returns is currently available to stream on Sky/NOW in the UK.

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Now streaming…

Hollywoodland (2006)

Onto movie number four in this Movie Reviews Special, and in a change from the previous offerings, this next film is not about Superman, but rather about an actor famous for playing Superman. The film is 2006’s Hollywoodland, which focuses on actor George Reeves.

Reeves (not to be confused with Christopher Reeve), played the role of Superman on the hit television show, Adventures of Superman, which began airing in 1952. The series was popular with viewers and made Reeves a household name, until the show ended in 1958.

A year after its cancellation, Reeves died from a gunshot wound, in what was ruled a suicide. However, the circumstances of his death were deemed suspicious by some, leading many fans to believe he may have been murdered.

Hollywoodland looks at the circumstances surrounding Reeves’ death, while also detailing his life and career. The film is a mystery drama from director Allen Coulter, with Ben Affleck taking on the role of Reeves.

Joining Affleck on screen are Diane Lane, Bob Hoskins, and Adrien Brody. They play key characters in the story, which attempts to paint a portrait of who Reeves was, both on screen as well as off.

Originally titled ‘Truth, Justice, and the American Way’, before being retitled to Hollywoodland, the two-hour film does a good job of recreating the 1950s and proves to be a decent watch. It’s not amazing, but Affleck is great as Reeves and the picture has some strong moments.

A standout scene features Reeves putting in a guest appearance at a public event only for things to go worryingly wrong. One of the kids in attendance pulls a gun on Reeves (who is dressed as Superman), believing him to be bulletproof.

During the scene, Reeves has to talk the kid out of pulling the trigger. It’s a pretty tense moment, and one which provides Hollywoodland with some suspense. 

Incidentally, while the scene is based on an anecdote repeated by Reeves when he was alive, no one has ever proved if this incident actually happened or not. But considering the audience’s belief that Reeves was in fact Superman, it’s entirely possible.

Either way, it makes for a strong scene. Not everything works in Hollywoodland, but when Affleck is playing Reeves playing Superman (like he is here), he nails every line and action.

Upon release, Hollywoodland was a critical success, but not a financial one. The movie flopped at the box-office, failing to cover its budget plus marketing and distribution costs.

Yet regardless of its position as a critical hit, or a commercial failure, Hollywoodland gives us Ben Affleck as Superman. This is the film’s ultimate gift, and one that should be treasured.

Should you wish to take a look at Hollywoodland, the movie is available to rent or buy through digital platforms.

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Now streaming…

Justice League: Doom (2012)

Onto animation now, for the DC team-up movie, Justice League: Doom. Directed by Lauren Montgomery and featuring the voice talents of Tim Daly, Kevin Conroy, Susan Eisenberg, Nathan Fillion, Carl Lumbly, and Michael Rosenbaum, Justice League: Doom follows the eponymous team as they find themselves outsmarted and outmatched by the Legion of Doom. 

In the film, Vandal Savage assembles a collection of supervillains (Metallo, Bane, Cheetah, etc) to attack individual members of the Justice League. The attacks are carefully co-ordinated, and appear to pinpoint specific weaknesses, causing Superman and Co. to face personal challenges.

But how could the Legion of Doom be so successful in their assault? Could it have something to do with one of the League, who may have unwittingly given the Legion the opportunity they need?

OK, so three points of note with Justice League: Doom.

Point one: The central voice cast of Justice League: Doom is largely made up of actors who previously played the same characters in other DC projects (Tim Daly played Superman in Superman: The Animated Series, Susan Eisenberg was Wonder Woman in Justice League/Justice League Unlimited, etc). As proved here, an experienced voice cast filled with fan favourite actors makes for a winner!

Point two: Justice League: Doom is very, very action oriented. The film opens with a ten minute action sequence, as the League takes down the Royal Flush Gang, and it pretty much keeps the action level high moving forward.

Point three: Justice League: Doom is a fab animated film. Sure, the story is fairly simple, but the animation looks great and the whole film moves really fast, never allowing the audience to get bored.

From the moment the movie starts, until it reaches its conclusion, Justice League: Doom is engaging, energetic, and extremely entertaining. The animation, the excellent voice cast, and the sheer amount of action (it never stops), ensures the film is an absolute blast. 

Justice League: Doom doesn’t get talked about nearly enough, but it is easily one of the best DC animated movies of the past decade. It offers complete comic book fun, and all while under 80 minutes in length.

Should you wish to take a look at Justice League: Doom, the movie is available to rent or buy on digital platforms.

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Now streaming…

The Death of “Superman Lives”: What Happened? (2015)

And finally, time for something a little different with the 2015 documentary film: The Death of “Superman Lives”: What Happened?. Written and directed by Jon Schnepp, this docu-film details the story behind Tim Burton’s ill-fated Superman movie, Superman Lives. 

For those who can’t remember, Burton came very close to making a Superman film during the 1990s. It fell apart during pre-production, but the movie was almost a reality, and if it had gone ahead it would have starred Nicolas Cage.

Schnepp’s documentary offers a detailed analysis of the failed production, including all the background information about the movie’s cancellation. The Death of “Superman Lives”: What Happened? features plenty of concept art, and script details too, as well as a look at the Superman suit that would have been worn by Cage.

To add weight to the documentary, there’s input from writer Kevin Smith, as well as producer Jon Peters. Tim Burton is also interviewed, with the director offering up his thoughts, feelings, and memories of the project.

Over the years, multiple Superman movies have come close to being made, from J. J. Abrams’ Flyby, to George Miller’s Justice League: Mortal, however, it’s Tim Burton’s Superman Lives which is arguably the most famous. Should you want to find out more about the project, this is the docu-film to check out.

The Death of “Superman Lives”: What Happened? is currently streaming on YouTube.

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Star Movie

OK, so those are all the movies in this Special, but which film deserves the status of Star Movie? Well, Justice League: Doom is highly recommended (so be sure to check it out), but the top spot is a tie between Superman: The Movie and Superman II.

Both are excellent films, which are highly entertaining, and both are perfect examples of how to bring Superman to the big screen in a meaningful way. Plus, Christopher Reeve is amazing as Superman.

And if you like Superman: The Movie and Superman II, you might also like:

• Superman III (1983) – Christopher Reeve reprises the role of Clark Kent/Superman for this third instalment, which sees Superman battle new villains, a super computer, and his own dark side.
• Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (2024) – Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui direct this insightful documentary film about the life of Christopher Reeve.
• Deathtrap (1982) – Christopher Reeve teams up with Michael Caine and Dyan Cannon for this wickedly dark murder mystery. 

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And that’s it for this edition of Movie Reviews Special. If you want further movie recommendations, don’t forget there are plenty of Specials to sink your teeth into, from the Fantastic Four to Clint Eastwood, and more!

Plus, every seven days you can get a brand-new, weekly fix of movie goodness via the regular edition of Movie Reviews 2025. New editions drop on Fridays, offering up reviews for all the latest cinema, streaming, and disc releases!

Alex

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Thank you for taking the time to read this Movie Reviews Special on It’s A Stampede!. For more reviews, check out the recommended reads below.