Krypton’s destruction means the end of all life on that planet. Knowing Earth has a similar atmosphere, Jor-El sends his infant son there quickly. Growing up on Earth, the boy discovers he possesses extraordinary abilities that must be concealed from ordinary people. He lives as mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent, transforming into Superman whenever injustice needs addressing. I imagine most folks have either seen *Superman: The Movie* or at least heard a lot about it. It’s one of those films that stands out in movie history as significant, and some of us would even say it's among the best. I recently watched the film again after around five years, and it was such an enjoyable experience; whenever John Williams’ exciting score begins, I get goosebumps and start to believe a man could really fly. When the film came out in 1978, expectations were incredibly high—it's impossible to overstate how beloved the DC Comics character Superman was. A worldwide search for the right actor to wear the red and blue cape took place, with names like Clint Eastwood, Burt Reynolds, Ryan O’Neal, Nick Nolte, and Charles Bronson all linked to the role at some point, while James Caan and Robert Redford reportedly turned down the part after being offered it. All those great actors now seem like remarkably strange choices, and that's entirely because of the man who ultimately took on the enormous role burdened with so much expectation. The fact that *Superman: The Movie* worked (and continues to work with each passing decade) is thanks to Christopher Reeve’s wonderful performance. Reeve really captured both sides of the character, making it his own; he’s all muscles and a strong jawline when in costume, then shows great comic skill as the awkward and frustrating Clark Kent. Certainly, the supporting cast contributes well, but Reeve carries the film and elevates it to triumphant heights. Gene Hackman seems to be having a blast overacting as supervillain Lex Luthor, while Ned Beatty & Valerie Perrine add comedy and sex appeal respectively to Luthor’s associates, and Margot Kidder is simply delightful as Lois Lane. She was asked to play a romantic interest but also a strong woman at the same time, and she handles it effortlessly, radiating beauty that complements Reeve's presence. Marlon Brando received $4 million for what amounts to little more than a brief appearance in the opening scenes, but his star power ensured audiences flocked to see the film, though it was Reeve’s name everyone was talking about afterward. Full of unusual moments and playful comic book ideas, *Superman* continues to stand the test of time as an endearing classic of the genre. It may have been surpassed by some more recent adventures featuring Spider-Man and Batman, but once it was the biggest one around. From x-ray vision to catching bullets, to sending nuclear missiles into space and wooing Lois in the sky, *Superman: The Movie* is a special treat, and I love it so much. 9/10 Christopher Reeve RIP.

Source on TMDB