Sweaty Nerd Fandom: Part 7

When it comes to superhero/comic book movies, Superman: The Movie is the grandfather of them all.  The sheer spectacle of the film, as well as a flawless performance by Christopher Reeve, helped pioneer these kinds of films into their own genre.  This is such a revolutionary movie that helped launch comic book characters off of the printed page and on to the cinema screen.

Superman: The Movie is the story of an alien boy who gets sent to Earth because his planet is dying.  This boy grows up to become Earth's first superhero.  What this movie does so well that, quite frankly is insanely hard to do in narrative storytelling, is dive right into the action by giving you a scene of exposition.  We learn about the history between Jor-El (Marlon Brando) and General Zod (Terence Stamp) without actually seeing the events that happened.  One could argue that it would have helped the film if we actually got to see these events, but I believe that there is enough dialog in this opening scene to understand what happened, and to also understand the intentions of the characters.  This film also does a wonderful job of explaining the mythology of the character of Superman.  We see Kal-El's birth mother, Lara (Susannah York), wrap him in the red and blue clothing that he will eventually wear as Superman.  We also clearly understand that Clark Kent is a disguise, that he took his adoptive mothers' middle name, and Superman is the kind of person that Kal-El is at his core.  This film does a magnificent job of bringing the Man of Steel to the big screen in a beautiful way.  After nearly forty years, this film still holds up for the most part.  However, after re-watching it recently, there are some cheesy elements that just do not feel right.  After the sequence where Kal-El speaks to Jor-El at the Fortress of Solitude, Jor-Els' face turns to ice and slowly spins off screen.  If this was meant to be a metaphor for his permanent disappearance, I do not believe that this was executed well.  I think it would have been better to have his face just slowly fade away into nothingness.  This would also help us understand that Jor Els' task is done, and that Kal-El does not need his fathers' wisdom and advice anymore.  Also, in the scene where Superman and Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) are flying together, we hear narration by Kidder that explains her feelings when she is with Superman.  This is unnecessary.  We can clearly see how she is feeling from the way she is looking at Superman.  We do not need to be told this through narration.  There are also a few flaws in the scene where Lois Lane interviews Superman.  Lois asks a few questions that begin with, "Is it true that...."  In order for her to phrase the question like that, she had to have heard rumors about Superman, and yet there are no previous scenes where she is learning anything about him.  Also, later in the film, when Eve Teschmacher (Valerie Perrine) is reading about the interview in the newspaper, some of the traits she reveals about Superman were not even asked in the interview!  Later in the film, Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) puts Superman through a gauntlet of attacks before he enters Luthors' lair.  While this is all visually splendid to watch, Luthor knows these attacks will not kill Superman.  So, why does he do this?  Does he think Superman will retreat??  Now, towards the climax of the film, it is revealed that there are two nuclear missiles that Lex Luthor and Eve Teschmacher have altered (even though it was actually Otis, played by Ned Beatty, that did the altering).  The only thing is, we only Otis alter ONE missile.  Where was the other one this whole time??  During the exciting climax of the film, an earthquake occurs which results in a dam breaking, sending endless amounts of water towards a neighborhood.  Wait....is there really a neighborhood near a dam??  Does that even make sense??  I feel that this particular scene exists just so we can witness the power of Superman.  Despite all the glaring plot holes, Superman: The Movie is still just as influential and entertaining as it was forty years ago.  I personally never get tired of watching the movie that launched superhero films as their own genre.

Christopher Reeve, in one of my personal favorite performances of all time, plays Superman/Clark Kent.  What Reeve does in this movie is so beautiful.  His physical nuances as Clark Kent and his gentlemanly demeanor as Superman are captivating to watch.  The first scene with Clark Kent at the Daily Planet is a personal favorite of mine.  Reeve completely disappears into the character, and it feels genuine.  When Superman says, "I'm here to fight for truth, justice, and the American way", you believe him.  There are truly not enough words for how much I love Reeves' performance in this film.

Margot Kidder plays Lois Lane.  Personally, I find this version of Lane to be somewhat dimwitted.  Yes, she does display remarkable exuberance when it comes to her job, but other than that it just seems like nothing can go right for her.  Now, her being "dimwitted" may partially have something to do with her being head-over-heels in love with Superman, which is understandable.  I just do not see her purpose in being in the film other than being Supermans' love interest.  I mean, how can you be a writer at the Daily Planet if you do not know how to spell??  Kidder is fantastic at playing the character, do not get me wrong.  I just do not like the character all that much.

Gene Hackman plays Lex Luthor.  Quite honestly, I have always had mixed feelings about the way Hackman plays the character.  I enjoy seeing the maniacal, intelligent side of Luthor.  However, I do not particularly care for the scenes where he shows his more humorous side.  I believe this takes away from how cunning the character can be.  In fact that cunning side is played brilliantly by Hackman when Luthor and Superman come face to face near the climax of the movie.  Even though I do have some misgivings about the portrayal of the character, that does not take away from how much I enjoy watching Gene Hackman play the character.  This is a solid piece of acting by one of cinemas' finest.

Richard Donner is the director of Superman: The Movie.  I love Donners' work in this film because he dives right into the conflict between the characters, and sets up their characteristics and motivations.  This makes you care about the characters even more when all the spectacular visual effects scenes happen.  I love the set design of the Daily Planet and Lex Luthor's lair.  The Daily Planet is bustling with people doing their jobs, people typing and phones ringing off the hook.  Luthor's lair is lined with encyclopedias and research books written by well-renowned authors.  I have to say that some of the visual effects during the flood sequence at the climax of the film do feel a bit dated.  You can tell that the sets of the neighborhoods are miniatures.  Other than this minor complaint, Donner does a marvelous job with this movie.  The characters, sets and visual effects are handled with the greatest of care by one of the most brilliant directors of our time.

Superman: The Movie is an unmitigated classic in every sense of the word.  It has a great story, wonderful characters, and spectacular visual effects.  If you have not yet checked out the movie that started the superhero movie genre, I highly suggest that you do as soon as possible.  You will love it.

Wily, Witty Western

Maverick is another one of those movies that I always wanted to see, but I never got the chance to until just now.  Westerns have always been one of my favorite genres, but sadly they are few and far between these days.  This is a movie that I loved from start to finish.

The film Maverick tells the story of Bret Maverick who needs money for a poker tournament.  The only problem is, he has to travel all over creation to get it, thus suffering in all sorts of challenges and mishaps before he finally gets to the big game.  This movie is packed with comedy, action and everything else you would expect from a Richard Donner flick.

Mel Gibson plays Bret Maverick with all the wit and charm that Gibson naturally possesses.  Just when the bad guys think they have Maverick right where they want him, he pulls a fast one on them out of nowhere.  He is also very particular about his clothes being clean and his name being pronounced properly, and when someone screws that up the bad guys are really in for it.

Jodie Foster plays Annabelle Bransford who is as beautiful as she is deceitful.  She will charm anybody she wants with her baby blue eyes...and then she will steal their wallet.  It is hard not to love Jodie Foster.  She has always been very particular about her roles, and that is very admirable.  She has great comedic timing in this film, so much so that I would love to see her do more in movies.

James Garner, who was the original Maverick on the TV series, plays Marshal Zane Cooper.  He is a man of honor and respect, and I have a feeling that Garner possessed those qualities in life.  Garner, much like Clint Eastwood, almost looks natural sporting a couple of pistols in his cowboy hat.  He commands authority with his presence, especially after he throws you over the side of the boat for cheating.

I have to be honest, I had no idea that Richard Donner directed this film.  This movie really does have all the humor, excitement and adventure that go along with his movies.  Donner flicks are so much fun to watch, and I think that is something that is lost on movies today.

Maverick is a gem of a movie.  They just do not make movies like this anymore.  It is a rowdy ride for two hours that you will not regret.  Keep your eyes peeled for a special cameo, too!

Under-rated 80's Fantasy

Although I have always been a huge fan of Richard Donner, Ladyhawke is a film that has remained off my radar.  Recently, my very good friend Hannah Sutter recommended I watch it.  Then, when I heard that Donner directed it, I was immediately sold.

At the beginning of Ladyhawke, Gaston (played by Matthew Broderick) escapes from the mideval city of Aquila.  Upon his escape, he is thrust into a thrilling adventure involving Captain Navarre (Rutger Hauer), and his hawk Isabeau.  As the story progresses, Gaston realizes that these two characters are cursed.  Navarre is a wolf by night, and Isabeau is a lady by night (Michelle Pfeiffer), therefore they can never see each other in human form unless the curse is lifted.

I really like Matthew Broderick as an actor.  He brings a certain innocence to every one of his roles.  The plot of this movie is very much told through the eyes of Gaston.  Ladyhawke can be rather dark at times, and Broderick does a fantastic job of providing levity to the film.

I had only seen Rutger Hauer in one other film before viewing Ladyhawke, and that was of course Blade Runner.  I was very excited to see him in this movie.  He has such a towering, commanding presence in the film, while at the same time getting very emotional at times.  Navarre is a great character, and Hauer plays him very well.

Michelle Pfeiffer can be hit and miss for me, although she is perfectly cast as Isabeau.  She befriends Gaston in the film, and although he is there to protect her, there is no tension between the two because her heart clearly belongs to Navarre.  Her stunning beauty in this movie would make it very easy for any man to fall for her.  I am fueled with jealousy of Rutger Hauer.

I absolutely loved this movie after watching it, and was very excited to watch it again.  There is something about 80's fantasy that strikes a very personal chord with me.  It is a shame that this movie did not get recognized more at the time of its release, because it is such a magical, wonderful film.

A Classic That Is More Than Good Enough

A few months ago, I had the pleasure and the privilege of watching The Goonies for the first time.  I must say that I had heard so much about how great this movie is that I was a little worried that it was being overhyped.  I have never been more wrong about a movie in my life.

The beauty of this movie is that both children and adults can enjoy it.  The Goonies really captures the sense of wonder and the need for adventure that children have.  This movie also communicates to the child in all of us.  When I was watching this movie, I was reminded of the house in Montgomery, Ohio where I grew up.  There was a creek in the backyard, and every day I would walk down the creek further and further, wondering what I discover.  I did not have many fond memories in that house, but that was one of the few.

Richard Donner is the brilliant director of The Goonies.  Yes, this is the same Richard Donner who gave us Superman and all four Lethal Weapon movies.  I am such a huge fan of Richard Donner.  He is another director who clearly has range with his work, although I think these days he is not appreciated enough.

The child actors in this movie certainly do not act like children.  They have a certain chemistry together that makes them so unique and special, everyone from Corey Feldman to Sean Astin.  You really feel that these kids have known each other their whole lives.

I wish I had seen The Goonies when I was a kid.  I feel like I would love it even more than I do now.
However, even though I was late to the party I still had a blast the first time I watched it.  I love this movie so much, and now I understand why it is such a special film.