Favourite Superman Movie

by **DHP** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 10:35 pm

I've never created a poll before, but felt inspired to do this based on my recent purchase of all 5 Superman films. We've all seen at least one of them, and with 2006 being Warner's attempt to recreat interest in the franchise, the character was at least discussed to some extent. So... what's your favourite and why?

by **CatNamedRudy** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 10:48 pm

I voted for Superman II at this point. I purchased the Donner cut a couple of weeks ago but I haven't watched it yet so I can't say if I'll like it better than the regular version.

When I watch it, I may change my mind.

by **Paul B** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 10:50 pm

I enjoyed Superman Returns the most. To be honest I thought the lead was better (and nicer looking... not that I'm vain), and ashamedly a lot it boils down to special effects for me when it comes to this sort of film. However, I'll always think the definitive Superman/Clark Kent is the one portrayed in the DC animated universe.

by **DHP** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 11:24 pm

I loved both versions of Superman: The Movie (grew up with the original as a kid), as well as the sequel. Also loved Returns, and even I even enjoy parts of III. However, it's gotta be the original for me. Sorry Paul, but Christopher Reeve IS Superman, although Brandon Routh is fantastic and is to Christopher Reeve what Daniel Craig and Christian Bale are to Sean Connery and Michael Keaton respectively - a damn good successor! There's so many things I love about the original. John William's score was composed specifically for the film, scene-by-scene (the only film in the franchise that can lay claim to that). Also I love how beautifully and softly shot it all was by Geoffrey Unsworth. Gene Hackman is a lot of fun to watch. Again, not knocking Kevin Spacey, as I thought he was as menacing and enjoyable as was demanded by the part. But to get away from the technical aspects and just look at the film, it's got such fantastic, iconic, brilliant moments! The credits, the moment where he rips his shirt open for the first time to reveal that 'S', the bit where he catches Lois and then casually catches the helicopter with his other hand (to a wonderful arrangement of the main theme by Mr Williams I might add), it's all so great! I voted for the extended cut though, as I like the humour some of those new moments add, without being intrusive or detracting from the pace of the film.

by **me123** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 11:28 pm

I've never really enjoyed superheroes too much. I could probably watch the films, but it's not my type of film. Call me boring, but I prefer common sense

by **DHP** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 11:30 pm

me123 wrote:I've never really enjoyed superheroes too much. I could probably watch the films, but it's not my type of film. Call me boring, but I prefer common sense

I anticipated one or two responses along those lines, hence putting in the bottom category. Fair enough though. My mum's like that with fantasy films like Star Wars and Lord of the Rings - she just can't get into them and prefers films with 'real people' in them.

by **me123** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 11:34 pm

That said, I do like Lord of the Rings.

by **Nervosa** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 12:00 am

me123 wrote:I've never really enjoyed superheroes too much. I could probably watch the films, but it's not my type of film. Call me boring, but I prefer common sense

Those are my thoughts about superhero movies. No doubt I'd like the film (I liked Spiderman when it came out), but it's not the genre I'd go for.

I vote the bottom option, simply because I haven't seen all of the others and/or can't remember much of the ones I have seen.

by **DHP** » Fri Jan 26, 2007 4:30 pm

I honestly thought there was more love for Superman than this when I created the poll. Given that it was written by 2-time oscar winner Mario Puzo (effectively giving superheroes the credibility that Paul Haggis gave James Bond in Casino Royale), starred heavyweight actors Gene Hackman and Marlon Brando, and with one of the finest scores since Wagner decided to put tunes together for Der Ring Das Nieblungen, not to mention it served as the basis for films like Batman and Spider-Man, I did always think there was at least more appreciation for the original.

by **CatNamedRudy** » Fri Jan 26, 2007 4:44 pm

DHP wrote:I honestly thought there was more love for Superman than this when I created the poll. Given that it was written by 2-time oscar winner Mario Puzo (effectively giving superheroes the credibility that Paul Haggis gave James Bond in Casino Royale), starred heavyweight actors Gene Hackman and Marlon Brando, and with one of the finest scores since Wagner decided to put tunes together for Der Ring Das Nieblungen, not to mention it served as the basis for films like Batman and Spider-Man, I did always think there was at least more appreciation for the original.

I loved the first 2 but I thought 2 was better than the the original.

I think I'll go put in The Donner Cut right now and check it out. Bought it before Christmas and haven't had a chance to watch yet.

Off to The Fortress of Solitude! >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

by **Moon-Crane** » Sat Jan 27, 2007 8:31 pm

The first two Superman films are quality. The second one just pips it for me. I haven't seen the Donner cut of it, though.

by **CatNamedRudy** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 3:38 am

Moon-Crane wrote:The first two Superman films are quality. The second one just pips it for me. I haven't seen the Donner cut of it, though.

I watched the Donner cut yesterday. It was interesting. A few things drastically different than the one that was released (for instance, the way the bomb gets sent into space and the way Lois figures out Clark is Superman are completely different) but otherwise, there isn't a lot of difference.

I'm not sure which version I preferred. I much prefer the Donner version of how Lois discovers Clark is Superman. However, I can see why they changed it when they released it.

I think I need to watch the released version again to refresh my memory.

by **DHP** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 12:21 pm

I watched the Donner Cut of Superman II recently, and it felt like a completely different film to me, especially having watched the theatrical cut recently to compare it with. Scenes were either completely different (love the new start to link it with the original, and the excellent Brando/Reeve scenes), or existing scenes were extended/re-edited to make it a more serious, darker film than the original. Seriously, in the theatrical cut, what the heck was that teleporting/cloning nonsense about in the fortress of solitude?

All in all, a great film and a worthy addition to Superman: The Movie.

by **Moon-Crane** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 12:41 pm

DHP wrote:I watched the Donner Cut of Superman II recently, and it felt like a completely different film to me, especially having watched the theatrical cut recently to compare it with. Scenes were either completely different (love the new start to link it with the original, and the excellent Brando/Reeve scenes), or existing scenes were extended/re-edited to make it a more serious, darker film than the original. Seriously, in the theatrical cut, what the heck was that teleporting/cloning nonsense about in the fortress of solitude?

All in all, a great film and a worthy addition to Superman: The Movie.

Sounds right up my street - i'd better check it out