One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.
As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.
Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.
I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”
When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.
See you at the movies!
***Spoilers Ahead!***
115. Superman (1978) Directed by Richard Donner
The Movie: On the distant planet of Krypton, Jor-El (Marlon Brando) a member of the Kryptonian High Council discovers that the planet will soon be destroyed. Jor-El is dismissed and ignored by the other Council Members. Jor-El takes action to save his child Kal-El by sending him to Earth. Jor-El is aware that Earth will enhance Kal-El’s abilities, giving him superhuman powers. Jor-El sends Kal-El away in the nick of time, Krypton is soon destroyed.
Kal-El’s spaceships lands in Smallville, Kansas. He is found by Jonathan and Martha Kent. They both are flabbergasted that this small child can lift their truck. The Kent’s adopt Kal-El and name him Clark.
Jonathan dies from a heart attack when Clark turns 18. Clark is drawn a green crystal in his spacecraft. Clark is summoned to the Artic, where he uses the crystal to construct the Fortress of Solitude. After he builds it a hologram of Jor-El appears. Jor-El spends the next 12 years teaching Clark about his powers and why he was sent to Earth. Clark (Christopher Reeve) leaves the fortress, but he is now wearing a blue suit with a red cape. He also has the House of El family crest placed on his chest.
Clark settles down in the sprawling city of Metropolis. Clark becomes a reporter for the Daily Planet at meets fellow reporter Lois Lane (Margot Kidder). When Lois commandeers a helicopter for a story, it soon is headed towards Earth. Lois and the pilots are saved however, by Clark, who unleashes his incredible powers for all to see. Soon sightings and heroic act from the “Caped Wonder” are all the citizens of Metropolis can talk about. At the Daily Planet, Perry White (Jackie Cooper) wants a story on him.
Lois scores the interview when Clark shows up at her apartment. Lois writes the article and dubs him, “Superman”. Superman has also caught the attention of Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman), who intends to detonate a nuclear bomb in the San Andreas Fault causing the West Coast to break away and he can rule the new West Coast of the United States. Luthor is aware that Superman could foil his plans. Luthor deduces that a meteorite that crashed into Earth and is from Krypton would be radioactive to Superman. Luthor lures Superman into his underground lair. Superman arrives but is weakened by the kryptonite and is rendered incapacitated by Luthor. Luthor taunts Superman and tells him that he is also sending a second missile, this one to destroy the city of Hoboken, New Jersey. Luthor leaves and his henchwoman, Eve Teschmacher (Valerie Perrine) assists in freeing Superman, as long as he promises to stop the missile heading to New Jersey first as her mom lives there. Superman flies and intercepts the missile to New Jersey and carries it to space.
Superman, however is too late to stop the other missile that detonates in the San Andreas Fault Line. Superman thinks fast and helps lesson the impact of the explosion by sealing the fault line. But although he stopped the west coast from breaking away from the United States, Lois Lane is trapped in her car and dies. Superman upset that he could not save Lois, defies Jor-El’s wishes to not manipulate history. Superman instead follows the advice of his “dad” and decides he is on Earth for a reason. Superman flies around the Earth in an opposite direction causing time to reverse. He saves Lois’ life and stops the missile from detonating. Superman delivers Luthor and his henchman to prison and flies away, into the sunrise.
Why I Love Superman (1978): Superman is not my favorite Super-Hero. In fact, he is far from it. I have always said though that if you can tell a good Superman story, you are one hell of a writer. Superman by his very nature is unbeatable. But he is also one damn fine person and hero. By exposing this all-powerful man to his failures, and how he rises above them makes for a great story. Superman 1978 does just that.
With superb direction from Richard Donner, and an all-time fun script, Superman outclasses many comic book films. There is something that is undeniable about Superman standing for “truth, justice and the American way”. And although that might be an antiquated slogan, it beams brightly in the film.
At the heart of the film is Christopher Reeve’s star turning and incredible performance as Clark Kent/Superman. Reeve brought the perfect blend of golly shucks of Clark Kent and the powerful and lovable balance of Superman. Margot Kidder is also phenomenal as Lois Lane. She delivers a great response to Superman’s “Easy, miss. I got you.” “You, you got me? Who’s got you?”
And you cannot talk about Superman without talking about John Williams’ fantastic score and theme for Superman.
Without a doubt, Superman is one of the first great Hollywood comic book films. It soars on the cape of a charismatic lead, fantastic score and heart pounding action.