March 24: Superman

"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest super-hero." 

  Superman is a damn good movie. Made in 1978, well before any of the superhero hype we have today, it still actually stands the test of time. Sure, you won't find the special effects of Spider-Man or the brooding atmosphere of The Dark Knight, but you have a familiar story told with heart and pitch-perfect acting. Christopher Reeve stars as the Man of Steel and completely embodies the role. He is the stumbling and bumbling Clark Kent and he is the charming and courageous Superman. He brings so much depth to the role, it's almost as though he sucked out the very soul and persona of Superman from the comics. 

How many times have I told you Lex, licking Superman comics won't give you powers. 

   Speaking of Lex Luthor, he is played very over-the-top and comically by Gene Hackman. And, although his version of Mr. Luthor is fairly different than the Lex we've known through comics and TV shows, he's still sinister and conniving. He may not have all the gadgets or political power, but he still manages to put the United States in peril. His plans involve sinking California into the Pacific Ocean and turning the desert property he owns in Nevada to prime coastal real estate. Sure, the plan is pretty obscure and "out-there", but Superman won't let anything bad happen. 

Because he's Mister Perfect... with every frickin' power you can think of. 

  Now, I admit that I have never been the biggest fan of Superman because he's pretty much immortal (except gasp green rocks weaken him!) and has every power imaginable. He's the poster boy of superheroes and seemingly does no wrong. But Superman, the movie, is so good that you can't help but like The Last Son of Krypton. With a great story (laying the origin bits on lightly), good action, and campy but lovable special effects, I would highly recommend Superman. 

The Good:

to this date, the best Superman film adapation, and still damn good

The Better:

Gene Hackman playing Lex Luthor with exceptional evil insanity

The Best:

Christopher Reeve as Superman may be the best superhero casting in the history of superhero movies

Overall: 8.7/10

Best Quote:

Miss Teschmacher: Tell me something, Lex, why do so many people have to die for the crime of the century? 
Lex Luthor: Why? You ask why? Why does the phone always ring when you're in the bathtub?  

^^showing how nonsensical and mad Luthor is

Trailer: