Superman (1978) - Full Reaction
Added 2022-08-06 08:47:37 +0000 UTCHey guys! I was told to watch the adventures of Superman before this movie, so I watched the first episode and I'm glad I did. I can't imagine seeing this in 1978, it must have been such a surreal experience! Christopher Reeves was great as Superman but he also played an adorable Clark Kent!! I need a continuation so I can see the love story unfurl (we didn't even get a real kiss??).
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Comments
Why is this movie so fuzzy. I can't see a thing.
Dennis Doolittle
2024-11-21 04:53:10 +0000 UTCIf you do Superman II, I believe that the Richard Donner cut was much better than the theatrical version.
bgb1975 (Brian)
2024-08-28 13:56:14 +0000 UTCNo other Superman will replace Christopher Reeve, imo. He is the one that set the bar.
Ben Schwartz
2024-06-14 17:38:37 +0000 UTCDid you ever get to Superman II? The two films were actually filmed at the same time by Richard Donner.
Biajja Chiemara
2024-06-01 19:31:41 +0000 UTCI saw this in the movies and it was huge in 1978!
Lana Gorgeous
2024-05-07 02:41:15 +0000 UTCYou asked if everyone saw him on the news showing Louis. Girl this was the 70's and there definitely was no 24 hour news.
Lana Gorgeous
2024-05-07 02:40:54 +0000 UTCBTW, in the Gotham Knights video game, there is a section of Gotham City which is named Otisburg.
Stephen Dias
2024-04-02 00:28:10 +0000 UTC"I am Ja Rule. I'm your father." LOL. Why did Clark start working for the Daily Planet? As much as I love this movie, "Man of Steel" did a better job of explaining some things, IMO: "I've got to find a job where I can keep my ear to the ground, where people won't look twice when I want to go somewhere dangerous and start asking questions."
Stephen Dias
2024-04-01 00:51:22 +0000 UTCApparently, circumcisions are a thing on Krypton too lol.
Jerry C
2024-02-14 23:09:52 +0000 UTCSilly that Lois didn't recognize Superman as Clark. It's the face. Facial recognition. Humans are good at that. Glasses and demeanor don't change that. Just my feeble opinion.
Clay F
2024-01-20 12:21:51 +0000 UTCCan you read my mind? Lois didn't know, but she wanted to be ready if he could read her mind.
Steve H
2023-06-11 21:46:05 +0000 UTCCool that you saw Smallville also; I read Superboy when it was just a comic book; Then in Smallville, they used a few villians from the comic as well.
Steve H
2023-03-05 21:36:08 +0000 UTCI had been primed as a boy for Superman with the comic books, only to see to see him on the movie screen later. The first movie made with a kind of reverence for our hero which John Williams brought out in the music.
Steve H
2022-10-27 16:40:05 +0000 UTCThrough no fault of my own, I saw this film three times in the theatres and enjoyed it each time. From my own experience, I can testify that all three audiences reacted to Superboy racing the train in just about the same way as you did. There were groans all over the auditorium. Once, I heard a man behind me whisper to his date, "I'll believe a man can fly but I don't believe he can run." This actually made the flying scenes more impressive. Christopher Reeve was a glider pilot and used this skill to inform his flying. The banking he does when leaving the Fortress of Solitude was all him and greeted with cheers.
Ted Little
2022-09-24 21:39:41 +0000 UTCThrough no fault of my own, I saw this film three times in the theatres and enjoyed it each time. From my own experience, I can testify that all three audiences reacted to Superboy racing the train in just about the same way as you did. There were groans all over the auditorium. Once, I heard a man behind me whisper to his date, "I'll believe a man can fly but I don't believe he can run." This actually made the flying scenes more impressive. Christopher Reeve was a glider pilot and used this skill to inform his flying. The banking he does when leaving the Fortress of Solitude was all him and greeted with cheers.
Ted Little
2022-09-24 21:39:24 +0000 UTCYes, there is a sequel. In fact, they filmed this while the script for the sequel was being made. Movies were different - especially sci-fi movies. Yes, today this would be in the super hero genre, but back then, it was sci-fi. There was no Industrial Light and Magic, everything was practical. 2001 A Space Odyssy, Star Wars, even Star Trek the Motion Picture (which came a few years later) all suffered from hit and miss (and even cheesey) special effects. But they weren't cheesey at the time, and we ate it all up, and it became a part of us. We cringe now at the pacing (wow, that credit scene at the beginning) an sfx, but we loved it back then. Okay, now that you have seen a lot of stuff, I want to throw this song at you. It's a tribute to John Williams done by Moosebutter, and it is incredible. It's a medley, and you may recognize some of the tunes - and even the lyrics! :) Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGYAPr6UKhs
Damon Corrigan
2022-08-15 17:48:41 +0000 UTCTime for Man of Steel :)
Lemuel Daher
2022-08-14 15:57:07 +0000 UTCSuperman 1978 is still the best Dc movie ever made. it was just perfectly done. |Christopher Reeves is Superman.
Jimmy Reyes
2022-08-14 07:05:52 +0000 UTCIt’s weird how I really like Superman 1, but didn’t like Superman 2; And how I really enjoyed Star Trek 2, but didn’t like Star Trek 1. Hmm.
Uncle Phoenix
2022-08-13 17:34:23 +0000 UTCAnyone else marvel at the nostalgia with the TVs, cars, etc? WOW <3
Mike Kay
2022-08-13 13:31:27 +0000 UTCThe suspense and music brings back SO many memories from 1978...GOD I LOVED this movie as a kid
Mike Kay
2022-08-13 13:24:25 +0000 UTCWhat size are you looking them to be around?
Cassie
2022-08-12 17:57:09 +0000 UTCWill you no longer be publishing the smaller files? I can't get a 3 gig file with my crappy internet.
Colin Gutierrez
2022-08-12 17:00:24 +0000 UTC"Is he turning back time? Eat your heart out, MCU, Superman did it first!" 😂 Well said, Cassie! He's definitely set the standard for the superhero genre over the decades! I'm so happy you enjoyed it! I knew if there was one superhero movie that was right up your ally, it would be Superman '78!
Panel By Panel with Tom Meaney
2022-08-11 05:13:11 +0000 UTCThe director, Richard Donner, hated the extended cut.
Shawn Kildal
2022-08-11 04:12:53 +0000 UTCShe never did a YouTube video of it, so it was never something that everybody got to see. Just the higher-tiered patrons.
Stick Figure Studios
2022-08-11 01:37:05 +0000 UTCWooooahhhh hold up! You didn’t like Batman!?!? As in….. ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight Batman?!?! How did I miss that reaction???
Audrey
2022-08-10 00:00:15 +0000 UTCActually Superman III has some of the best Clark Kent scenes and a nice romance that I think Cassie would like given her reaction to Reeve's Clark Kent.
Michael Jung
2022-08-09 06:07:37 +0000 UTCagree. 3 has its moments, mainly due to Richard Pryor. Start back up again with Henry Cavil and Man of Steel
Bill Maurer
2022-08-09 00:59:49 +0000 UTCShould watch superman 2 now then skip to man of steel 3,and4 are bad and Superman returns is just ok
Ron Ambrey
2022-08-08 19:22:25 +0000 UTCYou have to now watch Superman II with Christopher Reeve. Like Aliens & Terminator II, the sequel to Superman is better than the original.
Bill Maurer
2022-08-08 18:41:27 +0000 UTCIt's no wonder that Cassie really, really liked Pa Kent. Apparently, Glenn Ford was quite the ladies' man back in his day. It is a star-studded list as well.
Shawn Kildal
2022-08-08 11:15:51 +0000 UTCIn the Special Editon of this movie, there is a scene where Jor-El (his father) told him he must keep his identity a secret for 2 reasons. 1) People would want him to help them every minute of day and for tasks they could possibly do themselves and 2) The people that he cares about the most would then become targets from his enemies
Shawn Kildal
2022-08-08 11:03:49 +0000 UTC2 things that has made this film a favorite of mine since I was like 3 years old: 1) Christopher Reeve as Superman was like my greatest hero when I was kid. He's just so perfect. I still don't think anyone has ever been better as a superhero in a movie. 2) John Williams' music. His main theme for Superman may be my all time favorite theme Williams has ever done. And that is saying something. His music, the film itself and opening of the film had such an impact on me ever since I was very young. It's one of the things that made me realize how magical and incredible film can be and how magical and incredible films are.
Aaron Hawkins
2022-08-08 09:07:57 +0000 UTCOh and Cassie? Superman must remain under his secret identity while he's around people at all costs. So he can't OPENLY be SUPER in front of anyone while he's Clark Kent. :)
Philip Alan
2022-08-08 06:54:41 +0000 UTCGreat reaction! I feel the same was as that 12-year old that had commented on how magical it was. I was 7 or 8 when this came out, and the special effects were state of the art, so as dated as the FX seems now, seeing Supes on the big screen was indeed magical. Christopher Reeve is a beloved actor to many in my generation and remains so. Superman II is absolutely amazing; you'll revisit the Phantom Zone villains whom Jor-El banished at the start of this first movie, and see a deepening relationship between Lois and Clark/Supes. Really looking forward to your reaction for that one =)
Paul Ark
2022-08-08 05:36:10 +0000 UTCWatching this alongside the extended cut which is 45 minutes longer (repeated pausing and re-synching was fun). Some scenes definitely deserved to be cut out, others added clarity.
Michael Hawk
2022-08-08 05:17:02 +0000 UTC"I need Diet Coke... like water..." lmao that killed me same Cassie, same. Great reaction! (as always)
LMrcs
2022-08-08 04:20:56 +0000 UTCyes Cassie I remember me and my brother saw it in the theater I was 8 he was 9 when we left we pretended we could fly it felt so magical and inspiring . I wanted to be strong as you can tell in my profile pic 😂😂 and no the running scene didnt amaze us it looked weird back then too . but we looked right passed it after the cape showed up. I knew you would like this its waaaaay better than Batman 89 WITCH I DISLIKED VERY MUCH also 😉😁💖💖💖
Sam R.
2022-08-08 03:20:22 +0000 UTCI was a young parent when this came out. I loved it. The sequel is good and picked up on some threads left untouched at the beginning ie General Zod. I graduated from drama school the same year as Christopher Reeve, different school, but was interesting to see him pull from the same techniques I had learned. It was sad the way he died so young. Another good Christopher Reeve movie is Somewhere in Time. Superman 3 stinks.
Christopher Carr
2022-08-08 03:06:33 +0000 UTCThis takes me back to my childhood an the wonder of seeing this movie at the theater when I was very young. This is the first time I've seen this movie sense the 80's on tv. I had forgot a lot about the story. It was nice to see it again. I am glad you could get into the sweetness and wonder of this movie. Great reaction, Cassie.
Rick Williams
2022-08-07 21:06:42 +0000 UTCAnd the man sitting across from her is Kirk Alyn, the first actor to ever play Superman on screen in the 1940 serials.
Stick Figure Studios
2022-08-07 20:37:25 +0000 UTCPeople have commented about the "running beside the train" scene. Fun Fact - the lady on the train with the red hair who speaks to her daughter "Lois" is played by Noel Neill who played Lois Lane from 1953 to 1958 in "The Adventures of Superman."
Joseph Krider
2022-08-07 18:43:39 +0000 UTCThose of us of a "certain age" grew up with and still fondly remember the 1950's TV series "The Adventures of Superman" starring George Reeves.
Joseph Krider
2022-08-07 18:04:26 +0000 UTCI blame Keanu Reeves for this.
Jason Dolan
2022-08-07 16:17:13 +0000 UTCOne thing, Cassie - it’s Christopher Reeve, not Reeves. I don’t know why this is such a common misconception. It even bothered Chris himself when he was alive and, still to this day, in 2022, half of people who discuss him still add an S to his name.
Daniel Pulliam
2022-08-07 15:22:05 +0000 UTCI've kind of been in hiding ever since the "Quiet Man" thing that I helped instigate. And I'm still sorry for that. A couple of things. First choose the "version" that you want to. Don't let us influence that one way or the other. Whichever version you watch is the "right" one. Second, please DO watch the second Superman movie (Superman II) in this series of Superman movies, whether you review it or not. Preferably watch it with Carly. I think you'll both enjoy it. But what do I know?
Joseph Krider
2022-08-07 14:36:10 +0000 UTCAll the people suggests which superman movie to watch and which not but if i were you watch all of them, the complete saga (even though some bad). My order would be Superman 2 (Lester), and after the Donner cut as curiosity, Superman 3, Superman 4 (i know it's bad) and Superman Returns. And then watch Snyder's movies, Man of steel, Versus Batman...
Pepe M
2022-08-07 14:31:19 +0000 UTCMan of Steel was not that good. Tried too hard.
John Cranberry
2022-08-07 13:02:37 +0000 UTCIt should have been cut
John Cranberry
2022-08-07 13:01:07 +0000 UTCShe has to watch Superman 2 because RD filmed them at the same time and they released them as S1 and s2.
John Cranberry
2022-08-07 12:59:22 +0000 UTCI wish you had watched the Extended Cut. There are a lot of heartfelt scenes in it, especially one scene between Kal-El and Jor-El.
Nathan Bishop
2022-08-07 12:18:24 +0000 UTCCassie is watching the Theatrical cut. There is a special addition cut of the film with about 15 extra minutes. You must have that one.
Mark Sylvester
2022-08-07 12:08:06 +0000 UTCIs this the theatrical cut of the film? The version I’m currently watching seems to be cut longer. So I’m having to stop and start the reaction a lot…
Biggman83
2022-08-07 11:29:06 +0000 UTCI suggest you watch Superman 2, then call it quits with the original Superman series. After that you should go straight to Man of Steel (2013). That's the one with Henry Cavill, Russell Crowe, Amy Adams, and Kevin Costner. It's very well done, and underrated - I know you'd like it and get into the story.
Johnny
2022-08-07 10:57:34 +0000 UTCChristopher Reeve's next film that he did is a little something, something called Somewhere In Time with Jane Seymour. It didn't do well at the box office, but thanks to a fairly new cable channel called HBO, it then exploded its way into our hearts and became a very popular movie and beloved fan favorite
Shawn Kildal
2022-08-07 10:02:38 +0000 UTCI don't think Lois is doing poems in her head as she is flying with Superman. I don't know how to explain it. The song was supposed to be done by someone else but was changed to have Kidder do it. It was added to enhance the romantic moment I believe. When I was a kid at theater watching it for the very first time, it worked for me.
Shawn Kildal
2022-08-07 09:37:45 +0000 UTCIt's almost a certainty that if Cassie is going to watch Superman 2, it's going to be the original theatrical release. It's the way everyone first saw it and it's the most available for most of us to watch along with her. Plus, it's her M.O
Shawn Kildal
2022-08-07 09:32:51 +0000 UTCThe poen she recites internally IS cheesy as hell.
Jay Robert
2022-08-07 06:11:36 +0000 UTCIn the opening credits you said it had a "Star Wars" feel...and then you read that John Williams composed the music. Indeed, this is one of his most iconic scores (not to take anything away from Star Wars, ET, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, etc.). His music has a way of making a movie epic. You also commented about Lois Lane's rhyming comments while flying with Superman. These are the lyrics to the music being played at that time. The song is called "Can You Read My Mind". Music by John Williams, Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and the released single sung by Maureen McGovern. Quite lovely. The gorgeous instrumental of this song is played during the second half of the end credits.
T J
2022-08-07 03:47:18 +0000 UTCFun fact, they filmed Superman 1 and 2 simultaneously. Though unfortunately, Richard Donner the director was fired before he finished Superman 2(he'd filmed about 75 percent of the movie), so they go a new director and reshot most of what Donner filmed for Superman 2. They did release the Donner cut of Superman 2 back in 2006 so there are 2 versions of Superman 2 out there now. Personally, I think the Donner cut is the better version but it is technically an unfinished movie, which is where most of the problems come in. But it's at least more consistent with the first movie than the theatrical version. If you're going to watch Superman 2, which you abosolutly should, I'd recommend making a patreon poll to vote on which version to watch.
Cody Nelson
2022-08-07 03:17:04 +0000 UTCConsequences. It is called Superman 2.
Jason Mangen
2022-08-07 03:12:49 +0000 UTCI'm not sure she even caught the slap.
Stick Figure Studios
2022-08-07 02:49:19 +0000 UTCThis movie was really the first story to introduce the idea that it's not an 'S' on his chest but a Kryptonian symbol that just happens to resemble the letter 's' on our planet (and that all came about just because Brando wanted to wear the 'S' himself), which has pretty much been canon ever since.
Stick Figure Studios
2022-08-07 02:48:28 +0000 UTCThe "S" on his chest is the Kryptonite symbol for "hope".
Nolan B.
2022-08-07 02:43:56 +0000 UTCSadly Cassie will make a harsh mother based on this movie. Most reactors react negatively when the little girl's mother whacks her after Supes rescued her cat but Cassie didn't bat and eye lol. As others have said yes Superman II is the direct continuation and I would even recommend Superman Returns 2006 which is a continuation of 2. It gets a bad rap I think mainly for its lack of action which I understand but it is solid and features an early action scene which is jaw dropping.
Andrew Roach
2022-08-07 02:41:45 +0000 UTCYes
Philip Alan
2022-08-07 02:30:32 +0000 UTCThis is just the theatrical version yes? (assuming so, based on runtime of reaction).
Joon S
2022-08-07 02:27:14 +0000 UTCThere's a funny story to go with the whole "why can't they see that Clark is Superman?" question. Christopher Reeve thought the same thing. He went to the same diner by the studio for weeks dressed as Superman while they were shooting, to the point where everyone knew him on sight. Then, one day, he went in the Clark Kent getup and nobody knew who he was. The idea at work is that Clark Kent is so forgettable and ordinary that he is overlooked. Whereas Superman is... Well... Superman.
Chase Lonnergan
2022-08-07 00:53:38 +0000 UTCI remember when the longer cut debuted on network television. They split it up over two nights. I'm so glad they finally made that version available on Blu-ray because when it comes to this movie, as far as I'm concerned, there's no such thing as too long.
Stick Figure Studios
2022-08-06 23:07:34 +0000 UTCCrickets! And from the cinephiles no less.
Michael Threapleton
2022-08-06 22:35:52 +0000 UTCI give you, Zooey Deschanel with, and without bangs. https://www.buzzfeed.com/laurengarafano/zooey-deschanel-without-bangs-response
Brian Lowery
2022-08-06 20:59:17 +0000 UTC"Marlon Brando. That sounds familiar." Amazing and adorable.
Lyle Morgan
2022-08-06 20:55:53 +0000 UTCI loved that comment. She has a keen eye! haha
Philip Alan
2022-08-06 20:14:11 +0000 UTCDidnt cassie get the donner cut of superman 2 as a gift? I think she should watch that one for herself and listen to the commentary. Give some fascinating insight to the whole behind the scenes.
Brian McGovern
2022-08-06 19:09:27 +0000 UTCI was one of those who believed Cassie would like SUPERMAN and I think that’s down to the movie itself, certainly, but also down to the character. Superman is a positive, inspirational, aspirational, optimistic character. Everything he does and says feeds into those things. To me, that’s Cassie. 🤷♂️
Jason Chirevas
2022-08-06 19:06:04 +0000 UTCAnother enjoyable reaction Cassie. The soundtrack is my favourite thing about this movie. By the way the time over here is 8PM. What is the time difference for you?
ROBERT CLARK
2022-08-06 19:00:04 +0000 UTCWhy doesn’t anyone notice Superman and Clark Kent are the same person? I guess it kinda like when a beautiful actress is dressed in frumpy clothes and nerdy glasses and she’s so unpopular at the beginning of a movie. Then halfway through the movie, she gets a makeover (basically removing her glasses), and suddenly she’s the most popular girl in school! I guess it’s just one of those cinematic things that everyone accepts! 😀 Nice reaction Cassie! My favorite line was when you said Jor-El was wearing a Superman sweatshirt! 😂 I recently rewatched this movie after many years. Aside from some very cheesy effects (Clark running next to the train 😂), and an excruciatingly long opening credits, I felt the movie still holds up. In large part to Christoper Reeves charisma as both Superman and Clark Kent. I know it’s sometimes difficult to watch older movies considering how far the technical art of filmmaking has progressed. So, I’m glad you were able to enjoy the movie. Even if it’s not for your channel, I hope you watch Superman II (My personal favorite) at some point.
Robert da Spruce
2022-08-06 18:56:09 +0000 UTCHi Cassie. So glad you liked this film. It was the one of 2 films my parents let me see that was non Disney in the late 70s.( Star Wars) being the other. It helped me look at movies as a way to have fun and enjoy my experiences. Yes there is a sequel like others of said. It was supposed to be back to back tike Back to the Future was but disagreements between Donner and the producers caused Dinner to be fired after 1. So with only 75 percent of 2 done the new director had to reshoot scenes in his image. Made the movie about 6 months later. So in 1980 instead of 1979. Also there are 2 versions of you ever do watch 2. Theatrical and A Donner cut. Donners version is better but I don't know if you can stream it. (Comment if anyone knows). So if you have to watch Lester's version then I would still support it because it answers alot of questions and heads in ways you might enjoy. I feel I'm rabbling but I do have fond memories of this that equals my Star Wars experience as a kid. 😁💯😁
David Freese
2022-08-06 18:53:52 +0000 UTCCassie, don't you have questions about the three people encased in the flying mirror in the beginning? You should check out Superman II then 😉
Todzilla
2022-08-06 18:45:55 +0000 UTCI a man of my word, something rare these days, but I will admit I was wrong when I said it might get the "Batman 89" treatment and you said it would be different. But, I was right on one thing, Cassie definitely thought through the Batman 89 reaction and knew the outcome on that one. Also Carly was absent for this one too 😉 She even said she would actively think about it from the 1978 viewers perspective. I did see a hint of Batman 89 when she wouldn't let the train running scene go LOL
Todzilla
2022-08-06 18:44:17 +0000 UTCYou should definitely watch Superman 2. Its a direct sequel to the first one.
David Martin
2022-08-06 18:20:25 +0000 UTCThe tag line for this movie was "You will believe a man can fly" eight year me loved this movie second only to Star Wars, I feel it pretty much holds up even today. 😃
Matthew Dunham
2022-08-06 18:16:50 +0000 UTC3 is watchable for certain set pieces (like the junkyard fight). 4 is unwatchable.
Stick Figure Studios
2022-08-06 18:12:09 +0000 UTCThough they may go on a bit long compared to today's standards, they are among the greatest opening credits in the history of Hollywood.
Stick Figure Studios
2022-08-06 18:04:35 +0000 UTCPeople never realize too that Superman is half Canadian. Joe Shuster was a Canadian. He drew that iconic outfit. The outfit is Canadian. Lol. I'm Canadian.
TommyJ.
2022-08-06 17:58:11 +0000 UTCI love that scene when Luthor tests Superman's powers! Donner would have kept it in the movie. I was always bummed that they didn't use one of his best powers in Superman the Movie, his laser-vision. I've been a Superman fan since 1966 at the age of 2. To say this movie changed my life at 14 is an understatement. Chris Reeve was my life long hero. I know everyday of his life. It took 35 years to lay his portrayal to rest. For me as a life long Superman fan I love Man of Steel! I love Henry as Superman. It's insane how much he looks like Superman. I like his take on Clark. He makes him quite and low key so you don't notice him. Look at the video of Henry standing under a giant poster of him as Superman in New York and no one notices its him. I love in Man of Steel the 2 most important things in his life too Clark are the 2 women in it, Lois and his Mom. I love that Henry really loves Superman! His dog is named Kal. He really wants to do another Superman movie and so do all the fans.
TommyJ.
2022-08-06 17:51:17 +0000 UTCThe same reason the real Charlie Chaplin didn't win in a Charlie Chaplin look-alike contest. People see what they want to see.
Stick Figure Studios
2022-08-06 17:48:03 +0000 UTCI knew it. I knew you'd like this movie. So many patrons were pessimistic reasoning that because you responded negatively to the bizarre comic book fantasy world and extreme silliness of Tim Burton's BATMAN that you would be equally turned off by this film, but I knew that not all comic book silliness is created equal and that a film with this much genuine heart/emotion and good-natured comedy would appeal to someone as open-minded as you. Yes, parts of it are silly (for the record, I don't like the word "cheesy," so you'll never hear me use it), but comic book stories by their very nature are silly. What distinguishes the good from the bad is how they handle the silliness, how they fold that into a story that still has depth, dignity and takes itself somewhat seriously (though not *too* seriously because that's also the kiss of death). This movie gives the Superman myth/origin story just the right amount of seriousness. As Marlon Brando's Jor-El says in the beginning, "This is no fantasy." Watching you watch this was a real pleasure. The laughter at the comedic moments, the looks of delight at the love story bits, the expressions of sadness at the tragic parts (the death of Jonathan Kent -- that cut to a wide shot right as he starts to collapse and John Williams puts a mournful church bell on the soundtrack -- still gets me), the mouth hanging agape at the sheer spectacle, the brief discomfort during the intense bits (like Lois hanging from the helicopter right before Superman saves her, a scene that still plays like gangbusters in front of an audience). This is the kind of movie that reaction channels were made for. I knew you would enjoy this, but I'm still so incredibly glad that you did. A couple points: -Good on you for feeling the STAR WARS similarly in the music before John Williams' name came up in the credits. You've come a long way. -The actor playing Jimmy Olsen that you thought was cute is named is Marc McClure and you probably don't remember, as it was so long ago, but he also played Marty McFly's older brother in BACK TO THE FUTURE. If you do wish to continue with more of Chris Reeve's Superman movies, I would recommend you start with the original theatrical version of SUPERMAN II. There is some controversy surrounding the film: both the first and second movie were being filmed at the same time, but they ran out of money and so decided to just finish the first one, release it on the hopes that it would be a success (it was) and then use that money to finish the sequel. After SUPERMAN was a hit at the box office, the producers fired the original director Richard Donner (RIP) and replaced him with British filmmaker Richard Lester who had done THE THREE/FOUR MUSKETEERS (also terrific films) for them. Much of the second one had already been shot. Some of the existing footage was used and Lester wrote/shot scenes of his own, so the result is a sort of a patchwork quilt of a movie. It's still superb and shows us many of the things that you wanted to see (there's more on the relationship between Superman and Lois, which tbh Lester handles better than Donner does, and there's more of the three villains at the beginning who were banished to the Phantom Zone, etc), but there are also some awkward parts too... and not all of them were Lester's doing. Decades later Warner Bros. gave Donner a chance to finish the movie his way by using a lot of the scenes that Lester rejected, inserting some screen test footage to fill in the gaps and even shooting a couple new things (although Reeve had passed on by that point). The result is SUPERMAN II: THE RICHARD DONNER CUT, an interesting curiosity (a pseudo-glimpse into what *could* have been) but, frankly, an even more awkward and clumsy piece of work then Lester's theatrical version. Lester's cut plays like an actual movie. Donner's plays like an extended DVD special feature. It is still worth seeing, but I would definitely watch the original one first.
Stick Figure Studios
2022-08-06 17:39:01 +0000 UTCCassie has now asked herself the question that philosophers have asked since ancient Greece... Why can't Lois recognize that Clark is Superman ?
David
2022-08-06 17:37:25 +0000 UTCAlso the man sitting across from her was Kirk Alyn who played Superman in the original serials.
Stick Figure Studios
2022-08-06 16:49:33 +0000 UTCI agree 100,000%. It is the version of the movie I thrilled to when I saw it in 1980 in the theater, I prefer it to this first movie, and it is a fine, actually completed movie.
MikeLL
2022-08-06 16:47:11 +0000 UTCPerhaps a controversial request, but when/if you watch Superman 2, PLEASE just watch the regular theatrical cut. I know some people are passionate about the later-released "Richard Donner Cut" from 2006, but in my opinion, that one just doesn't work as well. I honestly wonder if people genuinely think the Donner Cut is better, or if they're just enamored with the idea of seeing new, secret footage that had been previously withheld from them.
WastedPo
2022-08-06 16:45:30 +0000 UTC"I want to see more." You said it in the outro, Cassie, so it is a done deal. Some movies don't need polls, the next Mission: Impossibles, Godfather and Godfather Part II, and now Superman II. You said it, it's a commitment! "So it is written, So it shall be done." "This is the Way."
MikeLL
2022-08-06 16:44:16 +0000 UTCWhat I love about the rooftop scene is the end. Superman flies off and they have one long cut of Superman flying off, the camera stays on Lois as she goes to the door and opens it and Christopher Reeve re-enters the shot as Clark Kent, all one take.
MikeLL
2022-08-06 16:34:34 +0000 UTCThe only reason Superman was a success is because of Donner and Reeve. Donner forced the producers to pick Reeve. Those idiots wanted Robert Redford. I love how Gene Hackman told the producers to go f--- off after they fired Donner. He would not come back for part 2. Any footage in Superman 2 of Hackman is film by Donner. The other actors wanted to quit too but where under contract and didn't have the clout Gene Hackman had.
TommyJ.
2022-08-06 16:31:04 +0000 UTCThis was the same with Jaws and Star Wars.
TommyJ.
2022-08-06 16:24:06 +0000 UTCLois doesn't see that Clark is Superman because she looks right through him not at him. Margot Kidder said this is how show would treat men. Men like Superman she would worship and just fawn over. Men like Clark she would pay no attention and shit on. I think Lois was portrayed better in Man of Steel.
TommyJ.
2022-08-06 16:23:14 +0000 UTCI can't even watch the sequels anymore know how badly they screwed Richard Donner over.
TommyJ.
2022-08-06 16:16:26 +0000 UTCThe most recent version of this character explains not seeing Clark as Superman as people seeing what they want to see.
David Patterson
2022-08-06 16:05:02 +0000 UTCThat makes so much sense haha shouldve thought of that
Cassie
2022-08-06 16:02:46 +0000 UTCThank you for this wonderful comment, I LOVE these stories, really does help me envision myself as 11 seeing this in theatres for the first time! Magical! Thanks Keith
Cassie
2022-08-06 16:02:28 +0000 UTChaha i need to see this!!
Cassie
2022-08-06 15:59:25 +0000 UTCOversimplified, Metropolis is daytime in NY, while Gotham is NY at night.
David Patterson
2022-08-06 15:57:59 +0000 UTCthat part didn't really fit for me
Cassie
2022-08-06 15:56:59 +0000 UTCYes! The music was so good!
Cassie
2022-08-06 15:53:17 +0000 UTCI am so sorry this one was so late, my goodness I am tired this morning. YT took FOREVER to process
Cassie
2022-08-06 15:52:49 +0000 UTCI love this movie. 😀 The opening credits alone was one of reasons I converted my garage into a movie theater. I had to see those titles flying at me 😊
Johnny Salinas
2022-08-06 15:27:05 +0000 UTCWould have been nice if Superman could have arrived in time to extract Anne Heche from the car. But I always say about Heche, she's no Linda Darnell.
Michael Threapleton
2022-08-06 15:11:13 +0000 UTCIn one of the 'making of' documentaries, it was said that the producers had doubts about the movie. Then they watched it after John Williams' music score was added and they freaked out and said it would be a huge hit.
3dbadboy1
2022-08-06 14:48:07 +0000 UTCI was afraid of the comments if you didn't like it
nick bell
2022-08-06 14:43:29 +0000 UTCI remember that story of how he wouldn’t be noticed when he was dressed as Clark Kent. I’d forgotten how much I loved the way he portrayed Clark. He was the opposite of Superman and why Lois couldn’t “see” that they were the same person.
Tara
2022-08-06 14:25:09 +0000 UTCHey Cassie, I knew you were going to say something about the running next to the train scene. I still cringe when I see it. That is why I commented on your last post that you were going to watch this movie and asked that you look past the special effects of that time. This movie came out a year after Star Wars and at the time, we had never seen anything like them. I absolutely love Christopher Reeve in the role. He does such a great job playing Clark Kent as that nerdy guy with the different voice. I think that is why Lois can’t see that he is Superman. The rooftop scene is a favorite and I mentioned this in another comment also, women fell in love with him when this movie came out and wanted to fly with him. My aunt would leave her bedroom window open at night. 🍿
Tara
2022-08-06 14:12:50 +0000 UTCLove all the back-handed compliments.
Beau Mont
2022-08-06 14:10:02 +0000 UTCLoved this, thanks Cassie! Superman 2 The Donner Cut is a great film. One of the few sequels thats even better than the first. But Superman 2 Richard Lester cut is not.
London Davis
2022-08-06 14:02:58 +0000 UTCFunny how Metropolis looks like New York huh? lol
Jayson Phillips
2022-08-06 14:00:51 +0000 UTCHe picked reporter so he would not look conspicuous investigating crimes and learning the inside of the city's problems
Jayson Phillips
2022-08-06 13:55:06 +0000 UTCIt may be difficult for younger viewers to appreciate the impact of this movie on the youth (and adults) of the time. We had never seen anything like this before, coming off the impact of Star Wars the year before movies were being redefined right in front of our eyes. The comic books were an imaginary world, the old Reeves Superman an old uncool black-in-white TV show. As a 10-year-old transitioning from Disney movies, this and Star Wars created a "I didn't know movies could do that" moment. We were in a three TV channel, pre-cable, pre-video tape, pre-DVD, pre-pre-pre-internet streaming world and were thunderstruck, when we weren't having light saber battles with sticks and used florescent tubes (bad, bad, bad idea) we had towels as capes, and "flew" around the neighborhood. I am not a fan of Superhero movies, not my cup of tea, and I get frustrated at the volume of them from the studios but this Superman will always be a wonderful moment from my youth. Thanks so much for including it! As always thanks for all you do with this channel and best to your family. -Keith
Keith Jones
2022-08-06 13:36:44 +0000 UTCThere's an extended version (> 30 mins) which answers a lot of your questions and has some great scenes Jor-EL couldn't leave Krypton because the council threatened to imprison him in the Phantom Zone if he kept talking about his planet ending theory & evacuated, so he promises that he and his wife won't leave. His evacuation of Cal is detected and the council send a bizarre looking dude to arrest him (however he gets killed by the planetary explosions before he can stop Cal-El leaving) After Otis made a mess of the 1st missile there's a scene where Lex reveals that there is the 2nd missile - that's why he had time to set up the house transporter trap (and give Otis a black eye). There's a great scene before Superman enters Luthor's hideout where Luthor tries to kill him with guns, fire & ice - bizarre why it wasn't in the release because it looks great There's a subplot around indian reservations that had all their resources stolen but they get their water back in the end (due to the dam collapse). Just before Lex & Otis are dropped into prison, there's a scene in Luthor's hideout where he has Otis lower Ms Tessmacher down to unseen ravenous beasts that he keeps as pets, but she is saved at the last minute by you know who (who tells her that "your mother sends her love") Modern movies have no problem creating spectacular special effects that make this movie look very dated - even comically ridiculous, however they seem utterly incapable of recreating the heart and soul of films like this. As good a Superman as Henry Cavil is, he can't do a Clark Kent and you need both. Chris really was perfect for the role - whipped into shape by Darth Vader himself (David Prowse) ! "Is there a sequel" - yes and its excellent, and there are the consequences that you astutely pointed out (3 to be exact- that's a clue)
John Drake
2022-08-06 13:28:56 +0000 UTCThe reason Superman's parents Jor-El and Lara can't leave Krypton is because Jor-El promised not to, and the Science Council (Krypton's government) is monitoring him. All he has is the prototype spaceship only large enough for Kal-El; even if there was enough time, if he tried to build another he'll be arrested and then his son will die as well. So Superman's parents sacrificed their lives and stayed behind in order to save their son. It's one of the big mythic origin stories in comics, up there with the deaths of Uncle Ben and the Waynes. The scenes of Superman's hometown of Smallville WERE filmed in Alberta. "Why can't Lois see that Superman and Clark are the same person?" One of the great mysteries in all of comic books! It's basically a part of the myth which you just have to accept, this irony that a world-class reporter just couldn't see past her first impression when it came to Clark. I think Reeve does a great job of playing them as two different characters though. There are stories that when he dined at the studio commissary in his Superman costume he was surrounded by admiring females but when he showed up in his Clark Kent costume he went unnoticed, haha.
Patrick Flanagan
2022-08-06 13:28:36 +0000 UTCThey did an experiment a while back where Henry Cavill went around New York with a slightly different haircut and glasses. No one recognizes him.
Brian Lowery
2022-08-06 13:27:49 +0000 UTCThe sequel is definitely more action packed but I highly recommend you watch the Superman II Richard Donner cut. Donner was fired halfway through filming and replaced with an idiot who reshot a lot of it as a silly comedy. Years later Donner was able to go back and reconstruct what he originally envisioned.
Odd Thomas
2022-08-06 13:16:16 +0000 UTCThe rooftop scene between Lois and Superman is one of my favorite movie scenes ever. The dialogue and performances are magnificent during that scene.
Choof
2022-08-06 12:57:22 +0000 UTCHe had to leave to go find out where he came from and who he is.
Jayson Phillips
2022-08-06 12:57:09 +0000 UTCIn the extended version with all the deleted scenes we find out that the girl on the train who saw Clark running was Lois Lane.
3dbadboy1
2022-08-06 12:55:19 +0000 UTCWell that was fun. I actually thought we were going to lose you in the opening credits 😂 I forgot how long the beginning was. Eat your heart out MCU. It’s been so fun watching you on this journey!!
Steven Ashford
2022-08-06 12:55:12 +0000 UTCI would absolutely watch the second one. It’s honestly incredible and a worthy follow up. However, I would DEFINITELY stop after that one.
Adam Grunther
2022-08-06 12:51:35 +0000 UTCI watched the entire reaction only withoit watching along with my own copy. A blurred image in the corner and it was by far my favourite reaction so far. You can probably tell by all my comments. There is actually a longer version than this. I think it was a version shown on TV and goes for close to 3 hours.
Brian McGovern
2022-08-06 12:41:17 +0000 UTCAs to your question about whether or not people were amazed by the effects. The tagline for the movie was actually "You'll believe a man can fly" and it was true. The loved it.
aarswft
2022-08-06 12:31:38 +0000 UTCChristopher Reeve George Reeves was the TV Superman.
aarswft
2022-08-06 12:31:00 +0000 UTCWow. That was some comment towards the end."Miss Tesmacher. I can't tell if she is 35 or 60". LOL. 😄
Brian McGovern
2022-08-06 12:08:42 +0000 UTCEveryone always asks why they didnt go with him...The council forbid it, if they tried they would be shot down. But something small enough to get by.
Jayson Phillips
2022-08-06 11:58:22 +0000 UTCThank you, Cassie. Great reaction as always. Enjoyed re-watching this movie along with you. This is my generation's superhero movie and will always have a special place in my heart. The special effects in this movie were "incredible" at the time of its release, and in my opinion, most of them still hold up well to this day. Back then, special effects were added to support the story, not the other way around like it is today. Practical effects (miniatures, models, matte painting, animatronics, etc.) are much believable and far superior to CGI in many ways. If you recall during your reaction to Jurassic Park (1993), you thought that the raptors looked real and that's because they were animatronics not CGI. Not to take away anything from CGI effects, they are still great, but not as innovative in their approach as their practical counterparts. Knowing the level of effort filmmakers went through to put them on film back in the day adds so much value to the viewing experience. That's why Christopher Nolan and a handful of other filmmakers try to use only practical effects in their films. In my view, the effects in Superman (1978) were mainly the icing on the cake as the movie was already believable through the wonderful directing, acting, writing, cinematography, and music. Glad you enjoyed it. Superman II (1980) would be next.
Ramzi M. A. Ramzi
2022-08-06 11:57:06 +0000 UTCChristopher Reeve blew me away (I was 8 years old) in the theater. My Dad loved the story, my mom loved his innocence and the light romance. I was infatuated with the flying scenes of course. Once day, during Sunday School it hit me. Jor-El sent his only son to Earth where he’d be an example to humanity. Clark (like Christ) was raised by a barren couple - Joseph and Martha (Mary?) Kent. J sent C to be raised by J and M. If you’re going to have a superhero… might as well base it on the best story. Not too shabby for writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster in 1938, right?
Ike
2022-08-06 11:29:55 +0000 UTCAccording to what I heard, Lois is thinking in poetry during the flying scene because those were the lyrics to the song that was playing in the background. They were going to have a vocalist, but finally did it this way instead. It can be a bit jarring.
Ben Livingstone
2022-08-06 11:16:20 +0000 UTCAs much as I love Cavill, Christopher Reeves will always be my favorite. He truly had a heart of gold and was the true meaning of Superman
GamerGal8684
2022-08-06 11:05:05 +0000 UTCAccording to IMDB, you are correct, a lot of those scenes where shot in Alberta: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078346/locations
Gábor Árki
2022-08-06 11:02:45 +0000 UTCStange you said that the farm scene looked like Alberta. Those scenes were filmed in Canada if I am not mistaken.
Brian McGovern
2022-08-06 10:45:24 +0000 UTCPoint of interest Cassie. The lady in the train talking to lois lane, was the original lois lane from the adventures of superman. So many interesting tidbits from this movie.
Brian McGovern
2022-08-06 10:38:12 +0000 UTCIt was a crime what Cannon did to the franchise. They put the budget of superman 4 into Masters of the Universe. I think s2 is as good as it is by virtue of using most of what Donner filmed. S3 you get a better idea of how bad it could have been based on what we got in 3. This will ALWAYS be my favourite superman and chris reeve will ALWAYS be my superman.
Brian McGovern
2022-08-06 10:34:54 +0000 UTCI think Christopher Reeve deserved a better ending for Superman than what he got. They funneled the budget for S4 into Masters of the Universe.
Brian McGovern
2022-08-06 10:27:19 +0000 UTCGlad Cassie reacted to this seeing how this movie is very nostalgic for me. I use to watch this alot growing up on VHS. But this might be blasphemous but in my opinion Henry Cavill is my favorite portrayal of Superman. No disrespect to Christopher Reeves R.I.P. he was great for his time but i prefer cavills take on the character. I hope one day cassie reacts to Man of Steel (2013). It's easily in my top 5 comic book movies. #restorethesnyderverse
Charles Briggs
2022-08-06 09:51:33 +0000 UTCCouple, apparently blasphemous, opinions… I prefer the Lester cut to Donner’s for SUPERMAN II. SUPERMAN IV looks awful from a special-effects standpoint but, if viewed as the kind of pulpy B fun in which Cannon often specialized, it can still be a good time. Reeve’s sincerity and goodwill lift it.
Jason Chirevas
2022-08-06 09:32:32 +0000 UTCCassie, your hair looks amazing. Wonderful color. Watching this now!
Jay Robert
2022-08-06 09:14:33 +0000 UTCI had a hunch ever since Batman 89, that Superman would be much more up in Cassie's alley, so curious to see the full reaction. Although I never was a huge fan of this movie (that is true for superhero movies in general), I always had an appreciation for it. It is silly, cheesy, with cartoonish villains (especially Otis), but it is fun and entertaining, has a heart, and Christopher Reeve has so much charm and charisma and is so amazing in the role, that even more than 40 years later everyone playing Superman is compared to him. Cassie, to answer your question, there are more Superman movies with Reeve and they have quite an interesting story to them. The producers made a huge gamble because this was essentially the first big budget live action superhero movie and the most expensive movie of its time. Yet they decided to do not one, but two movies straight away. These were originally (meant to be) produced back to back, and a huge portion of the second movie has already been shot by director Richard Donner when the first one hit theaters. But due to continuous clashes between him and the producers, he was let go and replaced with Richard Lester for the second movie. Because of the amount that has already been shot with Donner, a significant portion of the second movie was re-written and re-shot in order for Lester to receive full director's credit and to be more in line with the tone expected by the producers. Marlon Brando was excused from the sequel in order to avoid paying him a hefty sum of the ticket sales, Gene Hackman simply walked away and refused to film anything with Lester as director, so all his scenes had to be reused from Donner's work or re-staged and shot around with body doubles. So in 1980 it was Lester's version of Superman II that was released and it's still a decent movie, even though its tone shifted to a more cartoonish direction. After 26 years, in 2006, Richard Donner got the opportunity from Warner to prepare his vision of the movie titled Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut. Sadly, this is not a fully finished movie. Several key scenes have not been shot by Donner, some of these have been inserted from rehearsal takes. Also, they didn't shoot any endings so they had to work around that problem and it does not work well. So if you are continuing with Superman, a decision has to be made which version to watch first and react to. Even though I think Donner's version is overall superior, due to the aforementioned issues it might not be the best choice for a first time watch. Also, the love story is more prominent and better executed in the theatrical cut. As for the other sequels, Superman III was released in 1983, again, with Richard Lester at the helm. It's not great, but not that terrible either. After this it seemed like the franchise hit a dead end, but then Cannon Films acquired the rights. They were a notorious B movie company producing mainly a lot of low budget, but financially successful action movies. By buying the rights for Superman, they wanted to change leagues and become a top tier movie company. They had a lot of ideas for Superman IV and managed to convince all actors to reprise their roles, even Gene Hackman. But at the end they had to cut the budget significantly from 36 to 17 million due to financial issues and after some very poor test screenings they released a very heavily cut version that is often considered as a candidate among the worst movies of all time.
Gábor Árki
2022-08-06 09:00:48 +0000 UTCAnother John Williams classic
Burrito Jimmy
2022-08-06 08:56:55 +0000 UTCSorry to say, it went downhill fast. Do yourself a favour and read up or try to find info on the production of this movie. Fascinating stuff. Its a wonder it turned out the way it did.
Brian McGovern
2022-08-06 08:54:18 +0000 UTCwatch 2 some say original some say donner cut. superman 3 and 4 are unwatchable and i have a superman logo tattoo
Sean Stuart
2022-08-06 08:51:55 +0000 UTCGlad I stayed up waiting for this!
Allen Bond
2022-08-06 08:49:31 +0000 UTC
