Superman (1978) Review | MovieTalk+

⭐⭐⭐☆☆

Superman is one of those movies where you have to remember the era it came from. Like it or not, filmmaking has evolved a lot since the late ’70s. Effects are cleaner, pacing is tighter, and spectacle is bigger. But taking that into account, I actually enjoyed this movie more than I expected to.

The opening stretch on Krypton is where it feels the most dated. The sci-fi elements are a little cheesy, with glowing crystals, theatrical performances, and effects that definitely show their age. I can absolutely see how this would have blown people away in 1978, but watching it now, it feels more like classic science fiction than groundbreaking spectacle.

Once we get to Earth, though, the movie really finds its groove. That’s where I was in. The Smallville sequences add heart, and once Clark grows into Superman, the tone becomes fun, charming, and surprisingly sincere. The film takes its time building the mythology, explaining who Clark is, where he comes from, and what he stands for. It’s long, yes — but it earns most of that runtime by letting the character breathe.

Christopher Reeve is the real reason this movie works. He doesn’t just play Superman — he embodies both sides of the character. His Clark Kent is genuinely nerdy, awkward, and lovable, while his Superman is confident, charismatic, and strong without ever feeling arrogant. The switch between personas is subtle but completely convincing. It’s easy to see why he became the Superman for so many people.

Margot Kidder brings a fun, fast-talking energy to Lois Lane, and Gene Hackman’s Lex Luthor is more playful than menacing — but it fits the tone of this version. The movie isn’t trying to be dark or gritty. It’s lighthearted, slightly silly, and proud of it.

One scene that really stood out to me is when Lois is trapped in the car during the earthquake sequence. As someone who’s claustrophobic, that scene is genuinely anxiety-inducing. The tension builds well, and even with older effects, it’s effective. That moment reminded me why this movie felt like such a big deal in its time.

Is it perfect? No. It’s long, occasionally cheesy, and very much a product of the ’70s. But it’s also charming, heartfelt, and foundational. Without this movie, we probably don’t get the superhero boom we have today.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

Superman may feel dated now, but it’s still a fun, sincere, and important superhero film. I definitely enjoyed it more than I expected to — even if I saw it a few decades too late.