SUPERMAN

1978 ****1/2 146 mins (2001 Expanded Edition 154 mins.)

This film is so entertaining and enjoyable that it in no way feels like it's two and a half hours. The film begins with a fantastic segment on the planet Krypton with Marlon Brando as Jor-El, the father of the little baby who will become Superman. From there, we get to see Clark Kent as a teenager in his "home" town of Smallville. Finally, we see Clark evolve in to Superman and become the mild-mannered reporter we all know and love. Enter: Lex Luthor--criminal mastermind extraordinaire. The film is a perfect blend of serious action/drama and delightful comedy. John Williams's score is historic. I can't exactly say why I can't give this film five stars other than that it's just not five-star calibre.
Originally rated PG; since rated PG-13 for language, sexual innuendo, and action.

• Original aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Premiered in Washington, D.C. on December 10, 1978

• ACADEMY AWARD: Special Achievement Award (Les Bowie, Colin Chilvers, Denys N. Coop, Roy Field, Derek Meddings, and Zoran Perisic for visual effects.)
• ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS: Best Film Editing (Stuart Baird), Best Music, Original Score (John Williams), and Best Sound (Gordon K. McCallum, Graham V. Hartstone, Nicolas Le Messurier, and Roy Charman)
• GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINATION: Best Original Score - Motion Picture (John Williams)