Just when you think it is safe to walk the streets Gotham one more time, there are still more villains that pop out of the woodwork. I don’t think I ever saw this coming as the major villains from the original television series had been taken out in the other two films, with the exception of the Riddler. One of the things that I do love about Batman is that since he is still a broken person and he is forced to face both halves of his personality on a daily basis, he actually sounds like a real person. When Batman had to face off against Superman, I wished I could have heard what voices in his head came out to play, because we all know that the voices in Superman’s head are from other people and never himself. But before we get too ahead of ourselves, let's talk about Batman Forever.

Harvey Dent, the former district attorney of Gotham City has taken on a new persona since he has been badly scarred on one side of his face. Being called Two-Face now, he has his own gang of misfits that are not only looking to make the big score, but also to make sure Gotham knows that they are not to be messed with. Blaming Batman for the trauma he has to deal with, Two-Face is trying to pull the Bat out of the shadows for one final showdown, but no matter what he tries, Batman is able to escape with his life. With the promise of killing the Batman, Two-Face has made a new friend that may seem a little bit off to him, but with revolutionary technology at hand, he sees promise and will be able to fulfill his lifelong dream of killing the Bat.

Edward Nygma is a low level scientist working at Wayne Enterprises, but he will not be stuck in the job for long. Wanting to bounce his ideas off of the billionaire, Edward knows that his ideas will take Wayne Enterprises to the next level, but after meeting Bruce and being denied the startup capital, he starts to go crazier than normal. Needing to prove that his new invention, The Box, works, Edward gets his first human trial and sees what Bruce was talking about with the side effects. Gaining knowledge from anyone that is plugged into The Box, Edward needs to find a way to get more money so he can put one Box in every home in Gotham, not for the money, but for the knowledge. Wanting to find a persona that will exemplify who he really is, Edward becomes the Riddler and starts to leave little notes for his new favorite foes, Bruce Wayne and Batman. Needing help, the Riddler calls upon Two-Face to get the money flowing, but will he be able to keep Dent at bay until he is able to get the Bat to come out of the shadows?

​Bruce Wayne wants nothing more than to hang up the bat suit, but now he has another person hunting him down, Dr. Chase Meridian. Although this seems to be a dream come true, Batman does not have time for women, but this one has changed his outlook on a lot of things. Visiting the doctor as Wayne, he finds that she is more of a Batman groupie than he would have ever expected, but he wants to see if he can win her over without wearing the mask. Taking Chase to the circus, Bruce is surprised to see that Two-Face has taken over the show and wants the Bat one last time. Watching as the Flying Grayson’s are killed, Bruce is ashamed with himself for not being faster and decides to take Dick Grayson in while he gets back on his feet. Little does Bruce know that Dick will stop at nothing to achieve his new goal in life, to kill Two-Face, and he has the means to do so.  Not ever wanting a partner, Bruce will have to learn to trust someone other than Alfred and this young man might be his best shot at taking down both Gotham’s new threat.

As daylight turns into night, the city of Gotham is terrorized by Two-Face and his gang of hoods. Batman is able to stop the capers, but is not able to capture Two-Face himself. While the Riddler is on the streets securing funds for his Box program, Edward Nygma is holding parties and trying to one up his idol, but he is not Bruce Wayne and will never be, but he will be able to pick the brain of the man that almost let his dreams die. With the production of the Boxes in full swing, Riddler is able to know every deep dark secret of the people in Gotham, including the greatest secret of all, the true identity of the Batman. Since there are no secrets anymore, Batman might be in for a surprise as he is persuaded to allow young Dick Grayson to tag along, but never having a partner will not stop the Dark Knight from ensuring the safety of Gotham city.

You know, with a new Batman lead actor, I am not too upset that Val Kilmer came into the role. Watching the movie again, he seemed to embrace the role and played it pretty well and his inner battles and struggles were just as you would envision them. I think that the only piece of this movie that fell short was the forced jokes from the original Batman television series as the rest of the movie was really well done. I loved the Riddler and even though most of his parts were over the top, but that is how I could see the Riddler being in real life. I really like Two-Face however, it would have to be my favorite character of the movie series thus far and I hate to say that because I love the Joker, but Two-Face is the closest foe to Batman and the two are battling the same demons, only Two-Face does not keep his feelings bottled up. He also does not let emotions get in his way and with the use of his coin, he is able to make the tough decisions without feeling bad about the outcome. One of the best villain combos I've ever seen and they would be hard for any superhero to beat, I wonder what Superman would have done? Probably just let them be since he would not see the moral issues at hand until he got his brain sucked on a bit. The next page is always better than the last.

As I continue to get fired up to see Batman on the big screen again, I am not going to allow myself to miss out on one of the greatest Christmas movies in my collection, Batman Returns. Yes, it happens over Christmas, so that makes it a Christmas movie. There are some carols, some decorations and of course, Batman doing his thing. This movie may not have been as special as the first one, but there are still come great redeeming values and without further ado, it is time to jump into Batman Returns!

Selina Kyle is a lonely secretary, but has found a great job working for Max Shreck. Unfortunately, she is not good at her job, she chimes in during meetings when Shreck does not need anyone to speak for him.  Selina does however have her neighborhood cats that she loves to talk with and take notes from, but they never keep her from getting her day job taken care of. Having to return to the office to pull the Wayne file for Shreck’s next meeting, Selina finds out that the power plant that he is planning on building will not produce power at all, but steal and store it for a rainy day. Shreck is blown away by what she has found on him, and before Selina is able to tell anybody what she has discovered, she is pushed out of the office window and left for dead.

Under the streets of Gotham, the legend of a Penguin man swims around in the minds of the citizens. Even though nobody believes in him, the Penguin is ready to make himself known to the masses, but will need a way in. Attacking the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Max Shreck is pushed down into the Penguin’s lair and finds out that the bird man is real. Coming to an agreement, Shreck will back Penguin’s rise to the surface and when he sees how much the people adore the little bird man, Shreck gets ideas of his own. Wanting to find out who his parents were, Penguin discovers that his name is Oswald Cobblepot and takes his birth right back from the depths where he has been living all of these years. Now in the public eye, Cobblepot has been urged to take over the city of Gotham as its mayor when Shreck truly understands the power of the underdog.

Bruce Wayne is a man about town and is out of his mansion more often than not, but not only as himself, but as his alter ego Batman. When watching the tree lighting ceremony fall apart, Batman takes to the streets to provide help for the terrorized Gotham residents and finds himself fighting against the Circus Gang. On a quiet night off, Bruce starts searching the old files about the Circus Gang and finds articles about children going missing, but more interestingly, a bird boy who could not be located in connection with the disappearances. Putting two and two together, Bruce knows that Cobblepot is the leader of the gang and will have to stop the corrupt Penguin from acquiring the head office of the city at all costs.  But there is someone else on the prowl as Catwoman has been spotted around the city and wants nothing better than to dethrone the Bat before he is able to interfere in her plans as well.

Gotham has never seen a menace as powerful as the Circus Gang being led by the Penguin and now Catwoman has been helping in tearing the city apart. With Max Shreck behind both of the new villains of the city, nobody is pointing a finger at him, since their attention is focused over the violence in the streets. With all that oppose his new power plant, Shreck needs to get someone in office that he can trust and Cobblepot is just that man. But Penguin wants something more from the city and with the help from Catwoman, he may be able to make his dreams come true. With them both needing to get Batman out of the picture before they can move on, an eccentric plan is thrown into play that will make the people of Gotham question if they should trust those who have been sworn to protect them. 

Not a bad second installment of the Batman movies and I am a little upset that this is all that Michael Keaton got from the franchise. The movie was a little bit more like a comic book when it came to the violence, but for me, it really had a James Bond feel to it with the one liners and gadgets being played with. I had never been a fan of the Penguin before this movie came out and now I am a huge fan because he was written and played just the right way. Not being able to focus most of the time, the Penguin seems to have a mind for destruction, death and pretty ladies, but cannot have them all at the same time. I have to admit that Max Shreck stole the show though, and I would not have it any other way. He is the man behind Gotham and is able to make things happen at the drop of a hat, or maybe a cat now. Two super villains and one businessman and the Bat still comes out on top. Hmm, maybe he is one of the greatest superheroes out there and like a boy scout, he is always prepared. Just remember, the next page is always better than the last.

Boy I remember how pumped I was for the Batman v. Superman movie. Because I was ready to see what my boy Batman was going to do against the super powered alien that seems to like to save the day all of the time. Now I have nothing against Superman in the long run, his movies are uplifting and leave you feel like a better person for watching them, but when you like to remain down to earth on a daily basis, Batman is really the way to go. Why you may ask, well, Batman is a man and not an alien for starters, but I like seeing the darker stories where the real spit hits the fan and that is what the Dark Knight brings to the screen. So, without further ado, let’s look back at Batman.

Alexander Knox is looking for a story to break for the paper and is getting tired of waiting on hearsay about his stories, he wants to witness them first hand. Even though the reports of a Batman running around the streets and cleaning up the scum seem to be page turners, he wants to get the down and dirty info to make it to the front page. With very little going his way, Knox’s spirits are lifted when a young and talented photographer steps into his life. Vicki Vale is looking for the same thing as Knox, but when neither of them now how to get it, they will have to stand back and let life take its course.

Jack Napier is the mastermind behind the Grissom gang, just ask him. With the perfect ideas on what to do, Jack has his own group of enforcers that can take to the streets and bring him back the ultimate paydays, whenever he wants it. But subtlety is not Jack’s strong suit and things are starting to get out of hand with Grissom’s girlfriend and before he knows it, he is pulling off a job at the Axis chemical plant that will change his life forever. When the Batman makes an appearance, Jack tries to control the situation, but he is not strong or quick enough and winds up falling into a vat of chemicals. Coming to with a smile on his face, Jack now knows what his life is worth and wants to bring a joy and happiness to everyone in Gotham, especially if it kills them.

Bruce Wayne may be one of the most popular citizens in Gotham, but he would not admit to it. Being more of a recluse, Wayne stays out of sight and even the local reporters do not know who he is. After meeting with Knox and Vale, Wayne is outed a bit, but is not ready to give up his life of keeping the innocent of the city safe. Becoming Batman during the night, Wayne is stronger, faster and smarter than his opponents and is able to help anyone in need before the situation escalates, but when Vicki Vale enters his life, he starts to think that there might be more to living it than he previously thought. Wanting to let someone other than his long-time butler, Alfred into his small circle, Wayne finds out that somebody else has eyes for his new love and comes to find out that his new opponent will cause more than friction in his love life.

While the city of Gotham is getting set to celebrate its two hundredth anniversary, the Joker has other plans in mind. While tormenting the city with his new Smylex concoction, Joker guarantees to leave all of the people of Gotham dead, but with a smile on their face. Batman cannot allow this to happen and is able to pinpoint different combinations of house hold products that will cause its users to die. Knowing that his plan has been foiled by the menacing bat, Joker has an even more extravagant plan that will bring the city to its knees. Offering to hold the two-hundred-year-old celebration on his own dime and hand out twenty million dollars, everyone in the city is guaranteed to attend and receive just a little bit extra at his own expense. 

This movie really set the bench mark for me when it comes to one of my favorite superheroes, although Batman seems to be a little bit darker than most. He does show that he is willing to kill for what is right, but for some reason, he keeps pulling back. I loved Bruce Wayne when he confronted the Joker for the first time with their exchange in Vicki Vale’s apartment, trying to get inside of the madman’s head to see what he was capable of.  Even through the battle rages on much further than that, Bruce is given a vital piece of information that alters what he has been dealing with all of his life. This movie also gave birth to my obsession with the Joker, not because he seemed to want to kill everyone, but because of how calculated he was in every attack. Not really the style of a madman, but someone that has something to prove and will stop at nothing to do so, that’s how I read it anyway, and yes, he is a complete madman. Well, let the series begin and remember, the next page is always better than the last.

In our seventy-five years plus of getting to know Superman, I think it is safe to say we have learned so much about him only because we have essentially traveled along in his every journey. We were all there when he arrived in Smallville, we saw his first feat of strength when he revealed himself to the world.  

Heck, we were there for his wedding to Lois Lane, and we all witnessed his death and subsequent return in print. A character this rich in history is a hard to one to continue to write about, because we truly know the man inside and out, so to make him fresh and exciting would be a difficult challenge for anyone out there wanting to find a way to make his story feel like new. Unless of course you team up Producer Christopher Nolan and Director Zack Snyder, since they made it look easy with their first entry into the Superman franchise; Man of Steel.  

The basic elements are all there. The end of Krypton. Kal-El is sent to live amongst us and of course he becomes Superman. But I am not joking when I say that Nolan and Snyder have completely reinvented one of the oldest comic legends in history. While some have expressed concern over this being another epic and sprawling origin story, I can assure you that while there are origin elements, the filmmakers know we have seen the films that came before this one, and read the comics. So rather than spend time watching him grow into a man who will one day protect us all, we are given mere snippets of his past, focusing instead on his journey to become Superman.  

​But what caught me off guard in this film is the fact that Man of Steel explores new territory for the Last Son of Krypton. This is a man who truly doesn't fit in. It is an angle that has never been addressed before when it comes to the Superman movies, the fact that he is in essence an outcast here on Earth and for the first time in the history of this incredible character we can relate to him, simply because let's face it...we have all felt that way at one time or another in our lives.  

But the movie is more than a character study. There is plenty of action to go around of course, especially in the third act when we finally get a super showdown between Zod and Superman. It is by far one of the biggest and most impressive battles between a superhero and villain that I have ever seen and really, it is the epic battle we have all wanted to see in a Superman movie. For those concerned about whether or not the cast can handle filling such big shoes, don't worry about it. Amy Adams makes a fine Lois Lane, Michael Shannon is an incredibly chilling General Zod and Henry Cavill steals the show by being the second actor in the franchise's history where you look at him and go...that IS Superman.   

Put all of this together and you what you get is a beautiful, mesmerizing film that will have your attention from the second the lights go down and leave you with the satisfying knowledge that Superman is back, and better than ever.  

At some point or another in our lives we have all wondered what would happen if we just picked up and walked away from our current life. Often, we have considered these circumstances under great duress, when there seems to be no other option but to take a moment and step away to finally clear our head.  

But those we love, and those we need are often what keep us in place. We know those that are close to us rely on us in some way and the thought disappears from our mind. But what if there was a legitimate reason to drop everything and disappear? What would life be like for the people we leave behind? These grand questions are precisely what fuels the film, Superman Returns.  

The remains of Krypton have been found and Superman is now aware of it.  With our world being all that he has ever known, the Man of Steel takes off on a journey toward the home of his ancestors, leaving the planet he has protected for so long, alone. But finding only a graveyard Superman returns home, only to find that the world has moved on. But while there seems to be no place anymore for a Man of Steel the people of Earth will look to him once again. For the master criminal Lex Luthor is free from prison and with stolen Kryptonian technology in hand his newest plan at world domination is in motion.

Released in 2006 after spending years in development hell, Superman Returns provides us with a fresh new look at the Man of Steel while staying true to the films that came before it. Yet despite making back its budget in the box office plus extra, the reception for this motion picture is still lukewarm at best. It's interesting, because the effects are top notch and the acting is nothing to laugh at. Brandon Routh stands out in his performance as Superman/Clark Kent, at times channeling the late Christopher Reeve in incredible fashion.   

As an added bonus, the film does its best to forget the films that came before it by serving as a direct sequel to Superman II but sadly that's where the celebration surrounding this film comes to an end, because it's time we discuss why people tend to dislike this film and the reason seems to lie in the fact that this motion picture tries desperately to recreate the magic of the first two films in the franchise, while making drastic and off-putting changes to Superman as a whole. Case in point, there is a strange awkwardness that comes with Superman being a dad since it just seems so out of place for the character period and I know much of the fan base was irked by the fact that Superman seemingly willed himself to overcome the power of Kryptonite and let's be honest, the borderline stalker-ish moments with Lois simply don't work for the character much either.

Yet despite all those issues, the film is a beautiful piece of work, filled with stunning visuals and a sprawling and epic story that in its own way does hold a flame to the Christopher Reeve era, and to this day I find the prospect of the 'what would the world be without me' aspect of the plot utterly fascinating. To see the impact of the world's greatest hero making the decision to leave us all behind to learn more about his heritage is something that we can sit down and dissect for hours on end and it adds a new layer to the Superman Mythos. But at the same time, this film made it clear that the past was indeed just that and that a completely fresh take was needed for the Man of Steel, and once again Superman disappeared from the silver screen to wait for a new mind to take it in a new direction.

Sometimes good intentions can only take you so far. We've all been there. We saw an opportunity to do something amazing, and took the initiative to make it happen. In some cases, it was an attempt to make someone happy, or maybe it was an attempt to radically change something in our lives or our workplace.
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But when the moment arrived to execute our plan or play the hero, things went awry. We unintentionally offended that person, or ended up ticking off our co-workers or we accidentally made our lives that much harder. All from the best of intentions, and it is this concept and its subsequent consequences that best describes the 1987 film, Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.

After years of living among us, Superman sees a grand opportunity to finally make the world a better place for all of mankind. He will put an end to the Cold War, and potentially all war by disarming the planet of nuclear weapons. But there is one man out there who sees this chance at peace as a chance at revenge. Lex Luthor has returned and will use Superman's plan against him to rid the world of the Man of Tomorrow once and for all.  

This is the Superman movie that I have dreaded writing about. Because I wasn't kidding when I talk about good intentions gone wrong. The concept of the film is a smart one, and relevant to the times. We have Christopher Reeve donning the cape once again and Gene Hackman reprising his iconic role as Lex Luthor. Heck this time around Reeve even put himself deeper into Superman's journey, by actually offering up input on the story, something that allowed for him to earn a ‘Story By’ credit. So, with so much love and care and passion from the core group that made this franchise a hit, this movie should have been amazing. But, in the end that positive energy didn't completely carry over into the production process, because the finished product is an utter disaster.
 
The issues with this motion picture started financially, by way of a new production company that originally approved $36 million for this movie to be made, but eventually they had to slash the budget to $17 million, forcing drastic changes, and they all hurt the film from top to bottom. Special effects, once a strength of the franchise are one of the film's biggest weaknesses this time around. Recycled shots are a staple of this movie and said effects are about as low grade as they can get, making this outing at times quite hokey. Not to mention, there are massive plot holes abound. There are too many to list quite frankly but the one that continues to bother me is watching Superman grow deathly ill from being ‘infected’ with radiation from Nuclear Man. It's something that just isn't possible. Superman thrives on the radiation from our sun, so how on earth can he become terminally ill from receiving a heavier dose of what he thrives upon?

It's a shame really, because this film had so much potential to be a sweeping and epic entry in the franchise. Which means it’s time we answer the million-dollar question, should you watch it? Absolutely, for one incredibly important reason, to say goodbye to the legend that is Christopher Reeve. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace was the last time he would don the cape and shield, and while the film may not provide the proper send off, taking the time to watch it and reflect on all the great things Reeve brought to the role, is a proper thank you and farewell.  

It's difficult for any of us to accept or acknowledge when a movie franchise or television franchise we love through and through is not what it used to be. Because seeing the decline of the characters and the stories we grew up with is nothing short of heartbreaking.   

Yet while we are fully aware of the fact that things will never go back to the glory days of said franchise, we hold on, we have to. We owe it to that franchise for giving us such incredible memories even though what is unfolding before our eyes has us nervous. In fact, it is safe to say that this is the exact feeling we all had the first time we sat down to watch Superman III.

Gus Gorman is a man down on his luck. Out of work and out of options it seems that there is no hope for his future. With nothing to lose Gus enrolls in a computer programming class and discovers that coding is his hidden talent, one that can benefit his pocket book when he finds and exploits a digital loophole in the software of the company that hires him. But his dishonest deeds do not go unnoticed and Gus enters into an agreement with the owner of the company, Ross Webster, to use computers to control the world's economy or find himself in prison, and it doesn’t take long for the two men to realize that their unholy union is going to pay off in spades. But there is one man that could bring their plans for financial domination crashing to the ground...Superman.  

​So yeah, here we are. After thoroughly enjoying the last two Superman films we have at last arrived at the franchise's darkest hour. It's hard to write about this one, because I love the franchise, I love Christopher Reeve in the role and I have been a longtime fan of Richard Pryor and his work. However, I don't want to sit here and say this film is completely awful, because it does have its moments. Christopher Reeve is excellent as always and there are some super moments in the movie. The fire scene at the chemical plant, and even the final battle shows off the super feats that only the Man of Steel can accomplish. Not to mention the fascinating scene when a twisted version of Superman splits from his alter ego of Clark Kent and the two battle it out. It's an incredible comic book moment and it leaves you cheering when Superman is made whole once again.  

Yet the film leaves you with the feeling that something is missing and in reality, something is...heart. The passion of the first two films is completely removed from this one, replaced instead with slapstick gags and a plot that never quite comes into focus. Which is a shame, because it is obvious this film had potential, especially when there are scenes in this film that capture those perfect Superman moments.   

But what we are left with is exactly what I said earlier. This film left me with that feeling of worry, and it left me with the concern that things might get worse before they get better. Yet my hope was still going strong, kept alive by those special moments that reminded us of the best parts of this storied franchise, and that alone makes this movie worth watching. 

There’s no doubt that Bill Nye has inspired a generation of scientists in various fields of research the way Star Trek did starting in the 60’s. Just watch him try to walk the floor of a symposium and deal with well-wishers and selfie hounds without breaking his stride and making these brilliant minds completely lose their minds in the process at the brief interaction for proof. While his show from the 90’s showcases his passion to educate in an engaging fashion, there’s a lot more to the man. While it could have been a fluff piece, Bill Nye: Science Guy delves deeper into who the man is and how he continues to search for knowledge and opportunities to educate.

It would be easy to dig purely into what made Bill Nye into the man he is today, but directors David Alvarado and Jason Sussberg do a fantastic job giving some of that much-needed context while spending the lion’s share of the film dwelling on who he is today. Yes, you’ll find out about the inception of his show, but you’ll also see a crotchety man who can get irked that brilliant scientists can’t figure out one is supposed to look at the lens instead of the screen when taking a selfie.

The film also tackles what could be perceived as attacks from multiple angles. It would be very easy to gloss over these points, but addressing them directly makes for some of the most fascinating parts of the film. When he’s attacked by hardline creationist critics as not a scientist, but a mechanical engineer, he owns that fact. He makes a point of making the expertise he has and his background a jumping off point to discovering and understanding various sides of science by going to the people who understand these complex ideas and acts as an effective intermediary for the common man.

What really underscores his passion for science and educating people comes from other criticism he faces from the scientific community saying that by engaging with young earth creationists, he’s only serving as a platform to give that ideology a platform. While the argument is understandable, it’s Nye’s willingness to visit Ken Hamm’s creation museum and even replica of Noah’s Ark that makes his motivations as plain as day. When talking to people who are openly hostile to his view and evidences, he makes a point of not being insulting or belligerent. He instead states his case with the belief that even if he gets through to one person, his time isn’t wasted. It’s these scenes that oddly become transcendent beauty.

Generally speaking, a TV show or film picked up by PBS is going to be something British and/or low budget. The fact that they’ve picked up Bill Nye: Science Guy for release in 2018 is a smart move in that the film balances autobiographical elements with nerd celebrity appearances by the likes of Neil deGrasse Tyson with scientific feats like the launching of a solar sail that belongs squarely in shows like NOVA. Sometimes a project becomes such a perfect fit for network it would be insane for things to work out any other way.

Sometimes sequels can expose the fatal flaws in their respective franchise. They showcase that in some cases a second entry isn't truly necessary when the first film told the story to a tee, and in some cases they show us that a franchise can absolutely peak when it shows all of its cards too soon. Unfortunately, there really is a point where every story reaches that perfect climax and in a strange way, the Christopher Reeve era of Superman films reached that point with Superman II.  

The last son of Krypton does not deserve his title. For out there, in the depths of space, three criminals from his home world lurk in the Phantom Zone and the cruelty of the cosmos has released them from their prison in the close proximity of Earth. It doesn't take long for these criminals, led by General Zod, to discover that they possess the same powers as the planet's strongest ally, Superman, and they will use those powers to conquer our world and make the son of Jor-El, their slave.  

Sadly, the follow up to Superman is a mixed bag and with good reason, it was a film wrapped in turmoil. It turns out that Director Richard Donner had planned to make this film and its predecessor appear as one seamless story broken into two parts, but his vision would not see the light of day for many years to come. For constant bickering behind the scenes led to Donner's dismissal from Superman II and he was instead replaced by Richard Lester. It led to an uneven film that is at times slapstick and at other times as straightforward as the first film.   

Yet somehow, Superman II manages to work and excite the audience with more incredible performances, this time expanding Terrance Stamp's role as General Zod. Zod is ruthless, cunning and unrelenting in his desire to rule over all and take revenge on Jor-El by defeating his son and Stamp's incredible turn as the villain is nicely anchored by Christopher Reeve's portrayal as Superman, since Reeve adds new depth to Kal-El. In fact, the character grows so much that we are treated to an intriguing plot line where Superman is willing relinquish his powers in order to love Lois Lane as a mortal man. This idea of walking away from it all was such a fascinating concept that it has found its way into at least one other comic book movie in recent years.  

Yet these subtle dynamics are all overshadowed by an incredible third act that delivers an amazing battle royale between Superman and Zod's squad of interstellar lackeys and I'll be damned if it doesn't disappoint. This is the moment we finally get to see just how super Superman really is and the entire Battle of Metropolis absolutely takes your breath away with its speed and intensity.  

However, this epic finale is also the film's downfall. By the time the end credits roll, and we do our best to forget the ‘Super Kiss’, we are left with the realization that in many ways, this story has peaked. Superman has grown to understand his role and finally embrace it while at the same time facing off against incredible odds to keep the people of Earth safe once again. However, despite all of this film's flaws it is a solid entry in the series, yet at the same time it serves as a harbinger of trouble since nothing in the franchise would ever be the same after this film. 

I think it is safe to say that if there is a 21st Century equivalent to magic, it is filmmaking. From the sets, the CGI, the foam latex, the acting to even the music, a simple series of images captured on a sound stage become an eventful two hours of our life that can make us laugh, cry or grin with joy.  

Of course, sometimes the illusion fails us. It could a rough bit of CGI, or a poor paint job on that foam latex or just plain bad acting that takes you out of the experience. But when the illusion is flawless the experience can be incredible, as was the case with one film that brought an iconic superhero to life in spectacular fashion, 1978’s Superman.

The planet Krypton is dying. Renowned scientist Jor-El knows this, but his warnings fall upon deaf ears. With the end approaching, he launches a desperate plan to save not only the Kryptonian way of life, but its people by sending his son; Kal-El, to the distant planet of Earth. Adopted by Jonathan and Martha Kent upon his arrival on our world, Kal-El becomes Clark Kent, an average Midwestern American. Or so it would seem. For Clark's unique genetic makeup, combined with our yellow sun gives him incredible powers that will allow him to become the world's greatest hero...Superman.  

Directed by Richard Donner and held together by an incredible cast that included Gene Hackman and the legendary Marlon Brando, Superman is truly modern-day magic. Though some of the special effects are horribly outdated in this film, they can be overlooked thanks to the stellar performances of this cast. Gene Hackman does an outstanding job channeling the clever evil of Lex Luthor and Brando's turn as Jor-El, while brief, is the stuff of legend. But while these actors do a wonderful job, there is one man who made this film legendary with his performance; Christopher Reeve.  

He is without a doubt one of the biggest reasons this film is so magical simply because Reeve IS Superman in this film. Sure, his bumbling and forgettable Clark Kent is fine acting as well, but the instant those glasses come off and the S is revealed this guy really is the Man of Steel and that stellar performance makes the movie all the more enjoyable. The way he put his body into something as simple as flying pulls you right into the movie. In fact, Christopher Reeve is what sells the picture's tagline; 'You'll believe a man can fly.'

Take all these incredible performances, throw in some big time special effects that for the most part still look good today, and finish it off with a story that works on every single level and you have one of the finest comic book films to ever grace the silver screen.