Growing up with the superman cartoons, comic books, and the television show, I was pleased with the overall tone of this movie. Chris Reeve was the perfect choice for the part and Hackman and Beatty are great together. I didn't care too much for the sequels though.

A long awaited motion picture based on the popular comic book character, this first release was well done and received. It has conquered and fascinated a whole generation of movie goers who were itching to see their favorite character "live". A good movie and now, a classic.

Once again, no, this movie isn't perfect, but I enjoyed it too much not to give it a 5. A total classic. Watching this film made life all the better when I was a kid.

It's really dull for the most part. The only thing that I like about it is the portrayal of Luthor by Hackman, who went against type by playing Lex Luthor as more of a smarmy wiseass than a diabolical genius. Not the worst superhero flick, but not the best either. I heard Brando was paid for this in Twinkies.

best most powerful superhero. best movie of the decade!

An instant classic!

the very first movie I saw in a theater. still great. light hearted, good hearted, moving, spectacular entertainment. quite funny in spots. to bad Chris Reeve is dead. that sucks.

Christopher Reeve is the BEST SUPERMAN EVER! The ONLY person who really gave life to the character and made us believe that a man can fly.

The first time I watched it I almost fell asleep.

Dreadfully dull, alternating with smarmy.

Released in 1978, Richard Donner's Superman: The Movie is probably the best of the comics to silver screen films, and the one that seemed to have started that movement. The key to the sucess of the film was the casting, starting with the then unknown Christopher Reeve as the adult Clark Kent and Superman. Reeve seemed to satisfy all generations, namely those who grew up with prior actors in the role as well as the younger generations to whom Reeve is Superman. In addition, Marlon Brando as Jor-El, Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor, Ned Beatty as Luther's incompetent sidekick Otis, Glenn Ford as Superman's human father Jonathan Kent, and Jackie Cooper as the Daily Planet's editor Perry White were all spot on. The only casting failure is Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, as Kidder was just too hard edged for the role in my opinion. The screenwriters do a excellent job giving appropriate time to the three main phases of the film, namely on Krypton, Superman's youth, and the main action scenes as Superman saves the U.S. from Luther's schemes. The film also utilizes comedy to great effect, namely in the form of Hackman and Beatty which develops their characters more than just being evil. However, the film does have so notable and material flaws. The special effects are subpar for such a huge production (even by the standards of the day), and the ending is a bit illogical and contrary to Superman's prime directive (as also noted in another comment). Nevertheless, Superman: The Movie is an extremely effective story and film that set the standard for other comic book movies that has yet to be matched.

I first thought -Mario Puzo? The author of the Godfather? doing the script for Superman????? Well, was I surprised. A divine celluloid comic book.

The best super-hero movie of all time, with one of John Williams' best scores. 2001's DVD release of the 1978 film is really good, but beware: the commentary track is shabby and badly recorded, and the isolated score track fails to live up to its promise. Otherwise, this presentation of the film and the other extras are great.

Awesome movie! Christopher Reeve is THE definitive Superman. This film is made with so much heart and soul. It's far superior to any of the overblown Batman movies.

THE best version of Superman ever, will probably never be topped. THe special effects are great and haven't really dated, also, hats off to John Williams for that terrific score which must be onwe of the best ever written. Overall the cast is good and the sets are smashing!

Superman is a 1978 movie based on the hit comic book series by DC Comics. It stars Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, and Margot Kidder as Lois Lane. Superman disguises himself as Clark Kent and must save the world from the evil Lex Luthor, played by Gene Hackman.

This is the best movie I have ever seen. Although I am brought close to tears upon mention of Christopher Reeves, my childhood hero, after his tragic accident and then the car commerical in which he walks gives me hope for the future.

Superman was okay back in the day, but when it came out the graphics weren't as good. Yet it does pretty well with the flying.

I believe that Superman was the catalyst of all the upcoming superhero movies. I remember as a kid, I used to love watching Superman, even though if it was my 10th time watching it.

Superman. Now who can forget being able to fly like Superman as a kid? Superman is a classic that will stand the test of time.

This movie is good, especially for a child to watch. It's rated PG-13 and it's not one of those boring PG-13 films. It's full of action.

Superman is the best superhero in the world! Christopher Reeves made the best Superman ever. I've just been a big fan of Superman ever since I can remember.

One of my favorite movies growing up. Christopher Reeve is perfect playing a nerdy Clark Kent and using terms like "swell". On the other hand he plays Superman to a fantastic billing. Oscar winner Gene Hackman is perfectly cunning as Lex Luther.

Even for today's standards the film effects are quite good. We have to understand that this was pre-computer generated special effects. Walking or not, Christopher Reeves is still my hero. Whether he is walking or rolling on four wheels, Christopher Reeves is still my Superman.

I thought this movie was just a tasty morsel of goodness. I only have three words for Christopher Reeves' performance... DE-LI-CIOUS! I'm through! It was magnificent when a man such as him has the burnin' fire and the strunff to wear those tight little red underpants, ohhh! I think I sprung a leak! Anyhoo, whether he's running and flying or breaking his neck, Chris Reeves is my Super-Man!

Greatest hero ever. First comic book action hero that came onto the screen as a big hit.