great movie never seen such greatness great acting to
Superman: The Movie
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Super-nostalgic adventure still soars.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 8 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Superman: The Movie was written by Ed Grant
Parents need to know that the first half of this movie drags a little establishing Superman's origins. Many characters are in peril before Superman saves the day, including Lois who is buried alive after an earthquake. Superman can't save his adopted dad from a heart attack, however, and is shown mourning his death. Older kids and preteens who were fans of the 1990s "Superman" TV cartoon will probably be disappointed by the movie's bloated structure, but enjoy the exploits of Lex Luthor and his cohorts. Teen and adult comics fans and those feeling nostalgic for the 1970s may have enough patience for this movie.
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More on Superman: The Movie
What’s the Story?
As the planet Krypton is about to explode, administrator Jor-El (Marlon Brando) ensures his son's safety by putting him in a spaceship intended for Earth. The Kents, a farm couple, discover the boy from space and raise him as their son, Clark. Upon adulthood, Clark Kent (Christopher Reeve) sets out for Metropolis, where he lands a job as a reporter on The Daily Planet. He also fights crime as "Superman," a name given him by reporter Lois Lane (Margot Kidder), a coworker on the Planet whom Clark secretly loves. Meanwhile, criminal mastermind Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) develops a plan to cause a deadly earthquake in California, thereby increasing the value of his desert property. When Lois becomes a victim of the earthquake, Superman must literally turn back time by flying around the Earth with enough speed to temporarily reverse its orbit.
Is It Any Good?
Christopher Reeve proved an ideal Superman, with just the right level of steadfast simplicity. But the producers' emphasis on larger-than-life moviemaking (they won a Special Achievement Oscar for visual effects) results in a movie that drags in parts. The quartet of writers -- who individually had dreamt up the stories of The Godfather and Bonnie and Clyde -- concocted an overlong spectacle that spends an inordinate amount of time recounting Superman's origin, then fragments into episodic crime-fighting vignettes.
Younger viewers may not have the patience to wait through the first third of SUPERMAN before getting a glimpse of Superman's famous costume, and the picture is more than half over before he begins fighting crime in Metropolis. Thus, the movie will appeal primarily to adults looking to relive their youth by watching a 1970s-style blockbuster.
Movie Details
Studio: Warner Bros., Director: Richard Donner
Run time: 144 minutes
Theatrical release: 12/15/1978, DVD release: 6/3/2003
MPAA Rating: PG for parental guidance
Run time: 144 minutes
Theatrical release: 12/15/1978, DVD release: 6/3/2003
MPAA Rating: PG for parental guidance
Our Members Say
See all 8 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
the best
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I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
Great for younger kids, this movie is really enjoyable and not too graphic with no drugs, drinking, sex or bad language. A really good adaptation.
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
awesome movie
OMG I LOVE THIS MOVIE. THIS MOVIE IS SO AWESOME. YOU NEED TO WATCH THIS movie. SUPERMAN IS SO AWESOME.
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
You and the whole family will soar with fun!
Terrific, and original! Your kids will want to see the Superman movie, for sure. It is one that I would definitely recommend for even younger kids. There is very little language (if any) and the violence is nothing but fun and packed with excitement. There is a bit of sexual references, but nothing your kids cannot be subjected to. A movie I would recommend for everyone! I would rate this movie: PG.
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
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