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6th January 2010
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My Science Fiction Life

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Superman

1978

Film: Superman

Creator: Mario Puzo, David Newman, Leslie Newman, Robert Benton, Richard Donner

Recollections...

Superarrow icon

i came across the superman movie in 1980 when it was shown on tv. i was living at home and i was 8 years old.
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Very bad ending.arrow icon

I was thirteen and it was Superman. No way was I going to miss this.
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Superman Encourages Truancyarrow icon

It was december 1978, i was 15 years old, and at Firrhill High School.
more from the-man-of-steel

In Depth

Superman

This big-budget, epic scale version of the Man of Steel legend is irresistable, fabulous entertainment.

The elegiac opening - from the destruction of Krypton to Clark Kent's arrival at the Daily Planet in Metropolis - turns more traditional comic book when Clark falls for Lois Lane, before a bright and breezy confrontation with comedic criminal Lex Luthor.

The deliberate clash of styles generates much excitement and yes, you'll believe a man can fly. Christopher Reeve is perfectly cast, and as a specatacle it's a highly satisfying confection.

The film was followed by several sequels, ranging from excellent (Superman II) to best forgotten (Superman IV: The Quest for Peace).

In 2006 the franchise was rebooted on the big screen with Superman Returns, for which Brandon Routh pulled on his undies over his tights.

Work nominated by the-man-of-steel.

Text © Radio Times/BBC Worldwide

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Thoughtful musings with a personal touch.

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Exposes the shallowness of the lazy critical orthodoxy

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