Very interesting turn out on the polls! I guess I shouldn't be surprised at the results. It's just that, it seems like about 10-12 years ago, or so i heard of an increasingly common concesus that upon looking back at the Superman movies, many fanboys and uninitiated, were deeming
Superman II as the best. Seemed like many were hailing it as the movie that had it all, or at least, was the most entertaining of the series. Kind of similar to Goldfinger, in relation to James Bond for alot of people.
Always had great memories of the first sequel, and was beginning to think I agreed. Been on the fence over the last few years between the first two, but kinda leaning towards the second one as well. Especially after seeing the great improvements of the Richard Donner vision of Superman II (although I personally, still prefer the Eiffel Tower opening).
But to my surprise, when posed with having to choose for this poll, I realize what I should have always known. That the original Superman may be, not only the greatest Sups movie, but quite possibly the penultimate of all Superhero movies! I vote for Superman: The Movie with confidence!
Let's face it! The story, was great! The dialogue sharp! All around cast and performances were SUPERb! Far and above what most Hollywood suits probably felt a comic book movie deserved at the time. The effects still hold up quite well today, and were ahead of their time!
And as much as I like Terence Stamp as Zod, You have the great Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor. You can't just relegate Gene to being a side character. In this movie, It felt like many of the character roles were treated and performed with such care, that they were almost equals (Superman Returns for the most part, got this right as well). It was a great ensemble cast.
Anyone old enough to remember seeing this in Theaters, remembers that this was not just a movie. It was an event! And Christopher Reeve pulled it off with so much Charisma and charm, that all sequels still pale in comparison. Sure he starred in 3 sequels but story and performance wise, this was Superman at it's best. Don't know if 2nd one was more expensive to make, but of the original 4, I think this ones effects reach, didn't exceed it's grasp.