Who wants to see someone fire missiles at Superman? Who wants to see Clark Kent struggle with his identity? Who wants to chuckle during practically two hours worth of campy jokes? For the third time in a row, I said yes to these when watching SUPERMAN III.
The plot is very simple and, if you’ve seen the first two film, all too familiar. Ross Webster, a billionaire CEO, has plans to try and control the world financially. With the help of Gus, a man who suddenly finds out he has a talent for computer science, Webster and his team are able to build a super-computer that is capable of almost anything. After Gus gives Superman a piece of do-it- yourself, homemade kryptonite, Superman begins to act aggressively, committing crimes and disregarding his normal acts of heroism. In the end, Superman must battle his own dark side so he can stop Webster from using his new super-computer to take over the world’s oil supply.
With the absence of Lex Luthor and Lois Lane, two pivotal characters in the world of Superman, SUPERMAN III tries to tell its story almost entirely surrounding the inner thoughts, questions and concerns of our hero. At times, this rollercoaster of Superman’s emotions sacrifices moments that could actually help establish this film as a valuable contribution to the history of super hero films.
Sadly, this film relies too heavily on gags and aesthetics to be put on the same level as its two film predecessors. Where SUPERMAN and SUPERMAN II were just the right level of camp, this film feels like it was backhanded by the 80s. When watching Superman, the most beloved super hero, going through a mental breakdown, audiences want to see actual displays of emotional turmoil. Instead, we get our hero flying to Italy and straightening the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Why, you may ask?
All for a slight chuckle.
So many decisions in this film seem to be made just to get a humorous reaction out of the audience. Though comic book films should have some heart and humor to them, SUPERMAN III continually sacrifices plot for laughs. This can most obviously be seen in the confusing decision to add Richard Pryor, famed stand-up comedian, to the cast. His character, which is written just to crack meaningless jokes while moving the plot along, fulfills no actual purpose.
Still, Pryor is simultaneously my favorite and least favorite aspect of this film. Each time one of Pryor’s jokes ruins a moment or takes away from the serious tone of this film, I sit back and realize that in no other movie could I see a man thrown off of a building and, instead of plummeting to his death, just ride a pair of skis down, landing unharmed in the street.
Although it can’t necessarily be viewed as a “great” film, it definitely feels like a “good” film. There’s conflict, love and even a day that desperately requires saving, which put together, are all the ingredients needed to give Superman a decent film. If it just took itself a little bit more seriously and toned down its over-the- top, campy nature, it would be something that is well worth an over two hour commitment. Though the script contains a long list of jokes that just don’t land, the director and actors do what they can to create an enjoyable movie, one that I still enjoy watching.
With an unsurprisingly brilliant performance by Christopher Reeve, a man who was born to play Superman, and a comedic performance by Pryor, who helps certain jokes land that never would have if someone else played the part, this film shows why it deserves respect. Though it is a definite few steps down from the previous two films, SUPERMAN III is still a fun watch.
It does, however, foreshadow the impending doom that is SUPERMAN IV: THE QUEST FOR PEACE… Cut the dramatic, to be continued music!
Written by William Staton, Retro Reviewer -- Click to read William's posts
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