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Top 6 Things Superman: The Movie Needs

3. The Villain

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Every hero needs a villain. And Superman is no exception. But which one should he go up against. Obviously it would have to be one of dignity, menace and sophistication. But who out of his rogues gallery would fit that description?

Perhaps Darkseid, the god like war monger? Metallo, the metal man with a heart of kryptonite? Or Parasite, the energy sucking vampire? No. I think there is only one villain who he must face. The conniving, the intellectual, the dignified… Mister Mxyzptlk! I think we can all agree on that, right?

 

2. The Script

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I was most disappointed to learn that the original script, penned by Mario Puzo, writer of both the novel and film version of The Godfather, was being rewritten by Thomas Mankiewicz, whose only notable credits include Diamonds Are Forever, Live and Let Die, and The Man with the Golden Gun.

What could be so wrong with the script that it needed to be changed so much? The original Puzo draft was only five hundred and fifty pages long. Did it really need to be paired down to one hundred and ten? I think not. If the film has any hope for success, then Donner ought to go back to Puzo’s version.

 

 

1. Christopher Reeve?

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Are we sure about this one? He’s not exactly well known. Prospective actors for the main role of Superman have included Neil Diamond, Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Caan, Robert Redford, James Brolin, Burt Reynolds, Christopher Walken, Sylvestor Stallone, Nick Nolte, Jon Voight, Paul Newman, Patrick Wayne, Kris Kristofferson and Charles Bronson.

And what has this Christopher Reeve done with his career? The recent disaster movie Gray Lady Down. Frankly, I don’t think anything will come of him. I just can’t imagine him as an iconic symbol of superheroes like Superman. Frankly, if he does give a good performance, I’ll eat my hat!

 

But what do YOU think of this list? Is it a super selection of surprises? Or is it a gormless garbage can of gobbledegook? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter! Wait… what’s Twitter? Well, while I’m figuring that out, I’m going to take a look at another film that I’m sure will be a complete flop. What’s it called? “National Lampoon’s Animal House”? Bah. Can’t see THAT being a hit!

About the author

Scott Meridew