Rating:  -
Despite the directorial struggles that plagued the simultaneous shooting of Superman I and II (Richard Donner being ousted in favor of Richard Lester), the films did very well financially, prompting a third effort. However, instead of the epic feel and formula of the first two films, this one falls completely flat for numerous reasons:
-First, the direction of Lester. After watching this film, I am now convinced that Richard Donner really was the mastermind behind the success of the Superman film franchise, as Lester's "Superman III" is riddled with stupid humor and sight gags that do nothing to enhance the film viewing experience. Ironically enough, Donner was supposedly booted from the director's seat of Superman II due to too much farcical humor, but Lester is much worse in that department in this film.
-The actors also seem to be sleep-walking through their roles, or were completely miscast in the first place. The new villain is wooden and doesn't hold a candle to Gene Hackman's Lex Luthor, while Richard Pryor's "funny" antics only make the whole film seem like a farce. Even Christopher Reeve, the centerpiece of the Superman franchise, turns in a sub-par performance both as the "heroic" and "bad" Superman. Not until the last few moments of the film does he seem to snap out of his acting doldrums and become the heroic character I remembered from the first two films.
-The special effects are also a big step down from the previous efforts. At one point, the wires holding Reeve in the air can be clearly seen, while Superman's landings at times are not as smooth as they were in the earlier films. Once again, in this area "Superman III" could not recapture the greatest of the majestic special effects of the first two movies.
-Finally, the two main plots in the film fall as flat as the acting, casting, and special effects. The "bad Supes" thread could have been done much more effectively (think of the good Kirk/bad Kirk in the old Star Trek: Original Series), and the same can be said for the "supercomputer" angle (Captain Kirk talking a computer into submission is much more compelling by comparison).
Sadly, then, this film fails in nearly ever aspect of filmmaking. Instead of sticking with the lofty ideals and walking the fine line between heroic and cheesy that Donner did in the first two films, Lester tried to make a campier version of Superman and failed miserably. The only reason I would "recommend" this film to anyone is to show them how horribly wrong a film franchise can turn. Hard-core Supes fans will watch this film regardless of what I say, but to the casual fan I say that you can EASILY skip these two hours of boredom and not miss a beat in your Superman viewing experience.
Rating:  -
Everyone says this is the worst of the Chris Reeve films, and I disagree. People constantly whine, and cry that there is too much comedy in it. That may be true, but there is another major plot element that no one seems to remember, and that is Superman's disturbing degeneration into a dark, angry, malicious, and embittered soul, as the result of a near fatal encounter with synthetic kryptonite. Seeing the once selfless superhero lapse into a vicious, drunken SOB, walking around with a two day beard, and a grungy, filthy outfit could be the most frightening image I've ever seen of this legendary character, and Christopher is brilliant in his portrayal of the Superhero gone sour. Anyone who ever thought Mr. Reeve was type-cast as the "good guy" should just watch this, and they will know that had he lived longer, or avoided his accident, he surely could have played a villain of some form or other in another franchise.
Rating:  -
Out of the four Superman films Superman III is my favorite. The best part of this film centers around the Evil Superman and the battle within himself. Also, the comedic part of the film helps separate it from the first two films which were very serious and more adult. Superman III is more of a family movie.
The special effects are great as is the music. The most memorable scene is the junk yard scene where Clark battles with his evil self (perhaps the most well known scene in all the Superman movies).
This DVD edition features an audio commentary, making of documentary, deleted scenes and the theatrical trailer. Another thing I have noticed is although the sound is still 2.0 Surround it is more defined in the left and right speakers where as the 2001 release utilized only the center speaker. This will give you a better viewing experience for those who have a home theater system.
I highly recommend this film to all Superman fans and for people who are just in the mood for a good action/family film.
Rating: -
In this version of Superman we are treated to humorous plots and comic book style action that were missing from Superman and Superman Two. The third film is unfairly criticized for the very things that make the film a stand-out. The main villain of the film is Ross Webster, a businessman bent on controlling a coffee crop in South America but Colombia won't give in to his demands. He learns that one of his employee's, Gus Gorman, played by Richard Pryor, is embezzling money from the company. Gorman's character is described as frequently unemployed and once hired on at Webster's company he complains of his salary...causing him to tap into the computers and steal large sums of money from Webster. In an ironic twist, Webster doesn't fire Gorman...instead, Webster uses Gorman's computer expertise to create destruction all over the world. Assisting Webster is his sister, Vera, and his lover/secretary who isn't as dumb as she lets on.
Clark Kent, meanwhile, wants to return to Smallville and gets permission to go...there he and Lana Lang reunite. Lana was to Clark Kent in Smallville what Lois is to Superman in Metropolis if that made any sense? Lana's country girl character was always written to be more interested in "Clark Kent" while city girl reporter Lois Lane was always written to dismiss Clark but have desires for "Superman". Annette O'Toole portrays Lana Lang in the film and Margot Kidder has a few scenes as Lois Lane. The scene where the two women meet is a clash in character studies.
Amidst Webster, Vera, and Gus's manipulations of computers, Superman arrives to right their wrongs but in doing so triggers a plot devised by Webster to seek revenge on Superman. Webster recalls reading that Kryptonite is one of Superman's weaknesses. Webster then demands Gus find a way to manufacture Kryptonite. While on the computer, Gus has found a basic formula/recipe to manufacture Kryptonite but one ingredient is missing. He looks at his cigarette pack and types in the word "tar" as a missing ingredient. Later, Clark is asked by Lana to see if he could talk or ask Superman into appearing at a small gathering for the community of Smallville. Superman makes his appearance...and the small gathering is in reality a town wide festival honoring Superman's arrival in Smallville. Gus, Vera, and company interrupt the festivities dressed in military disguise...driving into the throng of people in an army truck. Gus makes his way to the stage...then a mini-stand-up routine takes place as Gus exaggerates the vocalization of military leaders. Once he is through, he gives Superman a token of the military's appreciation...this token is the man-made Kryptonite. Gus walks off the stage and the festivities conclude...Superman appears to have not been affected by the Kryptonite.
Later, the effects of this man-made Kryptonite take shape...clouding Superman's judgment and causing him to become sinister. In an awkward scene, Superman attempts to have his way with Lana Lang in spite of her warning him about a potential disaster...he would have succeeded in seducing Lana had he not snapped out, for just a split second, of the Kryptonite mind control and off he flew to see if he could be of any help...learning that he arrived just seconds too late to save the fallen vehicle. Afterward the man-made Kryptonite takes full effect. In one famous or infamous scene, Superman punctures an oil rig letting thousand upon thousand of gallons of oil flood the ocean. Also, in one of the most recognized scenes from the movie, Superman is at a bar drunk and flinging peanuts at the beer and wine bottles. Another comical scene involves Superman straightening the Leaning Tower of Pisa and yawning at an Olympic event, accidentally blowing out the torch the runner was carrying. Superman even has a one night stand with Webster's secretary. In hindsight, this man-made Kryptonite which was green in color had the effects of Red Kryptonite in that it didn't pose any lethal effects on Superman directly...it more or less caused/created unpredictable effects on him, which is in step with the character's depiction in comic books and cartoons.
The effects of the red Kryptonite wear off in the city's junkyard. There, Superman splits in half. The evil Superman and the good Clark Kent. The two engage in a battle...i can't call it a bloody battle because either of them aren't human to begin with. Superman appears to have the most strength but Clark continues to take everything he can...when it appears the battle is over with and Clark's seen his end in a car crushing machine, evil Superman destroys Clark's glasses...then, Clark frees himself and defeats evil Superman by strangling him. Once the evil Superman vanishes from sight as Clark continues to strangle him, it signals to the viewers that the effects of the red Kryptonite have worn off and that Clark Kent has regained control over Superman and that Superman is good again, not evil.
Webster, in the meantime, built a mega computer for Gus based on designs that Gus created himself...this is what Gus wanted in exchange for creating man-made Kryptonite. Webster, Vera, and his assistant start playing with the computer...Gus arrives to see everyone having their kicks and not long afterward Superman makes his appearance. The secretary confronts Superman and asks "do you remember me?" and Superman, being on the side of justice again, relates to her "i've not seen you before, Miss..." and she says "but the other night", i think, and Superman asserts "that was not me". A battle at the computer soon ensues with the computer having developed a mind of it's own. The computer fires out a ray of green kryptonite energy at Superman, weakening him. Gus destroys the ray beam device and Superman flies off...returning with acid. The computer doesn't recognize it as harmful but it ultimately spells the end of the computer...it's chemicals interact with the computer and a massive melt down occurs. Vera is turned into a cyborg...and ultimately dies while Webster and his secretary receive their just rewards.
Later, Gus is depicted as an antihero. A bad guy with a heart of gold and Superman flies him to a work site, a coal mine. The employer offers Gus a job and after Superman leaves, Gus refuses...preferring to "walk home" in spite of how long a walk it'll be. As Clark Kent, Superman gives Lana a diamond ring to replace the one she no longer had saying it's from Superman. The diamond coming from the coal mine...Superman crushing the coal into the form of a diamond. He excuses himself and repairs the oil tanker he destroyed and straightens the Tower of Pisa to where it's leaning again. These acts help restore his reputation and Superman is seen as a good guy in the eyes of the world again after lots of destruction he caused mid-way through the movie.
All in all, the movie was entertaining and enthralling and it showcased the effects of red Kryptonite on Superman, even though in the film it was called "synthetic kryptonite" and carried a green color. The effects of it were in step with red Kryptonite. Richard Pryor, for all the complaints he's gotten and the producers/writers of the movie and all the complaints they've gotten, I couldn't find anything in the movie that lived up to all of the negative comments. Pryor at his core is a comedian...I wouldn't expect anything serious and heavy hitting from him on film and so I wasn't disappointed. It's a fun movie all-around.
Rating:  -
**Warning - May Contain a Few Spoilers**
While there are a few moments that help out this movie, on the whole, it's not enough. It's intriguing to see Superman turn evil through his exposure to tainted Kryptonite (reminiscent of Red Kryptonite). And the battle in the junkyard between good and bad Superman (reminiscent of Superman vs. Bizarro) is, again, intriguing. But neither really reaches its full potential to thrill and enthrall the audience.
In the end, what really hurts this movie is a lack of "super" scope. This can largely be brought down to the fact that they didn't bring Lex Luthor into this story. Ross Webster just isn't charismatic enough to keep the audience watching. What we have here is a greedy business man who is trying to control the worlds oil. Bad, yes. Superman worthy? We never get a full sense that it is.
Now, if Lex Luthor had been doing the same thing, there would automatically be a sense that the world is in danger and Superman needs to jump in and save it. Doubtless, this would only be the first step in a master plan for something truly evil to come. True, Lex's plan in the first movie revolved around real estate, but the methods were brutal, with the entire western coastline and its inhabitants in jeopardy. Webster's plan, however, boils down to "We'll tell everyone's computers to stop oil production. They'll never be able to stop that. Bwa Ha Ha Ha Haaaa!"
Then there is the heightened attempt at humor in this film. Director Richard Lester decided to make this one a funnier outing, since it is based on a comic book. A little humor now and then is okay and even refreshing when dealing with a truly epic story like Superman deserves. However it is a bit too much here at times. For instance, the beginning of the movie is an entire vaudeville routine causing chaos throughout the city of Metropolis with sight gags and running gags and any other kind of gag you can think of. It just feels out of place.
In the end, this one is definitely better than the fourth movie, but it pales in comparison to the first two.
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