Superman III
1983 · Directed by Richard Lester
Original language: English
- comedy
- science fiction
- action
- adventure
The story
Aiming to defeat the Man of Steel, wealthy executive Ross Webster hires bumbling but brilliant Gus Gorman to develop synthetic kryptonite, which yields some unexpected psychological effects. Between rekindling romance with his high school sweetheart and saving himself, Superman must contend with a powerful supercomputer.
What it’s like
Bright, slapstick studio daylight and broad, cartoonish colour give this one the look of a 1980s comic strip brought to life: clean primary reds and blues on the suit, sunny Midwestern streets, and a steel-and-glass corporate world that feels faintly sterile. Richard Lester's direction is quick and playful, with fast cuts, sight gags, pratfalls and wide master shots that let the physical comedy breathe, while the sweeping John Williams-style brass and bouncy synth-pop cues keep the energy light. The vibe is goofy, sunny and nostalgic, the sort of comfort watch that suits a lazy Saturday afternoon, a rainy evening with the lights low, or something easy on in the background. Its rhythm is brisk and episodic, with the middle section drifting into sketch-like set pieces, and its emotional register stays warm and gently sentimental, especially in a quiet thread about a hero reconnecting with an old flame while grappling with a sudden loss of confidence. The violence is cartoonish and bloodless, mostly punches, explosions and slapstick mishaps, with some mild peril and a few sharper moments of intimidation; nothing graphic or frightening. It is for viewers who want a playful, undemanding superhero film with good-natured humour and no real darkness.
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