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Superman
Movie (1978)
Mild-mannered Clark Kent works as a reporter at the Daily Planet alongside his crush, Lois Lane. Clark must summon his superhero alter-ego when the nefarious Lex Luthor launches a plan to take over the world.
Movie (1978)
Mild-mannered Clark Kent works as a reporter at the Daily Planet alongside his crush, Lois Lane. Clark must summon his superhero alter-ego when the nefarious Lex Luthor launches a plan to take over the world.
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Content at a glance
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Sex & Nudity
A few kisses, some non-consensual, and a scene where a man is implied to molest an unconscious woman, played for humor. A character is objectified and wears a clingy wet dress; there is sexual innuendo.
Violence & Gore
Lots of action and peril, with no blood shown. A planet explodes as people scream and fall from great heights, and a detective is thrown in front of a train. Characters shoot guns, shattering glass, but no one is shot.
Profanity
Infrequent uses of 'bulls--t,' 'damn,' 'ass,' and 'hell,' plus insults such as 'moron' and 'freak.'
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
A main character smokes a cigarette and drinks wine, another drinks from a flask, and employees smoke indoors in a newsroom.
Frightening Scenes
Intense peril includes an earthquake, a lightning-struck airplane, and a planet exploding, with sad scenes of a parent's off-screen death and a child sent away. Reviewers note the movie drags in parts.
Other things to know
Characters wear a Timex watch and use a Nikon camera, U.S. Army soldiers and Cheerios and Amtrak appear, and there is off-screen tie-in merchandise.
Positives & learning
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Positive messages
Good against evil and integrity are key themes, with the idea that humans are flawed but worth saving. The film also has problematic messages about women's roles.
Role models
Superman is portrayed as humble and truthful, fighting for truth and justice. Lois is portrayed as clever and confident but is ultimately powerless and repeatedly rescued.
Representation
Mixed portrayal: all characters of significance are White, Black people appear only in the background, and a Native American man's only line is a joke about Custer. Women are objectified and a woman is assaulted for humor; Lois is portrayed as spunky but still needs rescue.
Learning
Families can discuss whether Superman fights for the 'American way' and whether Lois Lane is a positive example of a strong woman. The review notes the film shows the Hoover Dam and a 1970s press room, which is a discussion opportunity rather than proof of educational purpose.
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