Superman III
Plot
Superman III is a 1983 American superhero film directed by Richard Lester and starring Christopher Reeve as Superman. The story begins with Superman's (Reeve) efforts to foil an attempted robbery at a jewelry store, but he soon finds himself facing off against three villains: Ross Webster (Robert Vaughn), a wealthy and cunning businessman who seeks to take advantage of Superman's powers; Otis (Mark Pillow), a brutish and dim-witted henchman; and Gus Gorman (Gene Hackman), a bumbling but brilliant inventor. Webster hires Gorman, the former winner of a high school science fair, to develop synthetic kryptonite, which would allow him to defeat Superman. However, Gorman's invention has an unexpected psychological effect on Superman, causing him to become increasingly erratic and impulsive. As Superman's behavior becomes more unpredictable, his relationships with Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) and Jimmy Olsen (Marc Curtis) begin to suffer. Meanwhile, Webster uses a computer program called "Kryptonite-2000" to manipulate the stock market and amass wealth. However, Gorman, who has grown tired of Webster's abuse, decides to use the synthetic kryptonite against his former employer. The two engage in a series of battles as Superman struggles to regain control of himself. As the story unfolds, Superman must confront his own inner demons and learn to balance his superhuman abilities with his human emotions. In the end, he is able to overcome the effects of the synthetic kryptonite and defeat Webster and his henchmen. The film concludes with Superman's classic pose on a hill overlooking Metropolis, symbolizing his redemption and commitment to using his powers for good. Superman III marks a departure from the previous films in the series, which focused primarily on Superman's battles against supervillains. This installment explores themes of identity, morality, and the responsibilities that come with great power. Despite receiving mixed reviews at the time of its release, the film has developed a cult following over the years and remains a beloved entry in the Superman franchise.
Reviews
Josiah
The opening chaos and exaggeration have a touch of French humor. Superman carries a lake-sized chunk of ice to create a rainstorm. Superman's mom has passed away. Lois is sidelined, and Lana appears. It's weird how the effects of green Kryptonite seem mixed up with the effects of red Kryptonite. Superman straightens the Leaning Tower of Pisa, then tips the straight Tower of Pisa – a symbol of power indeed. We've got a mythological computer satellite. And shouldn't that woman who sleeps with Superman be riddled with holes like she's been hit by a machine gun?
Noah
Handing the reins completely to Richard Lester steered the film onto a different path entirely. The replacement of the female lead and the lack of a decent villain were simply too much. The evil Superman arc clearly gave *Spider-Man 3* a great deal of inspiration. Is it just a given that superheroes have to go bad in their third outing?
Sawyer
No eternal nemesis Lex Luthor? The comedic elements in this installment are pushed a bit too far. The sole reason for the three-star rating is the portrayal of Superman's personality change under the influence of the kryptonite. The villain's character development falls flat.
Oakley
It's turned into a comedy... They swapped out the female lead for a beautiful one, but the villain (if there even *is* a villain) has absolutely no charisma. The established lore is off, and there are tons of logical issues with the timeline of events. A satellite probe can directly detect the universe where Krypton is and analyze the composite elements of Kryptonite (Kryptonite plus nicotine, seriously?). Oh, and there's a huge black and white photo of Superman hanging in town with "Clark Kent" written underneath, and no one notices...
Matthew
Superman's third outing is a tonal misfire, veering wildly from slapstick comedy to sci-fi action. While Christopher Reeve still shines as the iconic superhero, the film's attempts to balance humor and drama fall flat. The usually reliable supporting cast is also wasted in underwritten roles, making this entry feel like a lesser cousin to its predecessors. Despite some impressive visuals, Superman III's messy storytelling and inconsistent tone make it a disappointing addition to the franchise.
Nina
Superman III delivers a unique blend of action and absurdity, with a quirky plot that balances heroism with humor. While the synthetic kryptonite experiment may not hit the mark, it offers a mind-bending twist that keeps viewers engaged. The film’s heart lies in its exploration of human nature through iconic characters, making it a memorable ride.
Ryan
What happens when Kryptonite goes rogue? *Superman III* proves that even heroes can have a dark side.
