Superman III
(1983)
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Superman matches wits with an evil mastermind and a computer genius who discovers the one substance that can harm the Man of Steel. Combining the known ingredients of Kryptonite with a guess at the unknown, the genius invents a new Kryptonite that doesn't kill Superman it turns him evil. Meanwhile, a giant computer has been built for the mastermind that becomes self-aware and cannot be shut off. This entertaining combination of spectacular special effects and irrepressible comedy, once again directed by Richard Lester, features terrific madcap turns by Richard Pryor, Robert Vaughn, and Annette O'Toole and yet another majestic score by John Williams. |
Director Richard Lester injected a much needed irreverence into Superman II, but he lost his way badly with this third instalment of “the man from Krypton” saga. There are a few neat touches, such as when Christopher Reeve turns nasty, but this proved to be the beginning of the end for the series. The attempt to up the laughter quotient by introducing Richard Pryor doesn't work, and neither he nor Robert Vaughn prove to be an adequate replacement for Gene Hackman's Lex Luthor. Margot Kidder wanted little to do with this sequel and must have been thankful only to get a look-in as Lois Lane, and Pamela Stephenson would probably rather forget her role as Vaughn's dumb girlfriend. Still, for die-hard fans of the superhero, this is adequate entertainment.