Superman (1978)
Synopsis:
Superman follows the journey of Kal-El, a young boy from the planet Krypton, who is sent to Earth by his parents just before their planet's destruction. He is found and raised by the Kent family in Smallville, Kansas, and grows up as Clark Kent. As he matures, Clark discovers his superhuman abilities and decides to use them for good. Moving to Metropolis, he takes on the identity of Superman, a hero dedicated to protecting humanity. Clark also works as a reporter at the Daily Planet, where he meets Lois Lane. Meanwhile, the villainous Lex Luthor hatches a plan that threatens the world, and it's up to Superman to stop him. The film showcases Superman's efforts to balance his dual identity while facing challenges that test his strength and resolve.
Where To Watch: Superman
Parental Feedback
Superman, released in 1978, is a classic superhero film that combines action, adventure, and fantasy elements. As a movie rated PG, it is generally considered suitable for kids, offering a mix of thrilling sequences and moral lessons. Most parents appreciate its nostalgic charm and the positive messages it conveys, though some note that certain scenes might be intense for younger viewers.
Why Kids Should Watch Superman
Superman is celebrated for its inspiring themes and engaging storytelling.
- Promotes the value of truth and justice
- Features Superman's selfless acts of heroism
- Offers visually captivating scenes of flight and action
- Includes a strong moral compass through the character of Clark Kent
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Superman
Some parents express concerns about the film's intense moments and themes.
- Contains scenes of peril that might be frightening
- Depicts violence that, while not graphic, could be unsettling
- Complex plot elements may confuse younger children
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers positive role models, exciting adventures, and timeless moral lessons.
What Parents Should Know About Superman
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Superman consistently demonstrates honesty, bravery, and a commitment to helping others. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The destruction of Krypton and Superman's battles may require parental guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Villainous actions by Lex Luthor are met with appropriate consequences. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Superman works with others to protect the world, showcasing teamwork and cooperation. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The film emphasizes the importance of using one's abilities for the greater good. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Superman is widely praised for its positive portrayal of heroism and moral integrity, making it a beloved choice for family viewing. While some scenes may be intense, they are generally balanced by the film's uplifting messages. Parents can enhance the experience by discussing the film's themes and characters with their children. For those seeking similar content, consider other classic superhero films that emphasize strong values and character development.
Official Superman Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Superman
Superman's most common core values include Courage, Responsibility, and Helping others. Kids can see how Superman, also known as Clark Kent, shows courage when he decides to use his powers to help people instead of hiding them. This responsibility is a big choice for him, knowing he has a big job to do in keeping everyone safe. When Superman steps up to help others, like stopping disasters or fighting villains like Lex Luthor, children see the importance of looking out for one another.
In one scene, Superman demonstrates courage by flying into dangerous situations that most would be scared to face. With a strong sense of responsibility, he prioritizes keeping his community safe, even when it's tough. For example, when he discovers Lex Luthor's plan that could harm many people, he doesn't hesitate to take action, showing that helping others is more important than his own comfort. His perseverance in protecting the world is an inspiring display of what it means to be a hero.
Other Core Values Explored: Bravery | Doing the right thing | Leadership | Self-discovery | Standing up for what's right | Family love | Perseverance | Honesty | Loyalty | Respect
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Superman
Believing in Yourself: Superman's journey showcases the importance of having faith in one's abilities. Clark Kent initially struggles with his identity but learns to trust his powers and use them for the greater good.
Choosing Right Over Easy: Throughout the movie, Superman is faced with various challenges where he has to make hard decisions. He consistently chooses the path that serves humanity, even if it's more difficult, showcasing that doing the right thing often isn't the easiest choice.
Doing What’s Right: Superman's commitment to justice and protecting people underscores the importance of always doing what’s right, no matter the odds. His actions exemplify moral integrity, inspiring viewers to uphold strong ethical standards.
Embracing Differences: Superman's alien origins highlight the value of embracing one's uniqueness. By utilizing his Kryptonian abilities to aid humanity, he demonstrates that differences can be powerful and beneficial.
Importance of Family: Raised by the Kent family, Superman's actions and values are heavily influenced by their love and support. This emphasizes the role of family in shaping who we become and in providing guidance and strength through life's challenges.
Other Lessons Learned: Finding Courage | Holding Onto Hope | Keeping an Open Mind | Never Giving Up | Supporting Your Friends | Using Talents Responsibly
Why Kids Love Superman
With Superman's thrilling universe, kids dive into a world buzzing with superpowers, secret missions, and high-tech gadgets. As Superman zooms across the sky, darting between skyscrapers with ease, kids are entranced by his ability to fly toward danger with confidence. The spectacular battles he faces against larger-than-life villains like Lex Luthor are like a pulse-racing video game come to life. Superman’s soaring adventures through futuristic cities are packed with surprises, where anything can happen. The excitement heightens when he tackles challenges in high-speed, high-stakes scenarios—fueled by cool gadgets and high-tech gear. It's this combination of adrenaline and wonder that makes these scenes captivating, sparking imaginations with each daring feat.
Beyond Superman's incredible powers, kids enjoy watching him navigate quirky challenges in his everyday life as Clark Kent. In these moments, his interactions at the bustling Daily Planet are filled with humor and clever disguises—it's fascinating to see how he balances his dual life without missing a beat. As Superman speeds into action to save the day, his battles are not just about physical strength but also clever strategies and teamwork, inspiring kids as they cheer him on. The crazy messes and unpredictable turns keep everyone on the edge of their seats, particularly when high-tech vehicles race through scenes or when cool inventions are used to outsmart villains. It's this whirlwind of action, mystery, and excitement that turns Superman's world into an epic adventure kids love to explore.