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I thought the way Jonathan Kent died was one of the stupidest plot points I've seen in a long time. I don't care if Jonathan thought the world wasn't ready for Kal, rescuing his adopted father surely should have been worth the risk and only gave this version of Supes more "angst". His chastising Clark for rescuing the school bus was also overtly harsh.

As a devoted Reeve fan I was surprised how much I enjoyed the film in the end. I don't think it's the best nor definitive Superman movie though. And several things bothered me but still had a great time watching it.

But yes this death of Johnathan Kent scene did not convince me at all. I guess it's wrong to compare this with Donner's 1978 original but that death scene of Johnathan (played by Glenn Ford) is still just so brilliant and a good example at proving in this case the Reeve films can and do still outclass this newer film in numerous ways. I love the fact it's something as simple as a heart attack that takes him from Clark's life (and something that Clark with all his powers and lack of experience cannot prevent). Having recently lost my own father (himself a massive Superman fan) it's amazing how much you relate to a believable, beautifully shot scene like this when you do finally experience a loss in that way.

I found it quite strange therefore in the way they disposed of him this time. Largely because Nolan, Snyder and Goyer have gone on and on and on about this being a far more grounded, realistic film than any previous Superman films. Yet when Johnathan is taken by the tornado he is gracefully consumed by the swirling cyclone in almost a ghost-like disappearing act. Elegantly shot material for film but realism? Er well. I mean who would stand there in real life and allow themselves to be taken in a situation like that? Wouldn't you not be screaming in terror as you realize your life is about to end? Isn't that not realism Mr Goyer? I just thought it was a moment that betrayed all their over-spoken intentions.

Hey all!

After waiting almost 11 years to show it to him, my oldest son Blaze finally got to watch the 1989 Batman film yesterday! I have been building up the excitement for this viewing literally since he was born in the hopes of making an event out of this 24-year-old film... The video in the linked post at my blog shows his reaction to the surprise viewing, my reasons for waiting him to be this age, and his initial thoughts after viewing it. Enjoy!

http://www.1989batman.com/2013/06/special-feature-showing-my-son-film-for.html


-James

I can't tell you how much this brought a smile to my face. I was 1 years old in 1989 and my deepest regret was obviously being far too young and unaware to appreciate the utter madness that was "the summer of Batman". That fact your from the U.S also indicates you must have been right in the malestrom of that movie's world domination madness which must have been quite an experience and a joy to behold as a fan lol

These days we poor Burton fans are constantly told by rather overzealous Nolan disciples that no young viewers can appreciate or care about Batman movies of the past for various ridiculous reasons. Almost as if there is a deranged campaign to wipe them from existence. Utter nonsense of course and your wonderful video sort of helps to prove it. Doesn't matter who's playing Batman, who directed the movies, when they came out, comic book fantasy vs gritty realism yada yada yada. They'll always be an audience for them simply cos....it's Batman!

I think it's important to keep the flame of the old films alive (even the Bale films when they reach their 20th anniversaries) and continue to introduce them to newer generations along with brand new incarnations of movies. The original film and it's sequels mean a lot to me from my childhood. To see your son seemingly absolutely love it (and passing on it's greatness to his friends no less!) was nothing short of a triumph for we grumpy old Keaton fans lol Can I ask had he seen the Christian Bale Batman movies first but not any of the 1990's series? Great stuff dude!