Whether you call him Kal-El, Clark Joseph Kent or the Man of Steel, fans and non-fans alike know him as Superman. Recently, this iconoclastic character was reintroduced to a new generation with the film Man of Steel and so for some began a look back to another era where a bold new dawn of superhero action films was born with Superman The Movie. An inevitable debate ensued over whether a modern, technologically advanced, and possibly more faithful adaptation could eclipse the original, with all its nostalgia, including an inimitable portrayal of Superman by the late Christopher Reeve. My goal is to find out if I still believe a man can actually fly or if he is simply wearing a costume. In 1978, Superman: The Motion Picture was successful at the worldwide box office. It was the first truly serious film interpretation of the character that went beyond the clichés of previous serial television and film incarnations. It featured groundbreaking new and exciting special effects paired with an all-star cast that brought each character to life while delivering performances that to this day leave me with a sense of whimsy and wonder. The story centers on an orphaned alien, the last of his kind, who arrives on Earth and, after being taken in and adopted by a loving farmer and his wife, grows up to become this world's first and greatest superhero . The story of this film brought an epic sense of adventure to the screen. Christopher Reeve personified Superman by bringing the purity of heart and embodiment of hope, synonymous with the character's personality and, as mentioned in the film's tagline, made me believe that a man could fly. Mr. Reeve imbued the character with a palpable sense of wonder and genuine heroism never before seen. M...... middle of paper ...... debate, compare, or contrast these two extraordinary examples of post- and modern American film movements. I make the first statement as a spectator, but as a lifelong fan of DC comics, I would never have had the pleasure of seeing an unforgettable portrait of this iconic superhero who made me believe that a man can fly or be able to experience the experience character living in a new interpretation for the enjoyment of future generations. Works Cited Christopher Reeve Quotes | Pictures of Superman with hood. Christopher Reeve Superman Photos, Images, Movies, Videos and more!" CapedWonder Superman Imagery Christopher Reeve Superman Photos Images Films Videos and more. Ed. Jim Bowers. Jim Bowers, March 28, 2002. Web. May 25, 2014. Raup, Jordan . "Ensemble Unites in New Images from Zack Snyder's 'Man of Steel'." Thefilmstage.com, March 16, 2013. Web May 25 2014.