In celebration of Superman's 75th Anniversary I want to talk about some of my favorite iterations of Superman in movies and TV.
This is where it all started for me. Growing up in the 1980's, the Christopher Reeve was the definitive Superman. His Superman was, powerful, majestic, and a man who fought for truth and justice. His Clark Kent was awkward, gawky, and clumsy. He played the straight man and comedic foil in one character as one movie critic(I think it was the late Joel Siegel) once said. As a kid who wore glasses and was awkward, I could relate to Clark and dreamed of being Superman.
From 1951-1957 George Reeves played Superman in the TV show, "The Adventures of Superman." Unlike Christopher Reeve, he played both Clark Kent and Superman as self-assured, confident, charming men. Superman could also hit bad guys and he even used a nerve hold on gangsters before the famous, "Vulcan death grip." Like the old west heroes of that era, Reeves Superman was tough and he stood up for what was right and good in America.
From 1993-1997, "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman" featured Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher as the title characters. The show was a romantic comedy and like George Reeves, Dean Cain played Superman as a confident, smart, coordinated, funny, guy who uses Superman as his disguise so he can have a life as Clark Kent. Teri Hatcher was beautiful and smart and a great Lois Lane.
Smallville ran from 2001 to 2011 and focused on the journey of a teenage Clark Kent to his ultimate destiny of becomimg Superman. At a time when Superman was deemed "unrelatable" viewers liked it because it combined the teen angst of growing up with the added responsiblity of superpowers.
Superman has been around for 75 years and there is an interpretation for every generation. In the summer of 2013 we shall see what cultural impact "Man of Steel" has. If it's anything like these shows and movies, it will be great.
THE PROFESSOR
Last week marked 75 years since Superman debuted in Action Comics #1. I just wanted to talk a little about what Superman means to me.
I can't remember exactly how old I was when I first saw Superman: The Movie but like most kids I loved the wish fulfillment that Superman granted viewers. As a kid you wish you were strong and brave and could handle anything.
Well Superman really can and he wanted to help and save people. He also had a part of him that was awkward and clumsy that had to wear glasses. As a kid that also wore glasses, Superman became my favorite superhero.
I also have to admit, I loved the costume and it's the reason that my favorite color is red.
Through all the years and the many different actors that have portrayed Superman, the one constant that I love is that Superman is someone who is constantly trying to fit in eventhough he never really can. He builds his own family and his own life on his own terms.
Superman is my favorite Superhero and he always will be. Thanks Superman for all of the great memories.
THE PROFESSOR
According to EW. COM (read the article here) the kickstarter campaign for the Veronica Mars movie has raised 5.7 million dollars.
Over 91 thousand passionate fans contributed to make this project happen and I can't wait to see what creator Rob Thomas creates with this support.
THE PROFESSOR
Last Night on RAW, Dolph Ziggler (Nick Nemeth) became World Heavyweight Champion according to CAGESIDE SEATS . Ziggler cashed in his Money In the Bank briefcase and beat Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio had just finished a match with Zeb Colter and Jack Swagger and had an "injured" ankle.
Ziggler has been with WWE since 2004 and has been a U.S., Intercontinental, and World Champion before but this is a big win with it coming in the aftermath of WRESTLEMANIA 29.
Ziggler is respected by the fans for his work ethic (even as a heel) as was evident of the reaction he received last night.
Congratulations to Ziggler.
The Professor
According to Screen Rant (read the article here) Bruce Timm has stepped down as Supervising Producer of the DC Original Movies in order to work on a new Justice League cartoon set in the same Universe as "Superman: The Animated Series," "Batman: The Animated Series," "Batman Beyond," and "Justice League Unlimited."
The recent cancellations of "Young Justice" and "Green Lantern" WB needs a new show to demonstrate the power of their characters and Timm is the best at showcasing those characters. I would dare say he's even better than Christopher Nolan.
Timm was breaking down barriers with"Batman: The Animated Series," "Superman: The Animated Series," and "Justice League Unlimited" before Nolan came on the scene.
As a fan, if this rumor is true then this could be great. Bruce Timm is a master at storytelling and animation. I can't wait to see what happens.
THE PROFESSOR
Angela Bassett plays the chief of the Secret Service in "Olympus Has Fallen" and just days after the film was released, President Obama has named Julia Pierson as the first female chief of the Secret Service.
Angela Bassett said of the history making announcement and the life imitates art situation,
“I think it’s just
amazing. We made this movie over a year ago. We just thought we were getting
some things right.”
In another life imaitates art situation PROFOOTBALL TALK(read the article here) reports that there is a football player who is considering coming out as a gay player. On the TV show, "Neccessary Roughness" a football player comes out in their season finale.
It's amazing when real-life situations and media portrayals coincide. It makes me proud that I am a person that loves and wants to work in television and media.
THE PROFESSOR
