After buying the rights to distribute the Superman films, Alexander Salkind and his son, Ilya, also purchased the rights to the character of Supergirl. A year after Superman III, Supergirl was released. The film was a financial bomb bringing in only $35 million dollars. Critical reaction was even worse with poor reviews. The usual loyal comic book fans agreed with the critics and declared Supergirl a horrible movie. However, there were a few good parts:
The Outfit
God Bless the costume designer! The Supergirl suit utilized the trademark red and blue leotard with skirt, boot tops, belt and cape. Intially Brooke Shields and Melanie Griffith were considered to play the “lady of steel.” Both actresses would have been a great choice. The producers chose the unknown Helen Slater for the part. She filled out the suit well.
Faye Dunaway as Selena
Every super-hero needs a super villain, or in the case of Supergirl, a super villainess! Faye Dunaway played the witch Selena, a would-be witch who wants to take over the world. Selena gets a hold of the Kryptonian Omegahedron, giving her the power to perform real magical spells. Faye takes the character over the top, but it works.
The Abandoned Amusement Park Hideout
Selena’s hide-out is located in the old abandoned amusement park. Sounds like a perfect location for a comic book film! She even uses the bumper car ride as a weapon against Supergirl!
Better Flying Effects
After three Superman films, the Salkind’s began to perfect the blue-screen flying effects. The use of lighting helped make it look like Supergirl was actually flying. However, something horrible happened a few years later. Superman IV was an effect nightmare.
Superman!
Christopher Reeve was supposed to make an appearance in the film. He later backed out (smart move). That didn’t stop the Salkind’s from using his likeness. In Lucy Lane’s (Lois’s sister) dorm room a poster of Superman catches Linda’s eyes. Lucy claims she “knows” him. What is with the Lane women and their obsession with the Man of Steel?
It’s Jimmy!
The only character from the Superman films to make an appearance was Jimmy Olsen. He doesn’t show until the last third of the movie, but he is a welcome addition. When he does appear, it seems out of nowhere. “Hi, I’m Jimmy!”
The Phantom Zone
The Phantom Zone was brought back from the first two Superman films. Somehow Selena is able to send Supergirl into it. The film later explores what the Phantom Zone is like.
Jimmy Gets Some
Marc McClure who portrayed Jimmy Olsen still was dressed as a young inexperienced photographer even though he continued to age. He never got past being the “kid.” That status kept him from getting it on with the ladies. Finally, in Supergirl the character of Jimmy Olsen gets some with Lois Lane’s younger sister Lucy.
The Good Parts is a recurring list finding the good parts in bad movies. Have a suggestion of a bad film you want us to watch? Email Lando Da Pimp. Don’t agree with our findings? Then leave a comment. We will try not to laugh at your dumb opinion!
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