Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) Review:

When franchise movies get long on the tooth, it become disheartening to see how far it can go with such bad qualities. Among all the films related to the man of steel up until this film, this entry was considered by far the worst in the filmography. The fact that some actually considered Supergirl (1984) to be better than this film spoke to many that something was not right with the direction of the films. However, when revisiting the film, it turns out what people may not like may not make this sequel as terrible as some other films go. Sure, it still doesn't match up to the original or the second film, but it is definitely not unwatchable. Surprisingly, as much as the cast was not getting along, it's very hard to tell that people were not enjoying themselves in the making of this feature.

"Here yee,....here yee,...for I am more powerful than thee"

The plot revolving around this feature takes place when the arms race continues to escalate between super powered countries. Feeling a need to do something after a young boy sends him a letter, Superman AKA Clark Kent (Christopher Reeve) looks to find a solution. Seeing the opportunity in Superman's involvement, the ever scheming Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) breaks out of prison with the help of his nephew Lenny (Jon Cryer). Luthor's plan is to create a being just as strong as Superman. Meanwhile the daily planet is being taken over by David Warfield (Sam Wanamaker) and his daughter Lacy (Mariel Hemingway), who ends up developing feelings for Clark.

The script was written by Lawrence Konner and Mark Rosenthal who both wrote for The Legend of Billie Jean (1985) and The Jewel of the Nile (1985) prior to this. Seeing that part of the film's production problems came from the budget, it could be said that they both had to work with whatever they could. However, there are parts to the story that don't make any sense in continuity. Such as people breathing in space aside from Superman or Luthor having the know-how of creating another superhuman. There's also meaningless supporting characters such as Lenny and Lacy. Both of them do not contribute anything to the overall story and neither of them have a purpose other than hijinks.

If anything, the worst offender is the big baddie, Nuclear Man played by Mark Pillow. Not only does Pillow give a rather goofy over the top performance, but his weapon of choice is very lame. Fingernails,....that's right fingernails. This not only makes the action between him and Superman laughable but almost embarrassing. Forget all the mediocre special effects the production used,...they could have at least thrown their fists at one another. That's one thing Superman III (1983) got right. Thankfully, most of the other fun characters return like Perry White (Jackie Cooper), Jimmy Olsen (Marc McClure), Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) and even William Hootkins as an arms dealer.

Nuclear Man

While the effects are not always on par with prior films, at least they feel closer to the first two superman films than that of the third film. Director Sidney J. Furie did his best to keep it that way along with his cinematographer Ernest Day. Furie was the director of Iron Eagle (1986), while Day had worked on Running Scared (1972). All shots are kept steady and have a good number of shots that capture the large scope of the setting. The best component to this feature though was the score composed by Alexander Courage. While not having the same grab as John Williams, Courage uses Williams' theme for Superman to a great extent making it sound almost like Williams was there. Not only is the score fully fleshed out but matches in tone as well to the rest of the films.

Saying this is the worst film in the series is a bit hard to say. Superman III (1983) got several things wrong as well. At least here it felt more like the first two. Yes the effects are not as polished and continuity issues are vast, however the music, camerawork and returning actors put in one more performance that still retains the Superman feel.

Points Earned --> 6:10