Even as a kid I
didn't particularly care for this installment. The Superman franchise took a
decidedly wrong direction in trying to capitalize on the potential of mixing
the popularity of Superman with the then popularity of Richard Pryor. The
resulting mix just didn't work for either Superman or Pryor, something that
can only be thanked for averting a similar disaster that had been planned
with Star Trek IV and Eddie Murphy. Since
Superman II had been partially filmed by
Donner, this was the first, and only, Superman film to be completely
directed by Richard Lester. Really, the movie could've been a lot better if
it just wasn't for the stupid comedy angle that just doesn't work.
Once again, Ken Thorne was hired to provide the
score which consists of more revamped Williams material, except this time it
is spaced a little farther apart than it was in
Superman II. With the comedy in the film, there are also a few
Mancini like moments (especially Gus Finds a Way). The opening title
is actually quite an interesting piece, and is one of the few places that
has mostly original material from Thorne. Still, the orchestra is quite
small and the performances of Williams original music can sound quite awful
at times. In fact, certain cues completely turned me off to wanting to see
this film again since I don't think I could stand it.
Like Superman II,
this score was only released on cassette tape and vinyl LPs. Considering
that half the running time of this release is made up of songs that don't
even appear in the film, the score itself only runs around fifteen minutes.
As with Superman II, this score is only
recommended for those looking for these rare titles. All others should just
stick with the more readily available Superman
release from Rhino. **
