Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)

Directed by: Sidney J. Furie | 90 minutes | action, adventure, science fiction | Actors: Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Jackie Cooper, Marc McClure, Jon Cryer, Sam Wanamaker, Mark Pillow, Mariel Hemingway, Margot Kidder, Damien McLawhorn, William Hootkins, Jim Broadbent, Stanley Lebor, Don Fellows, Robert Beatty, Bradley Lavelle

‘Superman IV: The Quest For Peace’ is generally regarded as the nail in the coffin of the ‘Man of Steel’. The piece of kryptonite that prevented plans for ‘Superman V’ and it would be nearly two decades before this superhero returned to the silver screen in ‘Superman Returns’ (2006). The basis of the story is not bad and was also topical at the time. Superman prevents the destruction of Earth by nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, the rest of the plot is mediocre and pretty much everything is poorly executed.

Clark Kent (Christopher Reeve) is no longer a charming nerd but a super brute. The relationship with Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) has a minimal role in this part, explanation and depth are missing. Lacy Warfield (Mariel Hemingway) is introduced as the daughter of the new Daily Planet newspaper boss and Clark’s new sweetheart. But even this relationship is hardly built up. Enemy Nuclear Man (Mark Pillow) comes across as ridiculous with a borrowed voice from Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) and extendable gold nails. Born of the sun (with clothes!) and capable of internally generating heat. But instead of setting Superman on fire, he turns him into an ice diamond. Superman’s degeneration and healing are not shown. No one knows why Nuclear Man is suddenly interested in Lacy. Nuclear Man scorches the ground he walks on with his feet, but Lacy can just hold him. In addition, it does not take into account that ordinary people cannot survive in space without a suit and oxygen.

Gene Hackman puts down an over-the-top Lex Luthor. He still tries to make the best of the flimsy material. Jon Cryer is just an annoying minor character as Lex’s nephew Lenny. The special effects are also of lesser quality due to the budget cut in half by producers Golan and Globus of Cannon Pictures. For example, the wires on the superheroes are visible in some shots and the shot of Superman flying is often reused. In short, Christopher Reeve (1952-2004) and Superman deserved much better than this closing. However, if you’re willing to look beyond the ridiculous, you can still be entertained. The havoc Nuclear Man wreaks and Superman restores at the Statue of Liberty, volcano Etna and the Great Wall of China are quite fun to watch. So skipping ‘Superman IV: The Quest For Peace’ is easy. Unless you really want to see them all or have an hour and a half to spare.