Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) Review in 2025
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace is a 1987 superhero film that follows Superman's quest to rid the world of nuclear weapons. The movie features a mix of action, adventure, and humor, but ultimately falls short of its predecessors.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for families with children aged 8 and above, but parental discretion is advised due to some mild violence and themes.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of the Superman franchise, but it's not a must-see. If you're looking for a more engaging superhero movie, you may want to consider one of the other options in the comparison section.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie's plot revolves around Lex Luthor's plan to create a nuclear missile that can destroy the world's nuclear arsenals, which Superman must stop. However, the movie's climax is marred by a poorly executed plot twist involving Superman's birth parents, which undermines the film's overall coherence.
Review Details
story6.50/10
The movie's story is predictable and lacks the complexity of its predecessors. The plot twist involving Superman's birth parents is poorly executed and feels like a cheap attempt to add depth to the story.
acting7.50/10
The acting in the movie is generally good, with Christopher Reeve still delivering a strong performance as Superman. The supporting cast is also well-acted, but some of the actors feel somewhat miscast in their roles.
characters7.20/10
The characters in the movie are well-developed, but the villains are somewhat one-dimensional. Superman's character is still iconic, but his actions feel somewhat inconsistent with his previous portrayals.
direction5.80/10
The direction of the movie is average, with some impressive action sequences but also some awkwardly paced scenes. The cinematography is also somewhat dated, which detracts from the overall viewing experience.
cinematography6.80/10
The cinematography in the movie is somewhat dated, with some impressive aerial shots but also some awkwardly composed scenes. The special effects are also somewhat lacking, which detracts from the overall visual appeal of the movie.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie still features some impressive action sequences and a strong performance from Christopher Reeve. The supporting cast is also well-acted, and the movie's themes of nuclear disarmament are still relevant today.
Cons
The movie's plot is predictable and lacks the complexity of its predecessors. The poorly executed plot twist involving Superman's birth parents is a major letdown, and the dated cinematography and special effects detract from the overall viewing experience.
Notable Quotes
"Truth, justice, and the American way!"
"Up, up, and away!"
"You're a menace, Lex!"
