Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) – A Synopsis and Review
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace is a superhero film that was released in 1987. It was directed by Sidney J. Furie and produced by The Cannon Group, Inc., and Golan-Globus Productions. The movie stars Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve, Jackie Cooper, and Marc McClure in lead roles. Despite the heartening success of the first three installments of the Superman series, The Quest for Peace failed to impress the audience, and its reception was mainly lacklustre. However, its updated plotline with renewed elements of action and thrill still makes it a much-loved movie among sci-fi buffs.
Synopsis
The movie revolves around Superman’s encounter with a new adversary called Nuclear Man. Clark Kent (Christopher Reeve) inherits a small village from his deceased parents and discovers the green Krypton stone that was attached to his spaceship capsule. The energy from the stone can only be used once, as per a recorded message of his Kryptonian mother, Lara.
Meanwhile, the Daily Planet, where Clark works as a reporter, comes under the ownership of David Warfield. Clark’s close mentor, Perry White, is fired by Warfield and replaced by his daughter, Lacy. Superman intervenes to prevent the tension between America and the Soviet Union, who are both planning to launch their nuclear missiles. He collects all the missiles and throws them into the sun, which reconciles the two nations.
However, Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) is out of prison again thanks to his nephew, Lenny. Lex steals Superman’s hair from the museum and uses it to create cloning and strengthen his military arsenal. He sticks Superman’s hair on the nuclear missile to be sold to other countries. As a result, Nuclear Man comes into being after Superman battles Lex and hurls the nuclear missile back into the sun.
Nuclear Man possesses immense power and goes to Earth to find his creator, Lex. Inevitably, Superman is forced to fight again, but Nuclear Man’s radiated claw wounds him severely. The two engage in a furious battle with Nuclear Man ultimately kicking Superman to the back alleys of New York. Nuclear Man takes Lacy into space to be his partner. Superman, with his powers drained, heals himself using the green Krypton stone.
Finally, he pushes the moon out of its orbit as his final act of strength, resulting in a solar eclipse that deprives Nuclear Man of his power. Superman confronts Nuclear Man in the elevator and brings him along to the moon. Nuclear Man regains his power after exposure to the sun’s rays on the moon, and they engage in a final battle. Superman, using his intelligence, traps Nuclear Man in a nuclear missile and throws him into the sun, finally defeating him and saving Earth.
Conclusion
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace is undoubtedly an engaging and thrilling movie that keeps the audience’s interest alive throughout. The film has its significant moments of action, heroism, and powerful performances. However, the movie’s convoluted plotline and pacing issues slightly turn off the viewers, and make it fall short compared to its predecessors in the Superman series. Nonetheless, if you are a science-fiction enthusiast and a Superman fan, The Quest for Peace is a must-watch for you.
