My main reasons for liking Superman III over the Reeve films is basically:
- I like the more well-rounded characterization of Clark in this film.
Cutting to the chase, I’m not a fan of any variation of the “Superman is the real person, Clark is the disguise” idea. For me, it’s a horrible interpretation of the character and flies in the face of everything the character represents to me. While it’s a stretch to say that Superman III makes Clark the “real” persona, the film does give a more nuanced approach to the character, presenting him as something more than a bumbling facade.
- The entire “Evil Superman vs. Clark Kent” fight
I enjoy seeing Clark Kent – the human side of the character – triumph over Superman – the alien side.
- Lana Lang
I really like Annette O’Toole as Lana. I find her a more likeable, compelling love interest than Kidder’s Lois.
And that’s about it. In every other respect, Superman III's no better than the other Reeve films.