Most Hollywood actors that play iconic DC characters only get as far as a trilogy if they are lucky enough. Such was the case with Christian Bale and Gal Gadot expected to head the same route too. However, Christopher Reeve did the unusual by playing Clark Kent, aka, Superman a total of 4 times.
Reeve's last 2 Superman movies weren't as well-received as the first 2 but overall, each installment was wildly entertaining, despite the poor CGI. Among the things that made the Reeve movies enjoyable was the dialogue. And at the center of the conversations was the Man of Steel himself.
When He Declines A Glass Of Wine
"I Never Drink When I Fly." - Superman: The Movie
In order to provide answers to any questions the world has about him, Superman stops by Lois' apartment, so she can interview him. There, she offers him wine but he declines.
Superman prides himself on being a responsible citizen hence declining a drink from Lois is right within his personality. Logically, his refusal to take alcohol makes no sense the only thing capable of affecting his judgment or powers is Kryptonite. Nonetheless, by not taking any chances, Clark makes it clear that as the world's most popular hero, he ought to lead by example.
When He Drops Off Lex Luthor At A Prison
"See You In Twenty." - Superman IV
Superman and Lex Luthor have a final conversation when the former drops the latter in prison. Superman tells Luthor that the world will be fine, despite how hard he tried to destroy it. He then bids him goodbye, hoping to see him after 20 years.
A victory over Lex Luthor is always a moment worth bragging about for Superman. After all, Luthor is the only one among Superman's best villains who always remains a nuisance. In the movie, the Kryptonian is a bit delusional for thinking that Luthor will be behind bars for 2 decades. After all, he and every other major DC villain has always managed to escape. Still, it's the perfect way to conclude Reeve's last Superman movie.
When He Spots A Cat Burglar Climbing Up The Side Of A Building
"Hi There. Something Wrong With The Elevator?" - Superman: The Movie
Superman once notices a cat burglar climbing up a building so he decides to startle him. In what is a rather appropriate question, he jokingly asks him why he isn't using the elevator.
The Reeve era DC movies had a much lighter tone compared to the ones fans get served in the current era. One can bet on Cavill's Superman never chatting with a cat burglar, let alone bothering to stop him because he has extraterrestrial threats to deal with. Furthermore, fans get to see a classic "gotcha" moment, followed by the usual handing over to the police.
When He Reacts To General Zod Making Fun Of His Home
"I Expect Better Manners From My Guests." - Superman II
Superman gets angry when General Zod starts criticizing his home, referring to it as a sentimental replica of Krypton. In a surprise change of tone, he barks at him.
In all forms of DC media, Superman and General Zod always find themselves clashing over trifling issues. Things are no different here as Zod, once again, chooses to attack Superman because of his tastes. And since Superman isn't one to be intimidated, he requests the general to behave better.
When He Tells Lorelei He Won't Save Her
"I Hope You Don't Expect Me To Save You Because I Don't Do That Anymore." - Superman III
Superman III has one of the best stories featuring an evil Superman. In it, Lorelei manipulates Superman into treating her as lovingly as he does Lois when he is under the thrall of the modified Kryptonite's power. And in a rather unusual moment, Evil Superman also declares that he is done saving people.
Refusing to save someone is unlike Superman and it should otherwise be considered unfortunate but since it's clear that his judgment has been compromised, he gets a . The words are also said in a flirtatious yet discriminative manner, meaning Superman is only willing to have fun with Lorelei but not treat her like he does Lois.
When He Tells Lois What His Mission Is
"I'm Here To Fight For Truth, Justice And The American Way." - Superman: The Movie
When Lois asks Superman what he really wants to achieve, he says he wants a better society. Lois then tells him that he has his work cut out for him since he'll have to go after almost every powerful figure in America.
As an experienced reporter, Lois has seen enough to know that justice can't be achieved easily. There are too many villains roaming around. If Clark truly wants to see a prosperous America, he'll have to work harder. But Clark doesn't see that as a problem, since he has the special abilities needed to defeat most of his foes.
When He Reacts To Perry White Scolding Him For Not Watching The News
"I Really Don't Enjoy Television. Too Much Violence. I Was Just Reading Dickens." - Superman II
At the Daily Planet offices, Perry White is quick to scold Clark for disappearing for 12 hours. Furthermore, he wonders why he never saw the news about terrorists attacking the Eiffel Tower.
It's indeed unusual for a reporter to not watch the news. After all, he needs all the information he can get. However, Clark's excuse makes sense since violence bothers him. With most news reports being full of crime tales, he'd rather occupy himself with a book from one of the greatest authors of all time.
When He Holds A Press Conference
"I Just Wish You Could All See The Earth The Way I See It. Because When You Really Look At It, It's Just One World." - Superman IV
In order to air his thoughts on the state of the world, Superman gives a press conference where he criticizes the need to engage in a meaningless war. He then suggests that Earth is much better when it's united.
Superman hardly addresses the press and the fact that he does so here shows that the chaos has really bothered him. In the comics, it only happens a few times, including during one of the best "Clark Kent is Superman" comic reveals. His call for peace also paints him as the hero Earth truly needs, as he makes it clear he loves the planet even more than the one he came from.
When He Mocks A Thief For Clubbing Him With A Crowbar
"Bad Vibrations?" - Superman IV
When Superman ambushes thieves at a boat, one of them approaches him from behind and hits him with a crowbar. However, the thief begins vibrating and feeling the effects of the hit more than Superman, hence the Kryptonian mocks him.
It's yet another comical moment that leaves audiences with smiles on their faces. Traditionally, thieves in Hollywood movies were depicted as ignorant and the same happens here. Any person that's heard of Superman ought to know that a crowbar won't do him any harm but the thief tries anyway. The result? Bad vibrations.
When He Declares His Intention To Get Rid Of The Nuclear Threat
"Effective Immediately, I'm Going To Rid Our Planet Of All Nuclear Weapons." - Superman IV
Disappointed with the government's reluctance to get rid of nuclear weapons, Superman, in an address to the secretary and delegates declares that he is going to do it by himself. He then flies away.
Whenever perfectionists want something done well, they're normally forced to do it themselves. In the 4th movie, Superman comes to the same realization upon realizing how slow the government is in reacting to the nuclear threat posed by Lex Luthor and his cronies. Through his words, he also comes off as someone who is extremely confident in his own abilities.
