2. Superman IV: The Quest For Peace
Another superhero jauntbut compared to the big budget Tim Burton blagged for Batman, this final outing for Christopher Reeves Man of Steel was extremely cash-strapped. Courtesy of popular 1980s penny-pinchers Cannon, its the wimpiest of cinematic whimpers to go out on. It is arguably decent at disguising its British locations (including Milton Keynes and London). But its no achievementMetropolis, the Daily Planet and the United Nations building all have a down-at-heel look that matches the shoddy flying effects and Lex Luthors disco-ball smoking jacket. If youre being charitable it lends a certain Clockwork Orange dereliction to Supermans quest, but its many egregious embroideries of the lore (lets start with Supermans virtual date-rape of Lois Lane, courtesy of an ultra-creepy memory-wiping kiss) cause most viewers to abandon their goodwill even before the heroically cheap set piece where a slightly fast London Underground train is saved by a Christopher Reeve photo cut-out.
Giveaway British Character Actor: For such a turkey, Superman IV has quite a distinguished castperhaps they all urgently needed kitchen renovations? Among many suppressing their embarrassment: Jim Broadbent, Sam Wanamaker, William Hootkins, Steve Plytas, Robert Beatty, and (probably relieved to end up in the deleted scenes) Clive Mantle.