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the G-man said:
Actually, its my understanding he didn't turn back the rotation of the planet.

He flew around the planet at superspeed until he broke the time barrier and went back in time. It simply LOOKED like the planet was turning backwards because of perspective.



The screenplay called for Superman to break the time barrier. The movie was unable to convey that, either because they couldn't or because they didn't want to. If it's not in the movie, it doesn't exist.

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I actually think (but admit I could be wrong) that those points are from Richard Lester, who took over directing after the Salkynds fired Donner because he wouldn't put more comedy and fantasy in the second movie.



We'll have to wait for the Donner re-cut and see. I doubt the plot can be improved much, though... it's very average. It's the dramatic moments and the awesome characters what makes that movie a classic.