SupermanHawaii.com

by Lawrence E. Pacheco

I can still remember that cool December night in 1978... standing in line at the theatre waiting impatiently to see Superman: The Movie. Flash forward twenty-eight years later and, I must admit, a very similar feeling was definitely in the air.

On the night of June 27th, 2006, numerous Hawaii Superman fans gathered at various theatres around town, but we'd like to think that none was as special as the Ward 16 Theatre event. Representatives of SupermanHawaii.com were there along with a several friends to celebrate the return of Superman to the silver screen. Several fans passed by the booth and answered some Superman trivia questions. If they answered correctly they were rewarded with a Superman Returns Trading Card pack.

It was quite a blast seeing so many people wearing 'S' symbol shirts and caps. One fan, Jean Simon, even dressed up as Supergirl. "I was lucky enough to find this red skirt just in time," said Jean.

As the line stretched along the side of the enormous theatre structure, the first of three scheduled Hawaii Superman Returns interns, from the University of Hawaii Academy for Creative Media, arrived at the SupermanHawaii.com booth. Nelson Quan brought his laptop to show the public some photos taken on the set of the movie in Australia

(which included a funny one of Kevin Spacey giving 'rabbit ears' to someone). As more and more people gathered around to see the photos, Ronson Akina and Matt Ortiz (also Superman Returns interns) arrived and joined in on the festivities.

Once we got inside, the interns were introduced and had their chance to say a few words about their experiences while working on the production. I have to say, these guys were extremely gracious, friendly are very, very proud of this film.

Just before the start of the film, the first three people wearing Superman 'S' logos who came down to the screen area were given a trivia question. The winner received a mini Superman Returns Prize Pack which contained an action figure, a kids book and a pack of trading cards.

I can't say enough about how helpful and accommodating the management of both Ward 16 Theatre and Victoria Ward Centres were. They not only agreed to help us with setting up the special area for our SupermanHawaii.com booth, but it was a true team effort in promoting the opening night of Superman Returns.

To see so many people in one place eagerly waiting to see the film we've all been waiting so long for... was quite special. The men, the women... the parents, the children.... we were all, for one brief moment, wide-eyed kids again, waiting to see yet another personification of truth, justice and the American way.

Here's looking to the DVD release, the eventual sequel, and beyond.

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