
All-Star Superman movie and story
Director: Sam Liu
Writers: Jerry SiegelJ,oe Shuster,Grant Morrison
Stars: James Denton,Christina Hendricks,Anthony LaPaglia
“All-Star Superman” isn’t just your average caped crusader story; it’s the story that humanizes the Man of Steel like never before. Picture this: Superman, the indestructible icon, is dying. How? Well, he got an overdose of solar radiation courtesy of the conniving Lex Luthor, who has his own sinister plans in mind. But what does Superman do with his remaining time on Earth? He decides to fulfill his lifelong dreams and leave the world in a better place than when he first arrived as an infant.
What’s truly captivating from the get-go is how efficiently the movie handles the backstory. It wastes no time and dives straight into the heart of the narrative. However, I’ll be honest, the pacing of the film can be a tad jolty at times. There are some scenes with Atlas and Samson that felt a bit unnecessary and tangential. Nevertheless, what I truly appreciated was that this is one of those rare moments when Superman confronts his own vulnerability and mortality, ever since “Superman: Doomsday.”
The animation in “All-Star Superman” might not deliver high-speed action sequences like “Superman/Batman: Apocalypse” or “Batman: Under the Red Hood,” but it’s a visual reminder that this film is a direct adaptation of a specific comic book. It’s a deliberate choice to maintain the look and feel of the source material, similar to “Superman: Doomsday,” “Justice League: The New Frontier,” and “Superman/Batman: Public Enemies.” That consistency is something I can appreciate.
Tragically, this movie became a swansong for writer Dwayne McDuffie, who passed away just a day before its release. His adaptation of “All-Star Superman” from the graphic novel by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely is mostly successful, though it occasionally feels episodic. McDuffie’s extensive experience in various media, from video games to TV series, is evident in his writing, including the DC animated film “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths” and the soon-to-be-reviewed “Justice League: Doom.” McDuffie’s contribution to the world of entertainment will be deeply missed.
James Denton as Superman occasionally comes across as a bit flat and emotionless, reminiscent of Billy Crudup’s performance in “Watchmen” as Dr. Manhattan. But given the circumstances Superman finds himself in, this portrayal is somewhat justified. Denton does a commendable job, especially when he switches to Clark Kent mode. Supporting him, Christina Hendricks as Lois Lane / Superwoman is a delightful surprise, Anthony LaPaglia as Lex Luthor is impressive, and Edward Asner as Perry White is great. Hendricks, in particular, brings a well-rounded presence to Lois Lane and Superwoman.
In all honesty, the film doesn’t flow seamlessly in parts, affecting the overall experience, but not to the extent of ruining it. The episodic feel doesn’t quite work in this context. Superman fans will likely enjoy seeing their beloved hero in a more vulnerable light. It’s a different take on the character. As for how hardcore fans reacted to the adaptation, it’s a mixed bag. While it’s not my favorite DC animated film, it’s still worth a watch, and I’d recommend giving it a shot. However, I wouldn’t suggest starting your journey into the DC animated world with this one. Enjoy your cinematic exploration!
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