DVD Review: All Legend Superman

THE GENERAL IDEA

Based on Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s 12-issue “All-Star Superman” string, the animated movie will feature “Desperate Housewives” actor John Denton as the voice of the Man of Steel, “Mad Men” celebrity Christina Hendricks as Lois Lane, and “Without having a Trace” leading man Anthony LaPaglia as Lex Luthor. In the history, Superman is faced with mortality along with has to decide what is truly important to the last survivor of Krypton.

The excellent

This is a faithful adaptation of the 12 issue stand alone tale arc written by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely. Many scenes are ripped from the comfort of the pages right down to the unique fashion and framing. It is a unique contained Superman story that on the pages became an instantaneous classic for its depth associated with character and storytelling despite picking up after decades of storyline, but with an obvious end in spot.

The way they present the difference between Clark and Superman is wizard, and I really enjoyed the particular Clark Kent moments in the movie. It is done rather well, and also reminded me a lot of just how Reeve looked so different as Kent and as Superman inside those films. They don’big t cheat when he is cartoon here, but he undoubtedly has a different presence. This was obviously a defining factor on how these people wanted to present the secret personality in the comic arc, and its played out out well in the film.

There is a great featurette about the Initial comic book source material from where this is all based on that’s very insightful and great. Which leads me to…

THE BAD

Comparable to people worried if the amazing story on the pages regarding Watchmen could ever translate nicely to a feature film, this is an example of one that does not. While fascinating to see Superman explore these familiar things from his or her past, and while it does sit down very closely to high of the storylines presented in the 12 issue presentation, this doesn’t translate well to a feature film.

Much of the story feels rushed, heartless and random. There is a whole bridge about Superman revealing his identity to be able to Lois that jumps randomly into him creating a serum that grants her his powers for 24 hours. He even makes her a dress-up costume so she can fly as part of his tights for a day. So random.

And then the film tries to hit on many of the comprised stories presented in the Twelve issues, and it feels like we hopped into another episode of a tv show without viewing credits roll. Its jarring and yet again, removes any of the depth regarding story presented from the comic strips.

The story drags and jumps, and choices on which of the pieces in the series to leave outside in the adaptation leave you curious also. The presence of Luthor’s Niece Nasthalthia Luthor might be adorably voiced by Linda Cardellini, but she is pointless in the movie.

OVERALL

All in all, I would give them an A for effort, since this unique non-canon storyline was very well recieved in print. It just doesn’t work well as a movie. Much of the detail and nuances of the Morrison/Quietly collection is completely lost on this 70 minute feature, which is a pity.

I give All Celebrity Superman a 3 away from 10

On a side notice, in the special features, you will find there’s sneak peek at an upcoming Environmentally friendly Lantern release called Green Lantern: Emerald green Knights that will offer an anthology of vignette shorts featuring different characters across the Green Lantern franchise that looks AMAZING. Fans will get to see Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern at last… or at least hear him as he will be supplying the voice of Hal Jordan.