Review: Superman

Starring

Henry Cavill - as Kal-El / Clark Kent / Superman:

Amy Adams as Lois Lane

Michael Shannon  as  Dru-Zod / General Zod:

Diane Lane as Martha Kent:

Kevin Costner as  Jonathan Kent:

Laurence Fishburne as Perry White

Antje Traue as Faora-Uls

Ayelet Zurer as Lara Lor-Van

Christopher Meloni as Colonel Nathan Hardy

Russell Crowe - as Jor-El

rt 143 minutes

I had heard of the controversy surrounding this film, but honestly could not really see that as a real point.  Yes the film and the costume is dark, but considering the mood of the movie....it clearly is an argument made by people who didn't watch the complete film.  I NEVER bought into Matha Kent sewing cloth that was bullet and knife proof...think about it.  Also the change up in how he learns flight...now that makes much more sense!  The differences between the the old Krypton and the new is a bit unsettling but it makes so much more sense when you think about it. 

This version follows the Superman creation myth pretty close.  Baby in rocket, planet go boom, Jonathan and Martha, then mix in Smallville (the tv show) short of the stuff that is just plain ridiculous. 

Then mix in a couple of the first Superman movies, not going to say which or what, cause it gives away some of the film, but again it works in a strange kind of way   But the net effect is that Kryptonians,  Superman and pretty much all concerned are more believable if maybe the situation may not. 

The movie gets an 8.5 in my book.  seamless CGI work and enough back history to fascinate fans and casual viewer alike.  

The 2 disk dvd and the extras on the blu-ray are a special behind the scenes fan's dream, as for extras worth of a 9.  17.5 overall  . which gives the movie 8.75....well worth a watch and addition to you collection!

Superman Animation Celebrtates 75th Anaversity !!

The short included here comes from the very creative imaginations of Zack Snyder and Bruce Timm.

The idea of the short is to celebrate Superman through out the years.  From his first appearance on the cover of Action Comics #1 to this year's Man of Steel, from Henry Carvill.

Review: Superman Batman Public Enemies blu-ray

Superman / Batman Public Enemies
Direct to video animation
Staring
Clancy Brown as Lex Lutor’s
Kevin Conroy as Superman
Tim Daly as Batman
LeVar Burton as Black Lightning

Lex Luthor has been elected president and begins a campaign against super beings. To that end he issues an ultimatum to the supers to join the government or be branded an outlaw. Batman and Superman refuse as do many of the Justice League.

Public sentiment turns on the Justice League when it appears that the super cannon on their space station fired on a secret lab. Forcing the leaders of the Justice League to turn themselves into the authorities.

At this time an asteroid of Kriptonium is on a collision with Earth. Luthor’s plan to blow it up fails and saving the Earth falls to the superheros again.

It soon becomes apparent that Luthor has an ulterior motive and the survival of the human race may be in the balance.

This film came out before Crisis of two Earths and set the stage for what happens in many cases in Public Enemy. They should be watched in sequence, but Public Enemy stands well enough on it own. The animation and story line hold up well enough for fans of the comic book genre though anyone familiar with basic science and physics is going to groan in many places.

The blu-ray as usual is loaded up with extras from a sit in on a dinner, to extra half hour short Batman episodes.

So if you prefer high end American animation to that of anime and are a DC Universe fan this is tailor made for you. Otherwise the animation is adequate and the plot line is ummm unencumbered. I would give the movie a 6 and a 9 for extras.

Superman Returns sequel & Fantastic Four sequal news!

According to Julia Houston, at the Sci-fi and fantasy newsletter, Variety reports , Bryan Singer has signed up to direct and produce a sequel of Superman Returns for WB.

Vanessa Minnillo is the latest to join Michael Chiklis, Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Julian McMahon, Beau Garrett and Andre Braugher in the sequel to 20th Century Fox's Fantastic Four: Rise of The Silver Surfer, directed by Tom Story. She'll play the Human Torch's girlfriend., F4x2 is set to premiere June 15, 2007.