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All-Star Superman
- Review Date: February 20, 2011
- PG
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Violence and minor sensuality in reflective Superman tale.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that All-Star Superman contains the usual cartoon/superhero violence, with at least three scary and/or intense scenes, plus some minor sensuality. Far from a kiddie cartoon, this story centers on the Man of Steel's impending death, which lends a dark tone to the movie. But this Superman is also a hugely admirable figure, showing forgiveness, bravery, empathy, and inclusiveness as he wraps up his affairs. It's a very touching story with some powerful messages. The violence keeps it from being age appropriate for younger kids, but teens should enjoy it, as well as any grown-up Superman fans.
What's the story?
After rescuing a scientific mission from the surface of the sun, Superman (voiced by James Denton) learns that he has increased powers -- but he also finds out that he's dying. He tries to wrap up some unfinished business, like telling Lois Lane (Christina Hendricks) about his secret identity. Meanwhile, he must also deal with various meddlers -- like super-strong time-travelers Samson and Atlas and lost explorers from Krypton who wish to take over the Earth. Ultimately, it turns out that Lex Luthor (Anthony LaPaglia) is responsible for Superman's predicament; Superman must deal with the villain's nefarious plans, which include turning Earth's yellow sun red, thereby draining Superman's powers. But in doing that, Luthor has unexpectedly poisoned the sun; can Superman survive long enough to save humanity one last time?
Is it any good?
Based on Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely's reboot of Superman, this animated feature has the difficult task of boiling 12 comic books down to a relatively brief 75 minutes. The result is that the movie plays mostly in self-contained episodes rather than in a linear story, but veteran superhero director Sam Liu (Planet Hulk, Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths) sustains the thoughtful, reflective mood of the movie throughout.
Despite some gruesome violence here and there, the movie is surprisingly powerful as Superman considers his life and legacy, focusing on strong ideas like forgiveness, empathy, inclusiveness, and tolerance, as well as love. Likewise, the voice performance of Denton, who is new to Superman, is wonderfully soft and modulated; he's the most laid-back Superman yet. Though the action and fight scenes still pack a punch, it's the quiet moments here that are the most memorable.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's violence. Is it exciting here, or is it more ugly and disturbing? How does the movie achieve this mood?
How does it feel to watch a movie about how Superman is dying? Is the movie sad or reflective? What kinds of things does it make you think about?
How is this Superman different from others you've seen in comics, TV shows, and movies?
What lesson does Lex Luthor learn at the end of the movie after "borrowing" Superman's powers?
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AGE
All Star Superman Falls Flat, but Still Manages a Decent Story
*Spoiler Alert!*This movie was not the riveting action adventure I was expecting. This was more of a slow-paced tragedy to be honest. Superman tying up loose ends in his life and fighting off just about any bad guy the writers could think of to keep things interesting.
About the violence, I found that the scene in the prison with Lex Luthor shooting, then kicking, and BEATing an already defeated monster was the worst yet, not the electric chair (I mean he was BEYOND brutal on that creature). Alas, by the end of the film you will get tired of Superman passing out and looking about ready to die, but it might still bring you to tears at the end of it. Maybe.
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Kid, 12 years old
February 27, 2011
AGE
12+. Common sense Media nailed it this time.(like they unusually do.) In the beggining, a monster comes, kills a guy(blood splashes everywhere), and then the other characters treat him innocent.(If they don't I left after it seemed like it.) They should at least rate it PG-13. After that violent scene, I left.(I hate blood.)
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AGE
Funny Superman film
This was a nice Superman film. I think that the voice acting was really good. I think the director did a good job with removing and adding things from the comic. Some fans may be mad at the lack of action, but I enjoyed the film just fine.
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AGE
*This review may contain spoilers*
This is the best DC animated film I have seen. It does not have much of the high-action fight scenes we usually associate with heroes; rather it goes to a deeper level to explore the heart of Superman and the decisions he makes in view of his impending death. To be honest, I enjoyed the scene where Superman flew into the sun much more than I did in the comics.
Overall, the movie had a great combination of funny, epic and touching scenes, though I think some scenes could have less emphasis. For example, I did not particularly like the scene where Superman displays his jealous side to Samson and Atlas.
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| Topics: | superheroes, adventures |
| Studio: | Warner Home Video |
| Director: | Sam Liu |
| Cast: | Anthony LaPaglia, Christina Hendricks, James Denton |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Run time: | 75 minutes |
| DVD release date: | February 22, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | sequences of action and violence, language including brief innuendo, and some sensuality |
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