Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Graphic violence and imagery in animated origin story.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Superman: Man of Tomorrow
What's the Story?
In SUPERMAN: MAN OF TOMORROW, Clark Kent (Darren Criss) is working as an intern/coffee boy for the Daily Planet. As Lex Luthor (Zachary Quinto) is publicly busted by the ambitious young reporter Lois Lane (Alexandra Daddario) for blatant corruption, the rocket Luthor had heralded in the press conference veers out of control before Kent uses his Krypton powers to reroute the missile, but he loses his clothes in the process. As Mrs. Kent, back in Smallville, gives Clark what will soon be his iconic superhero costume, Mr. Kent warns Clark of the evil lurking in humankind. Meanwhile, after the missile incident, the bounty hunter Lobo has been alerted to the presence of Superman and begins pursuing him, as Kryptonites fetch a high price on the black market of outer space. In a pitched battle, Superman is rescued by J'Onn (the Martian Manhunter), but unwittingly creates a supervillain known as Parasite in the process. As Parasite gains more power, and Superman continues to develop his, Superman must work with J'Onn and those who are typically his rivals to stop Parasite from reaching the power plant.
Is It Any Good?
This movie is probably best for DC fans who can overlook the low-budget animation and some of the underwhelming fight scenes. On the whole, Superman: Man of Tomorrow and its exploration of the early days of Clark Kent's arrival in Metropolis from Smallville is a worthy addition to the Superman canon. That said, it mostly adheres to familiar superhero themes of the blurred lines between good and evil and how good can create evil, etc., and the cynicism of characters like Lois Lane and Lobo gets tiresome, even if this cynicism doesn't rub off on Superman like it does on other superheroes in this universe.
The animation is more reminiscent of the Saturday morning cartoons of the 1970s and '80s than anything else. It's not a deal-breaker, but it can be distracting. Still, there are some enjoyable modern takes on the Clark Kent/Superman story. Making Clark an unpaid intern who fetches coffee rather than a cub reporter is as good a comment on where we are with 21st century late-stage capitalism as any. The reason for and creation of the Superman costume is funny and adds a bit of poignancy. These touches help make the movie enjoyable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about cartoon violence. Was the violence in Superman: Man of Tomorrow necessary, or did it seem gratuitous? Why?
Does the movie promote diversity, and if so, how?
Why do you think "origin stories" are a recurring theme in superhero stories? How are these versions of Superman/Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and other familiar characters similar to and different from other depictions?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 23, 2020
- Cast : Darren Criss , Alexandra Daddario , Zachary Quinto
- Director : Chris Palmer
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : DC Entertainment
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Violence, some bloody images, suggestive material, language, smoking and brief partial nudity.
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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