All-Star Superman Blu Ray/DVD Review

All-Star Superman is a great superhero experience that the entire family will love. It shows a multi-dimensional version of Superman that goes beyond what you typically get to see. This is both a gift and a curse, as besides Superman, Lex Luthor, and to a certain extent, Lois Lane, none of the characters are really that fleshed out.

The story is good, but the execution is flawed. It seems a bit cluttered and disjointed. Superman battles time travelers, Love Struck Aliens, an arch nemesis or two, and even saves a couple civiliations, but it all seems strained. It seems like it should have been a collection of stories told over time. Because of this, the pacing is a bit off. It almost seems like they tried to do a bit too much in the time they were given.

There is also a problem with consistency. Many concepts are started, but not followed through. All-Star Superman is supposed to be about the last days of a great hero.

Unfortunately, I get the feeling that this version of Superman really didn't have to die, and that this story was more about some him wanting an end to his burden than about the fight for survival.

Superman saved others with terminal conditions by placing them within the Phantom Zone. Could he have not employed a similar solution for himself?

What about using the knowledge of time travelers for the betterment of his present? While the Legion of Superheroes were not established as a part of this continuity, time travel and future technology were.

Other than the words of a scientist, and a couple scenes of Superman working within his lab, It was never clearly shown that Superman did anything to save himself. He seemed resigned in his fate, and at times relieved that he didn't have to fight the good fight anymore.

What's more, why didn't he wear a space protection suit in the first place? It was shown that he had that type of protection.

We were given major insight into the mind of Lex Luthor, but it does bring up a major question:

How can someone as bright as Lex Luthor be so blinded by jealousy and a pettiness?

Luthor is shown to be a intellectual with the ability to create biological and technological advances many generations beyond his peers. He has built his body to peak physical condition, and is a superman of men. Using his intellect, he could have easily found a way to thrive with a Superman around.

Instead, he mopes around whining about no one being able to measure up. Perhaps that is supposed to be his character flaw, but it is hard to believe that someone of Lex Luthor's stature would be emo. I can think of a million reasons for Luthor to hate Superman, but none are as petty as what is presented.

Does Luthor want to best Superman? Yes. Does Luthor want to kill Superman? Sadly, yes. Instead of bringing humanity up to the level of the meta-human, Luthor would rather bring Superman down. I suppose my problem is with the mythos more than with the movie.

Lex Luthor is a shallow, insignificant man, with a superiority complex. Instead of using logic to find a way to channel his negative energy into something beneficial for man kind.

While that was the point the movie was trying to make, it really left a bad taste in my mouth. Many of his decisions seemed short sighted. As a character he seemed to be an educated idiot; capable of higher level technical thinking, but unable to blend it with rational thought.

Lois Lane, on the other hand, was shown to be a complete twit. She was fiery, loving, and devoted, but more than anything, she was dumb as a sack of rocks. Despite seeing Superman disrobe multiple times and having him tell her who he really was, she never could grasp the concept of Clark Kent and Superman being the same person. Perhaps it was supposed to be a bit of an inside joke. If so, dang it, I wish I was in on it. Her final scene is supposed to convey a feeling of hope and faith, but instead makes her look delusional and emotionally fragile.

Final Word:

Despite me ripping this film to shreds, I really did enjoy watching it. Yes, it did have its flaws, but it also had many moments of greatness. You really get a sense of who Superman and Lex Luthor truly are. So much so, that you may either love of hate them based on what is presented.

That, and the voice acting and animation are both excellent.