Monday, February 21, 2011

All-Star Superman

I wondered why this animated feature available on DVD and Blu-Ray was called All-Star Superman instead of something a little more catchy like The Death Of Superman Too. I did some research and found out it is based on a 12-issue comic book maxi-series of the same name written by Grant Morrison.

Launched in 2005 under DC's All Star imprint, these series are attempts by DC to allow major comics creators a chance to tell stories showcasing popular characters without being restricted by DC Universe continuity. I did not read the maxi-series, so my comments are on the animated material alone.

It's no secret from the very beginning that it is about the death of Superman. Exposed to a lethal dose of solar radiation at the heart of the sun, his cells begin to overload and break down. It's all a part of a sinister plot by his arch enemy Lex Luthor--and this time he succeeds. I know its difficult to believe, (and perhaps a little sad) but in this instance, evil triumphs over good.

While there were some action-packed sequences in the animated feature, I found that the story was all over place--most likely to condense a 12-issue comic book series into one 75 minute movie.  Rather than a fever-pitched action packed adventure, it was more a love story between Superman and Lois Lane during his final days. 
Lois Lane. Call her the 24-Hour Superwoman
Personally I found the All-Star Superman a bit bizarre. The things I did like: Superman allowing Lois to have a taste of what it means to be super for 24 hours--complete with costume no less. Superman's calculated use of The Gravity Gun. Superman's last heroic sacrifice.

The things I didn't like: How Lex Luthor supposedly has the greatest intellect on Earth and yet he can't tell that Clark Kent is Superman.  He even admits to liking Clark (but hates Superman). While Clark was interviewing Lex in prison,  the Parasite went on a rampage after syphoning Clark's powers. Lex didn't seem to notice Clark using his super powers to keep him alive. With Clark by Lex's side the whole time and the Parasite hunting them down, it would have been the only logical conclusion that Clark was the cause of the Parasite's insatiable hunger for energy since Lex obviously doesn't have any powers of his own. 

Another thing that didn't make sense was Clark rescuing the guards and flying them out of the prison to safety at super speed.  Then, rather than return to the prison as Superman to take on the Parasite, he resumes his disguise as Clark Kent.

I was underwhelmed by the feature as a whole and I read that it paled in comparison to the maxi-series itself. There were times when I was wondering--when is he going to die? When is this going to end? While it was different, I can't in good conscience recommend All-Star Superman to purchase. As a rental maybe.  Out of 5 fingers I'd have to give it 2.0.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

The A-Team

The A-Team movie (now available on DVD and Blu-Ray) is actually a prequel to the 1983 TV series. If you never watched the TV series or don't remember it because it was 28 years ago, you'll be just fine. For those that have seen the series, here is where we see why The A-Team became the fugitives they were in the TV series.  The premise of the movie surrounds a group of Iraq War veterans (obviously updated for modern audiences) wanting to clear their names with the U.S. military, who accuse the four men of committing a crime for which they were framed.

Exciting, slightly suspenseful, humorous, and although peppered with action, there are also agonizingly boring moments which are just a bit too numerous for my taste. I found myself dozing off when the screen wasn't erupting with gun-fire and rumbling inferno-esque explosions.

The chemistry and comraderie between the characters was excellent with all the bantering and arguing you may have come to expect. I attribute this to great casting.  Liam Neeson stars as Col. "Hannibal" Smith, Bradley Cooper as Lt. "Faceman" Peck, Jessica Biel as Charissa Sosa, Sharlto Copley as Captain "Howling Mad" Murdock, and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson as Sgt. Bosco "B.A." Baracus.
Liam Neeson as Hannibal Smith
Jessica Biel as Charissa Sosa
Walk in stilettos and carry a deadly pistol
It was my fear that the actors would try to portray the actors such as the late George Peppard, Mr. T, etc. who played the original roles, rather than the characters themselves. But I think the actors were able to put their own stamp on the roles. 
The Original A-Team
It was also my fear that UFC Mixed Martial Arts champion "Rampage" Jackson, who had little acting experience, wouldn't be able to pull off the B.A. Baracus role at all. I'm happy to report that all the actors did an outstanding job bringing the A-Team back to life--or to life for the first time-- depending on your perspective. There were fleeting moments when I could close my eyes and believe it really was Mr. T on the screen reprising his role, as long as I ignored that horrible mohawk and the fact that "Rampage" Jackson looks nothing like him.  I couldn't tell if the mohawk on "Rampage" Jackson was real or a strip of rug glued to his head.  Either way, it was an eye-sore. Another area of complaint is the sub-plot with B.A. Baracus becoming impotent after a period of incarceration and swearing off killing and violent behavior.  He even ditched the trademark mohawk in favor of a nappy mini-afro that had to have been a wig. I'm still trying to decide which was worse, the impotence or the bad wig.
"Rampage" Jackson as B.A. Baracus
I Pity The Fool
I wanted to compare this movie to The Losers that featured soldiers in a similar situation, but The A-Team is a lot more light-hearted, familiar and fun.  While boring at points, The A-Team overall was entertaining. Rather than continue where the TV series left off, the film starts over from the beginning which I thought was an excellent idea given the passage of 28 years. The movie ends where the TV series began with the voice-over..."Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire...The A-Team".  I'm giving The A-Team 3 out of 5 fingers.