They were Perfect Things

 As I often warble in about, I'm a massive super hero movie nut.

I've seen the Marvel and DC universes so often they're old friends now. I know what they're going to say and join in.

Occasionally though, if freely available online, I'll watch an outlier, a hero movie in between franchises. A ronin.

These standalones are always risky affairs, both for the film companies and the ardent fan like me.

DC are a case in point, having done it with their two hottest properties, Supe and Bats, both of whom I adore.

But ..

The two Supe and one Batman standalones are not memorable in any way, at least not for me.

I think it's the actors.

They were newly chosen after other famous actors had retired. They're complete unknowns and alas, to me, wholly forgettable.

Harsh, I know.

How do you follow Christopher Reeves and Henry Cavill, both total heavyweights of Krypton and arguably the best Supermen ever.

And How do you follow Ben Affleck as the Dark Knight, my absolute dark fave after of course, Michael Keaton.

All Perfect things.

So, The three rogue movies I'm talking about are:

Superman Returns with Brandon Routh as Superman. Who?

You would have thought in 2006 they could have given Kal-El a magnificent reboot, but Returns is awful. Everyone on screen seems bored, muted, half-asleep. There's just no umph at all. Routh's Reevesian antics are true copycatting. Alas, I slumbered and only fan curiosity will get me to go back to this Metropolis. It would take Man of Steel, 2013, to show how it's really done.

The Batman, 2022 with Robert Pattinson wearing the bat mask. Who? 

Described as a gritty crime thriller I seem to recall it being filmed entirely in the dark. Other than a growling Batmobile Dodge car I remember absolutely nothing. Someone must do because there's a sequel coming. For Gotham's sake, turn the lights on! 

Superman, 2025 with David Corenswet donning the red cape. Who? 

I saw this last year and my memory of it is zero, zilch. Maybe Krypto the Superdog is cast. That's it. Wuff said.

OK, I'm completely biased. I am.

 If I was re-marrying I would want two Best Men, Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck please, dressed in their costumes, doing their thing, diamond absolutes.

Oh Why oh why have they hung up their capes? I'm bereft.

I can't be alone.

*

PS. 

In a similar way they did the same with Hell Boy. Ron Perlman's films were definitive. Why reboot them with a completely unmemorable lead? 

Cashing In on Cal-El

Newsflash! Superman copy found in mum's attic is most valuable comic ever at $9.12m

Just goes to show it's always worth checking the attic! 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8e9rp0knj6o 

How much?

Blimey!

Have you found anything interesting stashed away in your house readers?

Superman's not Losing Fans*

🦸🦸

I recently read that Grandparenting is not about reliving our youth, but I reckon some of it is. 

There's a huge joy to be found in showing grandkids stuff we used to do and watch from our younger days. Oftentimes, they'll like it too.

My Grandson, MoonBase Junior, loves Superman. I'm unsure when he first came across Supe but being on his way to 9 he's grown up with him, so it's a real pleasure to watch some Superman together.

Yesterday we chose Superman The Movie, the first of the Christopher Reeves films. 

From 1978, a year after Star Wars, Chris's man of steel is just superb. I was 17 when it first aired and loved it from the get-go, true late Seventies bubblegum to chew and chew.

The movie is interesting to follow, great to look at - Supe flies! -  and its not that violent, which means Junior gets to see it. 

There's lots for modern kids to enjoy too. Lois Lane charging round, Clark's bumbling, Supe changing in a revolving door, Jimmy Olsen getting snapped at by the editor and of course Lex Luthor, the 'greatest criminal mind of the century'. 

Gene Hackman does a fab job bringing out the humour in big-headed Lex, as does his beautiful assistant and gormless goon. Junior loves how he's always accompanied by a daft deep tuba sound!

Which brings us neatly to the music. John Williams's score is simply fantastic, a masterpiece, the highlight being of course the famous duh derder, which compels just about any kid (and grown-ups!) to outstretch their arm Superman style! And yep, Junior and me did it together many times during the film. Priceless.

Who says Grandparenting isn't about reliving your youth! 

Now's where's my cape!

Is this a film you like readers? Any grandparents seen it?

*Play on a line from PFM's Chocolate Kings.

SUPERMAN

I caught the new Superman flick this week with a mate. Any Supe screen action is good. There's not enough generally.

This latest effort has had mixed reviews but I enjoyed it. It was always going to be a super tough gig after Henry Cavell's glorious reign but hey, you gotta try.

I won't spoil the film. It's for a younger audience than a 64 year old so there were a few bits of juvenalia I could have done without but I'm not that bothered about them. It's certainly not SHAZAM! 

For a Superman film fan I was chuffed to see the whole gang again: Clark, Louis and Jimmy. And with nostalgic musical motifs by one John Williams, well, my nape hairs rose! 

Will you be going?