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- 2019
- PG-13
- HBO Max
- 1 h 27 m
- 2019
- PG-13
- HBO Max
- 1 h 27 m
Summary It's been months since the unfathomable death of Superman, and the world is still shaken when four Super Heroes arrive in Metropolis, all battling to be the reincarnation of the Man of Steel. Even Metropolis isn't big enough for these brawlers, it's only a matter of time until dark forces make their moves from the shadows.
- 2019
- PG-13
- HBO Max
- 1 h 27 m
- 2019
- PG-13
- HBO Max
- 1 h 27 m
Reign of the Supermen
Metascore
Available after 4 critic reviews
6.1
Where to Watch
Summary It's been months since the unfathomable death of Superman, and the world is still shaken when four Super Heroes arrive in Metropolis, all battling to be the reincarnation of the Man of Steel. Even Metropolis isn't big enough for these brawlers, it's only a matter of time until dark forces make their moves from the shadows.
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Reign of the Supermen is a squarely "middle of the pack" addition to DC's ever-growing lineup of animated movies.
If gym buff Henry Cavill really is quitting the role in the movies, as has been rumoured, the film-makers could do worse than to follow the direction here, opening a vacancy for a skinny, long-haired Superman with an earnest hipstery vibe that screams Adam Driver.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 22 User Ratings
6.1
50% Positive
11 Ratings
11 Ratings
45% Mixed
10 Ratings
10 Ratings
5% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 22 User Ratings
6.1
50% Positive
11 Ratings
11 Ratings
45% Mixed
10 Ratings
10 Ratings
5% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
Though not as emotionally resonant as its predecessor, this sequel succeeds through its compelling mystery elements, a strong protagonist and high-impact action.
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Though better than "The Death of Superman", there are quite a few script flaws and some lack of character development that might have made this film better. Overall though, it is enjoyable.
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This made-for-DVD animated video is the conclusion to the previous The Death of Superman and follows the rise of four Supermen after the demise of the original, including a cyborg who claims to be him. What results is a film that is reeeeaaalllyyy hit-and-miss.
On the plus side: There is some very nice character work. This is really Lois Lane's film as she compellingly both deals with grief and investigates the new Supermen. Liked the heroes Steel, a decent every-guy, and Superboy. They go with the classic nineties shades and leather jacket Superboy, and oh how I've missed him, constantly trying to show off and being a self-appointed ladies man.
No complaints about the fight scenes here. There is also a visually unique method to create a portal device that I applaud the writers for.
A couple of funny lines in this as well.
On the negative side: The film suffers from trying to fit the four Supermen, who had multiple issues to develop themselves in the original comics, into 87 minutes. Steel and Eradicator, especially the latter, get the short shrift in the plot department.
I wish they hadn't set this in the animated DC film universe. With the little amount of time available, it felt the use of preexisting elements and teasing developments for later ones pulled focus.
Waaaaayyyy too much time is spent on Lex Luthor, who really just had a minimal role in the original comic story line. To make matters worse, the character is basically a check-off list of predictable Lex Luthor storyline tropes. You could make a drinking game out of it. I felt Rainn Wilson to be one of the weakest Luthor performers.
The whole plot does reek of poor planning altogether, Mercy Graves, who served as someone for Lex to talk to in The Death of Superman (and to be honest they didn't really need her as he has another lackey) is waylaid very early in the film as it's clear they didn't know what to do with her.
For a movie that is about the hope and goodness that Superman represents, there are a couple moments in the movie that are way more dark than they need to be. They feel unearned and took me out of the film. There is one scene at the very end after the big cliimax, which was just uber nihilistic.
The animation is okay in this but not the best.
Overall, I guess I liked this more than I didn't, but it's not a movie I'm planning to revisit.
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Awards
Daytime Emmy Awards
• 2 Nominations
Motion Picture Sound Editors, USA
• 1 Nomination
