Some Thoughts on Superman’s Cinematic Legacy

Before I begin, let me say that this is not a Snyderverse v Gunnverse argument. No, not at all. Instead, it is an observation of what I have seen up to date and hope for with respect to the portrayal of Superman. There have been many films that I have looked forward to — most all have been from Marvel — but this summer’s Superman has been on my radar for a while now.

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Discussing ‘Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story’ with the Reeve Family and Filmmakers

One of the most heartfelt pieces of cinema I’ve seen this year was the wonderful documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story. Directed by Peter Ettedgui and Ian Bonhôte, the film takes a look at the amazing Christopher and Dana Reeve, and their story overcoming the adversities that came following the tragedy of Christopher’s 1995 accident.

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Trailer for ‘Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story’ Flies Online

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of watching a very charming documentary about the man who became Superman to the world, Christopher Reeve. Now, you’ll get the opportunity to see this wonderful film for yourself, when Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story hits theaters September 21 and 25. Today, WB and DC have dropped the trailer for the touching film.

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NOC Review: ‘Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story’ Will Make You Believe

My hope is that the title for this review won’t get me sued by the makers of Ted Lasso. But in my defense, I’m mostly just playing off the tagline of one of the greatest superhero movies ever made. And in that grand tradition, we now have a stellar documentary telling the inspirational story of one of the most iconic superheroes ever! No, not Superman. The late, great actor and activist, Christopher Reeve.

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Mezco’s One:12 Collective Superman is Out of This World

When it comes to my passion for action figure collecting, you’d think Mezco’s One:12 Collective line would be a no-branier. It takes the intricate detail and soft goods stitching found on 12-inch Hot Toys figures and shrinks them down to my preferred scale, without losing any of the craftsmanship. But by and large, I missed the One:12 boat, focusing more on Marvel Legends, Star Wars Black Series, and the occasional S.H. Figuarts figure. And while I pre-ordered both Batman and Superman from, well, Batman v Superman, I never took them out of their (admittedly gorgeous) packaging. Well, Mezco’s just-released Superman from the 1978 film has changed all that.

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Ghostbusters II Turns 25, Still Too Hot to Handle (Too Cold to Hold)

Oh yeah, and the original Ghostbusters is having an anniversary, too.

Yes, this weekend marks 30 years since that groundbreaking film Ghostbusters was first released. Trust me, I am more than excited for this fact; other than how old that makes me feel, that is. Sony is going all out for this anniversary too. Not only will the film be re-released in theaters this August, but they’re giving us a fully-loaded anniversary edition of the blu-ray in September!

As great as all of this is, I am here to talk about the thing I am actually even more jazzed about. You see, while 2014 is indeed the 30th anniversary of Ghostbusters, it’s also the 25th anniversary of Ghostbusters II, aka the greatest sequel in film history. Yeah, that’s right. Sorry Godfather 2 or Empire Strikes Back or The Dark Knight.

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The Conversation We Should Not Have About Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman

Gal GadotZack Snyder cast Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman for the upcoming Man of Steel sequel, thereby ending months of speculation about the possible portrayal of DC Comics’ oldest nod to feminist virtue and grrl power. Previously seen by American audiences in the recent Fast & Furious movies, Gal Gadot’s casting has been met with equal praise and derision. My initial response is hearty, heartfelt, and honest.

I told you so.

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NOC Poetry: “Christopher Reeve’s Filipino Nurse”

Years ago, before we knew what shape Secret Identities was going to take, I asked my friend and former professor, the poet Luisa Igloria, to submit a poem about Asian Americans and superheroes. She sent me this beautiful persona poem from the point of view of Dolly Arro, the nurse who cared for Christopher Reeve for so many years until he died in 2004.

Though we ended up not using it in Secret Identities, Luisa eventually published the poem in the online literary magazine SWEET in 2008. I’ve asked Luisa if we could reprint her poem here on The Nerds of Color for Lit Week. The poem is after the jump, and Luisa’s new book, The Saints of Streets, is available now.

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