Those who are familiar with this site and site network probably know that this all started with Superman – first as an online newsletter/website for Lois & Clark and then of course KryptonSite for Smallville.
In 1997, soon after Lois & Clark ended but a few years before Smallville premiered, a Superman-related character made his big-screen debut in the form of the character John Henry Irons, aka Steel, who first appeared in the Superman comics from DC after the character “died.”
Unfortunately, like the Halle Berry Catwoman disaster, this is one of those spin-offs that could even make Batman & Robin look good.
Warner Bros. through their “Warner Archive” program recently made this available. From my understanding, Warner Archive releases lesser-known movies directly onto DVD rather than going for a full release. I admit, I was a bit excited to see this as 14 years later I still haven’t seen this part of Superman (sort of) history.
The first surprise I had was that this was written and directed by Kenneth Johnson, the creator of V who made that fantastic mini-series. He also was the writer and producer tasked with making the Hulk incredible, in the original TV series which I still believe to be superior to the two recent films. I thought “this couldn’t be so bad, really?” And… well…
I don’t have much other frame of reference so I don’t know if Shaq’s “acting” got better than this, but Judd Nelson as the movie’s villain isn’t any better. The problem with Shaquille O’Neal (who is playing John Henry Irons aka Steel in this movie) is that he’s one of those actors where it’s clear he’s trying too hard and he’s, well… acting. It doesn’t make him believable in the role.
The sets of this movie seem on par with the first Street Fighter movie that was made a year or two earlier. Not too impressive. Oh, and the soundtrack is ATROCIOUS.
I will say, though, that I actually like the Steel “armor” in the movie. The visible mouth is weird, but I thought the design was well done.
The other problem I have with Steel as a film in general is that the character’s origins in the comics are so based around Superman; I think a Steel movie can only properly exist as a direct spin-off from a Superman movie. Much like the previously-mentioned Catwoman; if Halle Berry had appeared as the character in a Batman film first, I might have been more interested. Though really, what I wanted was a Michelle Pfeiffer Catwoman movie.
Anyhow, this movie satisfies a curiosity at the very least, and at its best it is an exercise of amusement. It makes me sad, though, that such a big movie studio couldn’t create something… better.
The other surprise I get from this movie is that, in nine years of watching Smallville it has never crossed my mind that John Henry Irons should appear on the show. Now, I’m wondering why he hasn’t already!
My final comment on all of this is that I am very impressed with the “Warner Archive” DVD program and really wish they’d expand it to include television series. There are several shows Warner Home Video has started and never finished the collections for, such as Superboy; and there are others like the Fugitive remake with Tim Daly or the Dukes of Hazzard spin-off Enos that might not sell too well in a wide release but with a program like this, might get to see the light of the day. If anyone from the Warner Archive is reading this, please consider it!
You can purchase Steel from the Warner Archive here.
2 Comments
Pretty much spot on review. The only redeeming moment for the film, was hearing Richard Roundtree say, “I particularly like the shaft”
Oh, and Jordan was in Space Jam, not Shaq.
Otherwise, top notch as always, Craig.
I thought STEEL was a good bit of popcorn fun, steel,,,, i mean still do lol! ; D