Today’s quick review: Superman: Red Son. During the Cold War, the appearance of Superman (Jason Isaacs), an alien with incredible abilities, tips the global balance of power in favor of the Soviet Union. The United States turns to Lex Luthor (Diedrich Bader), a brilliant scientist with no scruples, to come up with a weapon capable of defeating him. Meanwhile, Superman wrestles with the moral challenges of turning the USSR into a utopia.
Superman: Red Son is an animated superhero movie that offers an alternate take on Superman, showing what would happen if he had been raised in Soviet Russia rather than the American heartland. Red Son tackles a broader range of ideas than most superhero stories, not only reimagining the DC Universe and tying it to the Cold War, but addressing broader political questions. The movie’s solid writing and creativity make it an interesting watch.
Superman: Red Son sets up a moral battle between two polar opposites: Superman, an idealistic man who becomes a tyrant in the name of prosperity, and Lex Luthor, a pragmatist who nonetheless becomes a champion for individual freedom. The conflict between the men’s ideals and their methods gives the story unusual depth for the genre. At the same time, Red Son packs enough classic Superman action to keep fans of the genre satisfied.
Even with these strengths, Superman: Red Son will not be what everyone is looking for. The alternate world skews dark in places, and there are no moral paragons to root for. The story is paced oddly, taking place over the course of decades as Superman and Lex grow and shift tactics. The emotional arc of the movie is underdeveloped. And while the adaptation is generally accurate to the comic, die-hard fans will find that it makes a few key changes.
None of these issues keep Superman: Red Son from being an interesting thought experiment, but they do cut into its enjoyability as a story. Fans of the genre who are looking for something a little more thoughtful should give it a shot. Those hoping for more all-out action or a richer, more emotional story may want to temper their expectations.
For a more straightforward story featuring some of the same villains, check out Superman Unbound. For another tyrannical, alternate take on Superman, check out Justice League: Gods and Monsters. For a different exploration of Superman’s character, try Superman vs. The Elite. For a live-action superhero movie that deals with the morality of war, check out Wonder Woman.
6.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for a rich story with a few flaws.