Steel

Kenneth Johnson’s 1997 film, “Steel,” stars Shaquille O’Neal as John Henry Irons, the armored hero known as Steel. The comic book character was a genius inventor who built a mechanized suit to replicate Superman’s powers in order to carry on Superman’s legacy following Kal-El’s death at the hands of Doomsday. Created by Louise Simonson and Jon Bogdanove, the character appeared during the “Reign of the Supermen” storyarc and worked to clear the streets of weapons he had developed for the military but which were being sold to gangs. The elements of Steel’s backstory involving his inventiveness and the illicit sale of weapons he created remain in this film, though Johnson removed all references to Superman. Irons must fight against the soldier who stole and is selling the weapons, Nathaniel Burke (Judd Nelson), here filling in for the White Rabbit in the comics. Aiding Irons is Susan “Sparky” Sparks (Annabeth Gish), his partner who was paralyzed in the original sabotaged weapons test.Unfortunately, the film was a commercial and critical failure in its time, though it retains a certain ’90s charm and probably would have been better received as a television movie rather than a theatrical release. The main stars were relatively unharmed by the critical reaction, with Shaq continuing to win on the basketball court into the 2000s as well as make appearances in films and television shows. Gish has continued acting on the big and small screen as has Judd Nelson. For Johnson, this film’s status as a flop is a blip in an otherwise successful career as the creator of the television series “The Bionic Woman,” “Incredible Hulk,” “Alien Nation,” and “V,” and the director of Disney Channel’s “Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century.” Johnson even includes several references to “Alien Nation.” For its time, “Steel” was the only Superman-related film in the 1990s. It premiered only two months after the conclusion of “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” and there wouldn’t be further live-action Superman content until 2001 with the premiere of “Smallville,” while the character didn’t re-appear on the silver screen until 2006’s “Superman Returns.” Steel made several appearances in animated films and televisions series through the late ’90s and early 2000s before returning to live-action storytelling in 2001 on “Superman & Lois.” This is worth re-watching, particularly for Superman fans looking to have a complete film collection.

When this movie first came out on VHS back in the 90's, it was rented by a parent for me and a friend to watch on a bro-day to hang and play Nintendo, eat play with action figures and watch a movie. Well it was a long time ago but, I remember my friend wasn't able to make it that day for some reason... It didn't stop me from watching the rental from Blockbuster and having a blast flying solo. Everything I love about this movie from the acting, the story and the effects for the time was a blast. Even the bad baddies are so much fun. Comparing with what Steel is supposed to be from the comics, well I can understand why DC fans were let down. That aside, this is a great movie if you want a DC-based movie that feels great and fun and is enjoyable to boot - Kenner made some figures too that are a so much fun....

Price and delivery was fine. If you are gonna be a Marvel Comics fan, you may want to collect your whole dvd movie library together. NOTE: when getting dvds online, always make sure their format is set to your area. If you are in the USA, make sure the format is for North America (NOT Europe, or some other area)

Shaq makes a good "super" hero, though he doesn't actually have any super powers. It's about a person of humble origins (his uncle runs a junk yard) who fashions a sort of armor and helps out those who can't help themselves. He has a motorcycle and hides it in the cleverly disguised junk yard.Shaq isn't really much of an actor, but his humanity and largesse shine through. He is so nice you can't resist liking him. The story is a little thin and the special effects are not too special, but it is a heartwarming, almost convincing story with a feel good vibe and well worth watching. It has little to upset youngsters. It's very kid-friendly, but also satisfying for adults.Four stars might be a little high in some people's views, but this is not a critical masterpiece, just a pleasant romp with a big heart to match it's big hero.

The original dvd that was delivered was in excellent condition. I appreciate the effort to get it to me in a timely manner.

you dont want to leave out one of the super men from the comics. the movie is really decent for the age. the special effects are okay.

comic book steel the movie is different then the comic steel weapon is a hammer put its a gun that shoot not a hammer unlike his suit is supersets to shoot like iron man and jet bet it grapples instead its very cool well made could be done better no complaints its a really cool no wicked cool movie

I loved the movie

Not the greatest but still a DC movie . The only sad part about this movie its because its not available in blu ray

bon film d action

DVD played well in the machine. No extras which was expected but, overall very happy with my purchase.

Was a great movie for its time great movie for a dc comics non main character.

Film fonctionne tres bien tres bon film merci