Says The Hollywood Reporter:
Ever since artist Joe Shuster and writer Jerry Siegel created the granddaddy of all comic book icons in 1932, Superman has fought valiantly to preserve "truth, justice and the American way." Whether kicking Nazi ass on the radio in the '40s or wrapping himself in the Stars and Stripes on TV during the Cold War or even rescuing the White House's flag as his final feat in "Superman II," the Krypton-born, Smallville-raised Ubermensch always has been steeped in unmistakable U.S. symbolism.
But in the latest film incarnation, scribes Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris sought to downplay Superman's long-standing patriot act. With one brief line uttered by actor Frank Langella, the caped superhero's mission transformed from "truth, justice and the American way" to "truth, justice and all that stuff."
To correct the previous quote, Action Comics #1 was issued in June 1938, not 1932. And from the introductory panels of the comic book, Superman is described as "Champion of the oppressed, the physical marvel who had sworn to devote his existence to helping those in need." Actually the "Superman" character introduced in Action Comics #1 -- a true vigilante -- bears little resemblance to the Superman legend that has grown over the past 68 years.
But it is interesting that Superman is no longer thought of as a champion of "The American Way." I have blogged before about the fact that Western intellectuals no longer consider America, or western civilization for that matter, worth fighting for. In this age of post-modernism, I suppose that "truth" will be the next casualty.
ADDED: After I posted this, I noted that Michelle Malkin also had some thoughts about Superman. So here is my obligatory trackback-whoring link. ;-)
Here is Oliver Willis' review.
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