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The Storyline of “Steel”
“Steel” is a superhero movie that came out in 1997, directed by Kenneth Johnson. The movie follows John Henry Irons (played by Shaquille O’Neal), who is a former weapons designer that becomes a superhero known as Steel after witnessing the destruction his weapons have caused. Alongside his team, Irons tries to stop a criminal plot to use his weapons for destructive purposes.
News About the Movie
The movie did not receive much critical acclaim and was considered a box office bomb, failing to even cover its production cost. However, it has gained a cult following over the years with many fans of Shaquille O’Neal praising his lead performance in it.
The Plot of “Steel”
The plot of “Steel” revolves around John Henry Irons and his journey from weapon designer to superhero. Irons quits his job in disgust after realizing the destructive power of his creations and begins working on something more beneficial for society – an exoskeleton suit designed for rescue operations. However, he becomes disillusioned when he discovers that the military has stolen his designs and used them to create devastating weaponry.
With the help of his friend Sparky (played by Judd Nelson) and Uncle Joe (played Richard Roundtree), Irons sets out to stop the criminal gang that has taken control of his weapons. The group plans to use them for personal gain, destroying anything that gets in their way. Irons as “Steel” dons his suit to stop them and save the world from destruction.
Interesting Facts About “Steel”
The movie is based on the DC Comics character “John Henry Irons”, aka Steel. The character made his first appearance in Superman #22 in 1998.
Shaquille O’Neal was a huge comic book fan growing up and was excited to play the lead role of Steel, even going so far as to have a custom-made steel suit designed for him.
The Casts and Acting
Shaquille O’Neal plays John Henry Irons/Steel, Judd Nelson plays Sparky, Richard Roundtree plays Uncle Joe, Annabeth Gish plays Susan Sparks, and Ray J plays Martin. Despite some criticisms regarding Shaquille O’Neal’s acting abilities at the time, many fans believe he did a great job portraying Steel.
The Characters of “Steel”
The titular character John Henry Irons/Steel is a former weapons designer who becomes a superhero after witnessing the destruction his creations have caused. He is joined by Sparky, his loyal and enthusiastic sidekick, and Uncle Joe, his wise mentor.
Susan Sparks is a love interest for Irons and Martin is a young boy who looks up to Irons as a hero. The movie features several comics-accurate designs for the characters, including Steel’s suit.
The History of “Steel”
“Steel” was released in 1997 at a time when superhero movies were not as popular as they are now. The movie was intended to be the first film in a franchise, but due to its poor box office performance, no sequels were made.
Despite this, “Steel” has gained a cult following over the years with many fans praising its campy charm and Shaquille O’Neal’s performance. Some fans even consider it to be one of the best superhero movies of all time.
The Score and Popularity
The score for “Steel” was composed by Mervyn Warren and features several original songs by various artists. The movie’s popularity waned after its initial release but has gained renewed interest in recent years due to its cult status online.
My Evaluation of “Steel”
Personally, I found “Steel” to be an enjoyable but flawed movie. While the story and characters were interesting, the movie suffered from poor pacing and some awkward dialogue. However, I appreciated the movie’s message about responsibility and the destructive power of weapons.
Shaquille O’Neal’s performance as Steel was surprisingly good, and I found myself invested in his character’s journey. While the movie may not be a masterpiece, it is a fun time capsule of 90s superhero movies that is worth checking out for fans of the genre or Shaquille O’Neal.
The Cinematography of “Steel”
The cinematography in “Steel” was decent but not exceptional. The movie relies heavily on green screen effects for its action scenes which have aged poorly over time. However, some of the more practical effects, such as Steel’s suit design, still hold up today.
My Opinion on “Steel” Scenes
One scene in particular that I enjoyed was when Irons first dons his Steel suit and tests it out by jumping off a building. The scene had a sense of wonder and excitement that made me feel like a kid again. Another scene that stood out to me was when Sparky gets kidnapped, and Uncle Joe and Irons have to rescue her. The scene was exciting and showed off some of the more practical effects in the movie.
However, some of the action scenes in “Steel” can be a bit cheesy and stilted. The use of green screen is particularly distracting during some of the more fast-paced scenes.
Gossip Surrounding “Steel”
One interesting aspect of “Steel” is how it has become a bit of a punchline in pop culture. The movie’s reputation as a box office bomb has made it a meme in certain circles, with fans jokingly referring to it as one of the worst movies ever made. However, this has also led to an increase in interest in the movie, with many people watching it ironically.
The Soundtracks Used for “Steel”
The soundtrack for “Steel” features several original songs by various artists, including Seal, Monica, and Shaquille O’Neal himself. The songs are mostly R&B and hip-hop influenced, fitting with the movie’s 90s aesthetic.
Analyzing the Special Effects Used for “Steel”
The special effects in “Steel” are a mixed bag. While the practical effects, such as Steel’s suit design and Uncle Joe’s prosthetic leg, are impressive, the green screen effects used for the action scenes have not aged well. The movie also features some cheesy CGI during its climactic battle scene.
The Dialogue Used in “Steel”
The dialogue in “Steel” can be a bit clunky at times, with some lines feeling forced or awkward. However, there are also some witty one-liners and humorous moments that help balance out the more serious themes of the movie.
The Crews Behind “Steel”
Directed by Kenneth Johnson and produced by Quincy Jones and David Roessell, “Steel” had a fairly experienced crew behind it with several notable credits to their names.
Despite this, the movie suffered from production issues and had to deal with a limited budget that affected its overall quality.
Criticisms Directed At “Steel”
One of the main criticisms directed at “Steel” is its poor pacing. The movie can feel slow at times, particularly during its middle section, and some scenes drag on for too long.
Other criticisms include the weak villain and the movie’s reliance on green screen effects during its action scenes.
The Production of “Steel”
The production of “Steel” was plagued with issues, including a limited budget and a rushed shooting schedule. This led to several scenes being cut or shortened, which may have affected the movie’s overall quality.
Despite these issues, the cast and crew were able to complete production on time and deliver a finished product. While it may not have been a critical or commercial success, “Steel” remains an interesting addition to the superhero movie genre.
The Editing of “Steel”
The editing in “Steel” is serviceable but unspectacular. Some scenes could have benefited from tighter editing to improve their pacing, while others feel unnecessarily drawn out. However, there are also several well-edited sequences that help keep the movie moving along.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Steel” is an imperfect but enjoyable superhero movie that has gained a cult following over the years. While it may not be for everyone, fans of Shaquille O’Neal or 90s superhero movies may find something to love in this campy and fun film.