Review of Atom Man vs. Superman (1950) by James H — 24 Feb 2011

Better than its predecessor, Atom Man vs. Superman boasts a better plot, more action, and surprisingly better special effects, considering producer Sam Katzman's notorious cost-cutting techniques. Lots of footage from the first serial is reused, as is lots of stock footage (like the Tacoma Narrows bridge collapse from 1940), which allows for some better effects, explosions, and so on.

The flying sequence are still handled with animation, but is in its own way has a certain charm. This serial also introduces Luthor to the big screen, and Lyle Talbot (who also plays Commissioner Gordon in 1949's Batman & Robin) turns in a memorable performance as the scheming mad scientist.

Again Alyn is terrific as Superman and Clarke Kent. Atom Man vs. Superman is still marred by some cheapness in terms of production and it does sag in the middle (there's a chapter that recaps Superman's origin using almost 15 minutes of footage from the first chapter of the 1948 serial!), yet it is still vastly entertaining and one of the best superhero serials.