Review of Superman and the Mole Men (1951) by Conrad S — 01 Oct 2016

This "film" is camp to the extreme, allergic to subtlety, and worst of all; boring. This film consists of a 20 minute chase scene, 10 minutes of burning someone alive, and 30 minutes of droning exposition.

Like a lot of early comic-book media, they give no characterisation, and rely on you already reading the comics. However, unlike other works, this one is trying to portray a character driven narrative.

Due to Superman, Lois Lane and Clark Kent being given little to no development, we can't sympathise and encourage them. All the other characters are a not-so-subtle portrayal of the uncaring animals that we are.

I would be find with the message of a humans need to destroy anything unfamiliar, if they didn't spell it out for you right at the end. It's not like this film didn't have anything to work with either.

Every time an engaging action scene, or a chance to really add some emotion comes about, it cuts away for more crudely delivered dialogue and sexism. The only saving grace are the Mole Men themselves.

People often underestimate the power of physical acting, but these creatures are genuinely sympathetic. With a boring plot, boring characters, and boring cinematography, this is one superman film you can skip.