Kindness is the New Punk Rock!

So, here’s the deal: kindness is like, totally the new punk rock! At least that’s the vibe we’re getting from Superman’s latest big-budget adventure—yet, let’s take a moment to talk about a film that might make you cringe more than your dad’s dad jokes. Yup, we’re talking about the 1997 gem known as Steel featuring none other than your favorite basketball star, Shaquille O’Neal.

Enter Stage Left: The Mugger and the Hero

Picture this: a handsome couple is about to be mugged by a tough guy—I mean, can we just say, ‘Yikes!’ But fear not, dear reader, for our hero is about to show up! In a scene that totally screams ’90s cheese, the mugger hears a mysterious voice urging him to return the couple’s belongings. The guy replies, “I ain’t got no problem!” I mean, classic response, right? But guess what? Our hero, Steel, strides in with all the glory of a metal knight and says, “Oh yes you do!” Cue the dramatic music, please!

Forging Steel: From Comic Pages to Silver Screens

Now, let’s rewind a bit—Steel, the comic character, didn’t just pop up out of nowhere; he was birthed from the creative juices of the Reign of the Supermen story back in ’93. Four characters strutted in claiming to be the new Superman. While a clone, an AI, and a cyborg claimed their stakes, it was John Henry Irons, a regular dude with a heart of gold, who kept Superman’s spirit alive.

In the movie, however, our friend Irons has traded his whopping intellect for a charmingly goofy persona. He’s now a former weapons dealer who decides to return home after his friend ends up in a wheelchair. And what does he find there? A rival weapons dealer arming local gangs with high-tech toys. Sounds like a plot worthy of a Saturday morning cartoon, doesn’t it?

A Heart of Gold in a Metallic Suit

Let’s be real: Steel isn’t winning any awards for depth. Irons is the goodest of good guys, taking the blame for his buddy’s injury when it clearly should belong to someone else. But that’s the charm! He’s endearing in his simple goodness, plus he’s supported by his wise grandmother and a ludicrously quirky inventor uncle (shout out to Richard Roundtree!) who steals every scene he’s in!

And speaking of which, can we just take a moment to appreciate the career highlight that is Richard Roundtree? Watching him smile through the chaos is a treat that adds extra cream to this cheesy delight. His enthusiasm is honestly infectious, and it somehow makes all the absurd plot twists feel a bit warmer!

No Homicidal Villains, Just Good Times!

Don’t you love a superhero movie that doesn’t involve a major city level event or a deep existential crisis? Nope, Irons faces no inner demons, and the villain, Burke, is just a greedy dude selling high-tech toys to thugs. This film is just a good guy trying to save the day—in a world where things are simplified to the max!

Good Old Days: A Character Rebirth

It’s funny how Steel hadn’t even etched his name in the fan-favorite list when the movie dropped, but boy, did things change quickly! Quincy Jones caught wind of this hero and decided he needed to be featured in a film that could inspire Black youths. And guess who gets the titular role? Shaquille O’Neal, the man, the myth, the legend! But… let’s just say he made as big of an impression as a cardboard cutout wearing metallic armor.

More Than Just a Bad Movie

Sure, Steel tanked at the box office and has become a staple in the ‘so-bad-it’s-good’ movie critiques. But despite Shaq’s stilted performance, the movie offers a simplicity and clarity that many modern superhero films continue to struggle with. It’s scary how it falls more into that delightful playground of unpretentious entertainment.

Conclusion: Jazz Over Bombast

While Steel may not have the grit of a modern-day blockbuster, its warm fuzziness feels like a soothing jazz tune against the backdrop of all those bombastic superhero sagas. So the next time you feel like revisiting those cheesy classics, remember: sometimes it’s not about the superhero flicks that blow up the universe, but the ones that simply aim to spread a little kindness and joy!