An eccentric, enchanting film starring Tracy White as Superman, Jing Bao as Shanghai Hell Cat, Richard Dacio in a duel role as Angus the Mad Ape and the Mad Scientist, and director Chris Spollen as himself.
Tracy White produced and wrote the film, along with co-writer and director Chris Spollen. Eileen Hanlon is credited as story assistant.
We are introduced to Superman leaving a supermarket in New Dorp, carrying his bags of groceries, and getting on a bus. He is living in an SRO in Mariner’s Harbor, on Social Security, with his “powers diminished somewhat.”
Superman’s motivation to come out of his retirement and agreeing to be part of the film: “We’re going to film it on Staten Island,” director Spollen tells him. “We’ve got the Hellcat from China (the Shanghai Hellcat), you’ll be dealing with Russians, Ray Guns, Rocket Ships, and Hell Cats. Superman this has your name all over it.”
With an intro like that how can you go wrong?
Review
Tracy White’s performance as Superman is low-key terrific. He is made for the role. There are some parts of the film that could have been tightened up — for example, Hellcat’s prowling entrance goes on a bit too long. There are a few inconsistencies in the plot timeline — example, Hellcat using a transmitter in the villain’s home to contact Superman — and then in the next scene she is tied up.
But these inconsistencies are minor compared to the plot inconsistencies in bigger-budget Staten Island films, for example, “King of Staten Island”. With a little bit of tightening this movie would be a cult classic — and maybe it will be anyway.
Tracy White jumping through the kitchen window and flying through the air with the soundtrack of the 1960’s tv show is pure brilliance.
The soundtrack by Jing Bao is terrific. She does a nice acting job as Hellcat as well. All the actors in the film did a fine job, including the director playing himself. The intro scene of the director asking Superman to do the film is a highlight.
Part of the story is showcasing interesting places to visit on Staten Island — and White hits several– including the Guiseppe Garibaldi Museum (the true inventor of the telephone), the Alice Austin House and view of Verrazano Bridge and NYC skyline, and the ship graveyard by the Outerbridge Crossing.
One hopes Tracy White makes a Superman’s Staten Island Journey 2 and 3.
Watch it here — 30 minutes of fun:
https://filmfreeway.com/SupermansStatenIslandJourney
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