The Meteor Man
A nervous music teacher gains fleeting superpowers and takes on a menacing street gang to defend his neighborhood.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- earnest
- uplifting
- family movie night
- 90s nostalgia viewing
What critics said
Critics generally found the film well-intentioned and intermittently funny but weakened by an incoherent blend of superhero parody, social commentary, and episodic storytelling.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Jefferson Reed becomes a Black superhero whose powers are used to defend his neighborhood and inspire local children.
Jefferson is a music teacher who can fly but fears heights, while his rapid knowledge absorption lasts only briefly.
The conflict with the Golden Lords is framed around protecting Jefferson's family, friends, and urban community.
The film presents righteous do-goodism and a Black-child hero ideal while sending up familiar superhero conventions.
Films like The Meteor Man, and why
Blankman
family-friendly superhero comedy with an ordinary protagonist learning to use unusual powers
Mystery Men
comic-book parody, broad humor, and a reluctant hero confronting street criminals
The Incredibles
lighthearted superhero origin story centered on community protection and social responsibility
Black Panther
Black-led comic superhero adventure balancing satire with uplifting community themes
Movie Details
- Director
- Robert Townsend
- Release Date
- 1993-08-06
- Runtime
- 100 min
- Rating
- 5.8 / 10 (203)
Cast
- Robert Townsend
- Marla Gibbs
- Eddie Griffin
- Robert Guillaume
- James Earl Jones
- Roy Fegan
- Don Cheadle
- Sinbad
- Frank Gorshin
- Big Daddy Kane
Common questions
- What is The Meteor Man about?
- A nervous music teacher gains fleeting superpowers and takes on a menacing street gang to defend his neighborhood.
- What is The Meteor Man like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Meteor Man as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Meteor Man violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Meteor Man as mild.
- What did critics think of The Meteor Man?
- Critics generally found the film well-intentioned and intermittently funny but weakened by an incoherent blend of superhero parody, social commentary, and episodic storytelling.
- Which films are like The Meteor Man?
- Films with a similar feel include Blankman, Mystery Men, The Incredibles, and Black Panther.
- How long is The Meteor Man?
- The Meteor Man runs 100 minutes.
