SUPER
An average guy reacts to the frustration of losing his wife by adopting a crime-fighting persona known as the "Crimson Bolt," and targeting any criminal who crosses his path -- no matter how minor their infraction may be. Frank (Rainn Wilson) is husband to former alcoholic and drug addict Sarah (Liv Tyler), and he loves her with all his heart. Their wedding day was one of but two perfect moments in this Frank's life, but when Sarah runs away with charismatic drug dealer Jacques (Kevin Bacon), the loss was just too much for her mild-mannered husband to take. Subsequently transforming himself into the Crimson Bolt, Frank reasons that if he can take down Jacques along with the rest of the city's scum, his beloved wife will soon come running back. With his homemade suit and his handy pipe wrench, Frank goes to work cleaning up the streets and starts making headlines. But just as the Crimson Bolt becomes the talk of the town, sociopathic comic-store clerk Libby (Ellen Page) reinvents herself as "Boltie," and makes a play to become the controversial street hero's trusted sidekick. Perhaps by working together, the Crimson Bolt and Boltie can make an example of Jacques, and keep the streets safe for average citizens. But real life isn't like comic books, and sometimes when an average person tries to be a superhero, things can go very bad, very fast. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: James Gunn
Cast: Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon, Michael Rooker
Release Date: Apr 01, 2011
Rated R for strong bloody violence, pervasive language, sexual content
& drug use
Runtime: 1 hr. 36 min.
Genres: Art House, Comedy, Superhero
REVIEW:
James Gunn has shown a talent for a twisted sort of humor and a love for fanboy genres. His 2006 film Slither was a wonderful homage to classic 80’s creature features that people like me just loved. Super tries something similar with superheroes, it suffers from a variety of issues first and foremost Kick Ass having recently and successfully traversed the same path beforehand. At this point it’s almost impossible to avoid the comparisons. Still taken on its own merits Super just misses more than it doesn’t. You get the sense the heart of a good strong idea is in there somewhere but it never comes to fruition. The film just lacks any sense of rhythm or cohesion. It’s a real shame because there’s a strong cast assembled and everybody seems game. Rainn Wilson turns in a believable performance throughout. Ellen Page is mildly unhinged and kind of fun in limited screen time. Kevin Bacon and Nathan Fillion are criminally underused, a shame since more screen time for both of their characters might have helped the film. Liv Tyler and Michael Rooker show up but aren’t really asked to do much. While I’m sure Gunn’s heart was in the right place Super just feels like a massive misfire.
C-
I didn't realise Ellen Page was in this!! I like her alot, especially after the impressive Juno.
ReplyDeleteThis comes as no surprise does it after the success of Kick Ass. KA was a movie I loved immensely and knock offs had to come. It sounds like a good cast is wasted. I think opinion generally mirrors yours. It smacks of being produced too quickly in an attempt to cash in, off the back of KA.
I love Ellen Page too, if you haven't seen Hard Candy, film she did before Juno, I highly recommend it!
ReplyDeleteI loved Kick Ass as well and occording to what I've read they were both created and produced about the same time, either way it just doesn't succeed, sadly.
Good review! Love the cast in this. Hope to see it soon. But it will hard to be beat the similar Kick-Ass.
ReplyDeleteReally wanted to like it but it just didn't come together and while I tried to avoid comparing it to Kick Ass, it gets hard not to.
ReplyDelete