Super
Super and Kick-Ass. Kick-Ass and Super. Here are two very different movies with a similar theme; a comedy about masked vigilantes. While one may be a very successful film that boasted incredible stars, spurned a sequel, revitalised Nicolas Cage’s career, brought the world Chloe Mortez and basically kicked arse; the other is a Canadian black comedy that disappeared because people thought it was too close to Kick-Ass. Although both films were made around the same time, Super was released a year after Kick-Ass which hindered people going to see it. Why? It’s not like people are against going to see the same rehashed storyline over and over again (see: A Good Day to Die Hard.) But sadly, Super fell short with critics and audiences despite being a completely different film than Kick-Ass.
Super is about Frank (Rainn Wilson) who has had a huge life of disappointment. He only has two good memories; marrying his wife Sarah (Liv Tyler) and helping the police solve a crime. Unfortunately, Sarah is an addict and leaves him for drug dealer Jacques (Kevin Bacon) pulling Frank into a dark depression. When God comes to him in a dream and he meets superhero Holy Avenger (Nathan Fillion,) Frank believes that he has been Chosen by God to become the latest Superhero. Donning the outfit of “The Crimson Bolt,” Frank stalks the streets trying to fight for justice. When he is beaten by thugs of Jacques, ` Frank seeks help from foul mouth comic book clerk Libby (Ellen Page.) Together, they will be...super.
Super is an extremely punchy film that is chock full of dark humour. James Gunn’s (the director) works the movie into a twisted vigilante movie. While Kick Ass pretty much safely toes the line (despite the 11 year old assassin,) Super goes full force into the black world of comedy and throws the audience some pretty harsh moments. Rainn Wilson is superb as Frank and without his narration, hand drawn art and sublime acting then Super would trail off as a one note movie. Frank is an interesting character, which helps drive the movie forward. As an unhinged geek who obsesses over details and people, Frank is a lonely soul looking for completion under spandex. Wilson does a great job at giving a human side to Frank when he simply could end up as a caricature.
Super has some genius moments of hilarity that will keep you laughing a good while after you have finished watching the movie. However, while I do like Super, the dark humour goes too far in trying to be edgy. Some may argue (I definitely will) that the kind of brutal rape scene where Libby attacks Frank should not be seen as a funny moment within the movie. Just because it is a girl attacking guy, shouldn’t make the abuse more acceptable and shouldn’t make people laugh the way it does. Although it is a black comedy, this is one scene within the movie where Gunn misjudges and fires a terrible blank into the audience.
Yet, if you just slice this moment out of the movie, Super is generally an enjoyable film. It doesn’t grab you the same way Kick Ass and it will appeal to only a handful of people. It misses marks at times but when it hits you square in the jaw, it really backs a punch. In fact, watch it as a stand along indie flick where the cast do brilliant stuff and the jokes are good. Super has its bad moments but altogether it does great. It is the awkward joke you tell to all your friends that solidifies their reason for thinking your unhinged. But if you get it, you will love this sick and dark Super hero movie.
TTFN
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