Review for Super

Frank (Rainn Wilson) is a simple grillman, happily married to recovering drug addict Sarah (Liv Tyler). One day she leaves him for drug dealer (Kevin Bacon) and Frank is devastated. After receiving a sign from God he decides to become The Crimson Bolt: A Superhero, armed only with a large wrench. He begins to fight crime in a rather misguided way, targetting a variety of criminals and in the process gaining himself a crazy sidekick Boltie (Ellen Page). Together, they decide to tool up with a variety of weapons and go and save Sarah.

It would be too easy to dismiss this film as a copy of Kick Ass (Despite the fact they were both being created at the same time) and though the similarities are obvious, this is a much darker and more textured film than Kixk Ass. Frank is given a motive for his actions and his attempt to rescue his wife and rid the city of crime is well thought through in this film. Super looks at the morality of vengeance and by doing that the character of Frank is much more relatable.

However, much like Kick Ass, the film suffers from the need for its audience to suspend a great deal of our disbelief. Frank decides to be a superhero and then after a day or so of preparation he's out in full costume. This also happens with Boltie too, who is able to create her costume overnight. It is only a little thing, but it's almost like Bruce Wayne deciding to become Batman and then two days later having the suit, equipment and batmobile ready.

The violence in Super is also a little odd. At times it is treated realistically and then other times it camps it up with the classic 60s Batman KAPOW graphics. I wish one or the other had been chosen as it is difficult to view one scene that is fairly gruesome and then a similar scene with a BOPPO effect, especially when the BOPPO is a shotgun blast!

Despite these things, I really enjoyed Super. The film walks the fine line of dark comedy, drama and fantasy. THe performances by Wilson and Page are great and Bacon is wonderful as the psychopathic drug dealer. James Gunn's direction is solid throughout and though the tone at times is all over the place, but this mix means that you are not allowed to relax as you watch. My only real criticism of the film is that it should have been longer to alloow for more character development.

Super is a great film. If you are not a fan of fantasy and superheros there are still a very moving comedy/drama here and revenge and doing what is right. If you do enjoy your superhero films you should love this film. It has some great moments of action, some funny moments and is all in all a very enjoyable film.