Of course, there are exceptions, such as Batman and Iron Man, whose powers are derived from immense wealth. Interestingly, those two heroes turned out to be cinema's most popular. It is only natural that writers, with what could be described as cynical leaning, would want to explore "super" heroes that have neither super nor financial powers.
Films such as MYSTERY MEN, KICK ASS and the little-known and underrated Woody Harrelson film DEFENDOR, have all addressed the idea of ordinary people trying to be superheroes. Where MYSTERY MEN and KICK ASS are firmly based in a heighten fantasy world, DEFENDOR and SUPER are from a much harsher and darker reality, where the heroes are damaged goods.
In the case of SUPER, Frank (Rainn Wilson) has been abandoned by his wife (Liv Tyler) for a local drug – another fine villainous role from Kevin Bacon. Distraught, he is inspired to become the Crimson Bolt and fight local street crime, with a homemade suit and a big spanner. He is soon joined off-kilter comic shop assistant Libby (Ellen Page), who wants to be his assistant Boltie. Together they plan to take on the drug gang and rescue Frank’s wife.
This is a darker film than KICK ASS, which is hardly surprising as director James Gunn is an alumnus/escapee from Troma, and some of those influences show, including a Stan Lee like cameo from Troma supremo Lloyd Kaufman. Gunn is clearly well connected because there are lots of cameos including Nathan Fillion and William Katt, who starred in the ‘80s TV series The Greatest American Hero. Strangely, SUPER has been given an 18 rating, while KICK ASS, which contains more extreme violence and swearing, got a 15. However, it has to be said that SUPER is more grown-up film in its approach.
If you caught SUPER at SFL10, it is definitely worth a second viewing, and if you missed out then get out and see it on a big screen.
SUPER is in cinemas now.