Thursday 3 December 2015

Super

UK Release Date:

After his wife falls under the influence of a drug dealer, an everyday guy transforms himself into Crimson Bolt, a superhero with the best intentions, but lacking in heroic skills (www.imdb.com).

Director: James Gunn (Slither, Guardians of the Galaxy)

Starring: Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon, Michael Rooker

Frank (Rainn Wilson) is a man with an alter ego. On the outside he's a kind, sensitive man, giving tonnes of love to his wife who he doesn't receive it from. She (Liv Tyler) is stolen from him by some crack-addict dead-beat (Kevin Bacon). On the inside, Frank has an uncontrollable rage waiting to get out. 

Frank dons a hood, a wrench and decides to take matters in to his own hands. 'Shut Up, Crime' is his slogan. Very fitting for his persona, as he bludgeons any wrong-doers to near death. One stand out scene involves some queue cutting. Nothing's as funny or brutal as this. 

Super may seem like a copy of Kick-Ass to some. This is correct in most ways. Super picks substance over style, where as Kick-Ass's 2010 outing is the other way round. Wilson is superb in this role, very engaging and resilient, both as Frank (calm yet nervous) and the Crimson Bolt (violent but bold). Don't take him for granted just because he's a bit of a moron in The Office

Special attention should go to Ellen Page, who forces herself to be Wilson's sidekick. She names herself Boltie. She's just as thrilling as Frank, but for different reasons. Like a socially awkward nerd coming out of her shell, Libby is hilariously unhinged, spouting out profanities before thinking, and giggling like a young school girl whenever the Crimson Bolt performs some righteous act of defiance. 

Super is part parody, part its own thing. The disguised heroes are a thrilling, strangely likeable duo. Outrageous it is.

3.5/5

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