For the past few years now, summer has morphed into a time for studios to release their big-budget superhero films. This summer is no different with _Thor_ ,_Green Lantern_ and _Captain America_ on the horizon.
But I’m going to make a bold prediction that none of these upcoming blockbusters are going to be quite as entertaining as _Super_ – and they especially won’t be nearly as violent._The Office_’s own Rainn Wilson plays Frank, an average, yet odd man whose wife (Liv Tyler) leaves him for a drug dealer. Frank is played perfectly by the always entertaining Kevin Bacon. His slightly strange sense of justice coupled with a disturbing vision – oh so disturbing – leads him to create his own superhero, the Crimson Bolt, to “rescue” his wife, and to tell crime to “shut up.
”The Crimson Bolt’s weapon of choice when it comes to shutting up crime is a red-painted pipe wrench, and it is used quite liberally throughout the film. And these scenes do not pull any punches. Super is incredibly violent and offers up many cringe-worthy moments that would make even Quentin Tarantino blush. I’m really not kidding about the violence – this is a movie for adults. Copious amounts of blood, human combustion and even a dash of animated tentacle porn are thrown in for good measure (maybe “good” isn’t the right word). Kids should be left at the door, unless you’re planning on scarring them for life.The cast of Super is excellent – which is sad because if a “Super 2” were ever made, at least three quarters of the cast would have to be new, due to the death toll in the first.
Wilson has had a ton of experience playing quirky yet human characters, and that experience shows. Ellen Page plays the Crimson Bolt’s spunky sidekick, Boltie, with an energy I have never seen from her. And Tyler does a fantastic job of appearing to be on drugs – which isn’t an insult. That’s what her character called for. Even Nathan Fillion, an actor I don’t gush over like most other people seem to, excelled in his cameo.If I have any criticism, it’s the repetition of music from composer Tyler Bates. The licensed tracks are well chosen and well placed, but Bates’ original tunes are jarringly similar.
There’s nothing wrong with being cohesive, but when I feel like I’m hearing the same song for the fifth time – even if it is a great one – that’s a bit of an issue._Super_ does a lot with very little, and for that, it gets my approval. From the crazy visions to the campy TV show, Frank always seems to land on when he needs a little direction in his life to the over-the-top amazing opening credits sequence, it’s clear _Super_ is filled to the brim with charm. (At least, it is when it’s not being horrifically graphic – actually, it’s still quite charming then too.)
As a final note, this is my last movie column for MOVE. I’ve had a great time sharing my opinions through columns, blog posts and podcasts and hope I was at least somewhat interesting. Thank you to all my readers, editors and fellow staff members. It’s been a blast.
