Movie Review: Super

Frank Darbo is a social loner who can’t understand why his beautiful wife is pulling away from him. When his drug addicted wife becomes involved with a sketchy con artist Frank is determined to protect the one good thing in his life no matter what the cost. Frank goes beyond his everyday dull life. taking on the persona of a superhero, and discovers his wildest daydreams can come true.

Super’s story is original, a comedy/drama/action film all in one. Don’t think this movie is a typical comedy since there is plenty of action and violence involved in the story. The direction and story are good here. Super is a comic book gone live, featuring a nerdy guy who becomes a super hero without helpful superpowers to protect him. Raiin Wilson is perfectly cast as Frank, someone you like, feel empathy for, yet possibly question their sanity. Wilson is fantastic here, frightening and vulnerable all at the same time. Ellen Page holds her own paired with Wilson in a wickedly comic turn as Frank’s hyperactive friend Libby. Kevin Bacon is outstanding as the sleezy Jacques who is a bad guy but not very good at it. The cast is uniformly excellent and they all hit just the right tone to match the screenplay.

If you like off the wall indie films you will like the spirit of this film and the unconventional story. This is dark comedy at its finest.

2010. Directed by James Gunn. Starring Raiin Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon, Sean Gunn, Gregg Henry, Michael Rooker, Andre Royo, Stephen Blackehart, and Nathan Fillion.

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