Super (2011)

Studio: IFC Films/ This Is That Productions

Theatrical Release: April 1st, 2011

Not Rated

Review by James Klein

After viewing the film at the Music Box in Chicago and listening to actor Michael Rooker discuss the film, he told the audience that Super probably won't be cut down to an R rating thus the film will get a very limited release. As much as I agree the film shouldn't be cut, I can't help but feel disappointed because Super is unlike any movie I have seen. It's a strange mix of comedy, action and drama mixed in with some extremely graphic violence and yet has a sweet and sentimental side to it. I am still conflicted by this film because the tone is all over the map at times but I feel Super is a movie you should see. It is not for everyone but for those of you who enjoy really black comedies, Super is fantastic.

Rainn Wilson sheds his Dwight Shrute character from "The Office" and stars as Frank, a nerdy but yet kind man who slowly loses his wife. His wife is a former drug addict and as she slowly drifts away from Frank and gets mixed up with the wrong people, Frank starts to lose it. Frank begins to see signs from God and believes that God wants him to save his wife from the people who have turned her to drugs. His conclusion is that he must turn into a super hero to not only save her but to bring justice to those who need it. With good intentions, Frank takes his superhero heroics a bit too far.

While not giving away too much plot, the film drifts into very dark areas which had me laughing one minute WITH the film to laughing at how shocked I was for where it was taking me. Super is one of the blackest comedies I have ever seen but what drew me to the film wasn't the humor or the shocking violence, it was the drama and character of Frank. Always a loner, Frank tries his best to help people while grasping at the shattered remains of his personal life. All of Frank's actions are what he believes are good. With the shitty hand that life has dealt him, he could easily turn vengeful or evil but he doesn't and that is what makes Super different and charming. Even when he teams up with a comic book shop employee (Ellen Page) who knows Frank's secret identity, he still remains good hearted by asking her not to curse and pushes back her sexual advantages because he is still in love with his wife.

The film isn't perfect though because of the tone changes. They do come abruptly at times and while you can't help but laugh at what Frank is doing, you are still shocked at how extreme he takes situations. Also, the film seems to try too hard at times to be funny or likable. It's language and violence is over the top and goes straight for the jugular but it just tries too hard to be either funny or shocking and it gets noticeable. Ellen Page's character gets annoying real fast and her character becomes the films comic relief . While I believe her character is needed, her over the top antics aren't. She got old for me too soon. Also the villains in the film aren't very well developed and when you cast great actors like Kevin Bacon and Michael Rooker, you need to give them something to do. Bacon does have a few good moments in the beginning that I would have liked to have seen carried over into the second and third acts.

But the pluses outweigh the negatives and James Gunn's excellent direction, the music, and Wilson's performance are what make this film. My favorite part of the film is the conclusion which almost gave this reviewer a lump in his throat. I am hoping that if this film plays near you, you will seek it out and hopefully enjoy it as much as I did despite its flaws. Super is super.