Super, directed by James Gunn (Ashlyn)

Super is an interesting little indie superhero flick, right between Blankman (hilarious) and Defendor (depressing). It also has a fairly high violence quotient, which is to be expected from James Gunn (Tromeo & Juliet, Slither). Be prepared for a wacky ride with this film.

The film follows Frank (Rainn Wilson) as he loses his wife (Liv Tyler) to her drug dealer (Kevin Bacon) and, after a weird series of events, decides to fight his way back to her by destroying all the criminals in his city. He picks up a delightfully maniacal sidekick along the way, which pretty much makes up for all of the unnecessary gay jokes. It does not, however, make up for the creepy, rapey sex scene between two of the main characters, and viewers should be ready for some Cohen Brothers/Robert Rodriguez-esque deaths. I personally would've edited out one particular scene, but the rest was pretty gripping. There is a lot of comedy in the film as well though, and it balances pretty nicely. The ending pretty much ties up all the loose ends, so it seems realistic but doesn't leave you with a hokey, “and they all lived happily ever after” sort of feeling. Super is also immensely quotable, giving you lines like, “All it takes to be a superhero is a choice to fight evil,” and the wonderful, “Shut up, crime!” If, however, any viewer sees this film and decides, “Hey, I could totally fight evil,” go watch Kick-Ass and remind yourself that you'll probably get your ass kicked and then get shot in the face. But, maybe every neighborhood would be a little safer at night if everybody followed this rather touching sentiment:

“You don't butt in line! You don't steal! You don't molest little children! You don't deal drugs! The rules haven't changed!”