Super (2011)
Violence
| Director: | James Gunn |
| Actors: | Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon, Gregg Henry, Michael Rooker, Andre Royo |
Super is a comedy that takes aim at the superhero genre. An average guy takes on the pseudo-superhero alter ego of the Crimson Bolt, after watching his wife fall under the spell of a charming drug dealer. Lacking super powers, he compensates by swinging a trusty wrench.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 141mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
by Simon Miraudo, 30/07/2011 2:25:00 PM
Writer/director James Gunn pays sweet tribute to his mentor, Troma hero Lloyd Kaufman, in perhaps the most fitting manner imaginable: with a demented ode to ultra-violence. Rainn Wilson stars as cuckolded loser Frank D’Arbo, who, to win back his addict wife (Liv Tyler) from a nasty drug dealer (Kevin Bacon), dons a superhero mask and begins attacking criminals with a wrench (OK, it’s probably not the best plan Frank’s ever come up with, but it’s the only one he’s got). Self-christened The Crimson Bolt, he is eventually joined by an over-sexed sociopath who calls herself Boltie (a totally committed Ellen Page). Their wrath is horrific. I will say this of Super: it commits to its premise far better than Kick-Ass; if you thought the latter was violent, you haven’t seen Rainn Wilson crackin...
Writer/director James Gunn pays sweet tribute to his mentor, Troma hero Lloyd Kaufman, in perhaps the most fitting manner imaginable: with a demented ode to ultra-violence. Rainn Wilson stars as cuckolded loser Frank D’Arbo, who, to win back his addict wife (Liv Tyler) from a nasty drug dealer (Kevin Bacon), dons a superhero mask and begins attacking criminals with a wrench (OK, it’s probably not the best plan Frank’s ever come up with, but it’s the only one he’s got). Self-christened The Crimson Bolt, he is eventually joined by an over-sexed sociopath who calls herself Boltie (a totally committed Ellen Page). Their wrath is horrific.
I will say this of Super: it commits to its premise far better than Kick-Ass; if you thought the latter was violent, you haven’t seen Rainn Wilson cracking someone’s head repeatedly on a rock. But at least Kick-Ass was fun. Super is kind of a bummer, and the somewhat-moralistic and totally shoe-horned epilogue seeks to undo all the madness that came before. You can’t cross the line, and then beg to come back over to the world of the reasonable. It’s a lesson that neither our hero, nor our director, learns.
2.5/5
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Member Reviews (35)
35 Member
Reviews
2121
says
This was really bad wouldn't recommend it
Rainn Wilson bites!
says
Stop making movies with Rainn Wilson! He's ugly and a bad actor. He just got lucky picking up The Office tv show job! How do they make camera lens that don't crack with him in front of them???
Don't get this movie out, it just incourages them to keep hirering this guy!!
MH
says
The worst movie I have ever seen. Don't waste your time
Stephen
says
If you read the reviews below and see people complain about the violence/gore - just remember it is R rated, so not for kiddies or those with easily offended sensibilities. This movie has so much to offer, the aforementioned violence, great character development, love, hate, drugs, comedy and a plausible storyline; all delivered in a non-mainstream left of middle environ. Well worth the watch.
Vero
says
a little 2 out there for me.. it was just an "ok" movie
Miss Penny
says
this movie is not mainstream, nor does it attempt to be. Directed by the guy who did Slither, rated R, pretty accurate trailer; these are all clues to what this movie is about. Dark, funny, thoughtful and in-your-face, it's a fairly realistic portrayal of someone trying to change their life and do something "good" - even though that may result in things that are even worse. Full of (mostly dark) laugh out loud moments and shocking violence, I really enjoyed it.
Bonnie
says
Worst.Movie.Ever. Fillthy language throughout and a complete waste of time.
Susan
says
Had trouble giving a rating to this one. I kept thinking was average and then clever and settled finally with its not the worst flick I have ever seen. Had potential but fell short of 3 stars.
Nicole
says
A very cool, very odd movie. Rainn Wilson is fantastic as always and Ellen Page is just plain disturbed. A great, left-of-centre film about the lengths humanity will go to for love.
Melzy
says
Watched it from beginning to end ... my summation was that it was a pull the p*ss movie?!
Trev
says
Funny and violent sums this up.Ellen Page is awesome.Not for the kids this one.Not your normal superhero movie by a long shot but thats why its so good.
Noel
says
Super by name... but.. definitely not super in fact. It must come very close to the worst movie I have ever seen, although I have to confess I did not watch all of it, I lasted about 30 minutes hoping it was going to get better, but it didn't. Zero stars
lulu
says
WOW who knew that dude from the office was so insane!! yay for ellen paige what a nut bag!! love her!!
Cameron
says
I loved this movie - It is a realistic version of Kick Ass. Or how any person would actually be like if they tried to be a super hero. Both leading roles were great and Ellen Page was really funny. If you don't want a graphic or as violet movie, stick with Kick Ass (Which is still a really cool movie).
David Simon
says
Really bad, 1 star for about 10 entertaining minutes in the middle of the movie, the rest is complete rubbish!
hard-arse
says
Very poor movie. Thought it was fairly crappy & boring. Couldn't be bothered watching it all. Might tickle some people's funny-bone, but even my hubby (who has fairly dark sense of humour) thought it was crap.
Johnson
says
I have to agree with Azure -- purile humour. Actually, I think I only laughed twice in the whole movie, and the rest of the time either cringed or wondered what I was missing. If you're expecting a classy superhero movie, you're in for a nasty shock...
Kowal
says
OK if you like violence for its own sake. Not a captivating story in my view.
azure
says
Waste of time. Can't believe Ellen Page even bothered with this.
Did a kid write this in their sleep??!
Go watch Hesher...now that's creative & funny story telling
Jon H
says
Brilliant, but definitely for everybody. The humour is dark, and the violence can be surprising, gory, and hilarious at the same time. Rainn is a cool actor, but Ellen Page is a revelation. Her turn as the infatuated, violence hungry little sidekick got the biggest laughs out of me, and she really steals the show. Unique combination of irreverence and violence, which maybe does take itself a bit seriously, but I enjoyed it enough to forgive it a bit of self indulgence. Top flick.
dean
says
If you liked kick-ass you will like super. A few good laughs withonly a few parts letting the story down a little. although worth a watch.
Livy
says
Started out great but then took itself too seriously in the end by trying to be deep and meaningful. Another try-hard indy flick.
Nick
says
What a pity this came out close to Kiss-Ass, this is lower budget but has more heart, the violence is just as strong however, approach with caution is you are squeemish, it is not comic book violence.
onegoodirector
says
Very funny and unique but beware it has some very violent moments. So if u have a fragile and sensitive mind maybe give it a miss. Great indie flick.
Oliver
says
errr i dont think most people get this movie. it is not a 'kids' movie or a straight comedy either. Violence and swearing oh my.
It is a subversive and often dark indie film with some great laughs as well. if you want 'kick ass' go elsewhere. Just because it doesn't have michael bay explosions doesn't mean its not entertaining. It's also R rated...that should of clued a few people in i would of thought...
Lance
says
i found this film to be both entertaining and funny and what happens to his side kick was totaly un-expected,which gave the ending a good twist. I myself often wonder there are'nt real life vigilante's?? i give this film a 7 outta 10...
Dustin
says
Worst movie. Couldn't even be bothered watching it to the end. Terrible.
Mishka
says
very average movie
Michelle
says
The trailer looked really good, but made the movie look funnier than it actually was.
I knew it was going to be violent, but it was truly disgusting at points and I had to close my eyes because it was too much.
Don't watch if you're a fan of Ellen Page, because her character will just annoy and disgust you.
If you want to see a good normal-guy-becomes-superhero flick, I'd recommend watching Kick-Ass! Because that was an awesome action/comedy.... Super was more of a gore porn/action
Jade Simpson
says
I didn't like this movie. Had to avert my eyes in disgust quite a few times. Was bad taste and gratuitous violence with little story and unlikeable characters. Raine Wilson was not funny at all in this.
joffa
says
ok 'b grade' slapstick comedy. Sometimes a bit droll but watchable. Did make me laugh a couple of times :)
Jo
says
I was just going to check some emails whilst watching this movie & decided that the spam in my inbox was more interesting. I admit I didn't actually watch much of this movie so maybe I missed all the good bits.
StephenP
says
Truly stupid. Not worth the electricity.
Rhys
says
Super was alot like the movie kick-ass, one guy decides to become a hero after seeing an act of crime (or what he considers to be a crime anyway) and embarks on his quest for ultimate justice. There were a few funny and/or entertaining moments during the movie, but none really worth highlighting in this review. The storyline as i said earlier, was alot like the movie kick-ass, with a few different twists but nothing that one might be overly suprised about after seeing. Overall, id say this movie is 2-3 stars out of five.
Darren
says
Love Ellen Page,
Movie was average,
Language was quite a bit there. could have been better....Gave 2 stars for ellen