SUPER; Carlisle's Final Word

"Shut up, crime!"
Frank D'Arbo (Super, 2010)

dispensing a fairly unique brand of justice.

Script Logic; 1/2

Pace; 2/2

Acting; 1/2

Aesthetic; 1/2

Originality & Intention; 2/2

Final Score; 7/10

Final Word: It's inevitable that this will always be compared to Kick-Ass, and to be fair that is a fair comparison. However, despite all of Kick-Ass' non-studio credential and child-swearing controversy, Kick-ass is by far a much 'safer' film: Super is, comparatively speaking, Kick-Ass demented twin. Still, that 'demented twin' is actually pretty good company, although you wouldn't introduce him to your parents... 

Sure, I'll admit that Super is a bit rough-around-the-edges, morally patchy and shockingly brutal in parts, but it's an entertaining film for those who can stomach it... And I do mean 'brutal'. There is much satisfaction to be had, as with God Bless America, in seeing the tortured-outcast dispensing heavy-handed justice on those 'crimes' he sees in the world around him. Interestingly in this instance, the protagonist is perhaps a bit less likeable and a lot more 'troubled' than you'd expect; his moral compass defiantly ain't pointing North. The scene outside the cinema had me in hysterics, as did the 'falling brick' scene, but I'd imagine they're just as likely to cause open-mouthed disbelief as amusement. At least the main villains here are nasty enough to deserve their bloody comeuppance, even if you sympathise with some of the less deserving. 

Anyway, funny as I may find it, this is humor at it's darkest, and not all of it in the best possible taste. If you're broad-minded, in the mood for something a little less mainstream and are tired of the usual superhero fare, you could do much worse than to check out this much overlooked gem.