All things considered, this is a well done film.
Shot on the cheap by a first time director, this movie has some very funny moments in it, strong performances by the actors, and an interesting idea (down-and-out kid who wants to become a real-life superhero by having his friends pretend to be villains that he then "defeats"). The plot, while not of the "Holy Cow!" variety spins the story in an interesting (if not completely unforeseen) way, and the ending is a nice capper to the whole thing.
The only negative thing I can say about this film is the length. At over two hours in length, the film can drag at points, especially at the beginning when the main character is introduced. A good span of the film's beginning is used to establish him and the world, when clever editing and a quicker pace could do the job just as well (and maybe better). A trim of ten to twenty minutes in the setup (or even some of the extra long shots later in the film) would do wonders for to keep this film moving, streamlining the story and heightening the dramatic tension that develops within the third act. This is not a major complaint, but still, it causes an otherwise great film to lose focus a bit. It is not quite a movie that can bear lots of repeat watchings due to its length and slack, but still a fun film (especially if you're from Pittsburgh or like Comic Books).
I caught this at the premiere in Pittsburgh on an invitation from a friend who had acted in the film. I did not have tremendously high hopes for the film, but I was pleasantly surprised and subsequently bought the DVD. Overall, a very good movie, if not one that can be watched over and over again. If you get a chance, check it out. You will not be disappointed.
Shot on the cheap by a first time director, this movie has some very funny moments in it, strong performances by the actors, and an interesting idea (down-and-out kid who wants to become a real-life superhero by having his friends pretend to be villains that he then "defeats"). The plot, while not of the "Holy Cow!" variety spins the story in an interesting (if not completely unforeseen) way, and the ending is a nice capper to the whole thing.
The only negative thing I can say about this film is the length. At over two hours in length, the film can drag at points, especially at the beginning when the main character is introduced. A good span of the film's beginning is used to establish him and the world, when clever editing and a quicker pace could do the job just as well (and maybe better). A trim of ten to twenty minutes in the setup (or even some of the extra long shots later in the film) would do wonders for to keep this film moving, streamlining the story and heightening the dramatic tension that develops within the third act. This is not a major complaint, but still, it causes an otherwise great film to lose focus a bit. It is not quite a movie that can bear lots of repeat watchings due to its length and slack, but still a fun film (especially if you're from Pittsburgh or like Comic Books).
I caught this at the premiere in Pittsburgh on an invitation from a friend who had acted in the film. I did not have tremendously high hopes for the film, but I was pleasantly surprised and subsequently bought the DVD. Overall, a very good movie, if not one that can be watched over and over again. If you get a chance, check it out. You will not be disappointed.