The party game has it that every actor in Hollywood is connected to Kevin Bacon by no more than six degrees. But that game is getting harder and harder to play. The versatile actor hasn’t been seen on-screen much in the last few years. In fact, “Super” is his only 2010 film credit — and the movie’s just being released now. Is the star just very picky about the roles he chooses? Or are casting agents unsure about what to do with the quirky guy once dubbed one of the most talented actors never to be nominated for an Oscar? That casting quandary is a lot like the one that faces the reviewer of “Super.” What to do about a movie that’s alternately sweet, hilarious and grotesque?
| ON-SCREEN |
| ‘Super’ |
| » Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars |
| » Stars: Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon |
| » Director: James Gunn |
| » Rated: Not rated (graphic violence, strong language, adult situations) |
| » Running time: 96 minutes |
Rainn Wilson (Dwight Schrute from “The Office”) is Frank, a man who married out of his league. The beautiful but damaged Sarah makes him happy for a few years before reverting to her old ways and running off with her dealer, the drug kingpin Jacques (Bacon). Frank makes some pathetic attempts to get her back — “This is the guy who stole my wife. Can you arrest him?” he asks a cop — before realizing he’s facing not just a homewrecker, but someone truly evil. And what better way to fight evil than by becoming a superhero with a stock of weapons and a costume? Frank turns himself into the Crimson Bolt, practicing on small-time dealers and purse snatchers to warm up for the challenge of Jacques and his henchmen. He even gets the traditional sidekick when comic store cashier Libby (Ellen Page) admires Frank’s work and decides to become Boltie.
The stage is set for some cartoonish fun — but the graphic violence in which Frank engages looks all too real. With its clever gimmick, “Super” could have been a big-budget comedy that hit box office gold. But the gratuitous shots of skull crushing make it hard to root for Frank without reservation. Hey, we all hate people who butt in line, but should they be sent to the hospital for their crimes against humanity?
It’s too bad, because writer-director James Gunn has produced a solid script with clever lines that just trip off the tongues of his talented thespians. Wilson, of course, is pitch perfect as the annoying but somehow still lovable loser, while Page continues to take advantage of the girl-meets-woman vibes she always gives off. Bacon is smooth and slick as the guy in the shiny suits. His performances always recommend themselves. And this critic recommends this idiosyncratic film — as long as you aren’t too bothered by the sight of men getting the life beaten out of them.
