James Gunn's Super: A Flawless Entry into Vigilante Cinema And An Example of A Great Screenplay

              Many filmmakers have struggled to bring the raw emotion and psychopathic minds of vigilantes to life. The few that have been successful, such as the classic “Taxi Driver,” have set the bar very high. What sets films like “Taxi Driver” apart from popcorn flicks like “Kick-Ass” and even “The Punisher,” are fantastic screenplays and the human element brought to life through expert character development.

            James Gunn, who got his start with Lloyd Kaufman and TROMA, has crafted a comedic masterpiece that will have you laughing and feeling for the protagonist. What makes Gunn’s film so special is the screenplay, which is fast-paced and in your face, yet still allows his characters time to breathe and develop. Along with some great over the top action sequences and dark humor that will go over most of the mainstreams heads, “Super” is an amazing film.

           A lot of people want to know how to write a screenplay, and my best answer is for them to read great screenplays. That way, they can get a hold on formatting and flow. Gunn's screenplay for "Super" is an amazing look at story structure and character development.

                                              (James Gunn, Ellen Page and Rainn Wilson)

            Playing the hero is Rainn Wilson, who everyone will recognize from his role of the US version of “The Office”. Rainn’s performance in this film truly captures the character and aids dearly in bringing Gunn’s script to screen. When Rainn cries, we cry along with him, and when he fights, we find ourselves yelling at the TV screen hoping for his survival. If Rainn put in this caliber of performance in a mainstream film, he would be bombarded with critical acclaim.

            The supporting cast is also very strong with some industry favorites like Kevin Bacon and Michael Rooker playing the bad guys. Ellen Page does a wonderful job as the hero’s sidekick, and in many of the more intense scenes, her foul mouth plays as the comic relief, keeping the dark humor alive. Liv Tyler stars as the catalyst that sends Rainn onto his quest for heroism. She steps outside her usual roles of “nice-girl,” and into the harsh, drug addicted character portrayed in “Super”. There are also cameos by both director James Gunn, and the ever so wonderful Lloyd Kaufman.

            The film not only provides laughs, shocks and tears but it also looks amazing doing so. Shot on a RED camera, which is quickly becoming the go-to set up for independent filmmakers; each scene is expertly colored and rendered to be more beautiful than the last. The colors pop and the flashback sequences stand out as both interesting and lovely. Gunn clearly knows what he’s doing here, both behind the camera and while writing the film.

            Overall, “Super” is a fun and dark ride into the world of a vigilante. The acting, screenplay, and cinematography set this one above par for independent films. You will find yourself laughing, crying and cheering for the hero, expertly portrayed by the ever so awesome Rainn Wilson. I, for one, am extremely excited to see how Gunn follows this one, and will look forward to everything he does in the future.