Super Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A short-order cook loses his wife to a drug dealer and decides to fight crime with a pipe wrench, with the help of a psychotic comic book store clerk.

🍿 Super: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Frank’s Ordinary Life

Frank Darbo, a fry cook with a troubled past, finds himself unfulfilled and clinging to the few happy memories he has. His marriage to Sarah, a recovering addict, is strained. This section establishes Frank’s vulnerable state and his desperate need for something meaningful in his life.

Sarah’s Relapse and Jacques’ Influence

Sarah relapses into addiction and falls under the sway of Jacques, a charismatic but manipulative drug dealer. This event shatters Frank’s world, leaving him feeling helpless and enraged. Jacques represents the embodiment of everything Frank despises: a corrupting influence and a threat to his happiness.

The Birth of the Crimson Bolt

Inspired by a Christian-themed superhero show and experiencing a personal epiphany, Frank decides to become a superhero himself. He creates the Crimson Bolt, a vigilante dedicated to fighting crime, armed with a homemade costume and a wrench. This section marks Frank’s descent into vigilantism and his attempt to impose his own brand of justice on the world.

Boltie Joins the Fray

Frank meets Libby, a comic book store clerk who is enthusiastic about his mission. She becomes his sidekick, Boltie, bringing a manic energy and a disturbingly violent approach to their crime-fighting activities. Their partnership amplifies the film’s dark humor and explores the dangerous consequences of unchecked idealism.

Escalating Violence and Moral Ambiguity

The Crimson Bolt and Boltie engage in increasingly violent acts, blurring the lines between justice and brutality. They target petty criminals and drug dealers, inflicting severe injuries and causing chaos. This section raises questions about the morality of their actions and the psychological toll of their vigilante lifestyle.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Frank Darbo (Rainn Wilson): An ordinary fry cook who becomes the Crimson Bolt, a vigilante fighting crime with a wrench, after his wife leaves him.
• Libby (Elliot Page): A comic book store clerk who becomes Boltie, the Crimson Bolt’s enthusiastic and unstable sidekick.
• Sarah (Liv Tyler): Frank’s wife and a recovering addict who leaves him for a drug dealer, prompting his transformation.
• Jacques (Kevin Bacon): A drug dealer and strip club owner who becomes Frank’s nemesis after running off with his wife, Sarah.
• Detective John Felkner (Gregg Henry): The detective investigating the Crimson Bolt’s violent vigilantism, eventually uncovering Frank’s identity.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Frank D’Arbo: “You don’t butt in line! You don’t sell drugs! You don’t molest little children! You don’t profit on the misery of others! The rules were set a long time ago. They don’t change.” – Frank’s rant to Jacques highlighting his simplistic, black-and-white view of right and wrong.
• Jacques: “What are you gonna do? You gonna execute me for my sins? Don’t think you’re better than me, you fucking psycho.” – Jacques’ taunt challenges Frank’s self-righteousness before their final confrontation.
• Frank D’Arbo: “I can’t know that for sure… unless I try.” – Frank’s response to Jacques about whether killing him will change the world, showing his unwavering, albeit misguided, conviction.
• Libby: “This is f***ing awesome!” – Libby’s enthusiastic reaction to violence showcases her unhinged personality.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2.5M
• Domestic Gross: $327,716
• Worldwide Gross: $422,618

💥 Super Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, ‘Super’ is messed up. Like, seriously messed up. It’s got moments that made me laugh so hard I cried, and then others that made me cringe and want to look away. Rainn Wilson is fantastic as Frank, a dude who just wants his wife back. But Ellen Page? She’s next-level crazy as Boltie, and honestly, a little scary. The violence is intense, but somehow it fits the weird world the movie creates. I walked away feeling disturbed, but also oddly entertained. It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you’re into dark, messed-up comedies, give it a shot. I can’t stop thinking about it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in deconstructions of the superhero genre”
  • “Those who appreciate unconventional storytelling”
  • “Fans of James Gunn’s previous work (e.g., ‘Slither’, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’)”
  • “Viewers who enjoy films that explore morally ambiguous characters”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Disturbing themes”
  • “Mental illness”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Super is a twistedly hilarious comic gem that embraces the absurd and the psychopathic. Rainn Wilson is amazing, and Ellen Page steals the film as Libby, embracing the absurd with a strong comic presence. It’s decidedly not mainstream, and I highly recommend this film to anyone who is a thinking moviegoer, or appreciates art in all of its forms.
• IMDb: “The movie is a mixed bag, being very gross and explicit at times. At the same time, it makes you feel sympathy for the characters, so the film is hard to process. Wilson is great, but it’s difficult to stay engaged in character sub-plots.
• IMDb: “This movie adds nothing new to the genre. The humor is dull, and camera work is bellow average. Don’t watch it, except if it’s for free on a rainy Sunday morning and you are lying in bed with some kind of sickness and you are demented anyway.

Audience Reactions

The film’s dark humor and unexpected twists kept viewers engaged and surprised.: Many enjoyed the film’s unique blend of comedy and violence, finding it a refreshing take on the superhero genre.

Rainn Wilson and Ellen Page’s performances were highly praised for their commitment to their characters.: Viewers appreciated Wilson’s portrayal of a well-meaning but flawed protagonist, and Page’s portrayal of the unhinged sidekick, Boltie, who was hilarious and disturbing.

Overall Consensus: A dark and twisted comedy that divides audiences, ‘Super’ offers a unique take on the superhero genre, praised for its performances and humor, but criticized for its violence and disturbing content.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The role of Jacques was initially intended for Jean-Claude Van Damme, but he was replaced by Kevin Bacon a week before filming began.”
• “James Gunn has mentioned that he drew inspiration from early comic books and Troma films for the film’s unique tone.”
• “The film’s low budget of $2.5 million contributed to its gritty, independent feel, allowing for creative freedom.”

🖥️ How to Watch Super?

As of October 2024, ‘Super’ can be rented or purchased on platforms such as Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video. Check local listings as availability may vary. Unfortunately ‘Super’ is not currently available on streaming subscription services like Netflix or Hulu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Super, you might like these similar films:

• Kick-Ass (2010): Both films explore the concept of ordinary people becoming superheroes without any special powers, with a mix of dark humor and violence.
• Defendor (2009): Features an mentally-challenged man who believes he is a superhero fighting crime.
• Taxi Driver (1976): This movie shares the theme of social isolation, and follows a man with increasingly unstable mental state as he descends into vigilantism.
• Special (2006): Examines the psychological effects on an ordinary man after he believes he’s developing superpowers from experimental drugs.

🛒 Super Related Products

• Super (Blu-ray): Own the twisted superhero comedy on Blu-ray, featuring behind-the-scenes footage and commentary.
• Crimson Bolt T-Shirt: Show your support for the Crimson Bolt with this exclusive t-shirt featuring his iconic logo.
• Pipe Wrench Keychain: A miniature replica of the Crimson Bolt’s weapon of choice. Remind yourself to shut up crime!
• Super: The Unofficial Companion: Dive deep into James Gunn’s film, containing interviews, behind-the-scenes info and more.

🎧 Soundtrack

Super features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Speak Vernacular” – performed by The Icons
• “Crimson Bolt” – performed by Tyler Bates

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Super movie review

Join Jeremy Jahns as he delves into the world of ‘Super,’ Rainn Wilson’s brutal and hilarious take on the superhero genre. His review is insightful, funny, and sure to get you thinking about the film’s deeper themes.

✨ Rate