Dark, violent and funny, ‘Defendor’ has surprises (4/5)

“Defendor”

Starring: Woody Harrelson, Elias Koteas, Kat Dennings
Directed by: Peter Stebbings
Rating: R for drug use and language throughout, violence and sexual content.
Running time: 1 hour, 41 minutes

It’s a maniac with marbles, it’s Woody Harrelson in a funny costume, both, it’s DEFENDOR!

Rarely does a movie transcend the boundaries of a genre well. But “Defendor” is a comedy, action flick and drama rolled up into one pretty good film.

The emotional aspects of this movie were relatively surprising. I was expecting an off-beat comedy, but instead got a more realistic version of “Kick-Ass” complete with the mental turmoil of being a superhero-sans-powers.

Woody Harrelson stars as Arthur Poppington, a mentally challenged city man who is tired of the drug kings running his shattered home. Rather than the honest working man, the streets are full of corrupt cops and prostitutes enslaved to the drug pushers. Arthur creates the alter-ego Defendor (complete with duct-tape logo and black face paint) to protect the city and fight back against the drug runners.

By day, Arthur works as a road crewman under Paul Carter (Michael Kelly), who has taken Arthur under his wing. But the independent Arthur wants no handouts and instead lives in an abandoned warehouse by himself, unbeknownst to Paul.

In his search for his arch nemesis Captain Industry, Arthur happens upon the bought-out undercover policeman Chuck Dooney (Elias Koteas) and the young streetwalker Kat Debrofkowitz (Kat Dennings of “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist”). Kat “befriends” Arthur and tells him she knows the identity of Captain Industry — mob boss Kristic (Alan C. Peterson), who Kat wants taken out for her own selfish motives.

“Defendor” is an unexpectedly dark movie with comedic undertones. The tough themes circling the devastated city and Arthur himself are balanced by Arthur’s marble throwing, “Oh no, not the lime juice!,” and random labels (“Defendoor” over the warehouse entrance, for instance). This sort of humorous melancholy brings an immense feel of realism to “Defendor” that makes its points strike home all the harder.

Although “Defendor” can be seen on the surface as a superhero parody, it becomes blatantly clear that it’s more of a reflection on society and one man’s drive to fix it. Our laughter is hardly a mockery of Arthur and his intelligence level but rather we laugh at the brutal silliness of it all, and by extension the crazy lifestyles inherent with drug abuse and prostitution. “Defendor” takes backroom conversation and thrusts it into the limelight of humor while forcing it to maintain its dangerous vibe.

“Defendor” manages to be an honest movie in the realm of the fantastical. Woody Harrelson’s performance is impeccable as he flawlessly switches between animated and spirited to dejected and grim and Elias Koteas is a superb bad guy. Kat Dennings does a suitable job as Kat Debrofkowitz but I feel that her limited range just can’t hold a candle to Harrelson’s.

This movie isn’t suitable for all viewers, largely due to the themes of drugs and prostitution itself. But there are also scenes of violence and language — it’s rated “R” for a reason.

This is the writing and directorial debut of Canadian Peter Stebbings, and I think it’s safe to say he has a long career ahead of him in the movie industry.

4 of 5 stars

‘Iron Man 2’ above average as far as sequels go (3.5/5)

Iron Man 2

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Mickey Rourke
Directed by: Jon Favreau
Rating: PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some language.
Running time: 2 hour, 4 minutes.

After an elaborate and highly immodest entrance, Iron Man proclaims that “it’s good to be back.”
It’s good to have you back, Mr. Stark.

As far as sequels go, “Iron Man 2” ranks above average. It has enough plot and substance to stand on its own merits but also ties in nicely with the storyline of the original.
Months after Tony Stark admits to being Iron Man, he is challenged by Ivan Vanko (a Russian-accented Mickey Rourke), a physicist in a WWE wrestler’s body and the son of Stark’s father’s former partner.

After an exhilarating unveiling that proves Stark vulnerable and results in Vanko’s arrest, competing weapons manufacturer Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) arranges for Vanko’s breakout in return for the Russian’s knowledge and expertise in creating suits much like Iron Man’s. Hammer’s suits are meant to prove Iron Man obsolete and to sell the technology to the United States government — a business venture that Stark has repeatedly refused.

Don Cheadle picks up the role of Stark’s friend Lt. Col. James “Rhodey” Rhodes from Terrence Howard in the original. I’m not sure I love the change, but Cheadle does an adequate job in a role the writer and director tried to expand.

Robert Downey Jr.’s charm and confidence lead the way once again as the understated actor heads a star-studded cast.

But, as is often the case in these situations, a big-name actor may not command the amount of screentime you may expect — case in point: Scarlett Johansson.

Scarlett’s role as sexy secretary/sultry superhero is offendably shallow. There are only two highly transparent reasons for this role: To make the audience drool and to provide yet another stepping stone to the upcoming Avengers film. Sorry Scarlett, but “Iron Man 2” would have been much better without you strutting off with its precious screen time.

And rather than focus on fully developing Vanko’s character (and, dare I say, make the “climactic” ending not such a dud), director Jon Favreau and writer Justin Thereoux decide to turn Tony Stark into a metaphorical brooding teenager.

It worries me that the catastrophe that was the angst-ridden “Spiderman 3” didn’t seem to teach anyone anything ...

Emotional subplots abound, from the electromagnetic chest device slowly threatening Tony’s life to Tony trying to come to terms with his unsentimental father to a suited-up duel between pals.

In the midst of all this, Tony names Pepper the new CEO of Stark Industries, leaving him free to angst away.

When “Iron Man 2” isn’t laying on the heavy stuff, it’s pretty darn funny. A plus for the original was that it never took itself too seriously — a line the sequel is dangerously close to crossing. But Tony’s birthday party is a wonderfully hilarious scene, and the early senate hearing possibly trumps any act from the original. Downey truly lights up the film whenever he’s given the chance, and the chemistry between him and Paltrow is organic and palpable.

Also, Sam Rockwell is an incredible addition as the weaselly Hammer. I really hope his character is in the third as he brought such conniving humor to the mix.

What’s that? “Third,” did I say? That’s right, “Iron Man 3” is currently in the works and is slated to come out sometime after the 2012 release of “The Avengers” (which will feature Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, and, rumored, Edward Norton).

As I mentioned, I just hope the production crew recognizes the errors made in “Spiderman 3” and don’t disappoint “Iron Man” fans in a similar fashion.

3.5 of 5 stars

Brace Yourself for 'Kick-Ass' (3.5/5)

Kick-Ass

Starring: Aaron Johnson, Chloe Moretz, Nicolas Cage
Directed by: Matthew Vaughn
Rating: R for strong brutal violence throughout, pervasive language, sexual content, nudity and some drug use.
Running time: 1 hours, 57 minutes.

“Kick-Ass” has been getting a lot of hype lately, especially for its loss then come-from-behind win of the box office to the 3-D sensation “How to Train Your Dragon.”

Though I enjoyed “Dragon” more than “Kick-Ass,” the latest film in a growing field of superhero movies’ vast appeal (especially to teenage boys) is very understandable.

But, this probably isn’t the movie you’re expecting.

The job of a movie trailer is to make you want to see the film. But it should also reflect the mood and plot of the movie without giving it all away.

And in this, the advertising company truly failed.

You may be anticipating an offbeat comedy about a group of teenagers who decide to become superheroes and save the world. They may even be pitted against a truly “bad guy” and through comedic measures and their learned skills/friendships must find a way to come out victorious.

In short, maybe the sarcastic humor of “Superbad” meets the regular-guy feel of “Spiderman.”
(And since Christopher Mintz-Plasse, one of the stars of “Superbad,” takes a lead in “Kick-Ass” as well, it’s not hard to make that comparison.)

And, really, with a few give-and-takes, that assumption isn’t completely off base.
But the violence. Oh, the violence.

Despite the “R” rating, I wasn’t expecting a throat-cutting, knife-throwing, foul-mouthed 11-year-old girl.

Which isn’t to say that young Chloe Moretz (Mindy Macredie a.k.a. Hit Girl) isn’t one of the best parts of the whole movie. In fact, this role may just catapult her career. I just wish I had known what I was stepping into.

Unsurprisingly, “Kick-Ass” is based off a 2008 comic of the same title. But it feels fresh and is a funny take on this superhero-saturated decade.

Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) is no stand out. Not even among his obscure friends. He’s out of the minds of thugs and bullies as soon as they steal his phone and cash, and he’s certainly not floating about in the thoughts of any girls.

Lizewski decides to take a stand for the little guy and sets out to defend the world under the name of Kick-Ass with a scuba suit and absolutely no idea.

Luckily, before Lizewski can do major harm to himself, he is rescued by the young Hit Girl and her father Big Daddy (a perfect role for Nicolas Cage), two other vigilantes of the city.

But, unlike Lizewski, these masked allies have a specific target, and Kick-Ass soon finds himself in the middle of a mission that is much bigger than him.

Mintz-Plasse plays fellow teen-turned-faux-superhero Red Mist, who teaches Kick-Ass that you can’t trust just anyone...

But Moretz’ portrayal of “Hit Girl” will be what keeps you watching. This mouthy little tween is both unbelievable and highly entertaining (it’s just amazing her parents allowed her to do such a role).

“Kick-Ass” doesn’t fit neatly into any specific category, which is at once its appeal and its downfall. It’s a comedy. It’s an action movie. It’s a teen flick. It’s for adults.

Who knows.

And the people who enjoy it (and there will be many) won’t really care. It has a very strong and growing fanbase.

“Kick-Ass” isn’t for everybody, but for those select few who it is for, they’re in for quite a treat.

3.5 of 5 stars

Marvel’s ‘Iron Man’ nothing to be wary about (4/5)

Iron Man

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges.
Directed by: Jon Favreau.
Rating: PG-13 for some intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, and brief suggestive content.
Running time: 2 hours, 6 minutes.

In keeping with my superhero flick kick (and also because it was next on my boyfriend’s Netflix list), I finally had the opportunity to watch the much-acclaimed “Iron Man.”

And, thankfully, it didn’t disappoint.

Last week’s “Wolverine” threw me for a bit of a loop, and I simply didn’t know what to expect from comic adaptations anymore. But there’s no point in comparing the two, really. “Iron Man” blows “Wolverine” out of the water in any imaginable instance. Thank goodness.

First, Robert Downey Jr. was the perfect actor for the intelligent, womanizing, self-serving, pompous jerk-turned-unlikely-hero Tony Stark (a.k.a. Iron Man).

The humor that Downey brings to the role complements the film excellently and is a constant undercurrent through the movie. The script in itself had decent pacing, and though the beginning seems to drag a bit after an awesome start, you’ll quickly find yourself re-immersed.

The basic plot follows weapons inventor Tony Stark through his realization of what his work truly does to the world and his attempt to right his wrongs — and how else to accomplish this goal but to don an astonishingly technologically advanced supersuit.

It’s a fun movie that introduces some sobering topics but never takes itself too seriously. Instead, it’s a great foray into adventure, action and comedy.

Perhaps what makes this movie stand out from the others is that the hero doesn’t start out as someone “good.” He makes his living off of, essentially, killing others. Most comic book heroes start off good. It’s the villains who do the changing — sometimes from normal, well-adjusted people to crazed madmen. But Tony Stark is different, and it’s refreshing. His self-realization is the driving force behind the Iron Man character.

Although the comics in themselves are about four decades old, the movie studio wisely moved the timeline of “Iron Man” from the Vietnamese war to the trials in Afghanistan and the Middle East, helping the film to feel contemporary and to better pull in the audience. Besides, if Robert Downey Jr. were traipsing about the jungle again, I’d wonder where he’d left his blackface makeup from “Tropic Thunder.”

Behind the camera, director Jon Favreau (“Elf,” “Zathura”) shows his immense capabilities, and I hope we see much more of him in the future.

Rest assured, fellow wary comic-adaptationists, “Iron Man” is “Marvel”-ous.

4 of 5 stars