After his wife leaves him to return to her former drug habits and another man, dorky guy Frank (Rainn Wilson) decides to get her back by fighting crime and her drug dealing seducers. He does this with the help of comic book research and a small but feisty side kick. After creating their own superhero names and handmade costumes, the two head out to actually fight the bad guys without a shed of supernatural powers.
At the start of the film, I saw Rainn Wilson as nothing more than a slightly sadder version of Dwight Schrute. But as the film went on, I recognized the characteristic awkwardness but a new, impressive depth of emotion. Ellen Page is over the top with her loud and hyperactive spunk, nailing her young enthusiastic sidekick character perfectly. After talking to director James Gunn, I learned that Ellen was concerned about pushing it too far, and although this role is as crazy as I've seen her, it is spot on. The chemistry between her and Rainn Wilson is perfectly awkward, and together they keep you laughing and cringing as they spend an hour and a half wrecking havoc on their not so innocent victims.
Stylistically, the film is unique. I didn't love all of the choices, but the final product is incredible for such a limited budget. I specifically enjoyed the television shots within the movie as they successfully made overt Christian jokes so funny that I felt no remorse laughing my ass off. The blood, stunts, and special effects are somewhat limited by budget and yet still impressive, which makes them that much more indicative of the level of talent contributed to this feature. This film was pure entertainment from start to finish, and it's one that comic book, comedy, and indie fans will watch over and over.
