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IFC Films Nabs James Gunn's Dark Superhero Comedy 'Super'

by Ethan Anderton
September 13, 2010
Source: Deadline

After making its world premiere at a Midnight Madness screening during the Toronto Film Festival a few days ago, James Gunn's edgy superhero comedy Super has been picked up by IFC Films. The indie film distributor announced the purchase today via press release as Deadline preemptively revealed the surprising seven-figure deal that resulted after "an all-night bargaining session." Written and directed by James Gunn (Slither), the film follows Frank (Rainn Wilson) who transforms into the makeshift superhero Crimson Bolt after his drug addicted wife (Liv Tyler) leaves him for a psychopathic drug dealer (Kevin Bacon).

With a hand-made dark red suit, a pipe wrench, and a crazed sidekick named Boltie (played by Ellen Page), the Crimson Bolt beats his way through the mean streets of crime in hopes of saving his wife. The rules were written a long time ago: You are not supposed to molest children, cut lines or key cars; if you do, prepare to face the wrath of the Crimson Bolt! Gunn couldn't be more excited about the purchase, saying in the release news: "I never had to compromise in the making of this movie and I couldn't be more excited to have found a distribution partner wanting to embrace the extremities and balls-to-the-walls qualities of Super."

Meanwhile, the film isn't getting rave reviews, but people seem to be enjoying it enough as a film that brings some serious psychological commentary with a dark comedic topping. You can check out Alex's review right here along with a quick video review where he's joined by Peter from SlashFilm and Frosty from Collider. Cinematical's Scott Weinberg seemed to enjoy it, too. From the sound of the festival buzz, this seems like it combines the hyper violence of Kick-Ass with the more dramatic, serious tone of Defendor. All I know is I liked what I saw at Comic-Con and I can't wait to see the whole flick. Anyone else out there excited?

Explore tags: Movie News, Opinions

http://twitter.com/nickgligor Nick Gligor

"I never had to compromise in the making of this movie..." Amen. Nuff said. I wish I heard this more often from filmmakers.
John

Rainn Wilson is a Super Hero. Whoever watches the office needs to know that this casting alone should reap if profit faster then Dwight Shrute's Karate chop. Also the casting of Kevin Bacon and Ellen Paige is also amazing. This should be a film worth watching and enjoying
beavis

agreed #2. i put this up yesterday on a "super" thread. it's a short teaser of the movie that gives us a taste of bolties crazyness. - http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=69728 i loved this teaser......we need more mentally unstable sidekicks to make any superheros life a little more interesting i can't wait to see the movie!
Mitch Conners

I saw this last week at TIFF, exceeded all my expectations! Tons of fun, great cast and great story. It's a must watch for any superhero fan. "Shut Up, Crime!" - Crimson Bolt
Akirakorn

Considering I've seen both Kick Ass (finally a worthy super hero franchise that isn't Marvel or DC) and liked Defendor, though it was a little more low key than I thought it'd be. Which reminds me I gotta go find Special.
rogue

Check out the 1st clip for James Gunn's SUPER starring Ellen Page as the worse superhero. http://bit.ly/9raLsp