Review of Alter Egos (2012) by Durty W — 09 Nov 2013

I have mixed emotions here.

This is obviously a low, low, low budget stab at the super heroes-are-real-people genre. I'm fine with no-budget movies that show it, a lot of times they're outstanding. But it's just grating here: in the editing, cinematography, effects, location, et cetera. It doesn't help that the poor direction and predictable plot and dialogue (giving the movie an "undercooked" feel), all seem like one of your better high-school student projects. I cannot with clean conscience call it a "good" movie. It fits no mainstream or critical definition of a "good" movie. If you always like what either "regular people" or critics call "good," you'll probably hate this.

That doesn't mean I don't like it. It's actually rather endearing. The honesty behind every aspect of Alter Egos makes it seem charming in just the same way as some of the sophomore efforts of many filmmakers who are more well-known today. They make you want to say "good for you, guys! You can do it!".

There are some genuinely funny lines. I know what I said above about the writing, but when was the last time you read *good* student writing? They have their moments, even if few and far between.

The plot does have "blgaah!" moments, where it only makes sense as "THIS IS A PLOT DEVICE," but those moments make no less sense than any well-respected actual comic book, so it's not glaringly bad in context.

The acting is sometimes wooden, not helped by the script, but I really can't bring myself to hate all that much, as the actors are earnest in their attempts, which only makes it cuter (as opposed to awful).

The attempt to make a movie that is a thoughtful rom-com, with superhero plot-twists, intrigue, and action to drive the plot, is clear. Too clear. It's SO obvious, though, you want to pinch the movie's cheeks and say "D'awwh! That's so adorable!" There's a certain innocence here, where the creators are trying so hard to make a fun, unique, meaningful story, that they somehow both fail and yet also succeed with the honesty of their effort, as well as knowing and embracing how cheesy their own subject matter is.

The "R" rating on this is completely inappropriate. This seems like a fine movie for mature high-schoolers. Its themes are much less "mature" or risque than anything I'd see on Degrassi reruns, for instance. The violence is incredibly mild compared to many other movies or shows kids see. Without the occasional foul language, there's nothing here that isn't PG-13. Seriously, is admitting that adults have "sleepovers" sometimes, and sparingly use bad words, make this an "R?" When all the recent Marvel and DC movies combined depict the graphically violent and bloody mass slaughter of thousands? WTF? This seems like a movie that would perfectly fit in with the Nickelodeon for kids who are allowed to stay up after 9 or 10, more so than the raunchy and/or disturbing content of Fox, Adult Swim, or Comedy Central nighttime programming aimed at adults. I could even see this as a basis for a serial aimed at teens.

As much as I have to say this wasn't a "good" movie, just as "The Specials" wasn't a "good" movie, just as "The Platoon of Power Squadron" isn't going prime-time anytime soon, it's just as enjoyable an entry as either of those. "Mystery Men" will always be the defining movie of this sub-genre, but if I'm ever going to have another silly superheroes-are-people-too movie marathon, this one's going to be on the playlist.