Review of Confessions of a Superhero (2007) by Mark P — 15 Dec 2008

An interesting, if ultimately depressing look at Hollywood street performers, specifically four who dress like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and The Hulk. The film is dominated by Christopher Dennis (Superman) and Maxwell Allen (Batman), as they are simply the most dramatic of the crew. Allen for his unceasing fabrication of a "dark past," and Dennis for his extreme fandom.

I honestly wanted to like Dennis, who appears to take his "performance" of Superman very seriously, and also collecting Superman materials. However, and admittedly in the deleted scenes, the foot age of him at San Diego Comi-Con branded him the worst sort of fan in my eyes. Attempting to schmooze the actors signing autographs and their handlers to get one more trinket signed. It also reveals a bit of an unhealthy obsession with Margot Kidder.

Really, the film just depressed me. The bright spot would be Joseph McQueen (The Hulk), who actually gets acting work during the course of the film. The filmmakers don't follow him as much, clearly because he's less colorful, but his story of rising from actual homelessness to getting a supporting role in a B-movie is actually inspiring.

Worth seeing, but be prepared for the fact this isn't a "feel good" experience.