Review of Defendor (2009) by Stuart B — 31 Dec 2011

From the outset, with Woody Harrelson donning a black turtle-neck sweater with the letter 'D' emblazoned across it made from duct tape, you know this isn't an ordinary super hero movie. It's one which deconstructs the universe so fantastically created over the last 70 years, bringing the 'super' elements back down to reality, and in this respect, in the form of a slightly slow man with good intentions to rid his town of evil.

At times it's darkly funny, at times a tragedy, but with Harrelson's central performance it is always interesting. Despite a very incoherent story which jumps in tone and focus, with side characters who are not fleshed out and a setting which while attempting to evoke realism unfortunately removes any real immediacy in the film, it is Harrelson's understated performance which really keeps you hooked. There's a sadness and poignancy to his role, one which propels you to support him, and though he carries the film almost single handed, he is so compelling it makes it worthwhile.

Not quite the all out comic affair I was expecting, and while it's not even up to the standards of Kick Ass, due to Harrelson's performance it was a surprisingly affecting movie with lots of heart.