Defendor is a heartfelt, little known, dark comedy from 2009 which takes a different approach to the superhero genre. If you enjoyed Kick Ass, you'll most likely enjoy this. It's a real guilty pleasure of a movie that is carried by a really good performance from Woody Harrelson, and also features Kat Dennings, Elias Kotas, Sandra Oh, and Michael Kelly.
Harrelson plays Arthur Pennington, a mentally challenged construction worker whose mother died from a drug overdose. Inspired by comic books, and fueled by an unwavering desire to stop others from the same fate, he dons the guise of a superhero to clean up the streets. He has no special powers, nor does he have any exceptional fighting prowess, in fact he’s probably the worse superhero ever, but what he does have is the heart and courage that all heroes need. Taking the name of Defendor, Pennington tries to exact justice, and in the process he meets a prostitute (Dennings) and inspires the city.
Woody Harrelson is always interesting to watch, he has great flexibility and diversity in the roles he chooses, and as in most of his performances, he doesn't disappoint. He pretty much single handily carries the movie, and his portrayal of the mentally challenged Pennington is believable and very entertaining.
Defendor is set in the real world and is full of comedic moments. From Defendor's costume, to his dialogue, to his misguided efforts at being a hero, it is all very funny and entertaining. However, this is really a story about courage, friendship, loyalty and standing up for what we believe in. It’s about one man who wants to do better for others because he doesn't want anyone else to endure what he has. The saying “one man can make a difference” may be cliché, but that is what this is truly about.
The message that is embedded within the comedy of this story is a really serious one and will most likely touch you. Defendor is really worth tracking down, it's a film that demonstrates that no matter who you are you can make a difference in some way.
Da’Mon Guy is a writer and artist. He’s a graduate of Coppin State University and an avid, life-long lover of film. Da'Mon has been actively writing movie reviews since 2011, for a number of publications. Check out more of his work at Examiner.com, where he has published over 400 reviews. Visit his Blog and follow him on Twitter.
