The Best Superhero Movie That No One Has Watched

As fun as these superhero films are, they aren't breaking the mould, or doing anything Oscar-worthy, are they? With a few exceptions, its a genre of simple stories and predictable results. I think this is why people really enjoyed the new Avengers film. It expertly subverts our expectations of the genre.

So why am I writing about a little-known film, about a bloke in a helmet with the letter "D" duct taped to his chest, that came out almost 10 years ago? This film, for those who don't know, is called Defendor.

Starring Woody Harrelson as the title character, and Kat Dennings as, that character she always plays in a movie (only this time she's a drug addict). What makes this film so good? Everything. This film is an example of a superhero flick that could be considered a great film. It's so clever. So well performed.

It's far better than your average superhero film. Harrelson delivers a heartwarming performance, and the peripheral cast also back him up with good performances of their own. Sandra Oh, who plays a psych, gives a warming performance, as she normally does.

Elias Koteas' villain of the piece feels like a genuine threat you might meet in the street. He isn't over the top. He doesn't laugh maniacally. He reigns it in and keeps the villain real. None of those silly superhero tropes in this film (which becomes evident when our hero's projectile weapon of choice, is a jar of hornets. Delightfully charming).

So what makes it so good? Its everything a superhero film shouldn't be. Dark. VERY sad at times. And tackling subject matter that doesn't belong in a format like this. Cried at the end of Avengers?

Well keep your tissues handy with this one. The plot revolves around Arthur Poppington, who by night, adopts the mantle of the Defendor. A crime fighter searching for his elusive arch nemesis, Captain Industry. It is revealed that Arthur is autistic, and this responsibility to be a hero is a childish desire to be something greater than himself.

As the film evolves, we tackle issues to do with metal illness and the morality of mankind. It doesn't seem to matter if Arthur's perseverance is justified, the police just want him to keep out the way and not put himself in danger. But Arthur believes in his higher calling and continues his fight for what is right. The villains of the film don't take his actions as lightly as the police, and take the fight to him.

All of this has moments from a court case, interwoven throughout. We see him analysed, and standing on the bench. They are trying to determine whether they can prosecute Arthur for his actions. On one hand he is assaulting people in the street. But on the other, he does it for the right reasons. Furthermore, can he even be held accountable?

Captain Industry is revealed to be a manifestation of something he heard in childhood. After his mother passed, it is explained to him that the death of his mother was a product of "Captains of Industry."

They rule that he needs to be under the care of a friend and to never don the mantle of Defendor again. But of course, when evil calls, Arthurmust answer. The film ends with a fantastic climax and great payoffs.

It begs the question of what it takes to be a hero. You don't have to be super. Just good. I really don't want to give away any spoilers. But the end will have you melting. Woody is great in this. Maybe one of his better roles and it pains me that this film isn't better known. I couldn't speak more highly of it. Please, for the betterment of mankind, go watch this film.

9/10. I struggle to give it any less. It's not as good as the great films of all time, but in a time where the film market is saturated with comic madness, this film is such a refreshing change of pace. A must-watch for all those true believers out there.