2008 Woodie Awards
'Superhero Movie' not especially super
Stupid humor and cheesy gags fill poor attempt at parody
by Jenna Anderson
Issue date: 4/10/08
Section: Movies
If you are a fan of movies such as "Spider-Man" or "Fantastic Four," "Superhero Movie" probably won't measure up to your expectations.
Besides the acting, which is atrocious, the movie may leave viewers giggling at the non-stop gags and cheesy sexual innuendoes of this so-stupid-it's-funny flick.
"Superhero Movie" parodies the superhero genre. The main character, Rick Riker (Drake Bell), is the typical awkward teenager who has a crush on the prettiest girl in the school, Jill Johnson (Sara Paxton). On a class fieldtrip, Riker visits a genetic testing lab, where he is bitten by a genetically altered dragonfly, turning him into a mutant with superhuman powers.
Meanwhile, a scientist's experiment with a DNA-altering machine happens to go haywire. The only way the scientist can stay alive is by sucking the life out of others. Riker develops superhuman powers that help win over the heart of his biggest crush by rescuing her from alley criminals and relentlessly, saving the day.
Riker, who is toggling between the life of "Dragonfly" and being a not so "normal" teenager, is battling his enemy, Hourglass, who has taken the life of scientist, Lou Landers (Christopher McDonald). His heroic mission is to bring down the archenemy and ultimately win over his love.
Riker's hilariously uncanny aunt and uncle are played by "Happy Days" mother Marion Ross and "Naked Gun's" Leslie Nielson, who give Riker unperturbed advice about his powers.
Viewers will see short but nutty cameos from Pamela Anderson and Tracy Morgan, who play eccentric characters that help "Dragonfly" on his superhero mission.
"Superhero Movie" is quite similar to the wackiness of "Scary Movie" in how it twists the drama into sexual gags and comedic mockery.
The movie fails as a comedy, although it pokes fun at almost every superhero blunder. It makes fun of many modern real-life situations, characters and also references pop culture icons such as "Facebook."
If viewers get a kick out of stupid humor with cheesy antics, they might like this type of superhero parody. Don't worry - you only have to sit through an hour and 20 minutes of this low-budget film. There were parts of this movie when I laughed out loud, but I have a history of being easily amused.
It's a fine film - if you get your kicks from stupid humor and cheesy gags.
THE GRADE: C
Don't expect "Spider-Man" or "Fantastic Four" from this "Superhero" film.
Jenna Anderson is a Reporter staff writer
Besides the acting, which is atrocious, the movie may leave viewers giggling at the non-stop gags and cheesy sexual innuendoes of this so-stupid-it's-funny flick.
"Superhero Movie" parodies the superhero genre. The main character, Rick Riker (Drake Bell), is the typical awkward teenager who has a crush on the prettiest girl in the school, Jill Johnson (Sara Paxton). On a class fieldtrip, Riker visits a genetic testing lab, where he is bitten by a genetically altered dragonfly, turning him into a mutant with superhuman powers.
Meanwhile, a scientist's experiment with a DNA-altering machine happens to go haywire. The only way the scientist can stay alive is by sucking the life out of others. Riker develops superhuman powers that help win over the heart of his biggest crush by rescuing her from alley criminals and relentlessly, saving the day.
Riker, who is toggling between the life of "Dragonfly" and being a not so "normal" teenager, is battling his enemy, Hourglass, who has taken the life of scientist, Lou Landers (Christopher McDonald). His heroic mission is to bring down the archenemy and ultimately win over his love.
Riker's hilariously uncanny aunt and uncle are played by "Happy Days" mother Marion Ross and "Naked Gun's" Leslie Nielson, who give Riker unperturbed advice about his powers.
Viewers will see short but nutty cameos from Pamela Anderson and Tracy Morgan, who play eccentric characters that help "Dragonfly" on his superhero mission.
"Superhero Movie" is quite similar to the wackiness of "Scary Movie" in how it twists the drama into sexual gags and comedic mockery.
The movie fails as a comedy, although it pokes fun at almost every superhero blunder. It makes fun of many modern real-life situations, characters and also references pop culture icons such as "Facebook."
If viewers get a kick out of stupid humor with cheesy antics, they might like this type of superhero parody. Don't worry - you only have to sit through an hour and 20 minutes of this low-budget film. There were parts of this movie when I laughed out loud, but I have a history of being easily amused.
It's a fine film - if you get your kicks from stupid humor and cheesy gags.
THE GRADE: C
Don't expect "Spider-Man" or "Fantastic Four" from this "Superhero" film.
Jenna Anderson is a Reporter staff writer
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