Superheroes: A Review of HBO’s Documentary Film
Presumably, there are few instances in our lives when we actually plead silently to ourselves for a superhero to come and rescue us, whether it be walking down a dark alley late at night or witnessing a petty crime and freezing in place from the shock. But if common sense teaches us that the world can be a dangerous place, then director Michael Barnett’s HBO Documentary Film Superheroes
In almost a disclaimer-like fashion complete with life sized Spiderman mannequin in the background, Marvel Comic’s Stan Lee’s simple yet almost obvious comment, “I’d be a little bit worried about somebody with no actual super power who puts on a costume and then runs around challenging criminals that they might get hurt…” sets the tone for the film. When dealing with assumedly “untrained” individuals operating without the protection of an illustrator, director or even a good stunt double, it’s understandable why Barnett took special precautions to not instigate anyone with just a heart of heroism and an arsenal of defense gear to go out leaping rooftops in search of villains in hockey masks. While the nature of the film seemingly leans towards favoring the underdog with characters’ torment-filled back stories, there are brief pauses with reminders from local law enforcement officials as to who should be the public’s first call for action. But at the same time, viewers are psyched up with the films’ epic music to throw on a sturdy costume and make sure their streets are safe to walk at night.
For a moment somewhere in the middle of the film, amidst the show-and-tell of superhero equipment and gear, the lack of Hollywood special effects and pristine prop integration had me imagining this film as a sort of reality show. Now hear me out, instead of buffoon stereotypes and drama-laden scripts I thought “What if superheroes were real?” and instantly envisioned myself digitally recording episodes of actual idol worthy people enforcing justice and helping those less fortunate. Hammer out some of the less unseemly habits of these superheroes – like the apparent source of Master Legend’s power; beer – and you’ve got yourself a show that audiences of all ages could dedicate their viewership to without fear of dumbing down their senses.
After watching, it was hard resisting the urge to fall hopelessly back into a comic sans font world such as Gotham or Metropolis which is guarded by superheroes. It was hard mainly because of the disheartenment in watching truly passionate individuals who look up to, albeit, fictitious heroes as opposed to celebrities or sports players and yet who also are limited by very real-life laws. But I guess glorifying any one person, superhero or not, who holds themselves above others, right or wrong, wavers on the cusp of opinion-based idolatry. What does give someone the right to be a superhero when criminals themselves in fact have rights?
I think it’s safe to say in this day and age we can’t all agree on whom we should cast our hopeful and trustworthy gaze upon. But the thought of a nation standing behind one or even a hundred noble people who instruct solely selfless acts brings a kind of peace to my soul that will probably only be further instilled with more stories of real-life superheroes.
If you are interested in purchasing this documentary, click Superheroes
