Defendor

Superhero movies are supposed to be action packed, and they are supposed to make you laugh, not make you cry. This is why Defendor stands out in the genre.

Woody Harrelson plays Defendor, a Batman-esque bad-ass who is a little simple in the brain. With an arsenal of marbles, wasps, and lime juice, he tirelessly pursues the man he believes killed his mother. Kat Dennings plays a drug addict who befriends Defendor and halfheartedly aids him in his quest.

The reason this movie had my eyes welling up with salty tears at the end is that Harrelson doesn't play up his characters mental shortcomings for comedy -- he isn't a half-wit with underwear on his head. Harrelson plays Defendor with honesty and simplicity. He is just a guy who sees the world like a comic book.

The comedy comes from the remarkable effectiveness of his wacky weaponry. Imagine if Batman had only $20 for a budget or McGuyver was a bit more violent. Defendor flings jars of wasps and picks locks with nothing but Bazooka Joe Bubble Gum and a firecracker.

This was Peter Stebbings's first time donning the cowl of screenwriter and director. He does a wonderful job, an almost impossibly wonderful job. I wouldn't be surprised if Stebbings had some voodoo going for him or a deal with the devil -- seriously, your first shot from behind the camera shouldn't be this smooth and fantastic.

The movie will make you laugh, the ending will make you bawl.
4 stars.