DVD review: All Superheroes Must Die: A pragmatic perspective on superheroes

The ongoing love affair that modern film making and the characters that used to just dwell in the pages of comic book continues to rage on. For over a decade now, comic book characters have come to dominate the big screen. The costumed personas that used to be deemed as “kids stuff’ have become the focus of many of the bigger blockbusters in that tenure. With the success of blockbuster movies like The Dark Knight, Spiderman, and most recently, The Avengers, it appears that the caped crime fighters aren’t going anywhere any time soon. All Superheroes Must Die is a independent film that debuted in 2011 at the Toronto film festival that attempts to capitalize on the infatuation with the characters.
All Superheroes Must Die is a gritty, adult themed direct to video feature that attempts to cash on the movie industry’s current, on going love affair with superheroes. It recently premiered on home video. The movie stars Lucas Till (X-Men: First Class) stars and Produces), James Remar (Django Unchained), Sophie Merkley (Control Tower), Lee Val Massey (The FP), Sean Whalin (Employee of the Month), Nick Principe (Chrome Skull: Laid To Rest 2), Brian Taylor (Jonah Hex), Written, directed, produced and stars Jason Trost (The FP)
All Superheroes Must Die (ASMD) was originally entitled “Vs.“ is a creative perspective on the core philosophy of all heroes. It isn’t flashes in any way. It is however, a well written, well crafted tale that really delves into the mythos of superheroes. This film is a rarity within its the genre as it implements an eye opening, alternative perspective to the genre. The film utilizes a pragmatic perspective on the Superhero concept. This film delves into a side of the hero stories that is nearly never addressed in the bigger films. ASMD addresses many of the dark questions that have revolved around comics and their characters for years. You name it and this film tries to give an eye opening glimpse on it. This film shows how the tensions and tumultuous relationships between the heroes give the film plenty of depth. It adds a grounding perspective to the larger than life foundation that the film is based upon. It lightly touches on all of the negative aspects of the characters, showing the failed romance, tension, jealousy, sidekick envy, powers vs. the powerless, and even their own mortality. This film touches on these subjects.
ASMD makes the heroes question their moral fiber as the face each challenge without their powers. “who to save?” How does one choose? It also poses questions to the audience that all hero archetypes must face and come to grips with. “they can’t save everyone and how to face failure.”
Each character archetype is molded after one of the bigger namesakes. The comic icons like Superman, Batman and Robin, have parts of their lineage infused into the film. The film uses flashbacks give some insight into the inner working of each of the relationships
The films revolves around four heroes Charge, Shadow, The Wall, and Cutthroat who have been stripped of their super powers and awake in a situation where they are forced to save the residents of a town. They awake and are in the midst of attempting to defeat a nefarious plan from their diabolical nemesis, Rickshaw.
This is truly a fan film. Whereas All Superheroes Must Die doesn’t have the elaborate sets or the big budget of the other films, it is one of the best takes on the genre. It shows what a Superman, Batman, or Spiderman movie never will. It’s not that happy go lucky pseudo realism that occurs in other films. This one is poignant and bitter sweet throughout. It is truly the most pragmatic perspective on the genre. However, it clearly has a place in among the bigger productions because of the approach that it takes in the delivery of the its story. With a meager budget, it makes a statement. The movie was made on a modest budget of $20,000. Director Jason Trost pays homage to the genre and crafts one of the best films about it. It’s a true comic lovers dream. Any hardcore comic lover will greatly appreciate and instantly fall in love with the film. Those who aren’t really in love with superheroes will not get what this film is truly about.

DVD review: All Superheroes Must DieDVD review: All Superheroes Must Die