Watching Paint Dry: The Minority Report

Sunday, April 18, 2010

The Minority Report - "Defendor" (2009)

There will always be those movies lost to stingy and reluctant movie companies. “Defendor,” is one of those movies. It was only released in Canadian theaters at first and was premiered at the Toronto International Movie Festival in September of 2009. It then was pulled from being released to American theaters. It was only briefly self-released in theaters in February of 2010, and then finally released on DVD April of 2010. This movie is a masterpiece of sorts. Written and directed by Peter Stebbings (a small time actor) and it truly is his masterpiece. This movie is a swan song of sorts and truly is a brilliant film; you just have to give it a chance.

Woody Harrelson is the driving force behind this emotional driven movie. He plays a mentally unsound individual named Arthur Poppington, who takes up the persona of a super hero named Defendor (spelling error is purposeful). The acting is powerful, yet with an innocent spin, and truly one of Harrelson’s finest works. The supporting actress is Kat Dennings (Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist), who shines and truly outdoes herself as a drugged up teenager who befriends Defendor. The two end up in a psychosis fueling relationship, which sends Defendor on a quest to stop “Captain Industry.” The script is artfully spun and heavily set in a dark, gritty reality that does not allow it to fit into one genre. I will say that this movie is not perfect; it is a slow burn and, at times, makes you wonder on a few of the choices the makers did.

This movie was not the best movie I have ever seen, yet it was better than a lot of slop that has been released into theaters lately. This movie deserved a fighting chance or a chance at all—movie movie goers need to experience a unique and touching movie. It was good, bottom line. And if this movie was released into theaters, I believe it would have fared fine and perhaps would have gained a mass of respect, besides such little words the few lucky people who have had the pleasure of observing this theatrical treasure. This movie is nothing like watching paint dry, sure it may have its imperfections and won’t be a lot of people’s favorites, but it is damn good.

By V-Dawg

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About Us

Kulguy
An ardent moviegoer, I have seen many and felt like reviewing for years. From noble beginnings arguing the merits of character depth and plotline with friends to the modern era, I have been involved with movies for years. Unlike my counterpart, I take movies and make an attempt at understanding. The message they carry and the transmission of information to the audience is key. But, as always, one must judge on entertainment value as well. Well, here we go...time to review...

V-Dawg
Movies. Movies never change. And I am here to analyze and pick apart their inner workings in an organized and systematic way, or in other words, say whatever I want about it and then slap on a score. I look for entertainment, not for deep meaning that only a crazed man would understand or have to be lectured for hours about it to finally make sense. Face value is my middle name and reviewing movies is my game.

WhiteChick
As the whitest person ever, I am here to provide the Caucasian view of the movie-going experience. As far as movies go, comedy is my favorite. There are few things I enjoy more than going to a movie and laughing the entire time. After all, laughter is one of the main joys in life. However, movies that offer a good “mind-blow” are also quite fulfilling. I’m talking about the kind that really make you think about things you never would have otherwise. And, of course, I do enjoy the occasional chick flick. So, prepare yourself for The Caucasian Report!