The reason I called 'Defendor' a low-key, under the radar kind of movie is that despite it's nearly $4M budget, it barely grossed under $50k domestically. But our peers on IMDb liked the film, giving it a 6.8/10 review score. I am not disagreeing with this assessment.
To be honest, though I watched it out of curiosity, I came away surprised by the tale this film tells.
Harrelson plays Arthur Poppington, a slightly mentally challenged, regular kind of man who adopts a superhero persona called 'Defendor', who patrols the dark and seedy city streets at night, in search of his arch enemy, Captain Industry. His primary weapons of choice include marbles (in the face and underfoot), a bat, angry wasps and he videos everything he does.
Even though he cruises the streets looking to end evil's ways, more often than not he ends up getting his ass kicked. On one of his more successful runs he saves a street girl (Dennings) from an abusive 'John,' who turns out to be someone associated with the local organized crime syndicate, a crooked cop named Dooney (Koteas).
Arthur befriends Kat (Dennings) and she helps him sort of connect a bit more with reality. But in the long run, not too successfully.
His story is that he is chasing Captain Industry, but he's just remembering something a little off, because he heard a long time about his father struggling on a pittance for the captains of industry.
Aside from his slight mental handicap, this could be a gritty street version of Marvel's 'Daredevil.' Well, that and the fact he keeps getting his ass handed to him in the scuffles he chooses.
Aside from the obvious, Art's story is a compelling tale that keeps you wondering how, what, who he encounters along the way. He tackles the big fish without thinking twice. And you keep wondering why he doesn't learn? Or is he just that driven? As the story develops, you'll see why?
If you get a chance, check it out. Harrelson delivers quite the character that keeps you riveted. He has this way of barely deviating from his own persona, while touching it up with some outer layers of his character. The rest of the cast keeps the swirling clouds of trouble quite active and engaging.
For the consummate Woody Harrelson fan, I think you will like adding this to your collection.
This trailer does deliver the vibe of the film nicely.... check it out...
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