This movie exceeded my expectations in every way, except for it being a comedy. It's not funny at all and shouldn't have been marketed as a comedy. (This is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.) Otherwise, it's a great crime drama with a powerful ending. Hollywood missed the boat by not picking it up to do a wide release on this film. If you are a fan of the Superhero genre, you won't be disappointed.

Update 2 years later:

Having recommended this movie to many people since I've first watched it and subsequent multiple viewings, I had to bump my original review up to 5 stars. The first time I saw it, I was distracted from my anticipation of waiting for the comedy to begin, which never happened. Eventually, I realized that it wasn't even a dark comedy, it was just dark. At that point, I was able to enjoy it. However, I was disappointed that I didn't get the laughs I was looking for. Revisiting the film knowing that it is actually a gritty crime drama, I was able to really enjoy it without the expectations of laughter. This made me appreciate it even more.

A lot of other reviews say that this is a dark comedy, but I disagree because dark comedies still make you laugh. Even if the dark comedy accomplishes this in the "that is just wrong" and "I am ashamed at myself for laughing" kind of way. The concepts in this movie that are supposed to be funny make too much sense to be laughed at within the context of the world these characters live in. Sure lemon juice in the eyes and Defendor's other crime fighting tools are humorous ideas suitable for a slapstick cartoon, but they are presented here as incredibly resourceful solutions for this otherwise challenged individual. Instead, these elements come across as the few lighthearted moments in a movie that is a tragedy through and through. It's nice to see that Amazon updated their description of the film to compare it to the likes of Taxi Driver verses some actual comedies.

All of this has made me rethink that superhero genre fans will enjoy it. Those looking for traditional superhero fare could actually be disappointed just as folks looking for typical comedic yucks will be disappointed. (I highly recommend "Super" for those that fall into either of those categories. Also, the more nostalgic fan may want to check out "Hero at Large.") But superhero fans looking for an alternate take on "real life" superheros will be entertained by Defendor; just know that it's a drama.

It's rare that I enjoy something even more than I expected when I've been mislead. This movie is one of those exceptions. The bottom line: this is a fantastic movie.

This movie is a gem. Great acting really interesting story line.

"Defendor" gives us another take on the small "superhero in the real world" genre. Woody Harrelson's "Defendor" is a bit more Slingblade than Kick-Ass or the Crimson Bolt ("Super," 2010). He definitely has issues; more ADHD than "dumb," with other psychological problems to boot.

The film sports a strong cast, culled from Hollywood's underused supporting characters (Kat Dennings, Elias Koteas, Sandra Oh). Whereas "Super's" protagonist had a clear mission, and Kick-Ass tethered himself to Big Daddy's and Hit Girl's goals, "Defendor" takes a different direction, with a virtuous hero of pure motives. One could cast this as a modern version of Don Quixote, particularly in Defendor's chivalrous approach to drug-addicted prostitute Angel (Kat Dennings).

"Defendor" bears some resemblance to the aforementioned "Kick-Ass" and "Super." However, it's an original take. Defendor may use a World War I trench club, but his jars of wasps and other tricks remain rooted in the PG realm of comics. Conversely, protagonists "Kick-Ass" and "Super" take violence to extremes. One may question whether Defendor engages in half-measures, or whether he is so influenced by the eternal recurrence of the same conflicts that he refuses to apply the obvious finalities. (His trench club appears to be of the 18-inch variety; these typically were studded with hobnails, and the center was bored out and replaced with a lead plug. You can even see an iron band at the end, employed in some models to keep the wood from splintering from repeated use or striking helmets. Trench raiding clubs were close-quarters skull crushers, nothing more.)

Two other items that make this genre standout: Comic books actually exist, and the persona elevates a nobody to heroic status. For instance, zombie films typically pretend zombie films and other media don't exist. Zombies are never called zombies; a silly convention. The use of persona is important, and flips the comic paradigm. In comics, people with powers and honed abilities pretend to be nullities. In the genre of "real world hero," nullities elevate themselves with a persona. In some instances, they gain actual abilities. Defendor is a mixed bag; Harrelson's character is on a mission, but the persona seems to be crucial to focusing him. He shows a mix of extreme prowess and high incompetence, at alternating intervals.

His nemesis is "Captain Industry," something I won't spoil but who serves as an abstraction that becomes flesh. This pursuit, this "tilt at windmills" is critical to the plot.

Much of the characterization, for once, occurs through actions and through other characters' observations of Defendor. It's not lazy and exposition heavy. Be thankful for independent films.

There's action and empathy. Harrelson is great at playing the mix of a vulnerable and damaged man employed at the fringes of the construction industry. His Defendor persona allows him to slip into a SWAT-like uniform and face paint, though with aged analog recording equipment and a sadder duct taped "D" on his chest. Maybe there's enough evil in the world to allow someone motivated by injustice to find their "Captain Industry."

How far can a man push his delusions if others find inspiration in them? At that point, are they actually delusions? Or would we greet someone who is morally perfect as insane in an ambiguous and expedient world? There's something to think about here. I found my enjoyment of the film increasing in the hours and days after I watched it.

**This film is not for kids. That said, this is one of the most underrated and under appreciated movies of all time. I cannot stress enough how excellent the acting, writing, directing, and producing of this movie are. The fact that Defendor didn’t get a nomination for every single film award out there shows just how worthless most awards are. Best performance of Woody Harrelson’s carreer thus far. Kat Dennings is gritty, believable, sympathetic, and phenomenal. Elias Koteas is better than ever. And Sandra Oh delivers the best performance of her life. Michael Kelly also stands out as a perfectly casted and perfectly executed supporting character. If I could give it six stars, I would.

While KICK-ASS (Opening April 16, 2010) got all the press, DEFENDOR has all the heart. A sweet but dark combination of TAXI DRIVER and BATMAN, DEFENDOR answers the question of 'what if super-heroes' existed in a very sentimental yet mature manner. Woody Harrelson's portrayal of Arthur Poppington is just as worthy of an Oscar nomination as his role in THE MESSENGER. Harrelson's Poppington is a mentally challenged adult dealing with a very dark and tragic childhood by taking on the persona of 'The Defendor,' a comic book inspired super-hero. Writer-Director Peter Stebbings captures the true magic and meaning comic book heroes have in our modern society. Placing the innocence of Harrelson's Poppington/Defendor in the midst of a very real city suffering from corrupt cops, drug dealers, child sex trafficers and abused prostitutes makes for a very unique and adult viewing experience. The film is a sometimes lyrical poem, a sad reminder of how it is and how it would be for a real super-hero. Yet, unlike KICK-ASS, DEFENDOR is a reminder that there is value and valor in morality, courage and doing the right thing in the face powerful evil. DEFENDOR, like KICK-ASS, does goes for the laughs. There are moments of brilliant and hilarious humor to be found here, both dark and sweet. Unlike KICK-ASS, there are also moments of genuine sentiment and inspiration. The two films tell the same story in very different ways. It's a shame that KICK-ASS will make millions and become a pop-culture hit while DEFENDOR will have to tough it out on home video. Hopefully, DEFENDOR will develop a cult following and in time get the true praise and audience it deserves.

Not a stupid superhero movie. Watched for my second time as I saw it was leaving Prime, just as good as I remembered from 12 years ago. This movie has heart and also some good laughs. DeFendor!

Not a comedy, appearance notwithstanding. Not exactly fully serious either. Toys around the edges of vigilantism, of macho fighting against crime, and who is good and who is evil (people are either one or the other here). This is a really good role for Harrelson and he does a nice job with a complicated mix of dumb, gallant, brave, and loving. The story line makes only minimal sense - it is really all about the characters. A bit different as a film, only takes itself sort of seriously, but it does make for a fun watch.

*It should be noted that this film is more worthy of 3.5 stars, ergo only slighty above average*

This is an interesting film with a more or less realisitic approach to its subject; being a "super hero". Good performances by the cast help bring together the movie in a way that allows yourself to care for them as individuals. However this film is not so outstanding that I can hold your attention the entire way through. I found myself pausing it at certain points to go about other things I needed to do, however I was always pleased to come back and watch it as well. Arthur, played by Woody Harrelson, is a somewhat simple minded man who's biggest crime is caring about others. While is a way he is seeking revenge it never seems like it is mean spirited, merely justified. Not so much an action piece as Kick-Ass, or even a dark or real super hero movie, this is more of a character study of the good will of certain people. Woody Harrelson's performance is the best part of the film and is quite believable. Defendor is an interesting movie, that may make you reflect on certain parts of your own life or opinions, and is very well acted. However it is not engrossing or captivating enough to merit it a rave review, or anything above 4 stars at the most.

Defendor kommt ohne viel Versprechens daher, hat sich aber für mich als kleiner Geheimtipp entwickelt.

Ich ziehe zum Vergleich die Verfilmung von "Kick-Ass" heran, da die inhaltliche Thematik ähnlich ist.

Man erlebt Harrelson in einer seiner mittlerweile typischen Aussenseiter-Rollen.

Auch, wenn das Ende des Filmes ziemlich schnell feststeht und auch welche Message transportiert werden soll, lohnt sich der gesamte Film. Die Hauptakteure (Harrelson, Dennings, Koteas) werden einfühlsam und transparent vor- und dargestellt. Besonders schön, Kat Dennings kann anscheinend sogar Charakterrollen darstellen. :)

Harrelson als Defendor ist ein liebevoller, verschrobener (Aufklärung im Film) Mittvierzieger (geht man mal davon aus), der in seiner Welt lebt und das Böse/Schlechte (Captain Industries) aus seiner Stadt vertreiben will. Dazu geht er eben nicht mit den üblichen Superhelden-Gadgets sondern ganz normalen alltäglichen Sachen seiner selbstbestimmten Zielsetzung nach, die natürlich weder mit Polizei noch den gesellschaftlichen Rahmenbedingungen konform geht. Bei einem seiner nächtlichen Streifzüge lernt er die Prostituierte Kat kennen und beide gehen durch die Umstände ab dem Moment gemeinsam durch den Plot.

Liebevoll und anrührend werden beide Charaktere mit fortlaufender Handlung offenbart. Gleiches gilt für Paul (Koteas).

Je mehr man in den fortschreitenden Film eintaucht, desto mehr überlegt man, ob die komödiantischen Szenen tatsächlich zum Lachen sind, ob man sich ob der ehrlichen und aufrichtigen Naivität des Helden freuen sollte.

Ich möchte nicht spoilern, dafür ist die Story einfach zu schade.

Auch die Nebenrollen sind glaubhaft und nachvollziehbar besetzt und gespielt.

Wo sich "Kick-Ass" als Film immer weiter von der Comic-Vorlage entfernt und mit grellen Bildern zu unterhalten versucht, geht es im Vergleich in "Defendor" sehr feinsinnig zu. Unverschnörkelt und offen wird der Plot mit all seinen Höhepunkten gesponnen ohne an einer Stelle zu übertreiben.

Ein wunderschöner Film für Freunde eines Comic-Stil-Plots ("Defendor" ist meines Wissens noch kein Comic) der sich mit Superhelden ohne Superkräften auseinandersetzt und mehr Drama denn Komödie ist.

Die Zusatzausstattung der DVD enthält einige entfallende Szenen, bei denen ich der Meinugn bin, sie hätten im Film verbleiben sollen aufgrund deren Inhalte, sowie Versprecher (die eigentlich keine sind) und Kommentare verschiedener Mitwirkender.

Si vous voulez de l'action, du déjanté, des barres de rire, ne regardez pas ce film, regardez plutôt "super" ou même "kick-ass", même si ce dernier n'est pas vraiment comparable.

Si vous voulez un scénario normal, une structure qui vous dit quoi penser, une morale bien définie, ne regardez pas ce film.

Si vous êtes ouvert d'esprit, sans préjugé, que vous aimez les œuvres qui se démarquent, avec une identité troublante, une finesse rarement ateinte, essayez-donc Defendor. FIGHT BACK!

Par contre, j'ai comandé l'import anglais il y a deux mois, et je l'attends toujours!

工事現場で働くかたわら、スーパーヒーロー"ディフェンドー"として夜な夜な街をパトロール。

基本的には人の迷惑でしかないであろう「悪との戦い」を繰り広げるなりきりヒーローモノ。

キャストがきになって買っただけで、タイトルは全く聞いた事がありませんでした。

お馬鹿コメディだと思ってたけど、とてもシリアスな内容だった。笑っていられたのは最初だけ。

ヒーロー活動をしているには本人なりの理由もあって、至極真面目に取り組んでいる。

でも所詮は生身の人間、しかもあまり頭も良くない人がやってることだし、

ピンチになったところで他の「強い誰か」が助けてくれるわけもない。

滑稽なことをしていても、ハラハラするばかりで笑って見ていられない…

いつのまにか主人公の人柄にどんどん惹かれていく。

想像とは大分違う路線だったけど、とても好きな内容でした。買ってよかった…。

Awesome perfomance from Woody Harrelson , love this movie had fun listening to it and had some good laugh and loved the story .

キック・アス、スーパー!と同じようなダメダメヒーロー。

キック・アスもスーパー!もヒーロー哲学だったが、今回も同じく哲学。

これらの哲学の中でも最もヒーローっぽいのはディフェンドーではないだろうか。

また、キック・アスやスーパー!の様なブラックジョーク系かと思ったら大間違いで割りとシリアスに物語が進んでいく。

最後までシリアスに進んでいく。

是非とも見ていただきたい。