IR Film Review: HOW I BECAME A SUPERHERO [Netflix]
The aspect of hidden powers and relevance has becomes a staple of the superhero genre. But the journey in some movies reflects a sort of warped yet consistent reality. In "How I Became A Superhero", made in France and premiering on Netflix, it takes the idea not of the antihero but more specifically the idea of what people want to become who are empowered with superhuman abilities. In this world, people have powers but others want them just to be different. As a result, there seems to be a black market trade in getting powers, almost as if a certain transferable power was seen as a club drug but one that can offer laser bolts from the eyes of flame throwing skills. This is the epidemic shown. it is reflected more surface-wise and not in a gory so it is more accessible. The film is moved in essence (based on a novel) through a detective Moreau who became a liaison for his police department's relationship with a group of superheroes called Port Royal.
The back story summarizes what happened in terms of the relationships, but they are more just a matter of circumstance and age,with the exception of one big plot point (which won't be revealed here). Ultimately the bad guy motif (despite a one dimensional approach) is about protecting your own and making sacrifices for the greater good. It becomes a little monotonous towards the end however. But the character that really shines is Leila Behkti as Callista because, in her foreshadowing instinct, there is a sense of balance and loss which at times is reflected in other characters but it seems like something inherently resilient in her. Pio Marmai (as Moreau) and Vamila Pons (as his non-superhero oriented partner Lt. Cecille) have some good scenes including one levitation scene but they never quite click. The ending offers an efficient resolution and the production values, especially in the execution of a garage action scene, are decent but the film itself, as part of the superhero genre, is simply adequate. C+
By Tim Wassberg
