There's a new, original, totally kick ass superhero movie shooting in Toronto, Canada, called "SIDEKICK". It's an indie production through and through, but it's got some pretty decent talent involved and a great freakin' twist to boot.
Here's the synopsis:
Mild-mannered computer consultant Norman Neale has two great loves in this cruel world: Comic books and his office's effervescent main receptionist, Andrea Hicks. Norman spends his days dreaming of Andrea from the isolation of his cubicle and his nights dreaming of fighting crime from the solitude of his apartment.
Then one fateful day, Norman discovers that a fellow co-worker, Victor Ventura, a swaggering, pretty-boy salesman, has slight telekinetic abilities beyond his understanding. After discussing his mind-blowing discovery with his only friend Chuck, a know-it-all comic book store owner, Norman comes to the outlandish conclusion that he should train Victor to become a real-life superhero by helping him refine and expand his extraordinary ability. Norman envisions an exciting new future for himself battling the city's criminal elements as Victor's faithful sidekick.
But as Victor grows in power Norman is faced with the heartbreaking realization that not all people with extraordinary abilities are meant to be heroes.
So what's the twist? Well...instead of being your typical origin of a superhero film, SIDEKICK is...get this...an origin of a supervillain film. Cool. Kinda like how Lex Luthor became Lex Luthor.
DANIEL BALDWIN, the Baldwin brother from Homicide: Life on the Streets and John Carpenter's Vampires, recently joined the cast, playing a principal role as Chuck, the sarcastic, eccentric comic book store owner.
Also, KEN LASHLEY, the supertalented comic book artist behind some really excellent X-men and Spiderman comics and founder of Draxhall, makes a cameo appearance as himself.
SIDEKICK finishes shooting in a couple weeks. Look for it to be ready in the early fall. If you get the chance, check out the website. Lots of awesome pictures and a daily Film Diary written by cast and crew that's totally hilarious.
I think the concept sounds cool, but I also know how easy it is for a production company to take a good idea and turn it into mush. I look forward to seeing the film at least once, though, to see if it's well-made or a total train wreck.
__________________ Evelle: "Balloons! Hey, these blow up into funny shapes 'n' all?"
Grocer: "Well, no...unless round is funny."
Thanks, roundisfunny, for giving Sidekick a chance. In a genre completely dominated by franchises, it's nice to know there's still an audience out there for an original superhero movie like this.
Let's be honest, very few filmmakers will be given the chance to write and/or direct on one of the big superhero films. Yet it's a genre we grew up with and love. So why should we be discouraged from creating our own superheroes and giving them life?
KMC Community Forums
May 13th, 2004 04:49 PM
