Superhero Movie 超级英雄 英语影评

To call “Superhero Movie” a satire, or even a parody, of the genre specified in its title would be misleading, since those terms imply at least an attempt at wit. But no real mockery is intended by this harmless, mindless grab bag of slightly used gags, which lampoons some of the conventions of recent comic-book epics and adds the expected staples of juvenile humor: urine, vomit and intestinal gas.

There’s some other stuff too, of course. Brassieres, for example, sprinklings of timid ethnic and homophobic humor, and more references to Internet phenomena like YouTube, MySpace and Craigslist than you’re likely to encounter in a real superhero picture. Oddly, though, the narrative template is shockingly ancient: it’s the first Spider-Man movie, which came out, like, six years ago. Who even remembers?

There are also references to the “Fantastic Four,” “X-Men” and “Batman” franchises, all mild enough to avoid offending fans or litigious copyright holders. And there are a few moments that might elicit a chuckle, including a Tom Cruise impersonation that has already circulated on the Web. The presence of Leslie Nielsen does not in itself bring laughter, except insofar as you may be reminded of other, funnier movies.

Otherwise, it’s a long 85 minutes, which may, come to think of it, be a trenchant bit of satire in its own right. Most superhero movies these days are much too long and way too expensive. “Superhero Movie” manages to feel that way even though it could hardly be shorter or cheaper.

Those requiring a plot summary are invited to write their own and share it with friends, a more satisfying exercise than actually seeing the movie. But people will do that too. “Superhero Movie” occupied two screens at the Times Square multiplex where I saw it with a select group of cinephiles at 10:45 on Friday morning, and I’m sure the crowds will be large as the weekend progresses. And then it will be forgotten until a few months from now, when the next gaggle of earnest, troubled, costumed crime fighters take over those screens and make me look back in sorrow at this missed opportunity to cut them all down to size.

“Superhero Movie” is rated PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned). It has some naughty words and crude sexual humor.