Once Upon a Superhero

Great movie, but not in wide release yet (as of June 2019). It was made on a shoestring budget by a minimal crew and still had a tight story, good dialogue, and solid acting. It beat a lot of B-movies that go direct to video by a mile. Our hero wakes up on the streets of Hollywood (specifically streets a couple of blocks from the home of the writer/director 😉) and discovers his powers are gone. He soon determines they will be returned to him in about 6 months, on December 21st 2012, which is also the day the Mayans had predicted to be the end of the world. He feels that the return of his powers will allow him to save the Earth from a massive solar flare that would otherwise end life on that day. Is he really a superhero or is it all a delusion? We find out at the end of the movie. Great film!

From the moment I heard Solar Flare's deep voice to the unexpected ending I was perched at the edge of my seat for nearly 2 hours! While watching you think, who is Solar Flare supposed to be? Is he from the Sun with supreme powers or just another trying to make it in Hollywood? Delusional or Superbeing? Either way it is a great movie. Yes, even the second time around! I love the suspense the music takes us throughout the movie. Riveting! It brings out all the extremes whether it is a Mayan Indian - TeeTo, encouraging a virgin Solar Flare to drink/smoke or a strung out Captain Boulevard cheering him on to more and more 'blow, a sex scene with an overweight woman or Frankie, an innocent happy young girl trying to become a name in Hollywood. Loved Lil Boulevard! So much more....MC Deez, Comp Doc... just goes on and on. There are a few times when I had to close my eyes wishing the scene was over a bit quicker but that is more on a personal level. The cinematography in this film is outstanding. Can't wait for Once Upon a Superhero Two.

I saw this movie at a sold-out screening at the Vista in Hollywood. Perfect location! The trailer gave me a little insight for the ride I'd be on but I was not prepared for the amazing adventure I actually went on.

John Kline put together a movie like none you'll see in theaters. Basically take everything you know about Darren Aronofsky or Andrei Tarkovsky and give it another ten pumps of awesome juice. A pure trippy ride at times and very well executed. The animated sequences were where I was really sold and settled into my seat to enjoy the flick.

The lead actor Adam Marcinowski did a great job of becoming Solar Flare a drifter of the streets that we more often than not never get a chance to connect with because we think they're crazy or mentally disabled. It's a sad fact of human existence and Mr. Marcinowski made me empathize and think twice before I walk past another life that I may think is lost. His performance gives an honest grim reality of the flip side for what most of us take for granted.

The score in the film was amazing and really tied everything together.

The movie in the end had a great message and I enjoyed the dark, atmospheric ride that I went on to get there. I could see A24 distributing this film. Must see! Hopefully it'll be streaming soon. I'd probably suggest having a glass of wine or a cordial before or during this film! It's a ride of epic proportions!

Absolute pleasure to watch. Gripping and real, yet humorous and pleasant. Hats off to the cast and crew for a riveting performance and a keen artistic vision. John M Kline delivers!!

I'm more than familiar with the shortcomings of low budget cinema. I went in with those expectations. But, damn! I thought it was high grade and high octane! Sophisticated and stylish employment of cinematic language. Great acting and atmosphere. Creative and ambitious cinematography. Really nice use of out of focus street light spheres as graphic elements. The application of splitting frames as reference to comic book panels was nicely handled, and often visually compelling by sliding and expanding boxes. The scene of Solar prostrate on the sidewalk gradually being divided up in a series of small rectangles was inspired. Great representation of passing time and expressive of jumbled dream thoughts. The editing was excellent, with plenty of beats and rhythms that kept everything flowing nicely. Certain allusions to Man Who Fell to Earth dissolution came to mind.

The soundtrack and atonal effects were evocative and accentuated the film with nuances that pushed the weirdness vibe.

The costume is really great. I love how the molded 6-pack abs of the clean new outfit become a smooth and paunched pouch of the soiled supersuit. The crotch-cup coin purse is hilarious.

The cavalcade of characters were rich and amusing. Adam Marcinowski really handled it, coming across as totally in it. Nice doubling of Yvette Monreal as the celestial princess and the street performer cowgirl. Loved super dog's leg trick.

The animated bits were right on and added to the off kilter aura. The graphic style contrasts nicely and stands out for extra oddness.

I very much enjoyed the film..