Sidekick

Norman (Perry Mucci), a nerdy computer troubleshooter at an investment firm in Toronto, fills his personal time and imagination with comic superheroes; his best buddy runs a comic book shop where he often hangs out. One day in the coffee room at work, Norman sees Victor (David Ingram), one of the slicker salesmen, grab a toppling coffee cup in midair with such lightening speed that Norman guesses he must possess some sort of telekinetic powers. Turns out he guessed right.

Norman offers to train Victor to focus the use of these powers more intentionally, and, after initially spurning the offer, Victor acquiesces. Norman envisions training Victor to become a superhero, fighting crime with his paranormal skills, while Norman sees himself as a sidekick, his Robin to Victor's Batman. Trouble is, Victor does not share this vision: he has no scruples whatsoever and laughs off the idea of becoming a crimefighter in favor of accumulating corporate control and wealth through his powers, even if this requires violence.

Norman has inadvertently created a monster and now must attempt to pull the plug on him. The screenplay is cleverly written. Ingram is perfect as the narcissistic bad guy. Mucci is burdened by playing a character too naive to be believed, not in the big city of Toronto. My rating: 6.5/10 (B). (Film seen on 10/01/05 at the Idaho International Film Festival). If you'd like to read more of my reviews, send me a message for directions to my websites.

For everyone who ever dreamed of being a super hero ... and then woke up! It's a hilarious take on what it takes to be a comic book style superhero in today's cynical world and what it takes to be one's sidekick. From the lighter side of herodom to the darker corners, this flick will keep you wondering whether to cheer or boo the hero and his sidekick as they try to work out the kinks of possessing extraordinary powers! Its black side makes it unsuitable for little kids but teens and adults will love its quirky characterizations and double-edged message. Does not require a love of comic books to appreciate it ... it fills you in on the superhero mystique as it goes.

The main story had been stolen from Robert Townsend's The Meteor Man and ended with a reverse Scrooge tactic, where Rowan Atkinson has already done it in his spoofs - Black Adder.

Too shame a Canadian studio would do such a degradable act as a movie that had complete been plagiarized to just make money out of it.

The acting is worse than the directing. You don't have to show all your colours just to make a point where the receptionist does it over and over again in her overacting: face expression is important but exaggerating is really annoying and disgusting especially near the subway station. As per directing a movie is concerned fella just keep your day job - period. If you had quit it to do this then some mental hospice might do wonders buddy.

Sidekick is what Indy film-making is all about. It offers solid storytelling that's perfectly consistent with the Super Hero genre thanks to a smart script written by producer Michael Sparaga. The story is actually believable and the film keeps a perfect pace that seems to get better and better. You do not want this movie to end. The special effects are not overdone, but rather, well done and offer just the right amount of support.

Strong performances and great chemistry between David Ingram and Perry Mucci really carry the picture. Subtle wit, sarcasm and the occasional "ode to the genre" one-liners by Ingram provide some nice comic moments. Sidekick is a lot of fun.

I loved this movie!

Watchable but nothing special. It reminded me of a sci-fi channel TV movie. Woulda made a mediocre Twighlight Zone or X-files episode.

I rate it a 3 because if you spent any money watching it, you might very well feel ripped off.

Some people might rate it higher because it's an indie, but I'm an average movie watcher, not a film-school teacher. I rate all movies by one standard.

It had a low-budget feel from the start. Camera and sound work were fine, The few small special effects were OK, so I guess it was the acting and directing that made it feel cheap. All the extras looked like acting students who like to stretch their lines out to get more face-time on camera.

The Baldwin brother looked like De Niro compared to the other actors, and no that's not a compliment. If you thought the movie "Unbreakable" was the bestest movie ever, then you might like this variation of the same theme.