DVD Of The Week: Hero Tomorrow (2007)

In these cynical times, there is something very admirable about a film that genuinely defies expectations.

When I first learned the story of Hero Tomorrow - aspiring comic book artist decides to dress up as his creation and fight crime - I'll admit I was expecting a mash-up of Clerks and Kick-Ass.

But first time director Ted Sikora's small-budget Don Quixotesque tale is much more than 'just another comic book' story, combining social satire with subtle observation and tragedy, while retaining strong elements of a love story throughout.

Set in contemporary Cleveland, it revolves around work-shy waster David (Perren Hedderson), a grass-smoking artist who believes his comic book creation, Apama, is going to make his fortune.

Sleeping in the basement of a house his boss - and best friend - shares with his model train collecting father, David is thousands of dollars in debt, unable (or unwilling) to pay rent or for food, but still manages to keep up with his weekly comic book fix.

Meanwhile his lovely, patient girlfriend Robyn (Jocelyn Wrzoek), who works in the comic shop but is trying to make it in the world of fashion design, creates an Apama costume for David to wear to a Halloween party, much to the wry amusement of her hypercritical mother.

What no-one seems to appreciate - David least of all - is that his so-called 'heroic' costume makes him look more like a disturbed member of Slipknot than a friendly, neighbourhood superhero.

So when David's life takes a rapid dive into the toilet it isn't long before the Lycra-clad crimefighter is running round the woodlands and streets of Cleveland beating on 'villains', both real and imaginary.

Mixing in flashbacks and surreal dream sequences (the one with the squid knocked me for six), Sikora clearly embraces the art house as much as the comic book for his inspiration and there is no denying the fact that this is a good-looking film.

Given its budgetary limitations, some of the acting is possibly not of the highest calibre, but these limitations only really show themselves in a small number of the supporting characters. The two main leads are interesting and talented enough to keep your attention focused on the story and allow you to gloss over the moments of more stilted delivery.

There's an unexpected twist towards the end that almost demands you watch the movie a second time to "see if it works". It's not exactly a mind-blowing WTF twist of Fight Club proportions, but more a knowing nod and a smile that says: "You didn't see that coming, did ya?"

But even this brief synopsis doesn't do Hero Tomorrow justice. There is so much going on under the surface that it certainly fulfills Sikora's claim that it is a "punk rock version of the big budget superhero film".

It may not dot all its i's or cross all it's t's, but where logic takes a leap of faith, enthusiasm and passion step in to fill the gap as it moves from comedy territory into the darker realms of tragedy and mental deterioration.

Forget any prejudices you may have against "low budget" film making and embrace the wacky romantic vision of a future big name writer/director.