Comic book fan happens upon a merchant who reveals Issue #1 of "Surge of Power" introducing the wacky world of Big City where Gavin Lucas (Vincent J. Roth), is out and proud about his comic reading penchant and longing to ... more »be a superhero. This science-fiction spoof is complete with mad scientist, Professor Ronald Richards, his nemesis and former partner, Hector Harris, who sabotages Ronald s secret experiment and a classic freak accident that causes superpowers! To fight hate crimes and bank robberies and fear, Gavin enlists the reluctant Professor, helping him fashion a "battle suit" and Gavin's 'Surge of Power' identity, repeatedly rescuing the same Young Man and investigating a bizarre crime wave that indicates a new super-villain in Big City more powerful than Surge of power. Even with input from science-fiction veterans Nichelle Nichols, Lou Ferrigno and Noel Neill, can Surge of Power thwart the evil plans of the mysterious Metal Master? Are capes in fashion? Why can't Gavin throw a ball? Are some of these dudes . . . ambiguous? Find out all this and more! Watch in amazement as Gavin explores what it means to be a hero, seeks a higher power, and decides whether to wear a cape in this exciting first installment of the "Surge of Power" saga, "The Stuff of Heroes!"« less
David Romano | Lancaster, PA United States | 05/19/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This film really does recall the feel of the old "Batman" tv show and the really bad 70's superhero films like "Spiderman" and "Captain America". The dialogue is campy, and it's meant to be. The effects and "fights" fall into the same category. I was awaiting the colorful and cartoonish "POW" effects to pop up on the screen. Think "Legends of the Superheroes" (if you can find it!).
There was also definitely a pop culture element to it. A lot of references to modern superheroes. And the discussion of the cape (as well as showing its pitfalls!). Ahhh, reminiscent of "The Incredibles". Ths isn't the big-budget superhero flicks like the "X-Men" or "Spiderman", and it's not meant to be. You're warned. And the geek factor was present. I loved the scene where the comic-book geeks get smacked down by the jocks, only to hear the jocks talk about playing on their X-Boxes. Priceless... "Why can they play X Box, but we can't read comic books?" And let us not forget our faithful hero doing the "Wonder Woman Spin". Again, priceless.
There were times, however, when this film went waaaay over the top. I respect the fact it's a small, indie, gay flick. And I appreciate it, Lord knows as a gay comic book fan I've been let down several times by Marvel's "gay" characters like Northstar, Karma, and Sunpyre. But there were times when I felt like it was "too gay". The double entendres got a bit tiresome after a bit, like a bad skit drug out too long. So I can see why some folks will be turned off by the movie.
It was a fun little film, didn't take itself too seriously, I can see some of my friends and I in it, but it needed to lay off the social agenda a bit. So three stars."
WHERE'S THE PORN?
ralph | usa | 06/11/2006
(1 out of 5 stars)
"While I am a fan of independent films since they allow talent that otherwise would go unnoticed to be seen, I was extemely dissappointed in this film which had the potential to become a classic. Instead we had banal dialogue,horrific acting, and clumsy editing which butchered any hope of making this a worthwhile endeavor. In fact, it seemed as if I was watching a fairly decent gay porn movie BUT WITHOUT THE PORN. Almost every scene seemed to be a set up for a sexual encouter which never came. The costume party scene could easily have been a faily decent orgy scene among those super heroes. THAT would have been interesting. Poor Nichelle Nichols oviously had no idea what she was getting into. Her five minute scene provided the only decent acting (she was Greta Garbo compared to the other actors). The whole movie would have been much better if every scene was of the caliber of her scene. The costumes were fine and the special effects were cute and would have really shined if the film was not reminiscent of a home movie."
Funny & great for comic book & sci-fi fans
Socalraverboy | West Hollywood, CA USA | 03/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was at the premiere screening in L.A., where they also showed the "behind-the-scenes" featurette that will be on the DVD, so think I have a good idea of what the DVD will be like even though it isn't out yet as I write this. The film was much better than I expected given how it was marketed as "low-budget". Yes, the effects are very low budget, but presented in a campy, funny way. There are lots of hilarious references to popular culture comic book superheros like Spiderman, Batman, and Superman, that had the audience laughing in stitches. Although the film is marketed as "the first (***) superhero movie", it really is not a film just for a (***) audience, but rather a superhero comedy where the hero happens to be (***). There are also great performances by several celebrities: Nichelle Nichols (Uhura from Star Trek) who gives a divine & classy performance here, plus the very cute grandma-ish Noel Neill (Lois Lane from the Adventures of Superman), Lou Ferrigno (The Hulk), and the always annoyingly queenie Bobby Trendy (Anna Nicole Show). As long as you go into the film knowing you should not take it seriously and that it is just amusing low-brow fun, then you'll like it. I would compare it in style to the 60's Batman TV series. I left the screening wishing there was a "Surge of Power 2" coming out as I really enjoyed the characters."
Middling to Sometimes Awful
Michael L. Wiersma | Springfield, MA United States | 11/06/2006
(2 out of 5 stars)
"I try to avoid making general statements about the quality of acting in gay films, as it's usually somewhat sub-par, or should I say sometimes sub-par acting is okay if everything else falls together and then you have a decent film.
Not here.
Every scene feels like a bad high school play. I can't believe all these semi-stars showed up for this terrible mess. I feel especially bad for Michelle Nichols, clearly out of everyone's acting league here. Hers is the only decent acting during the entirety of this film. And the only few moments when you feel some sincerity and, perhaps, some meaning in all the messiness here.
There are a couple cute guys, and some nice costumes, and lots of nods to comic books. This is a rental, purely. I doubt you'll want to see it more than once.
"
As gay as the day is long....
J. Campbell | Arizona | 10/15/2006
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Not knowing this is a gay movie, my friends and I rented this flick for a beer and movie night. Now, we've watched some BAD movies (check out Scorpio Maximus). Surge of Power was cheesey enough that we were able to laugh at it the entire way through. This movie can be funny if you don't mind laughing through one long gay joke."