Death of a Superhero - A Movie Review

Anybody can be anything they want to be. Superheroes make a difference.

Flying into theaters, Death of a Superhero is a 2011 film. Donald is a 15-year-old boy with terminal cancer. Spending most of the time in his head drawing comics, he acts up instead of trying to think about the positives. Struggling with mortality his therapist composes a positive influence on him.

For anyone who is an artist, I greatly recommend that you check out Death of a Superhero. Hobbies are one of the most essential parts of life. That and therapists are given positive representation. Death of a Superhero is a moving film that all audiences should witness.

Portraying cancer is never easy. Thomas Brodie-Sangster does a remarkable range in his emotional journey. Donald is incredibly artistic, disappearing into his cartoons. Sangster bestows a message that no matter what obstacles one faces, you should always live life to the fullest.

I was impressed with Andy Serkis’s portrayal of a hardworking therapist. Dr. Adrian King becomes a positive influence for Donald to talk to. Serkis and Sangster’s interactions were the best. I liked the scene where he was encouraging Donald to be angry, even screaming with him. He let his patients come to him when they were ready.

Emotions are never something to fear or run away from. Therapists are superheroes. Most people are afraid to reach out to therapists, but as tremendously portrayed in this film, they are here to help us better understand ourselves and dilemmas. It’s better to have somebody to address issues to, rather than suffering on the inside.

Other credits include Sharon Horgan, Aisling Loftus, Ronan Raftery, Sam Duggan, Rebecca Thompson, and Jane Brennan. The film studies the interaction among the characters very well. Donald has a contrasting relationship with each character he comes across.

Aside from Donald talking with his therapist, I liked scenes where Donald and Shelley (Loftus) talked. Loftus did a great job with the interpretation of her character. She had her own take of the character. Her friendship with Donald makes her realize what she is hiding.

The best part about Death of a Superhero was the fantastic comic graphics. As an artist, this is what kept me hooked. A shoutout goes to all the artists for their hard work in creating the animated cartoons. This is what the movie is all about. They made for a unique scene transition.

Art is a fun topic of discussion. I like how the film administered that. Drawing is one of my favorite hobbies, and from experience, it’s enlightening to show people your drawings. Art is a way of expression, to release feelings that you are not sure how to talk about. Because Donald holds a lot of anger, his drawings are portrayed that way.

Ian Fitzgibbon did a remarkable job in his direction. He dictated time to present importance in finding your passion. Cancer is never an easy subject matter of discussion, but Fitzgibbon managed to present in a strong and more positive light. For those who are or have been ill with cancer, this is the right film to watch. Nobody is alone.

One aspect that I did not feel was necessary, and made me feel a bit uncomfortable, is when Donald’s friends and even his therapist agreed to set up one of his dying wishes. The scene did not feel necessary and it didn’t take the story anywhere. It felt more random. And out of character too.

I would watch Death of a Superhero for the first time all over again! It was emotional, deep, and powerful. I recommend it.