
Defendor
2009, Comedy/Drama, 1h 35m
23 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Defendor's reach occasionally exceeds its grasp, but this unique take on the superhero genre is held together by Woody Harrelson's solid performance. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
Show all servicesDefendor Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
Arthur Poppington , Defendor
Kat
Dr. Park
Chuck Dooney
Dominique Ball
Paul Carter
Critic Reviews for Defendor
All Critics (23) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (17) | Rotten (6)
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Saving the day is Harrelson's low-key, rooted performance, adding an unexpected layer of poignancy when things take a decidedly darker turn.
March 10, 2010 -
The conviction in Harrelson's performance sells the movie -- he and his character are both unsung heroes who give their roles everything they've got.
February 26, 2010 | Rating: C+ | Full Review… -
Stebbings is more interested in deconstructing heroism than creating a concrete world, sapping the movie of the immediacy it needs to come alive. For all its aspirations, the film never meshes into something cohesive or substantial.
February 26, 2010 | Rating: 2.5/5 | Full Review… -
Likable but hardly memorable.
February 25, 2010 | Full Review… -
The low-budget movie continually shifts from comic-book spoof to gritty crime story to mental-health drama, the inconsistent tone preventing it from ever fully working as one or another.
February 24, 2010 -
Modest but likable effort is packaged in a straightforward style.
February 23, 2010
Audience Reviews for Defendor
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Jun 23, 2013Defendor is a surprising treat for fans of superhero movies. The film has an impressive cast and a good storyline. Some may say that this is similar to Kickass, but it is very different. I personally feel you can't compare the two and both of them do something that the other movie can't. Woody Harrelson is great here, and he delivers a well executed performance that is fun and funny. The rest of the cast are fine as well and each brings something to the film that just makes this such an original and refreshing movie that is worth checking out. I can see why Kickass might be a similar film, but the plotline for this film is very different, and in many ways a bit better. Defendor seems a bit overlooked with the success of Kick Ass and if you've that film, you'll probably enjoy this other take on the superhero genre. Harrelson is great here and he manages to deliver a wonderful, humorous performance that makes the film what it is. Give this film a shot; it is definitely worth your time if you want something that is original and quite different from everything else that we've seen. Defendor is an underrated film that definitely is better than what the critics have said. Give it a shot, you'll surely enjoy it. Films like this are fun to see because they think outside the box, and offer something really good for viewers looking for something interesting to watch. Defendor is a gem of a movie, and one that successfully combines comedy and drama into one memorable movie.Alex r Super Reviewer
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Jan 05, 2012This was a rather enjoyable and strangely touching action caper, with moments of genuine depth and truth. Woody Harrelson proves once again that he's an incredibly versatile and emotionally astute actor, with an arresting performance that carries the story along with remarkable zeal and fun. And while the plot and direction skirt close to sentimentalism towards the end, Harrelson executes the last few scenes in a manner so as not to spoil the quirky edge of the film. A tragic action-adventure film about a mentally challenged man who works as a traffic sign holder by day, but who becomes Defendor by night. Armed with his club, marbles, firecrackers, and angry hornets, Defendor emerges from his secret hideout, helping others and stopping punks, in his effort to find Capitan Industry and bring him down. His exploits pique the interests of a girl, a family, and eventually a whole town. By his youthful wisdom, determined and fearless bravery, he gains many admirers who voice support for his cause. If you're looking for a little adventure or a touching story, take the time to watch Defendor, A very enjoyable movie with great lessons. Don't pass it up! Enjoy! Peace!Ovi G Super Reviewer
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Dec 26, 2011The local police force in Hammertown? They're simply too overwhelmed to care about the recent wave of crime sweeping the city, those that aren't corrupt. And the bad guys, immigrant drug runners, hardly even care themselves, bored beyond tears with the good life, and killing and murdering. The only soul who does seem to care is a homeless guy (Harrelson, very sympathetic) who's got an I.Q. of maybe 80, tops, and may be a "retard", if not an idiot altogether. His only help is a crack ho, shining him for money for drugs ... can anything good emerge from this veritable shitstorm of filth? Yes, and that's the serio-comic message of hope that this work delivers.Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
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Nov 29, 2011The premise of Defendor makes it an interesting movie, but not a very good one. It has its moments, the few that they are, but for the most part, it's a disappointment. The main problem with Defendor is the fact that the Woody Harrelson character, Arthur Poppington, is only likable when he is in the role of his superhero alias, Defendor. When he's just plain ol' Arthur, it's a bore. But when he's fighting crime and saying some cool one-liners, it's enjoyable. Problem is that the crime-fighting parts come way too few. It's a shame. I always thought Defendor would be such a good movie, from the moment I saw the trailer back in '09. It's categorized as a comedy, but it's not really all that funny. And though the title character is "slow" and a little insane, the movie isn't a character study. It's just... a movie. A movie that you watch to pass the time. You might smirk a time or two at a line of dialogue or maybe an action scene, and that's probably what writer/director Peter Stebbings intended to happen. But if you laugh, like actually full-out laugh, then you're giving him, and Defendor, too much credit.Stephen E Super Reviewer
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