Comic Book Villains

• Director: James Dale Robinson
• AMG Rating:
• Genre: Comedy Drama
• Movie Type: Black Comedy, Crime Comedy
• Themes: Unlikely Criminals
• Release Year: 2002
• Run Time: 92 minutes

Plot

In a sleepy small town there are two vibrant comic books stores that are rival universes unto themselves. Events spiral absurdly, violently out of control when the owners of the two shops -- nerdy hipster Ray (Donal Logue) and the nebbishy husband and wife team of Norman and Judy (Michael Rapaport and Natasha Lyonne) -- compete for a priceless collection of books left by the dead son of elderly Mrs. Cresswell (Eileen Brennan). Ray's friend, Archie (D.J. Qualls), tries to stop Ray from hiring a sleazy thief (Cary Elwes), but to no avail. Things get very ugly indeed. ~ Buzz McClain, All Movie Guide

Review

This very funny, very dark comic thriller plays to the eccentric cast's strengths. There is never a dull moment as the fitfully screwball story goes over-the-top in unpredictable ways, climaxing in a preposterous sequence of tragi-comedy that is as shocking as it is hilarious. Reminiscent of Very Bad Things and other films where good people are compelled to do nasty business, Comic Book Villains has sleeper hit stamped all over it. It's not for all tastes, but those who enjoy outrageous farces with an evil edge will go ga-ga. Comics collectors will particularly enjoy the fanatical zaniness, but the potential audience goes across the board. Donal Logue, so good in The Tao of Steve, sets a whimsically high standard and is met by all, particularly the cunning Cary Elwes and the always-dangerous Natasha Lyonne, who may never find another script that nails her skill at sarcasm this well again. ~ Buzz McClain, All Movie Guide

Cast

Eileen Brennan - Mrs. Cresswell; Cary Elwes; Donal Logue - Ray; Michael Rapaport - Norman; Natasha Lyonne - Judy; D.J. Qualls - Archie; Denny Lee Kirkwood

Credit

James Dale Robinson - Director

Similar Movies

Very Bad Things; Dirty Rotten Scoundrels; Suicide Kings; Picking Up the Pieces; Envy