I’ve been a fan of superheros since before I was a fan of horror. I still have all of my action figures from when I was younger and still have a huge collection of comics, as well. Although Todd Burrows and Christopher Folino’s Sparks is a superhero film, it still has certain elements that any horror fan can appreciate.
Sparks is full of torture, murder, and revenge, which are all things we see in horror films on a daily basis. However, with ambitions to be like other hero films like The Spirit or Kick-Ass, it seems this one just falls flat. Even with the vengeful storyline and various villains thrown into the mix, everything is still rather tame. Perhaps due to the low budget of the project, the effects and scenery, although comic-like, still seem rather lackluster.
There were some pretty recognizable names featured in this film, but I feel like none of them really did anything to help carry it past mediocrity. Clint Howard, Jake Busey, and Ashley Bell all play roles in this 2013 super flick. I’m not sure if it is just me being used to Ashley Bell’s scared and shy portrayal of Nell in The Last Exorcism, but I really couldn’t take her seriously as a sexy superhero that everyone falls in love with.
If you are a fan of comic books and anybody wearing a spandex costume, Sparks may be a fun film for you. If you are looking for a really exciting take on the genre, however, you won’t get it with this one.
I had high hopes for this movie, but it just didn’t deliver. I give it 1.5 syringes out of 5.
