As a film enthusiast with over three decades of cinematic journey under my belt, I must say that Samaritan is a refreshing addition to the superhero genre. Having witnessed the evolution of Sylvester Stallone‘s career, it’s fascinating to see him step into this new role with such conviction and authenticity.
Amazon’s Prime Video service has emerged as a formidable competitor to Netflix, boasting hundreds of top-notch original films produced or co-produced by Amazon MGM Studios and licensed for streaming. The service offers a wide range of genres, catering to fans of comedy, horror, and everything in between. Yet, enthusiasts of superhero movies seem to have been overlooked. While there are engaging shows such as “The Boys” and “Invincible,” finding a feature-length superhero film on the platform can be quite challenging.
To date, Prime Video has only one superhero movie featuring Sylvester Stallone. Titled “Samaritan,” this production is a joint venture between Amazon MGM Studios and Balboa Productions. It’s an adaptation from the graphic novels of Mythos Comics, penned by Bragi F. Schut, Marc Olivent, and Renzo Podesta. The film, released in August 2022, cost $100 million to produce, a significant investment by the streaming service. Given its success, as indicated by the sequel now being developed, it seems that the gamble paid off.
‘Samaritan’ Is a Gang Story, with a Superhero Gloss
The story of Samaritan is a heartfelt and engaging narrative that skillfully converts a grim, almost realistic scenario into a raw, dialogue-heavy tribute to the hardships faced by the working class. It invites us into the narrative using a classic “Once upon a time…” style, transporting us back to a time when two superhuman twin brothers, Samaritan and Nemesis, resided in Granite City. Their animosity towards each other was matched only by the disdain the citizens felt for them.
It’s uncovered that one fateful day, their neighbors set fire to their home with the intention of destroying them. Miraculously, they managed to escape. As young adults, Samaritan and Nemesis followed vastly different paths: Samaritan dedicated himself to becoming a heroic figure, while Nemesis chose a life of villainy, seeking retribution for the tragedy that claimed his family (the fire caused the deaths of his parents). In an epic confrontation at the city’s power plant, it was believed that both brothers perished, but could they have survived?
In the passage of time, approximately two and a half decades later, we bear witness to how cruel poverty can strip a parent of something vital for an innocent child to observe – their fundamental respect. Introducing 13-year-old Sam Clear, who has been compelled to join a gang due to his mother’s impending eviction. The head of the street gang, Reza, harbors resentment towards Sam, while another figure, known as the real Don, cherishes him, creating a dilemma.
One day, when Reza and his companions brutally assault Sam, it’s a garbage collector named Joe Smith (Stallone), living in an apartment next to Sam, who steps in to save him. Given the effortless manner in which Joe subdues the assailants, Sam starts wondering if he could be the fabled hero, the Samaritan. Could this be the legendary figure making his comeback? What implications might this have on the city’s crime rate? The story gradually unveils its secrets, but once Joe demonstrates his true abilities, we are completely and undeniably captivated.
‘Samaritan’ Offers Vivid Commentary on Discrimination, Poverty, and Inner-City Crime
In the movie “Samaritan“, director Julius Avery subtly delivers sharp criticism on class disparities, bias, and corruption, disguised as a superhero story. Right from the start, it’s clear that the townsfolk view superhumans as outsiders who pose a threat to their community. This mass perception, reminiscent of herd behavior, leads them to set fire to the protagonist’s home, a chilling reminder of the Ku Klux Klan era when they would often burn the homes of African Americans, under the belief that they didn’t belong in America.
In the novel ‘Samaritan‘, the connection between poverty and criminal activity is deeply examined. Here, we see a community where individuals have few opportunities for decent employment. People with strong moral values often end up working in low-paying jobs such as waste disposal or factory work. Women, in particular, face additional hardships, with those living independently at risk of homelessness, much like Sam’s mother. Under such challenging circumstances, many young people find themselves drawn to crime, a phenomenon that is sadly reflective of urban areas across the real world.
In essence, Director Julius Avery skillfully maintains a balance, avoiding both excessive dramatic flair and overwhelming sadness in every scene. As a result, we are presented with a realistic and captivating superhero film that defies many typical conventions. Unlike other films, there is no central controlling entity or global-threatening villain. Instead, the danger is confined to a specific location, and the consequences follow suit. The characters do not possess elaborate costumes or extraordinary powers. Incorporating elements of crime adds to the allure, making this superhero movie appealing to fans across various genres.
Stallone’s Superhero Movie Resume Is Admirable
In a way that might seem unexpected for someone as iconic as Sylvester Stallone in action roles, he isn’t straying too far from his comfort zone in this project. He has demonstrated his versatility within this genre on numerous occasions. Despite being renowned for his action hero characters, the actor has consistently shown a willingness to expand his repertoire. For instance, his portrayal of Stakar Osgord, the Ravager pirate captain, in the Guardians of the Galaxy films received acclaim. Moreover, he lent his voice to King Shark in James Gunn’s Suicide Squad, making him one of the select few actors to appear in both Marvel and DC productions.
The franchise characters are impressive, but Samaritan offers more depth thematically but also highlights Stallone’s acting talents more effectively. It seems that despite his lavish lifestyle in Beverly Hills, his portrayal of the struggles of the underprivileged feels genuinely authentic. He skillfully conveys a broad spectrum of emotions, from compassion to exasperation, and the film doesn’t rely excessively on action sequences to drive the storyline.
Here, the depiction of Stallone resembles that seen in films like ‘Cop Land’, ‘Creed’, and ‘Tulsa King’. It’s a balanced portrayal, where he exhibits restraint while still packing a strong emotional punch. Crucially, he doesn’t play well with others. Much like other prominent actors, Stallone shines brightest when he’s calling the shots, and this production is undeniably his dominion.
Need help finding a great superhero movie to watch? Samaritan is perfect.
Samaritan
is available to stream in the US on Prime Video, Apple TV+ or FreeVee
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2024-11-18 02:32