The definitive answer to what makes a film successful – whether it be big budget or cult – is that, culturally, we just don’t know.
I know, I know, I know. I hear all of you out there screaming in unison that oughtn’t I know the answer to a question I raise. Aren’t I, after all, a critic or some pop cultural historian who has been a measure of thought into these subjects; and ought I know why something strikes a chord when something reasonably similar fails to resonate? Well, I do have an answer – one that would take vastly more time, effort, and space to elucidate in a single review – and it fundamentally boils down to time. When a film gets released to the masses means an awful lot – a helluva lot more than many give it credit – to that project’s resulting track record. So very much of a picture’s life is tied intrinsically to whether or not it’s embraced by an audience, and – while there’s more – I’ll leave it at that.
This is why an otherwise forgettable adventure like Guyver (1991) even got what some might argue is an equally forgettable sequel – Guyver: Dark Hero (1994) – but the truth is stranger than fiction. Because the first did just well enough internationally to justify some kind of follow-up – indeed, a rare occurrence in filmdom – producers did go back to the well of inspiration. While they didn’t have the cash to bring in any established names that the first flick did (i.e. Mark Hamill, Jimmie Walker, David Gale, and others), they still had a story worth telling. The result is that while Guyver might be the ‘bigger hit’ its sequel remains the better film with audiences, delivering what works truly as a superhero film back at the time when those things weren’t so more readily available to consumers looking for them.
So … simply put: Dark Hero came at a time wherein it had little if any expectations on its shoulders, giving it ample room to become something a bit legendary all on its own.
(NOTE: The following review will contain minor spoilers necessary solely for the discussion of plot and/or characters. If you’re the type of reader who prefers a review entirely spoiler-free, then I’d encourage you to skip down to the last few paragraphs for the final assessment. If, however, you’re accepting of a few modest hints at ‘things to come,’ then read on …)
From the film’s IMDB.com page citation:
“Sean Barker, unwilling host to an alien bio-armor known as the Guyver, must fight the Kronos Corporation again before they discover the secrets of the Guyver's origin.”
Occasionally, it’s better to get this out of the way instead of dance around the topic: no, Guyver: Dark Hero is most definitely not the kind of flick that’ll even be embraced by mainstream audiences.
Good enough?
Now, that said, Guyver: Dark Hero is EXACTLY the kind of smaller, kinder, gentler non-theatrical property that home audiences loved back in its heyday. Although its replete with some subpar cinematography, minimal (if any) character development, and general narrative silliness, Hero has heart and soul in ample supply, what with its lead Sean Barker (David Hayter) committed to his Batman-like mission of ridding the Earth of scum like the Kronos Corporation at the expense of his personal happiness. The film – written (in part) and directed by Steve Wang – knew what it was and never strayed from its path to deliver the quintessential comic book adventure with all the hutzpah that entails. Logic be damned, Wang and company did it; and they did it with solid conviction.
Though he believed he had cleansed the Earth of the evil Zoanoids from the first film, Sean Barker quickly learns otherwise; and, despite being a bit worn down from his time spent in the Guyver suit, the young man pledges to once again take the fight to them. When he learns of some cave drawings from a nearby excavation that are linked to dreams, Barker heads out into the woods in pursuit of evil. Once there, he slowly uncovers that, indeed, more of the singular menace have taken human form and are gradually taking control of the archaeological dig. When he learns that there’s a massive Zoanoid ship buried in the side of a mountain which could house an untold trove of alien treasure, our young hero joins forces with Cori Edwards (Kathy Christopherson) and her archaeologist father Marcus (Stuart Weiss) in once again thwarting a Zoanoid invasion before it can take foothold on our world.
Now, it’s entirely safe to suggest that there’s nothing in Dark Hero that even remotely resembles ‘high art.’ Wang and his merrymakers set out to make a faithful comic book movie, and I’ve even read online that there are bits and pieces to this story that they crafted directly upon images of what had occurred before in print. Structurally, the film moves – albeit clumsily in spots – like a comic book, setting the stage and establishing the stakes in an opening gambit that puts only the required mythology in play for both fans and the uninitiated to follow on. Though some might dismiss it as ‘low brow entertainment’ still works entirely as designed, making Hero a competently structured if not a bit too homogenized yarn to be taken seriously.
But sometimes this is exactly the kind of film audiences need. Dark Hero – with all of its goofy fisticuffs between two theatrical adversaries buried under rubber suits – manages to achieve a wholesome though occasionally gritty core of good versus evil for those watching the proceedings. Like TV’s Power Rangers, Dark Hero never challenges its viewers to think all that deeply beyond the ramifications of one fight or one hero or one villain: this is about wrestling-style matchups – with a healthy dose of martial arts thrown in – where you get to cheer and/or laugh at the athletic antics. It’s entirely a ‘turn your brain off’ and just enjoy the entertainment, and – on that level – it’s about as pitch perfect as you’ll ever find. Unlike its big budget brothers, it’ll never compete on that level … and yet it doesn’t have to.
Guyver: Dark Hero (1994) was produced by Biomorphs Inc. and L.A. Hero. DVD distribution (for this particular release) has been handled by the fine folks at Toy Robot. As for the technical specifications? While I’m no trained video expert, I can still assure readers that the film boasts some exceptional sights and sounds: there are a few sequences clearly shot underlit (lighting variances in outdoor locations are uneven in spots), and there are some rather obvious differences (out of focus elements pop up in curious places) in quality, and I can only suspect they’re tied to problems with the source material. Director Wang doesn’t have a long pedigree, so perhaps some of this is owed to inexperience behind the camera as well; and it can be a bit distracting for cinema purists.
I’ve often said – and been dragged for my readers – that comic book and/or superhero movies all too often fail with me because storytellers ultimately want to deliver an end product bigger and more thematically relevant than just some run of the mill adventure. While I appreciate those sentiments, the very best superhero films simply set about telling one tale with a recognizable beginning, middle, and end. (Post credits scenes be damned!) 1989’s Batman got that right. 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger knew what its assignment was, as did 2011’s Thor. So far as I’m concerned, you can add Guyver: Dark Hero to that list even though you’ll have to forgive its low budget and desire to avoid any excess whatsoever except that it runs a bit longer than necessary.
Lastly, if you’re looking for special features? Wow. Toy Robot has pulled out all the stops with this two-disc release, and there’s an enormous amount of filler, including three different audio commentaries (that I’m still making my way through), interviews, stills, etc. Because this one was a bit of an underground cult hit from the home video craze back in the day, I suspect there are fans who’ll really cherish some an introspective look into something many of them found little more than escapist fare … which it still is pretty effectively either way.
Recommended.
Without overdoing it, I’ll admit that I had a surprising amount of fun with Guyver: Dark Hero. Yes, it’s a bit schlocky. Yes, it’s a bit simple. But it rather efficiently laid out a purpose and stuck to it from start to finish with a commitment that even most big budget outings can’t muster these days. Hats off to Wang and his crew for, minimally, knowing what they wanted and staying true to the course, even though it might’ve delivered a bit of cringe with its low-budget execution.
In the interest of fairness, I’m pleased to disclose that the fine folks at Toy Robot provided me with a complimentary Blu-ray copy Guyver: Dark Hero (1994) by request for the expressed purpose of completing this review. Their contribution to me in no way, shape, or form influenced my opinion of it.
-- EZ
I know, I know, I know. I hear all of you out there screaming in unison that oughtn’t I know the answer to a question I raise. Aren’t I, after all, a critic or some pop cultural historian who has been a measure of thought into these subjects; and ought I know why something strikes a chord when something reasonably similar fails to resonate? Well, I do have an answer – one that would take vastly more time, effort, and space to elucidate in a single review – and it fundamentally boils down to time. When a film gets released to the masses means an awful lot – a helluva lot more than many give it credit – to that project’s resulting track record. So very much of a picture’s life is tied intrinsically to whether or not it’s embraced by an audience, and – while there’s more – I’ll leave it at that.
This is why an otherwise forgettable adventure like Guyver (1991) even got what some might argue is an equally forgettable sequel – Guyver: Dark Hero (1994) – but the truth is stranger than fiction. Because the first did just well enough internationally to justify some kind of follow-up – indeed, a rare occurrence in filmdom – producers did go back to the well of inspiration. While they didn’t have the cash to bring in any established names that the first flick did (i.e. Mark Hamill, Jimmie Walker, David Gale, and others), they still had a story worth telling. The result is that while Guyver might be the ‘bigger hit’ its sequel remains the better film with audiences, delivering what works truly as a superhero film back at the time when those things weren’t so more readily available to consumers looking for them.
So … simply put: Dark Hero came at a time wherein it had little if any expectations on its shoulders, giving it ample room to become something a bit legendary all on its own.
(NOTE: The following review will contain minor spoilers necessary solely for the discussion of plot and/or characters. If you’re the type of reader who prefers a review entirely spoiler-free, then I’d encourage you to skip down to the last few paragraphs for the final assessment. If, however, you’re accepting of a few modest hints at ‘things to come,’ then read on …)
From the film’s IMDB.com page citation:
“Sean Barker, unwilling host to an alien bio-armor known as the Guyver, must fight the Kronos Corporation again before they discover the secrets of the Guyver's origin.”
Occasionally, it’s better to get this out of the way instead of dance around the topic: no, Guyver: Dark Hero is most definitely not the kind of flick that’ll even be embraced by mainstream audiences.
Good enough?
Now, that said, Guyver: Dark Hero is EXACTLY the kind of smaller, kinder, gentler non-theatrical property that home audiences loved back in its heyday. Although its replete with some subpar cinematography, minimal (if any) character development, and general narrative silliness, Hero has heart and soul in ample supply, what with its lead Sean Barker (David Hayter) committed to his Batman-like mission of ridding the Earth of scum like the Kronos Corporation at the expense of his personal happiness. The film – written (in part) and directed by Steve Wang – knew what it was and never strayed from its path to deliver the quintessential comic book adventure with all the hutzpah that entails. Logic be damned, Wang and company did it; and they did it with solid conviction.
Though he believed he had cleansed the Earth of the evil Zoanoids from the first film, Sean Barker quickly learns otherwise; and, despite being a bit worn down from his time spent in the Guyver suit, the young man pledges to once again take the fight to them. When he learns of some cave drawings from a nearby excavation that are linked to dreams, Barker heads out into the woods in pursuit of evil. Once there, he slowly uncovers that, indeed, more of the singular menace have taken human form and are gradually taking control of the archaeological dig. When he learns that there’s a massive Zoanoid ship buried in the side of a mountain which could house an untold trove of alien treasure, our young hero joins forces with Cori Edwards (Kathy Christopherson) and her archaeologist father Marcus (Stuart Weiss) in once again thwarting a Zoanoid invasion before it can take foothold on our world.
Now, it’s entirely safe to suggest that there’s nothing in Dark Hero that even remotely resembles ‘high art.’ Wang and his merrymakers set out to make a faithful comic book movie, and I’ve even read online that there are bits and pieces to this story that they crafted directly upon images of what had occurred before in print. Structurally, the film moves – albeit clumsily in spots – like a comic book, setting the stage and establishing the stakes in an opening gambit that puts only the required mythology in play for both fans and the uninitiated to follow on. Though some might dismiss it as ‘low brow entertainment’ still works entirely as designed, making Hero a competently structured if not a bit too homogenized yarn to be taken seriously.
But sometimes this is exactly the kind of film audiences need. Dark Hero – with all of its goofy fisticuffs between two theatrical adversaries buried under rubber suits – manages to achieve a wholesome though occasionally gritty core of good versus evil for those watching the proceedings. Like TV’s Power Rangers, Dark Hero never challenges its viewers to think all that deeply beyond the ramifications of one fight or one hero or one villain: this is about wrestling-style matchups – with a healthy dose of martial arts thrown in – where you get to cheer and/or laugh at the athletic antics. It’s entirely a ‘turn your brain off’ and just enjoy the entertainment, and – on that level – it’s about as pitch perfect as you’ll ever find. Unlike its big budget brothers, it’ll never compete on that level … and yet it doesn’t have to.
Guyver: Dark Hero (1994) was produced by Biomorphs Inc. and L.A. Hero. DVD distribution (for this particular release) has been handled by the fine folks at Toy Robot. As for the technical specifications? While I’m no trained video expert, I can still assure readers that the film boasts some exceptional sights and sounds: there are a few sequences clearly shot underlit (lighting variances in outdoor locations are uneven in spots), and there are some rather obvious differences (out of focus elements pop up in curious places) in quality, and I can only suspect they’re tied to problems with the source material. Director Wang doesn’t have a long pedigree, so perhaps some of this is owed to inexperience behind the camera as well; and it can be a bit distracting for cinema purists.
I’ve often said – and been dragged for my readers – that comic book and/or superhero movies all too often fail with me because storytellers ultimately want to deliver an end product bigger and more thematically relevant than just some run of the mill adventure. While I appreciate those sentiments, the very best superhero films simply set about telling one tale with a recognizable beginning, middle, and end. (Post credits scenes be damned!) 1989’s Batman got that right. 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger knew what its assignment was, as did 2011’s Thor. So far as I’m concerned, you can add Guyver: Dark Hero to that list even though you’ll have to forgive its low budget and desire to avoid any excess whatsoever except that it runs a bit longer than necessary.
Lastly, if you’re looking for special features? Wow. Toy Robot has pulled out all the stops with this two-disc release, and there’s an enormous amount of filler, including three different audio commentaries (that I’m still making my way through), interviews, stills, etc. Because this one was a bit of an underground cult hit from the home video craze back in the day, I suspect there are fans who’ll really cherish some an introspective look into something many of them found little more than escapist fare … which it still is pretty effectively either way.
Recommended.
Without overdoing it, I’ll admit that I had a surprising amount of fun with Guyver: Dark Hero. Yes, it’s a bit schlocky. Yes, it’s a bit simple. But it rather efficiently laid out a purpose and stuck to it from start to finish with a commitment that even most big budget outings can’t muster these days. Hats off to Wang and his crew for, minimally, knowing what they wanted and staying true to the course, even though it might’ve delivered a bit of cringe with its low-budget execution.
In the interest of fairness, I’m pleased to disclose that the fine folks at Toy Robot provided me with a complimentary Blu-ray copy Guyver: Dark Hero (1994) by request for the expressed purpose of completing this review. Their contribution to me in no way, shape, or form influenced my opinion of it.
-- EZ
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