Captain Black 2017

Director: Jeffrey Johnson

Writer: Jeffrey Johnson

Starring: Jeffrey Johnson, Linara Washington, Georgia Norman, Mackenzie Astin, Charley Koontz

Mike (Jeffrey Johnson), a mild-mannered restaurant manager whose life gets turned upside down the night he discovers a mysterious bag left behind by one of his employees. Inside are several comic books, including one about a superhero, Captain Black, that totally captures his imagination. He is especially taken with Captain Black’s sexy cohort, a beautiful heroine named Kitt Vixen, whose fantasy allure is so intoxicating that it has even inspired porn sites.

 A Halloween party gives Mike the opportunity to act out his superhero fantasy as he dresses up in a homemade Captain Black costume. Putting on the suit gives Mike confidence and courage. To his delight, he meets up with a costumed Kitt Vixen (Georgia Norman), who seduces him and gives him a night to remember. Before he can even ask her for her name, she disappears into the night.

Mike is content to consider this adventure a lovely memory until fast forward two months later when he meets up with her again, accidentally. But every fantasy has its price. Out of costume, he discovers she’s not the women he thought she was, and this revelation makes him question every aspect of his life, including his relationship with his estranged sister (Kirsten Roeters) and his abused next-door neighbour (Liesel Kopp) and her son (Nico David). Even his best friend and closest confidante, Kris (Linara Washington), can’t help him now.

It’s only when he remembers what Captain Black has inspired inside him that he realizes he has the strength within himself to withstand life’s challenges and be his own ally.

Captain Black is a surprising feature debut from writer-director Jeffrey Johnson, primarily because of the films drastic change in tone which occurs unexpectedly. Starting off as a goofy comedy, which mixes the scripts witty dialogue, with the more physical comedy from the mild-mannered manager Mike and some eccentric guests at a party. Following the events of the party however events take an unexpected turn, with the films initial comical moments now replaced with a darker more dramatic tone, as we see Mark’s life rapidly start to unravel.  Exploring the repercussions from his actions at the party, as well as unveiling ongoing issues with his family which are brought to the forefront

As individual segments I thought that both halves of the film worked really well, but the unexpected shift from the comedy to the drama made the delivery of the film feel uneven. I am sure the drastic change in tone was deliberately intended to throw the viewer off guard, but with the humour almost completely removed and with the film taking a downhearted approach to events, it becomes disjointed. Although I can appreciate what Jeffrey Johnson was trying to achieve, had the film integrated a mixture of the humour and drama throughout, although it wouldn’t have had the same impact, it possibly would have worked better as a more complete film.  

The film has some excellent comedy which incorporates some of Jeffrey’s script and the chemistry between the cast. The comradely in the restaurant incorporating the stylings of Kevin Smith’s with the everyday natural humour with the interactions. Some of the films funniest moments however come from Jeffery’s more physical comedy, starting with a visit to the comic bookstore which creates one of the films more juvenile moments, which begins a ongoing comedy theme with Mikes obsession with the comic book character Kitt Vixen.

Jeffery certainly steals the scenes with his comedy, but he also shows his diversity with the more emotional scenes later in the film. Where the aftereffects of his one-night stand and unresolved personal issues with his family begin to take there toll. His emotional scenes and very different conversations with Georgia Norman as Maria and Linara Washington as best friend Kris, work especially well, with both women delivering memorable performances during their short time on screen.

With the additional drama and sub plots which occur in the second half of the film, although many of the ideas are connected, Jeffery doesn’t allow give enough time to really explore the various stories in much detail. The issues with his sister which is suggested throughout the film, once revealed quickly moves. In a similar way the conclusion regarding an ongoing story with the neighbour feels as though it was added primarily to deliver a message but doesn’t feel in keeping with the rest of the film. 

The superhero themes and cosplay Captain Black are; apart from a more foreseeable fight scene, portrayed differently to how you might expect. I like Mike with his DIY costume which suited his shy and uncertain persona of the character. Surprisingly considering the theme of the movie, the cosplay character of Captain Black is not used much in the film as I was expecting, especially when you consider he is such a pivotal part of the story. Personably I would love for the film to have maintained the initial comical tone, developing Marks auto ego of as Captain Black.

The film tries to maintain a grounded realism with events, although it is some creative moments which due to the unique delivery are probably the most memorable. The use of comic book footage which is intertwined in with the real-life moments when Mark is Captain Black work perfectly to replicate the comic book stylings which the scene is trying to portray. Although my favourite and subsequently most bizarre moment in the film occurs during an unexpected dream sequence, in which Mark dressed in a more impressive Captain Black costume fully embraces the character. In a TV title style sequence with a Captain Black theme song, it is completely out of sync with the rest of the film, but it is brilliantly done.

W With the current obsession towards superheroes and popularity of cosplay, Captain Black does deliver something original into the mix. It is an interesting story and I don’t think I have seen the various themes tackled in this way before, especially with the way the film is structured. Yes, it does feel somewhat unbalanced with the transference from awkward comedy to dramatic drama, but with both elements well executed, Jeffrey Johnson still manages to deliver with an entertaining and enjoyable film.

Captain Black will be available on DVD, On-Demand and on all digital platforms from July 17th 2019

Philip Rogers

Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!