Watch Defendor: Origin Stories - The Genesis of Defendor

In the 2009 film "Defendor: Origin Stories - The Genesis of Defendor," Woody Harrelson takes on the role of Arthur Poppington, a seemingly ordinary man who transforms into a self-proclaimed superhero known as Defendor. Directed by Peter Stebbings, the movie also features Kat Dennings as a young prostitute named Katerina Debrofkowitz, who becomes an unexpected ally to Defendor, and Sandra Oh as his sympathetic psychiatrist, Dr. Park.

Set in a gritty, urban city, "Defendor" delves into the life of Arthur, a socially inept and mentally unstable man struggling to find meaning and purpose in his otherwise mundane existence. Having endured a difficult childhood and traumatizing experiences, Arthur manifests his pent-up frustrations by adopting the alter ego of Defendor, a vigilante crime-fighter determined to purge the city of its rotten underbelly.

Unlike conventional superheroes with immense powers and extravagant gadgets, Defendor relies on unconventional weaponry such as marbles, slingshots, and an arsenal of handmade, non-lethal tools to take on criminals. Clad in a homemade costume, complete with a trenchcoat and duct-taped "D" emblem, Defendor embarks on a personal mission to bring justice to the streets.

To further embody his superhero persona, Arthur concocts elaborate backstories for his character, suggesting that Defendor is an orphaned child from a destroyed planet, sent to Earth to protect the weak and seek vengeance against those who exploit and harm others.

As Arthur navigates the city's underworld, he soon encounters Katerina, who becomes indelibly entwined in his life after witnessing one of his "missions." Initially seeking to fend off her abusive pimp, she quickly recognizes Arthur's peculiarities but remains intrigued by his altruistic motives. Together, they form an unlikely partnership, combining their unique skills and perspectives to challenge the face of criminality.

Meanwhile, Dr. Park, a compassionate psychiatrist, becomes invested in Arthur's well-being when their paths cross during a court-ordered evaluation. As she delves into his past and uncovers the deeply rooted trauma that fuels his desire to be a hero, Dr. Park finds herself drawn into his world of alter egos and crime-fighting.

"Defendor" weaves together elements of action, dark comedy, and drama, taking the audience on a journey through the complex and layered psyche of its protagonist. The film explores themes of redemption, mental health, and the blurred lines between heroism and delusion. Through Arthur's eyes, the audience is forced to question the prevailing definition of heroism and the potential for ordinary individuals to make a difference in an unjust world.

With nuanced performances from the talented cast, Woody Harrelson adeptly portrays Arthur's vulnerability and unwavering determination. He seamlessly transitions between the shy and introverted man and the confident, albeit unconventional, crime-fighting persona of Defendor. His chemistry with Kat Dennings, who brings depth and authenticity to her role as Katerina, adds emotional depth and moments of levity to the film. Sandra Oh offers a compelling performance as Dr. Park, showcasing her character's empathy and struggle to comprehend Arthur's motivations.

"Defendor: Origin Stories - The Genesis of Defendor" presents a refreshing take on the superhero genre, offering a character-driven narrative that emphasizes the human experience behind the mask. With its blend of heartfelt moments, gritty action, and thought-provoking themes, this movie invites the audience to ponder not only the nature of heroism but also the power of a genuine connection and the potential for personal growth in the face of adversity.

Defendor: Origin Stories - The Genesis of Defendor is a drama with a runtime of 10 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 57.