After watching kids have a ball with subversive superhero fodder like Megamind, The Bad Guys, and the Despicable Me franchise, older audiences finally get to have their fun with Villains Inc.  But instead of assuming that adults want another frenetic flick with balls-to-the-wall violence and a four-to-twelve-letter colourful dialect (ala Kick-Ass and its sequel), Villains Inc. works within a more patient element with organic wit while outrageous characters build charismatic rhythms.

Full-time flunkies Beatrix (Mallory Everton), Cain (Jason Gray), and Harold (Colin Mochrie) suddenly become unemployed when their supervillain boss is killed on the job, leaving the lackies to fend for themselves and finally pursue those dreams of becoming real-deal villains who pull off big-time crimes.  Unfortunately, despite their ambition, the team is collectively bad with their finances and prefer not getting their hands too dirty.  Cain and Harold, in particular, become squeamish and disappointed when they’re asked to kill people because, surely, there must be a better way to obtain world domination. 

While odd jobs within their union are a great way for fast cash, Beatrix understands the long-term strive and tries to receive a villain license. Her attitude, along with a mind-control plan the crew is developing with an evil intern (Alex played by Billy Mann), catches the attention of the all-powerful Sigma (Jeff Bryan Davis) who too is in need of a big break.  Meanwhile, an egotistical superhero named Captain Justice (Trey Warner) is always nearby to stomp evildoers (and shill his tie-in justice beverage).

Villains Inc. is a clever and very funny action-comedy, anchored by three dependable primary performances.  Fans of the long-time running improv show Whose Line Is It Anyway? will get a kick out of Mochrie’s unpredictable ne’er-do-well baddie whose loyalty is always at odds with his independence.  Everton and Gray, apart from being entertaining on their own, are a good team.  Even though the loose plot hinges on Beatrix withholding her failures from Cain (an issue that could’ve been resolved by a simple conversation), movie goers find themselves flowing with the contrivance because the performances mesh so well.  Absurdity fuels this film, and the actors feed off every last drop. 

Director/co-writer/editor Jeremy Warner (Go West) has a fantastic knack for knowing how to pace a set-up towards a payoff while also being aware of potential reactions he could use for an amusing boost.  Warner also has a good eye for physical comedy.  Characters are comically smacked, thrown, shot, and eviscerated, and it all looks great.  For a grassroots indie, the effects and choreography are very impressive.

Mixing the underdog adventure of Mystery Men with the eclectic humour of Napoleon Dynamite, Villains Inc. is the perfect remedy for superhero fatigue.

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie