Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Defendor

Defendor is a 2009 Canadian-American comedy-drama film written and directed by in his feature directorial debut, starring as Arthur Poppington, a with apparent cognitive limitations who fashions himself into a costumed known as Defendor to combat his imagined arch-nemesis, Captain Industry, and sundry urban criminals using improvised gadgets like wasp spray and a steel pipe. The story follows Arthur's nocturnal patrols, during which he befriends and attempts to protect Katerina Deeb, a teenage drug addict and sex worker played by , while navigating encounters with a corrupt () and a ruthless ( Kelly), all underscored by sessions with his psychiatrist (). Harrelson's committed performance as the earnest yet delusional protagonist drew particular acclaim for blending pathos with absurdity, contributing to the film's reputation as an offbeat indie entry in the genre that eschews spectacle for character-driven realism and critique of impulses. The movie premiered at the and achieved modest commercial success, with critics noting its fresh subversion of comic-book tropes amid mixed responses to its tonal shifts between humor and grit.

Production

Development and Writing

Peter Stebbings, a Canadian recognized for roles in television series including and Traders, wrote the for Defendor and made his feature-length directorial debut with the project. Prior to Defendor, Stebbings had penned the relationship drama Jack and Jill vs. the World (), which provided experience in scripting character-driven narratives. The film's writing centers on a psychologically grounded portrayal of , depicting the protagonist's vigilante activities as stemming from personal trauma and challenges rather than any abilities, thereby emphasizing causal mechanisms rooted in human over fantastical tropes. Defendor was developed as an independent production with a modest budget of approximately $4 million Canadian dollars, reflecting constraints typical of Canadian cinema outside major studio backing. These financial limitations influenced pre-production choices, such as selecting Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario, as principal filming locations to represent an undifferentiated North American urban setting, leveraging the cities' versatile infrastructure without requiring extensive set construction or location scouting abroad. Stebbings' script originated from reflections on childhood imaginings of heroism and confronting evil, rekindling a sense of innocent fantasy while anchoring it in adult realities of vulnerability and ineffectiveness. This approach aligns the narrative with broader cultural interest in self-styled vigilantes, akin to real-world phenomena of individuals adopting homemade superhero personas to combat perceived urban threats, though the film prioritizes individual delusion over organized movements.

Casting

Woody Harrelson was cast as Arthur Poppington, the protagonist who adopts the vigilante persona Defendor, in the 2009 Canadian directed by . To prepare for the , which depicts a character with developmental disabilities suggestive of fetal alcohol syndrome, Harrelson researched real cases of the condition, focusing on behavioral and cognitive traits to achieve a nuanced performance. Kat Dennings was selected for the supporting role of Katerina "Kat" Debrofkowitz, a vulnerable adolescent involved in , contributing to the film's portrayal of street-level grit through her established screen presence in similar character-driven parts. portrayed Dr. Park, the psychiatrist evaluating Poppington, while played Sergeant Chuck Dooney, a corrupt , both choices leveraging the actors' prior work in psychologically intense roles to underscore the story's . The ensemble incorporated Canadian performers such as A.C. Peterson as the mob enforcer Radovan Kristic and as Captain Roger Fairbanks, reflecting the low-budget independent production's reliance on local talent to maintain an unpolished, authentic tone amid its international leads. This casting approach prioritized performers capable of conveying raw vulnerability and moral ambiguity without stylization, aligning with the 's emphasis on everyday heroism.

Filming and Technical Aspects

Principal photography for Defendor occurred from November 21 to December 17, 2008, primarily in , . Filming utilized real locations in , , and Dundas to capture an atmosphere of urban grit and decay, reflecting the film's portrayal of a seedy, corrupt city environment. Specific sites included 's city streets and the , which provided authentic backdrops for scenes of amateur without relying on constructed sets or extensive . The production's modest C$4 million budget necessitated practical approaches, emphasizing on-location shooting in these decaying industrial areas to ground the in everyday realism. Technical elements featured cinematography by David Greene, who employed natural lighting and location-based setups to enhance the documentary-style intimacy of the protagonist's delusional exploits. Practical effects handled Defendor's improvised gadgets, including the stingray gun assembled from household hardware like a modified , supported by a small team that prioritized tangible props over digital enhancements. Budget constraints limited takes and resources, prompting improvisation during shoots, particularly in variable winter weather conditions in , where actors like adapted to moments in authentic street environments.

Synopsis

Plot Summary

Arthur Poppington, a in , adopts the vigilante identity of Defendor, patrolling city streets at night equipped with homemade gadgets including a , metal-studded knuckles, and wasp spray rebranded as "Defens spray." Haunted by childhood memories of his mother's unsolved murder by unidentified assailants, Arthur fixates on combating "Captain Industry," a nemesis he perceives as the mastermind behind local crime, drawing from fragmented inspirations. Following an for assaulting a suspected criminal and vandalizing property, Arthur faces court-mandated psychiatric sessions with Dr. Chandra, where he recounts his exploits as legitimate interventions rather than delusions. During one patrol, Defendor intervenes to rescue teenage Katerina—nicknamed —from her , Dooney T., sheltering her briefly with his aunt and attempting to her from exploitation and her . Katerina's repeated relapses and thefts strain their connection, driving her back to street life under corrupt influences. Defendor's activities intensify as he clashes with corrupt detective Paul DeLury, who operates a tied to drug trafficking and , including dealings with mob enforcer Paul DeLury's associates. Arthur's persistent targeting of low-level offenders garners media notice and public sympathy, positioning him as an unlikely amid rising urban violence. In the film's climax, Defendor infiltrates DeLury's operations, unearthing evidence of systemic graft, but sustains fatal gunshot wounds during a confrontation; he nonetheless kills DeLury in and ensures Katerina's escape, collapsing as his hallucinatory vision of Captain Industry merges with the real threat he has neutralized.

Cast and Characters

Principal Actors and Roles

Woody Harrelson stars as Arthur Poppington, a mild-mannered who constructs a delusional persona known as Defendor, embodying an earnest driven by personal and a distorted sense of justice. His committed portrayal, blending vulnerability with unyielding determination, lent credibility to the character's psychological depth, allowing audiences to perceive Arthur's as a poignant, if flawed, expression of human resilience rather than mere caricature. Sandra Oh portrays Dr. Ellen Park, the pragmatic psychiatrist tasked with assessing Arthur's mental state, whose skeptical demeanor anchors the narrative in clinical realism amid the protagonist's fantasies. Oh's performance provided a grounded foil, enhancing the authenticity of interpersonal dynamics by contrasting professional detachment with subtle empathy. Supporting roles include Kat Dennings as Katerina "Kat" Debrofkowitz, a street-smart adolescent entangled in hardship, whose wary alliance with Arthur highlights themes of unlikely mentorship. Elias Koteas plays Chuck Dooney, a venal detective representing institutional corruption. Michael Kelly appears as Paul Carter, Arthur's lawyer navigating the legal fallout of his antics. Clark Johnson embodies Captain Roger Fairbanks, a police captain who develops an unexpected rapport with Arthur due to shared family history. The ensemble, drawing from both established Hollywood talents like Harrelson and versatile character performers, reinforced the film's blend of quirky indie sensibilities with accessible dramatic appeal.

Release

Theatrical and Festival Premiere

Defendor had its world premiere at the () on September 12, 2009, in the Special Presentations section. The screening generated early industry interest, with Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group (SPWAG) acquiring U.S. distribution rights shortly after during the festival. Festival critics highlighted the film's unconventional approach to the genre, praising Woody Harrelson's portrayal of a delusional as a fresh to mainstream comic-book adaptations. Reviews described it as a "low-budget " that balanced humor with , avoiding typical high-stakes action in favor of character-driven quirks and low-tech . This reception positioned Defendor as an indie standout amid 2009's wave of polished blockbusters, emphasizing its grounded, DIY heroism over spectacle. Leading into wider releases, marketing efforts framed the film as a dark indie comedy, with trailers spotlighting Harrelson's eccentric performance as Arthur Poppington, a self-made defender armed with improvised gadgets like wasp spray and a . Early trailers debuted around the buzz in September 2009, followed by updated versions in early 2010 that leaned into comparisons with emerging vigilante tales like , underscoring the protagonist's childlike determination against urban corruption. This strategy built anticipation for its limited theatrical rollout, focusing on Harrelson's "winning streak" of offbeat roles to draw audiences seeking quirky, non-formulaic entertainment.

Distribution and Box Office

Defendor underwent a in the United States starting February 19, 2010, across a small number of screens. The film earned $13,265 during its opening weekend and ultimately grossed $44,462 domestically, with no reported international revenue, for a worldwide total of $44,462. This performance occurred against a estimated at $3.5 million, resulting in a severe financial shortfall that precluded profitability from theatrical earnings alone. Home video distribution followed on April 13, 2010, with DVD and Blu-ray releases handled by in . Group had secured rights for the , much of , , and prior to the limited rollout. International theatrical and home media penetration remained constrained, with the film's Canadian origins fostering a modest domestic cult audience but limited broader export success beyond festival circuits like the premiere. The underperformance stemmed from its niche positioning as an amid a market dominated by high-budget blockbusters, restricting appeal to art-house viewers and failing to generate word-of-mouth momentum for wider expansion. Despite the low upfront costs relative to major studio fare, the negligible returns underscored challenges in monetizing quirky, character-driven content without aggressive or mainstream hooks, yielding effectively negative ROI on initial investment.

Reception

Critical Reviews

Defendor received generally positive reviews from critics, earning a 72% approval rating on based on 25 reviews, with the site's consensus noting that the film's "reach occasionally exceeds its grasp, but this unique take on the genre is held together by Woody Harrelson's solid performance." Reviewers frequently praised Harrelson's portrayal of Arthur Poppington for its raw vulnerability and authenticity, with describing it as maintaining his "personal winning streak" in a dark comedy about a delusional aspiring to heroism. The film's subversion of superhero tropes was highlighted as a strength, presenting a low-budget, grounded to conventional caped narratives through its on an vigilante's earnest but flawed crusade. However, critiques often pointed to inconsistencies in tone and execution, such as awkward transitions from comedic elements to tragic undertones, which Deep Focus Review cited as reasons for the "pitch-black comedy that falls flat regardless of its potential," assigning it 2 out of 4 stars. Additional reviews noted a thin plot and pacing issues that undermined the , contributing to a divide between critical appreciation for originality and reservations about structural weaknesses. Audience scores on stood at 58%, reflecting a broader split where viewers were less receptive to the blend of humor and compared to professional critics. Overall, the 2009-2010 coverage emphasized Harrelson's anchoring presence amid the film's ambitious but uneven experimentation.

Audience and Commercial Performance

Defendor garnered a moderately positive response from audiences, evidenced by an user rating of 6.7 out of 10 based on over 38,000 votes, reflecting appreciation for Woody Harrelson's portrayal of the delusional vigilante and the film's blend of and . On , it holds an average rating of 3.1 out of 5 from approximately 7,500 users, with many logs and reviews highlighting its unexpected emotional depth and satirical take on superhero tropes, often recommending it to fans of indie comedies or character-driven stories. These metrics indicate a divergence from its limited mainstream traction, as online discussions on platforms like frequently praise the film's quirky authenticity over polished blockbusters. Commercially, the film underperformed, earning just $44,462 at the domestic box office against an estimated production budget of $3.5 million, due in part to its restricted theatrical release in only a handful of markets. This failure to achieve broad appeal stemmed from competition during the 2009 superhero genre surge, following The Dark Knight's massive success in 2008, which favored high-budget spectacles and overshadowed smaller, unconventional entries like Defendor. Despite the flop, it cultivated niche popularity among indie film enthusiasts and superhero satire aficionados, positioning it as an acquired taste rather than a crowd-pleaser. Post-theatrical availability has fostered gradual appreciation, with the film accessible for free on ad-supported streaming services such as and , alongside purchase options on platforms like Amazon Video. While specific home media sales figures remain undisclosed, its persistence in cult recommendation lists underscores a slow-burn , particularly for viewers drawn to Harrelson's eccentric performance and the story's grounded critique of . This enduring, if modest, audience engagement contrasts sharply with its initial dismissal, suggesting resonance in home viewing contexts over cinematic spectacle.

Portrayal of Mental Health and Controversies

The film portrays protagonist Arthur Poppington as an intellectually disabled adult with childlike cognition, manifesting in a profound of superheroic identity that drives his activities, such as patrolling streets with improvised weapons like a and . This depiction draws from real-world conditions akin to (FASD) or low-functioning , where Arthur's literal interpretation of comic-book narratives leads to earnest but ineffective heroism, including assaults on perceived "villains" like drug dealers. While the narrative frames his persistence as a form of unyielding , it avoids explicit , emphasizing behavioral realism over clinical labels to underscore his isolation from institutional support systems. Critics have accused the portrayal of exploiting for humor and , with reviewer Ian Simmons of Kicking the Seat describing as "a grown man with the mind of a " whose renders the film's heroic arc "indefensible," arguing it trivializes vulnerability by equating with . Such critiques highlight concerns over reinforcing of the "mentally challenged" as comic or pitiable figures, potentially mocking rather than humanizing those with developmental disorders. In contrast, defenders note the film's restraint in deriving laughs from Arthur's naivety without overt cruelty, positioning his defiance of societal norms—such as rejecting psychiatric intervention—as a subtle rebuke to conformity-enforcing institutions that pathologize nonconformity. Debates extend to whether the story glorifies among vulnerable individuals, with some analyses warning that romanticizing a disabled man's self-appointed risks endorsing unchecked over therapeutic , absent of broader real-world . No significant scandals or public outcries emerged post-release, though academic discussions in developmental disability journals frame it as a rare positive of for those with FASD-like traits, countering narratives of perpetual victimhood by showcasing self-directed amid systemic neglect. This perspective aligns with interpretations valuing individual initiative over dependency on state or medical oversight, critiquing over-reliance on as a cultural default.

Themes and Analysis

Vigilantism and Individual Agency

In Defendor, the Arthur Poppington, operating as the self-styled Defendor, achieves tangible disruptions to criminal networks through persistent, low-tech interventions lacking any abilities. Armed with improvised tools such as a , wasp spray, and a homemade , he targets and physically confronts figures tied to drug trafficking and , including a corrupt , Chuck Dooney, who collaborates with a mob boss known as Captain Industry. These efforts culminate in Defendor exposing operational ties between and illicit activities, demonstrating that individual determination can yield concrete results against entrenched where institutional mechanisms falter. The critiques systemic deficiencies in policing, portraying crooked officers and unaddressed criminal enterprises as evidence of institutional inertia that necessitates personal initiative. Defendor's assaults on compromised authorities underscore a preference for over reliance on potentially infiltrated bureaucracies, aligning with causal outcomes where direct disrupts immediate threats more effectively than deferred prosecutions. This endorsement of individual agency posits that ordinary citizens, motivated by moral clarity, can enforce accountability absent from official channels, though the story tempers this with depictions of Defendor's repeated injuries and near-fatal encounters, illustrating the physical toll of untrained engagements. While the film's framework empowers non-experts to challenge , it implicitly acknowledges drawbacks, as Defendor's improvised tactics lead to personal peril and legal scrutiny without scalable safeguards. In , such heroism risks escalation into , as seen when Defendor's pursuits provoke retaliatory violence from armed adversaries, highlighting vulnerabilities inherent to unequipped interveners. Real-world parallels among amateur vigilantes, such as groups confronting suspected groomers, reveal mixed empirical outcomes: their gathered evidence has supported convictions in numerous cases, yet operations frequently involve physical confrontations yielding assaults, false accusations, or procedural complications that undermine long-term efficacy. Data on these actors indicate that while short-term disruptions occur, delusion-fueled or uncoordinated efforts often fail against due to informational asymmetries and retaliatory capacities, favoring structured for sustained causal impact over sporadic individual exploits.

Delusion, Heroism, and Societal Critique

In Defendor, the protagonist Arthur Poppington's delusion manifests as a coping mechanism for childhood trauma, specifically the unexplained death of his mother, which he attributes to a fictional archvillain named Captain Industry. This perceptual framework propels him into vigilantism, where he constructs a makeshift superhero identity using everyday items like shoe polish for a mask and marbles as non-lethal weapons, illustrating a raw, unfiltered divide between subjective heroism and objective incapacity. The film probes heroism through Arthur's guileless persistence, portraying his actions not as empowered feats but as the output of a mentally deficient individual whose black-and-white moral code compels him to patrol crime-infested streets, occasionally yielding tangible results like protecting a vulnerable he dubs "." This setup challenges reductive pathologization by framing as a form of escapist , enabling ethical confrontation with real threats—such as corrupt officers and operations—in a society that dismisses non-conformist resolve as mere aberration. Yet, undiluted underscores the delusion's toll: Arthur endures repeated beatings, familial rejection, and institutional scrutiny without redemption, emphasizing causal costs over glorified . Societally, Defendor critiques the normalization of urban decay and bureaucratic inertia, juxtaposing Arthur's individual ethics against a Hamilton riddled with , narcotics, and exemplified by Officer Chuck Dooney's racket. His raw interventions expose systemic failures, where official channels—such as psychiatric evaluations by Dr. Park—prioritize containment over addressing pervasive , highlighting a disconnect between institutional passivity and personal moral imperatives. Reviewers note this as a commentary on cynicism's triumph over earnest action, though the film's tonal shifts sometimes undermine a cohesive . While achieving nuance in humanizing a flawed whose fosters limited societal good, Defendor draws criticism for unevenly romanticizing mental fracture, as Arthur's psychological collapse—potentially indicative of or —drives the narrative without fully resolving its implications, resulting in a satiric that falters in execution. This balance avoids sanitized heroism, privileging perception's collision with reality's unyielding constraints.

Legacy

Awards and Nominations

Defendor received modest recognition primarily from Canadian film awards, highlighting its appeal within independent and domestic circuits rather than broader international acclaim. At the 31st in 2011, the film earned four nominations, including Best Original Screenplay for director and Best Achievement in Overall Sound for the production team. These nods acknowledged the film's inventive writing and technical execution, though it did not secure any wins. The Directors Guild of Canada awarded Defendor three nominations in categories such as picture editing, recognizing contributions from editor Geoff Ashenhurst among others. At the 2009 Whistler Film Festival, won the Phillip Borsos Award for for his portrayal of Arthur Poppington, affirming the performance's critical resonance in a dedicated to emerging Canadian talent. The film's absence from major U.S. awards like the or Golden Globes further illustrates its limited penetration beyond indie and niche audiences, consistent with its micro-budget origins and unconventional narrative.

Sequel Prospects and Cultural Impact

Following the film's premiere at the in September 2009, director announced intentions to develop a , envisioning an expansion of the Defendor universe. In a 2010 , Stebbings described "Defendor 2" as featuring dual protagonists in a duo, positioning it as the start of a . These plans, however, were abandoned after Defendor's underwhelming commercial reception, which limited its theatrical run and worldwide gross to under $500,000 despite critical interest. No production updates or revivals have emerged in subsequent years, leaving prospects unrealized as of October 2025. Defendor's cultural footprint remains niche, cultivating a dedicated audience through and streaming availability on platforms like and . Fan discourse has endured into the 2020s on sites such as and , where viewers commend its unconventional portrayal of delusional and Woody Harrelson's nuanced performance balancing and absurdity. The film has indirectly influenced indie superhero deconstructions by foregrounding mental vulnerability over empowered fantasy, prompting comparisons in discussions of heroism's psychological toll, though without mainstream permeation akin to later works like (2019). Its critique of institutional inefficacy in addressing crime has resonated in libertarian-leaning analyses of self-reliant justice, distinguishing fictional delusion from real-world risks.

References

  1. [1]
    Defendor (2009) - IMDb
    Rating 6.7/10 (38,067) A comedy centered around three characters: an everyday guy who comes to believe he's a superhero, his psychiatrist, and the teenager he befriends.
  2. [2]
    Defendor (2009) - Plot - IMDb
    Arthur Poppington, a regular man, becomes Defendor, a vigilante, to fight his archenemy, Captain Industry, and protect the city's innocents.
  3. [3]
    Defendor | Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 72% (25) Defendor is about an everyday guy who believes he is a superhero and befriends a teenager. Critics say it's a unique take on the superhero genre, held together ...
  4. [4]
    Defendor Reviews - Metacritic
    Rating 2.8 (5) Good mixed between comedy, drama and action movie. The performances are good, casting excellent and this is a perfect, signature role for Woody Harrelson.
  5. [5]
    [PDF] : Defendor - Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities
    The film was both written and directed by actor and British Columbia (Canada) native Peter Stebbings (from the TV shows Madison and Traders), who researched the.Missing: script | Show results with:script
  6. [6]
    Defendor (2009) - Moria Reviews
    Mar 9, 2010 · On one level, Defendor is a comedy about an inept individual playing out the role of a superhero. However, Stebbings has clear affection for ...Missing: inspiration | Show results with:inspiration
  7. [7]
    DEFENDOR - FILMED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
    Mar 15, 2019 · BUDGET: $4 million (Canadian). GROSS: $44,462 (USA). The last couple decades have seen the the super hero/comic book movie take over Hollywood.
  8. [8]
    DEFENDOR - Behind The Lens Online
    Thankfully, writer/director Peter Stebbings retained those childhood fantasies as he now reawakens that sense of innocence, fantasy and adventure in each of us ...Missing: development inspiration
  9. [9]
    [PDF] REFLEXIVE IDEOLOGY THROUGH SPECTACLE-VIOLENCE IN ...
    Jun 2, 2014 · 4 Interestingly, the fictional takes on the “real-life superhero” movement – Defendor (Peter Stebbings, 2009), Super. (James Gunn, 2010) ...
  10. [10]
    Ten Minutes With: Woody Harrelson | HuffPost Entertainment
    Apr 26, 2010 · FP:Turning to Defendor, how did you prepare for this role? WH: A lot of it involved studying people with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). I ...
  11. [11]
    Defendor (2009) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Cast · Woody Harrelson at an event for Seven Pounds (2008) · Actor Elias Koteas attends the 'Shutter Island' premiere at the Ziegfeld Theatre on February · Michael ...
  12. [12]
    Defendor (2009) directed by Peter Stebbings • Reviews, film + cast
    Rating 3.1 (7,546) An unexpected hero will rise. A crooked cop, a mob boss and the young girl they abuse are the denizens of a city's criminal underworld.
  13. [13]
    Defendor (2009) - Filming & production - IMDb
    Filming locations ; Dundas, Ontario, Canada · 2 ; Hamilton, Ontario, Canada · 2 ; Toronto, Ontario, Canada · 2 ; Toronto International Studios, Toronto, Ontario, ...
  14. [14]
    Hamilton enjoys supporting role as Hollywood film set
    Feb 7, 2010 · ... production, compared to the $610.5 million for Toronto in 2008. But she's quick to point out that Toronto attracts more big-budget features ...Missing: CAD | Show results with:CAD
  15. [15]
    Defendor (movie, 2009) - Kinorium
    Filming took place in and around Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario. Specific filming locations included the Hamilton City Centre, Humber River Regional Hospital and ...<|separator|>
  16. [16]
    Defendor (2009) Technical Specifications - ShotOnWhat
    Jun 15, 2019 · The movie Defendor, released in 2009 and directed by Peter Stebbings with David Greene as cinematographer and editing by Geoff Ashenhurst.Missing: practical | Show results with:practical
  17. [17]
    Woody Harrelson loved filming Defendor in Hamilton - Toronto Star
    Feb 12, 2010 · Woody Harrelson loved filming Defendor in Hamilton ... Woody Harrelson paused for a little “freaking out” before his first scene as Arthur ...Missing: 2009 | Show results with:2009
  18. [18]
    Review: Defendor | CBC News
    Feb 19, 2010 · This Canadian film teems with originality, even though its entire budget probably wouldn't cover the catering costs of Batman Begins. Defendor ...Missing: CAD | Show results with:CAD
  19. [19]
    Defendor - Full Cast & Crew - TV Guide
    Actor. 20 Credits. Woody Harrelson as Arthur Poppington aka Defendor. Woody Harrelson. Arthur Poppington aka Defendor. Elias Koteas as Chuck Dooney. Elias ...
  20. [20]
    Defendor | Cast and Crew - Rotten Tomatoes
    Kat Dennings. Character(s) Kat. Credit(s) Actor. Sandra Oh. Character(s) Dr ... Elias Koteas. Character(s) Chuck Dooney. Credit(s) Actor. Lisa Ray. Character(s) ...
  21. [21]
    Defendor - Variety
    a social misfit turned wannabe crime-fighter whose delusional superheroics are more ...Missing: development script
  22. [22]
    SPWAG Conquers TIFF's “Defendor” for U.S. and Other Territories
    Sep 16, 2009 · The film made its world premiere over the weekend at the Toronto International Film Festival. The deal was negotiated by Jeff Sackman on ...
  23. [23]
    TIFF 09: DEFENDOR Review
    Sep 13, 2009 · Now Peter Stebbings arrives with Defendor, the tale of a (mostly) ordinary man with delusions of heroism who dons a self-made costume and heads ...
  24. [24]
    Toronto Video Reviews: Defendor & Capitalism: A Love Story
    Sep 21, 2009 · A few days ago Peter from SlashFilm and I decided to just recorded a video on the streets of Toronto talking about our thoughts on both Peter ...
  25. [25]
    TIFF Movie Review: Defendor - SlashFilm
    Sep 16, 2009 · Peter Stebbings feature directing debut Defendor is not your typical superhero movie. Actually, it features no super powers, ...Missing: directorial background
  26. [26]
    Defendor Movie Trailer: Woody Harrelson Fights Crime! - SlashFilm
    Sep 2, 2009 · Here you'll see Defendor in action. He's really Arthur Poppington, who becomes a self-styled superhero on the trail of Captain Industry, a drug ...
  27. [27]
    New “Defendor” Trailer Plays the “Kick-Ass” Card - NBC 5 Chicago
    Feb 16, 2010 · Woody Harrelson's new straight-to-DVD movie, “Defendor,” has made a shift in its marketing, casting aside the “mentally unstable do-gooder” ...
  28. [28]
    ICYMI: The Hollywood Reporter said Woody Harrelson ... - Facebook
    Sep 21, 2017 · Darius Films. Sep 28, 2017󰞋󱟠. 󰟝. Defendor Trailer. ICYMI: The Hollywood Reporter said Woody Harrelson, “keeps the personal winning streak ...Missing: marketing | Show results with:marketing
  29. [29]
    Defendor (2010) - Box Office and Financial Information - The Numbers
    Financial analysis of Defendor (2010) including production budget, domestic and international box office gross, DVD and Blu-ray sales reports ... $44,462. Top- ...Missing: 2009 | Show results with:2009
  30. [30]
    Defendor (2009) - Box Office Mojo
    Arthur Poppington, a regular man who adopts a superhero persona, known as "Defendor ... Budget$3,500,000. Earliest Release DateFebruary 19, 2010 (Domestic).
  31. [31]
    Defendor (2009) - Box Office Mojo
    Arthur Poppington, a regular man who adopts a superhero persona, known as "Defendor", combs the city streets at night, in search of his archenemy, Captain ...Missing: movie principal actors
  32. [32]
    Everything You Need to Know About Defendor Movie (2010)
    Rating 2.7 (6) A comedy centered around three characters: an everyday guy who comes to believe he's a superhero, his psychiatrist, and the teenager he befriends.Missing: synopsis | Show results with:synopsis
  33. [33]
    https://www.filmedbutnotforgotten.com/the-reviews/defendor
  34. [34]
    Defendor — Film Review - The Hollywood Reporter
    Oct 14, 2010 · Woody Harrelson keeps the personal winning streak going with this dark comedy about a delusional everyman who thinks he's a superhero.Missing: 2009 | Show results with:2009
  35. [35]
    Defendor (2010) - Deep Focus Review
    Rating 2/4 · Review by Brian EggertApr 18, 2010 · Woody Harrelson plays Arthur in Defendor, a pitch-black comedy that falls flat regardless of its potential.
  36. [36]
    Defendor | Reviews - Rotten Tomatoes
    Rotten score. A pitch-black comedy that falls flat regardless of its potential. Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Aug 22, 2023.
  37. [37]
    What ignored/disliked movie deserves a reevaluation? - Reddit
    Oct 8, 2025 · It seems like barely anyone understood it at the time. Severely underrated but has been slowly gaining a cult following.
  38. [38]
    Defendor streaming: where to watch movie online? - JustWatch
    Trailer Preview Image. About the movie. Director. Peter Stebbings. Rating. JustWatch Rating. 71% (203). IMDB. 6.7 (38k). ROTTEN TOMATOES 72%. Defendor. 157.
  39. [39]
    The 19 Most Underrated Superhero Movies of All Time - MovieWeb
    11 Defendor (2009). 0195678_poster_w780.jpg. Defendor ... Considering The Crow is commonly considered today to be a film with a devout cult following, it's hard ...
  40. [40]
    Defendor (2009) Home Video Review - Kicking the Seat
    May 30, 2011 · Defendor is actually a very well made indie movie, and Stebbings has somehow assembled a dynamite cast. Woody Harrelson stars as the titular ...Missing: development | Show results with:development
  41. [41]
    His 'Defendor' mechanism - Los Angeles Times
    Feb 26, 2010 · Woody Harrelson portrays a man whose superhero fantasy hints at more. Or, at least, that's the idea.
  42. [42]
    Harrelson's 'Defendor' (2009) a rare mentally challenged hero
    Rating 3.5 · Review by John HansenDec 5, 2020 · The film doesn't embrace big laughs or tragedy. At one point, Defendor is spying on the cabal with his helmet cam and knocks over a barrier, ...
  43. [43]
    Defendor: The splendor of angels dressed in rags - Polaris93
    The film tells the story of a mentally-challenged man -- one would hesitate to call him "mentally ill"; "intellectually challenged is more accurate -- who ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  44. [44]
    Film Review – Defendor - BRIAN ORNDORF
    Mar 31, 2010 · Arthur's psychological collapse is the motor that drives the majority of “Defendor.” He's a broken man with severe mental-health issues who ...Missing: critique ill
  45. [45]
    Defendor | Couch Potato Movie Reviews - WordPress.com
    May 19, 2011 · When Arthur runs across corrupt cop Sgt. Chuck Dooney (Elias Koteas) and a Russian mob boss (Alan C. Peterson) he knows what he must do: become ...
  46. [46]
    Defendor | SOS4Prez's Movie Reviews - WordPress.com
    Apr 6, 2010 · ... corrupt cop Chuck Dooney (Elias Koteas). After Defendor gives Dooney a proper beating, Dooney sends his men after Defendor, who beat him to ...
  47. [47]
    'Paedophile Hunters', Criminal Procedure, and Fundamental Human ...
    Jun 17, 2020 · Indeed, paedophile hunters' evidence has been used in numerous successful prosecutions for child-grooming offences, including cases involving ...
  48. [48]
    [PDF] PAEDOPHILE HUNTERS: IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICE COURTS ...
    The police may make public appeals for information that may trigger vigilante responses or may otherwise make use of data collected by paedophile hunting ...
  49. [49]
    (PDF) Practitioners of Vigilantism - ResearchGate
    This chapter starts with a definition of vigilantism, a form of policing carried out by citizens in relative autonomy from the authorities.
  50. [50]
    Defendor | VERN'S REVIEWS on the FILMS of CINEMA
    Apr 7, 2010 · Woody stars as a troubled construction worker individual who secretly lives in a workshop where he prepares to go out at night as “Defendor.”
  51. [51]
    Awards - Defendor (2009) - IMDb
    Peter Stebbings · 2011 Nominee Genie. Best Screenplay, Original. Peter Stebbings · Oscars 2018 · 2011 Nominee Genie. Best Achievement in Overall Sound. Christian ...
  52. [52]
    The 2011 Ten to Watch: Geoff Ashenhurst - Playback
    Sep 15, 2011 · Ashenhurst landed his first big feature gig for 2009's Defendor, starring Woody Harrelson. The film earned him a DGC nomination for best picture editing.
  53. [53]
    Sequel To Woody Harrelson's Defendor Already Planned
    Sep 27, 2009 · Defendor doesn't even have a release date and director Peter Stebbings is already talking sequels.Missing: origin | Show results with:origin<|separator|>
  54. [54]
    Q&A: Peter Stebbings - NOW Toronto
    Feb 16, 2010 · The Vancouver-born actor (Traders, Cra$h And Burn) is at the Toronto Film Festival with his debut as a writer-director, Defendor.
  55. [55]
    Everybody Should Watch "Defendor" : r/movies - Reddit
    Jan 4, 2017 · This movie is unbelievably good. I feel like Woody Harrelson deserves an oscar for this roll - he perfectly toes the line between tragedy and comedy.Just a small rant about Defendor with Woody Harrelson. : r/moviesI see your Blankman and I raise you Defendor. It's funny and it's sad ...More results from www.reddit.comMissing: streaming revival
  56. [56]
    'Defendor' review by Ryan McSwain - Letterboxd
    Rating 3.0 · Review by Ryan McSwainAug 8, 2020 · I enjoyed the movie overall, and I think it was just a few degrees from really clicking. If you liked the Kickass take on superheroes, you'll ...Missing: average | Show results with:average