“Brightburn” provides an interesting twist on the superhero genre by providing us with a character that parallels one of the most famous figures in fiction. This film essentially gives us an insight into what Superman may have been like if he was evil. It’s interesting to see a whole movie dedicated to this idea and I was relatively pleased with the execution.

Brandon Breyer (Jackson A. Dunn “Avengers: Endgame”) is a kid growing up on a farm in Kansas but he is no ordinary boy. He possesses amazing abilities and is not from this world. He becomes increasingly aggressive and decides to use his powers not for good but for evil.

Jackson A. Dunn does a good job as Brandon. The kid is clearly disturbed and as the film goes on, we see just how truly sinister he is. Elizabeth Banks (“The Hunger Games”) and David Denman (“Logan Lucky”) play Brandon’s adopted parents and they are okay. The other characters in the movie get very little time on screen as the real focus is on Brandon and his parents. There was a young girl character that Brandon appeared to be interested but it seems to be pretty meaningless. It seems odd that the movie seems to build up a relationship that goes nowhere.

“Brightburn” is so very similar yet so very different from the “Superman” movies. Brandon Breyer obviously shares a lot in common with a young Clark Kent but there are some crucial differences. “Brightburn” is also an exceptionally violent movie with many graphic scenes that will make you feel a little icky. As much as I like the big budget superhero movies with flashy effects such “Avengers Assemble” and “Justice League”, I also have respect for more unconventional pictures such as this and “Unbreakable”. If you want to see a dark version of one of the most beloved comic book characters of all-time then check out “Brightburn”.