Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bawdy humor, salty language in retired superheroes comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Supervized
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In SUPERVIZED, superheroes in their twilight years live together in a senior care facility run by The Federation. When one of the "super" residents dies following his Federation-ordered procedure to be "downwardly managed," Ray -- aka "Maximum Justice" (Tom Berenger) -- becomes suspicious that all isn't as it seems. His superfriends, including trusty sidekick "Shimmy" (Beau Bridges), rival "Total Thunder" (Louis Gossett Jr.), and former flame "Moonlight" (Fionnula Flanagan), aren't convinced that there's any cause for concern. As Ray investigates, he must fight villains, ageism, and his own physical restrictions.
Is It Any Good?
The twilight years of superheroes is a clever idea that's worth exploring, but the lowbrow jokey humor in this film makes it come off like a bawdy '80s sitcom. Supervized is directed by Steve Barron, who gave MTV kids many of the music videos they grew up with, including the iconic A-ha "Take on Me" video. The movie's special effects aren't as sophisticated as in that classic, but the campy tone and cheesy visual effects all come straight out of that era.
The familiar faces are a welcome sight: Bridges, Gossett Jr., and Berenger show they've still got it, and Irish actress Flanagan is a wonder as a superhero who seems just as powerful without her special skills. Add in the excellent Fiona Glascott as the senior care facility manager, and the film is elevated far beyond what the script has to offer. But the lewd, crude, and outdated dialogue evokes a feeling of pity that such top-notch talent is now relegated to working in a film that's beneath their abilities. Though that does fit with the movie's message: The elderly possess the superpower of invisibility because society ignores and forgets them. That's a worthy takeaway, but in creating an unmemorable film that's most likely to appeal to seniors, the message is more likely to be relatable than actionable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Supervized's message that elderly people become invisible in Western society. What does that mean? Do you think it's true? If so, what can you do to counter it?
How did you feel about the movie's strong language? Do you think it's necessary to the story? Do you think the blue humor is intended to shock viewers?
Superheroes are known for their teamwork. How did you see teamwork demonstrated in the film?
Ray's curiosity spurs his investigation, and Shimmy talks about why it's a trait to be celebrated. Why is curiosity an important character trait?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 19, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : July 30, 2019
- Cast : Tom Berenger , Beau Bridges , Louis Gossett Jr.
- Director : Steve Barron
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Freestyle Releasing
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Superheroes , Friendship
- Run time : 84 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and some crude sexual material
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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