Cornman: American Vegetable Hero

Cornman: American Vegetable Hero is a satirical indie movie released in 2001 that offers a peculiar yet hilarious take on the superhero genre. Starring Mike Wiebe, Melissa R. Bacelar, and Adam Lockhart, the film takes viewers on a wildly imaginative and charming adventure that celebrates the eccentric and bizarre aspects of small-town life.

The story centers around Carl (Mike Wiebe), a mild-mannered, unassuming farmer who works on his family’s cornfield in Nebraska. Carl’s life is simple, grounded and straightforward, with his daily routine primarily revolving around his beloved corn. Despite lacking the glitzy and flashy lifestyle of a big-city hero, Carl is content and happy with his uncomplicated lifestyle, adoringly tending his corn pales and savoring the tranquility of country life.

One day, after a giant corn cob mysteriously falls from the heavens and lands in his corn field, Carl's life takes an unexpected turn. Discovering that he has miraculously developed superhuman abilities after coming into contact with the creature, he becomes “Cornman.” Unlike characters typical to most superhero narratives, Carl is ill-prepared for his sudden powers and the responsibilities they bring along.

As Cornman, clad in an ad-hoc costume composed of his everyday farming clothes and a corn cob mask, this new hero uses his newfound abilities to protect his small town, despite his lack of crime-fighting acumen and clear understanding of his supernatural powers. His sightings cause quite a stir, and the story quickly becomes a local legend, capturing the imagination of the townsfolk.

Melissa R. Bacelar's character comes into play as the love interest, presenting another set of substantial challenges for the erstwhile farmer. Bacelar represents Lois Lane-esque character, a plucky and resourceful woman who quickly becomes smitten by the unusual spectacle of the "vegetable hero". The dynamic between Carl and Bacelar's character provides some of the most touching and heartfelt moments in the film, complemented by a hint of suspense as she grows close to discovering Cornman's true identity.

Adam Lockhart’s role as the ambitious town officer, craving for recognition and longing for a real case to solve, adds another dimension to the film. Lockhart’s character sees Cornman more as a threat than a boon to the town, leading to an intriguing subplot of tension and showdown between them.

Directed by Barak Epstein, the film is appeal lies in its overt embrace of its own silliness and absurdity, offering up a narrative that's unlike any other in the superhero genre. The movie doesn’t concern itself too much with high-tech effects or action-packed scenes. Instead, it relies on its off-beat storyline, humorous dialogue, and quirky characters to charm its audience.

Epstein has no qualms in turning one of Hollywood’s most popular genres on its head by infusing it with elements of slapstick humor and mock-heroism that isn’t usually associated with classic superhero narratives. Epstein’s freshwater perspective and approach to the genre provides a refreshing take on what a superhero can be, and implies that anyone, even a modest corn farmer, can rise to the occasion and become the hero they never thought they could be.

Although the film may lack the high budget special effects that are a hallmark of blockbuster superhero films, Cornman: American Vegetable Hero makes up for it with its charm. It juxtaposes the smallness of life in the country with the bigness of superheroes in a way that’s sweet, funny, and entertaining, adding a slice of life spin to the hero origin story.

In conclusion, 'Cornman: American Vegetable Hero' is a unique film that offers viewers a charming and eccentric adventure that’s both entertaining and heartwarming. With a compelling protagonist, engaging supporting characters, and an uncommon small-town setting, the movie takes the usual superhero genre and adds a distinctly unusual flavor to it. Without any doubt, Cornman: American Vegetable Hero is a must-watch for fans of indie movies and anyone who appreciates a light-hearted romp with a superhero twist.