The concept for the AMD Reel Heroes competition was simple- youths aged 17 and under would create their own superhero and then have that hero introduce audiences to the 2007 Fantastic Fest. We were looking for creative heroes and creative super powers, and the kids from Austin School of Film and beyond definitely delivered. We heard from Super Mega Cell Phone Woman and Remote Control Man as well as the very decisive The Conclusionator. The finalists all had a little something extra, though.
SHARK VADER wasn't necessarily a super hero, but he sure was fun to watch. Especially that opening freeze-frame dive shot. Hoo! I've rewatched that little segment at least 50 times just while prepping to write this blurb.
SPARE CHANGE BOY took the time to introduce us to Spare Boy Change, his nemesis, and while his super power might not be anything to build a comic around (he has a lot of change and the ability to throw it at you, I think), his over-dramatization of everything he says would make him a natural to hold a conversation with Adam West and Burt Ward.
The grand prize computer system from AMD/Dell went to RED CAPE, though. We also weren't sure what RED CAPE's powers were, or if he even had any, but he had a mask, a cape, and an attitude, and as MIRAGEMAN taught us in this year's Fantastic Fest, sometimes that's all you need to be a hero.
Check out each of these movies in the "Watch Movies" section of this website!