A coming-of-middle-age comedy that chronicles the unlikely friendship between failed author Richard Dunne and a Long Island teen who teaches him a thing or two about growing up, all under the disapproving eye of his long-suffering wife and his imaginary Superhero friend.
Acting
Emma Stone's breakthrough warmth; Jeff Daniels' magnificent flop sweat.
Writing
The Mulroneys nail that specific Long Island loser poetry.
Costume
Ryan Reynolds in that ridiculous superhero suit—unhinged commitment.
Director
Kieran Mulroney
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was Emma Stone's first leading role in a feature film—she'd done Superbad and House Bunny, but this proved she could carry dramatic weight.
The Mulroneys wrote this while struggling with their own creative blocks; Captain Excellent was originally a much darker manifestation of suicidal ideation before Reynolds' casting lightened the tone.
US
