When two struggling comic book shop owners hear about a recently deceased collector who might have left behind “the motherlode,” both try to sweet-talk the new owner--the late collector's mother--and sabotage each other before implausibly turning to more dangerous methods. While comic book fans will love the details of this fascinating subculture, permeating the first half--Raymond's (Donal Logue) insult of “magic card-seller!” to his rival storeowner is particularly on-target--the film not only loses steam rapidly but ultimately destroys the delicate tone with a surprising amount of second-half violence. Although Natasha Lyonne of American Pie fame is quite good here as the shrewish wife who couldn't care less about this collection until she browses a comics price guide, this is an optional purchase, at best. (B. Grafius)
Comic Book Villains
Lions Gate, 93 min., R, VHS: $44.99, DVD: $24.99, Sept. 3 Volume 17, Issue 5
Comic Book Villains
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