Samaritan (2022) is a compelling superhero film that subverts typical genre tropes, blending action, drama, and a touch of sci-fi into a gritty urban tale. Directed by Julius Avery, the story follows Sam Cleary (Javon 'Wanna' Walton), a teenager in a decaying city who becomes convinced that Joe Smith (Sylvester Stallone), a reclusive garbage man, is actually the fabled hero Samaritan, thought to have perished in a climactic battle decades earlier. As a new wave of chaos threatens the city, Sam must persuade the reluctant Joe to embrace his past and his powers once more.

The film's strength lies in its character-driven narrative and Sylvester Stallone's nuanced performance, which brings a world-weary gravitas to the role of an aging hero grappling with legacy and loss. The dynamic between Stallone and Walton provides an emotional core, exploring themes of hope, mentorship, and what it truly means to be a hero. While the action sequences are solid and the production design effectively creates a bleak, neo-noir atmosphere, some critics note a predictable plot and underdeveloped villains.

Despite a modest IMDb rating of 5.7, Samaritan offers a fresh take on superhero fatigue by focusing on legacy over spectacle. It's a film for viewers seeking a more grounded, dramatic story within the genre, anchored by a standout performance from Stallone. If you enjoy character studies with superhuman elements or are a fan of Stallone's later work, this is a movie worth watching for its unique perspective on heroism.