*Preview Performance

A dynamic, fun and bombastic intergenerational feminist hero piece that is absolutely super. 

By all accounts, GenXMen checks a lot of boxes that I really enjoy. 

I grew up with X-Men and I love the idea of superhero stories (even if now I am absolutely tired of them.) But they do fall into a trope. Superhero teams are elite, perfectly chiseled superhumans with powers that always manage to save the day. So it's always nice to see someone play with the superhero trope in a new and interesting way. 

GenXMen takes the Superhero gang and flips it into an intergenerational feminist piece. Full of good humour, commentary and silly gags GenXMen shines brightest when the multiple generations are interacting and exploiting their superpowers in new and unique ways. Special recognition should go to the grandmother character who somehow manages the perfect balance between infuriating and endearing. The writing has some real gems that make this an enjoyable and fun show with many quirky fringe qualities that keep it engaging. 

For a show that does exploit tropism, there are some issues with some characters being a bit too flat and undeveloped, and some choices that make certain parts feel clunky. I feel elements like the console and unnecessary props did the actors a disservice and made some parts feel more rushed and unfocused. Also for a show about superpowers it feels strange that one of the characters with a power that would be the most Fringe to exploit (Talking to animals) only uses their ability once off-screen.

I do recognize this was a press preview and as such will naturally be a bit more rushed, but the potential is there and with a bit more time this is one that absolutely feels like it could be downright super. 

Matti McLean is in Orlando presenting A CANADIAN EXPLAINS EUROVISION TO AMERICANS. 
The Eurovision song I'd pair with this show is the UK 2021 - Sam Ryder's SPACE MAN. A superpowered ballad with a great melody, fantastic visuals and an incredible voice.