When it comes to superheroes, there are ideal ones to emulate, and there are those who stumble into the position. They Call Me Jeeg is the latter. Before he gets dunked into radioactive waste, Enzo starts out as a thief with dubious character, so sure, we’re not expecting moral perfection. However, at the very least, we hope to see Enzo grow into a hero, acknowledge his past faults, and maybe, just maybe, use his powers for good. While the film does bring him there, sadly, his wrongdoings, especially towards Alessia, is never truly acknowledged, and never needed to be included in the first place. They Call Me Jeeg takes on a gritty, violent vibe that many action fans will enjoy. It’s just that there’s too many scenes made just to be edgy.
"Italy finally gets its own superhero, and the results are surprisingly gritty and thoroughly enjoyable."
— Jay Weissberg
Exposed to radioactive waste, small-time crook Enzo gains super-strength. A misanthropic, introverted brute, he uses his powers for personal gain until he meets Alessia, a mentally ill girl who believes Enzo is the hero from her favorite anime, Steel Jeeg.
After jumping into the Tiber and coming to contact with radioactive waste, pickpocket Enzo Ceccotti gets superhuman powers, which he decides to use to hunt down a gangster.
Alessia is a weak point in the story, not because of Ilenia Pastorelli, but because she's never given much to do other than be in danger again and again.
Alessia deserves better!
