shaxper
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Post by shaxper on Apr 18, 2016 9:45:44 GMT -5
Been catching up on my superhero films lately, and finally culminated with seeing Avengers: Age of Ultron today.
Speeding through these films without the months of build-up and anticipation -- Captain America: The Winter Soldier, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Ant-Man, Deadpool, and now Avengers: Age of Ultron -- I guess my feeling is that I enjoyed each of them, but that none were necessarily must see experiences for me.
Classic comics were generally written to be disposable adventures up through the Copper Age -- they were inexpensive, came out every month, didn't take much of a time investment, and thus providing cheap thrills was expected, whereas depth and importance could come as a pleasant and unexpected surprise.
But these films are expensive to watch/own, are far more infrequent, and also require a larger time commitment, all while providing stories that (I would argue) are more disposable than most of the classic comics I choose to spend my time and money on.
So which superhero films is this not true of? Which ones strike you as important, memorable, and lasting even after the hype has died down and you've seen the film multiple times?
For me, and in no particular order, it's:
Iron Man: The first Marvel film is also the only one I truly appreciate because it made characterization more important than the obligatory CG-enhanced fight scenes. The back story was compelling, and the character study was brilliant. Best Tony Stark ever.
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm: Same idea. Deep character studies abounded, even for The Joker.
The Dark Knight: I'm cheating on this one as I have not rewatched it, so it may not hold up, but what stood out for me then was how this film was about so much more than a costumed superhero. It was the story of crime, corruption, politics, and idealism, all mixed together.
Superman (1978): Again, amazing character study that wasn't afraid to slow the pace and bring out the emotion through touching cinematography. I just wish I could cut out the tacked on Lex Luthor plot at the end and have the story culminate with Superman rescuing Lois from that chopper.
Films that MAY have been special (I need to watch them again):
Spider-Man and Spider-Man II (original, Toby McGuire)
X2: X-Men United
V for Vendetta
Watchmen
Kick-Ass
Captain America: The First Avenger
Iron Man 2
The Dark Knight Rises
Guardians of the Galaxy
X-Men: Days of Future Past
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Post by tingramretro on Apr 18, 2016 10:28:45 GMT -5
I'd have said V for Vendetta, except that I really don't think it qualifies as a superhero film. V is not a superhero.
I think I probably have to go for Watchmen, a hugely underrated film in my opinion.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 18, 2016 10:31:08 GMT -5
Being Old-Schooled and all ... the only films that leave me an impression - in order of preference: 1) Superman the Movie (1978)Because of that Chopper Scene and the belief that a Man can Fly - Truly an Epic Film that always a favorite of mine for years! Christopher Reeve is the best Superman - hands down! 2) Iron Man I (2008) When I first heard that Robert Downey Jr. playing Iron Man - I was skeptical about it and he did a fantastic job playing him and that scene of where he built his first suit was unforgettable and that's remains an quite impression on me. 3) Batman Adam West (1966)This is the true Batman - his uniform (pictured below) is considered the best costume ever. That's remains a very important impression on me because future films failed in the big way and having said that - I consider his film more true to the comic books than the garbage that followed after it.   They match perfectly and I hate the rest of the costumes including the one worn by Micheal Keaton at 4th place! Costumes are very important to me and they don't match the comic books - it's gives me a poor impression on the movie itself. Adam West's Batman is the best Batman Movie hands down! Rest of the Best - in terms of impression alone! 4) Batman Micheal Keaton (1989) 5) Iron Man II (2010) 6) Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) 7) Spider-Man I (2002) 8) Spider-Man II (2004) 9) Watchmen (2009) 10) Batman Begins (2005) |
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Post by lobsterjohnson on Apr 18, 2016 10:59:16 GMT -5
The Avengers made a big impression seeing it in the theater (a rare event for me), but I don't think it holds up as well upon repeated viewing. It's still good, but I start to notice a few things that bugged me.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is my favorite Marvel movie. I think the second half of the movie has some problems, and I don't like the CGI explosion filled final battle, but there are definitely some great moments in there. The action in this movie is the best in any superhero movie, in my opinion (only Netflix Daredevil rivals it in terms of thrilling action sequences).
I do like the first Iron Man, but I haven't watched it in several years. Enjoyable, but not one of my favorite films ever.
I liked The Dark Knight a lot seeing it for the first time, but I've never re-watched it.
Guardians of the Galaxy had a forgettable story and the explosion filled CGI final battle that I dislike, but it has some really funny moments and I like the soundtrack a lot. Definitely one of the better Marvel movies.
I enjoy most superhero movies, but these are the only ones that made impressions on me.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 18, 2016 11:02:53 GMT -5
For me, the most memorable are Superman I and II, Guardians of the Galaxy, Man of Steel, X-Men 1 and 2, and Batman V Superman.
Superman I and II: for me as a child, those movies were a dream come true. Christopher Reeve was like Superman stepping out of the comics and onto the silver screen. He brought humor, humanity, and a reserved strength to the role of Superman.
Guardians of the Galaxy: The opening scene with Peter losing his mother to cancer really struck me. I had recently lost my mother to a lengthy battle with cancer. When I watched the first scene, I wasn't sure I could get through the movie but I am glad I did. The end when he opens the last mix tape his mom made for him, makes me tear up every time I see this film. The movie has it all for me--emotion, fun, galaxy spanning intrigue, unique characters, and a positive message--each of the characters are kind of misfits on their own, but when they work together, they are awesome.
Man of Steel: I know not everyone liked it, but I loved it. I thought Henry Cavill played the role to perfection--this guy can do all these out of this world things, but has been taught to keep it to himself. The scene where Superman flies for the first time was pure joy to me. I took my father to see this after my mother had passed. We both came out of the movie feeling good. My dad even said he thought it would be about bank robbers, etc--like the 50s show. Dad was very impressed and watching that movie with him was one of the first pleasant memories I have after such a horrible period of my life, losing my Mom.
X-Men 1 and 2 : great casting, big adventure, the X-Men come to life. I prefer the 2nd one over the first one, but both are great.
Batman V Superman: Not everyone's cup of tea, but for me seeing Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman together for the first time on the big screen was totally awesome!
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Post by The Captain on Apr 18, 2016 11:14:08 GMT -5
I'm a big fan of the first two Iron Man movies but I have more affection for Iron Man 2. Tony dealing with his own mortality due to the palladium poisoning was well done, as was his coming to understand his father's true feelings for him over his perception of them. Also, replacing Terence Howard with Don Cheadle as Rhodey was a good choice, as their friendship was much more believable in this film. Sam Rockwell's portrayal of Justin Hammer, while not true to his comic book depiction, was great as well, and while it gets hokey at the end with the massive robot battle, there is enough there to make it stand out for me.
Captain America: The First Avenger is another of my favorites because of the way that they portray the pre-Super Soldier Serum Steve Rogers. He wants to do what he believes is right, even to his own detriment, but he's not physically able; that doesn't stop him from trying, and in the end, it is his heart and desire that are the deciding factors for why he was put in the program.
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shaxper
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Posts: 22,870
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Post by shaxper on Apr 18, 2016 11:19:16 GMT -5
I'd have said V for Vendetta, except that I really don't think it qualifies as a superhero film. V is not a superhero. Well neither is Batman, technically. I guess I mean costumed hero who does the impossible, preferably based upon a comic book. |
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shaxper
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Posts: 22,870
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Post by shaxper on Apr 18, 2016 11:22:12 GMT -5
I'm a big fan of the first two Iron Man movies but I have more affection for Iron Man 2. Tony dealing with his own mortality due to the palladium poisoning was well done, as was his coming to understand his father's true feelings for him over his perception of them. Also, replacing Terence Howard with Don Cheadle as Rhodey was a good choice, as their friendship was much more believable in this film. Sam Rockwell's portrayal of Justin Hammer, while not true to his comic book depiction, was great as well, and while it gets hokey at the end with the massive robot battle, there is enough there to make it stand out for me. Sam Rockwell is the portion of the film that I love, but I was not a fan of his proxy villain, nor of Don Cheadle (who I love in just about everything else he does). I'll have to watch it again to see if the good outweighs the bad. It didn't for me the first time around. |
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shaxper
CCF Site Custodian
Posts: 22,870
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Post by shaxper on Apr 18, 2016 11:23:30 GMT -5
Guardians of the Galaxy: The opening scene with Peter losing his mother to cancer really struck me. I had recently lost my mother to a lengthy battle with cancer. When I watched the first scene, I wasn't sure I could get through the movie but I am glad I did. The end when he opens the last mix tape his mom made for him, makes me tear up every time I see this film. The movie has it all for me--emotion, fun, galaxy spanning intrigue, unique characters, and a positive message--each of the characters are kind of misfits on their own, but when they work together, they are awesome. So well said. I think I love this film for all those reasons, but I need to see it again to be sure. And I'll pretend that you didn't follow that amazing synopsis with a similar caliber of affection for Man of Steel, 'cuz that's just crazy talk  |
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Post by tingramretro on Apr 18, 2016 11:25:27 GMT -5
I'd have said V for Vendetta, except that I really don't think it qualifies as a superhero film. V is not a superhero. Well neither is Batman, technically. I guess I mean costumed hero who does the impossible, preferably based upon a comic book. I'm not entirely sure V is really any kind of hero. Not in the traditional sense, anyway. |
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shaxper
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Posts: 22,870
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Post by shaxper on Apr 18, 2016 11:27:44 GMT -5
Well neither is Batman, technically. I guess I mean costumed hero who does the impossible, preferably based upon a comic book. I'm not entirely sure V is really any kind of hero. Not in the traditional sense, anyway. The audience is invited to root for him; that's the criteria that matters to me. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 18, 2016 14:00:38 GMT -5
Revised List
1) Superman The Movie (1978)
2) Iron Man (2008)
3) Thor (2011)
The Destroyer Scene is amazing and left an impression on me.
4) Avengers (2012)
The forming of the Avengers here and the Hulk Smash was gem.
5) Batman Adam West (1966)
My top 5 ... the rest are excellent films that I may add here.
6) Batman Micheal Keaton (1989)
7) Iron Man II (2010)
8) Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
9) Spider-Man I (2002)
10) Spider-Man II (2004)
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Post by Ozymandias on Apr 18, 2016 14:23:30 GMT -5
Well neither is Batman, technically. I guess I mean costumed hero who does the impossible, preferably based upon a comic book. I'm not entirely sure V is really any kind of hero. Not in the traditional sense, anyway. And what would he be, if not a hero? Morally speaking, and considering his actions, he must be either a hero or a villain, there's no middle ground here. In a similar fashion, what about Ozymandias? |
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Post by batlaw on Apr 18, 2016 15:42:28 GMT -5
Top of the list for me, and perhaps the only to really whole heartedly fit this are superman and superman 2.
Close others would be batman begins, iron man, watchmen and capt America.
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Post by tingramretro on Apr 18, 2016 16:17:56 GMT -5
I'm not entirely sure V is really any kind of hero. Not in the traditional sense, anyway. And what would he be, if not a hero? Morally speaking, and considering his actions, he must be either a hero or a villain, there's no middle ground here. Well, not really. His actions lead to the downfall of a corrupt regime, that's true, but V appears to be motivated at least partly by a desire for personal revenge, not justice, and the mental torture he subjects Evey to is in no way heroic. I think you're oversimplifying, to be honest. There's always a middle ground. |
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