A Review On The Best And Worst Comic Books Movies

Comic book movies

Comic book movies have evolved greatly over the years. Initially, a comic book series was seen as a creative opportunity for filmmakers because so many of the plots were already written, with piles and piles to choose from, and the characters were so well-known and strong. Filmmakers could dress their characters in elaborate costumes, as well as indulge in some sci-fi fantasy settings and gadgets. Once graphics and special effects were developed to new heights, the comic book heroes could finally spring to life in all their glory.

The comic books DC put out seemed to enjoy more big screen success throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with "Superman II, III, and IV," "Swamp Thing," "Batman," "Batman Returns," "Batman Forever," and "Batman and Robin." Warner Brothers released all these films relentlessly, with a new debut each year it seemed. The 1989 Batman movie, directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton as Batman and Jack Nicholson as the Joker, was the second-highest grossing comic book movie until "The Dark Knight" (2008) knocked it down a notch. The sequel "Batman Returns," the third-highest grossing film of 1992, again starred Keaton as Batman and featured directing by Tim Burton but added Danny Devito as the Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman. Writer/Director Kevin Smith called 1992 "the summer of the bat," when Batman merchandise filled every store and sold with amazing efficiency.

While the 1990s may have been DC Comics time to shine, the new millennium was surely marked by a few extremely successful Marvel Comic hits. Blockbuster successes setting the new standard for comic book movies included: the "X-Men" trilogy, the "Spider-Man" trilogy and "Iron Man," all of which pulled in impressive numbers and impressed critics with their special effects, expert screen writing, ambitious sets and superb acting. "X-Men" was the ninth-highest grossing film of 2000 worldwide, won awards for special effects, makeup, acting, costume design, directing and best science fiction film, and, most importantly, reinvigorated audiences for the comic book genre again. "X2" was one of those rare sequels that fared even better than the original, coming in at #6 for 2003 and garnering widespread critical acclaim. The third "X-Men" movie was directed by Brett Radner, rather than Bryan Singer who did the previous two, so despite having the fifth highest opening day ever, the reviews were mixed.

It is obvious why motion picture companies love comic book movies; they are big moneymakers! "Batman: the Dark Knight" (2008) was the second-highest grossing film ever made, coming in at $522,106,180 and counting! It beat out the original Star Wars, Shrek, ET, Pirates of the Caribbean, the new Star Wars and Lord of the Rings but fell just short of Titanic. But why do we love these movies so much? "They're not just silly stories of people wearing capes hitting a bad guy," Stan Lee explains. "They have more dimension to them.... There will never be an end to superhero stories." Perhaps it's because, deep down, we love the concept of vigilante justice. When a man shoots another man robbing his neighbor's house, we celebrate. When a cold-blooded killer gets taken out by the cops, we feel it's only right. Sometimes ordinary citizens long for the extraordinary and there's something so satisfying about watching comic book characters confront the issues and overcome both external and internal forces. Additionally, comic books lend themselves so naturally to showing off the best in modern cinematography, making the films a dynamic spectacle of sights and sounds.