Jay here.
The release of Zack Snyder's Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice has Matt and I at odds. Read my review here where I criticize certain aspects of the movie and read Matt's here, which defends it. Whether or not we agree on BvS, one thing Matt and I both can come together on is our love for the genre and for comic books in general. It should be noted that Matt has always gravitated towards DC's gallery of characters (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, The Flash, etc.) while I grew up reading mostly Marvel (X-Men, The Punisher, Daredevil, Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, etc.). I think we truly approach each superhero movie and judge it on its own merit, trying to divorce ourselves from the comic book fanboys within, but it is hard sometimes, on that I think he'd agree.
So, in light of the new Snyder film and our love of all things "comic book geek," we present to you our personal picks for the 5 best superhero/vigilante movies.
Jay's Picks
Blade II
Directed by Guillermo Del Toro
Starring Wesley Snipes, Kris Kristofferson, Ron Perlman, Leonor Varela and Norman Reedus
This may be a controversial pick for some, but I love the second installment in the Blade franchise. This was before Del Toro made a name for himself with Pan's Labyrinth and the Hellboy movies (which are both very good comic book adaptations as well). Blade finds himself in an uneasy alliance with the vampires when a new bread of bloodsucker lands on the scene in the form of the fearsome Reapers. Truly frightening creations, the Reapers showcased what would become Del Toro's flair with the unusual, mixing practical and CGI elements with terrifying results. Blade II also assembled a fantastic cast of supporting characters including the untrustworthy Blood Pack, a team of vampires expertly trained to take down the Daywalker. They are led by the backstabbing, Reinhardt, who is played to perfection by Ron Perlman, a frequent Del Toro collaborator. Fans of The Walking Dead will also recognize a younger Norman Reedus here as Blade's new sidekick, Scud. Blade II may not have the epic scope of some of the bigger comic book blockbusters, but it has dynamic action, a great script, fun performances and it built off of what made the original Blade so good and eclipsed it.
Superman: The Movie & Superman II
Directed by Richard Donnor and Richard Lester
Starring Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando and Terence Stamp
Ok, I'm not cheating by giving both of these movies one slot when you learn that originally Superman I and II were supposed to be one film. It was split into two when the studio realized they had too long of a running time with too much material. Richard Donnor famously sued Warner Bros, and won, when they got rid of him on the second installment and replaced him with Lester even though Donnor had shot a lot of what ended up in the final cut of the sequel. Anyway, Superman I and II are really the origins of the comic book blockbuster for me. They may look seriously dated now but in the late 70's they were way ahead of their time. When I was a kid I truly believed Christopher Reeve could fly. Superman really set the template and standard for comic book movies. Both Hackman and Stamp are campy and evil as Lex Luthor and General Zod. Margot Kidder is the one blemish here. Her Lois Lane is goofy and often helpless when she should be street smart and intrepid. And any mention of these movies has to accompanied with accolades for the iconic score by John Williams. It certainly holds its place among the most recognizable piece of film music created. It was epic in scope and though it does show its age, no list like this should leave it out.
"There's a strong streak of good in you, Superman. But then, nobody's perfect ........ almost nobody." - Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman)
X2: X-Men United
Directed by Bryan Singer
Starring Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Ian McKellan, Famke Janssen, and Brian Cox
Growing up in the 80's, the Uncanny X-Men was the first comic that I discovered at a young age. I think you could do a lot worse. One could make the argument that at its core, the X-Men series has the most important message to teach young readers. It's one of tolerance and acceptance in the face of bigotry and hate. When exploring the notion that comic books, through the years have served as a vehicle to teach and instill morals in young minds, the comic book about a school for mutants looking to learn about their abilities in a place that accepts them, stands above most of the rest. The X-Men movie franchise has had its ups and downs (some way downs) but it would be the second movie in the series that would most accurately capture the essence of the source material. After a staged attempt on the President's life by a brainwashed Nightcrawler (Alan Cumming) an anti-mutant megalomaniac named William Stryker (Brian Cox) is able to infiltrate Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters and kidnap the Professor (Patrick Stewart). The X-Men are forced to partner with their arch-nemesis, Margneto (Ian McKellan) and his sidekick, Mystique (Robecca Romijn) in order to stop Stryker's plan to commit mass mutant genocide using Cerebro. Everything about X2 works so well. It's a perfect example in how to balance a large ensemble cast. Hugh Jackman comes into his own as Wolverine as he is finally allowed to show the character's ruthless side. Magneto's dramatic escape from his plastic cell is perfectly executed and so true to the character. And the revelation that Jean Grey (Famke Janssen) may be more powerful than anyone imagined set things up perfectly for the next movie to begin the famous "Dark Phoenix" storyline. Unfortunately, Singer would abandon the franchise he created to make the unfortunate Superman Returns, which would prove to be a mistake. The next installment, X-Men: Last Stand, would prove to be one of the worst comic book movies ever made. It's just awful and an insult to X-Men fans. X-Men: First Class would get things back on the right course and Singer returned for X-Men: Days of Future. Past, a good, if not great return to form. X2, though, will be hard to ever top.
"You are a god amongst insects. Never let anyone tell you different." - Magneto (Ian McKellan) to Pyro (Aaron Stanford)
Spider-Man 2
Directed Sam Raimi
Starring Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Alfred Molina, James Franco and J.K. Simmons
I've just realized that each of the movies on my list is the first sequel in a franchise. I didn't plan it that way, honest, but I do find it interesting and it speaks to a trend within this genre. So often you have the first movie that comes out of the gate strong, but is often limited by various constraints, ie. money, studio interference, etc. Then after its a hit everything is looser on the sequel, the filmmaker is given more creative control. There's more money and the studio isn't as nervous. This is why the second film in a big budget franchise is often the best. This is the case with most of the movies on my list and it certainly is with Sam Raimi's second go-round with everyone's favorite webslinger. I loved Spider-Man growing up. It was easy for a young kid to identify with the nerdy boy who gains super spider powers. The first Spider-Man was good. Raimi nailed the origin story, but things got somewhat rocky in the second half. Willem Dafoe was a brilliant Norman Osborne/Green Goblin, but he was hampered by one of the most ridiculous costumes ever. The Green Goblin suit looked like something out of a Power Rangers episode. Spider-Man 2 is pretty much flawless. It's a beautiful package of comic book goodness. Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) goes through a personal crisis when he decides to turn his back on a relationship with Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst) in order to both keep her safe and devote his time being Spider-Man. Things go south when, because he is denying who really is and what he wants, Peter begins to lose his powers just as a new villain emerges on the scene. Alfred Molina plays Dr. Otto Octavius, a genius scientist who is the victim of the proverbial experiment gone awry. Now the giant metal arms grafted onto his back he begins to terrorize the city as the evil Doctor Octopus. Doc Ock takes his place as one of the great tragic comic book villains and Molina is fantastic in the role. Once Peter decides to embrace who he is once again and accept that he needs to make himself happy too he is able to confront Ock and save the city once again. The subway train fight between Spidey and Octavius is one of the best choreographed action pieces in movie history. Spider-Man 2 is colorful, glorious and everything a smart superhero film should be. If only we could forget the next movie in the series, and the two after that as well.
"These things have turned you into something else ...... don't listen to THEM." - Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire) to Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina)
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo
Starring Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Redford, Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie
If you had asked me out of Iron Man, Thor and Captain America, which Avenger would have the best stand-alone films back when Marvel first announced their plans for these characters on screen, the last one I thought it would be is Cap. But that's exactly what happened. Joe Johnston's Captain America: The First Avenger is a unique telling of Steve Roger's origin. It was smart because it embraced the corniness of this character and did it in away that both honored and respected the source material. It didn't run from it. As good as the original was this is yet another case where the sequel surpassed it. The Winter Soldier gets everything right. Continuing with theme of the man out of his time, the Russo brothers have created a film that is at once both superhero epic and a homage to the paranoia of government conspiracy thrillers. Why else do you think they cast Robert Redford as the surprise bad guy? The whole movie has an undercurrent that feels like 70's era spy flick, a la Three Days of the Condor. Then there is Chris Evans as Cap himself. He just embodies the role so well and when he flings that shield and jumps into the fray he makes this character more bad-ass then the comics ever did. As he slowly uncovers the corruption at the heart of S.H.I.E.L.D. most of the people who fought beside him turn against him. And the fight with the Winter Soldier himself, an infamous Soviet assassin with a tie to Steve Rogers' past, is both awesome and emotional at the same time. Shout out to Scarlett Johansson who continues to make the Black Widow a compelling heroine for Marvel to partner with Cap. When it comes to comic book movies you don't get much better than this.
"Like he said ..... Captain's orders." - Agent 13 (Emily VanCamp)
Matt's Picks
Watchmen (Ultimate Cut)
Directed by Zach Snyder
Starring Patrick Wilson, Billy Crudup, Malin Akerman, Jackie Earle Haley, Matthew Goode, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Carla Gugino
I’ve heard people bash this film but I don’t know why. I realize the story is so massive and has so many aspects to it that it is damn near impossible to adapt it to film. And despite the theatrical cut understandably not being able to fit all of the imagery and storylines into its two hours and forty-five minute runtime, it was the release of the ultimate cut on DVD – clocking in at three hours and ten minutes and also includes the interwoven comic book story, Tales of the Black Freighter (in animated form) – that makes the film so damn good! For those who hate on this film (even the Ultimate Cut), I can’t quite understand their reasoning. Save the method of New York’s destruction near the end (which, even though I love the book, is very lame and would most likely not work on film), about ninety-eight percent of the film is practically the Alan Moore classic book, page by page! The film is long but it has to be in order to capture the entire epic feel of the story, which captures the more real-world reaction to how superheroes would be treated. The acting, writing, production, pacing is all so spot on and it truly feels as one of the best comics of all time has come to life! Director Zach Snyder may not be one of the most respected filmmakers, but, to me, he succeeded -- with his ultimate cut -- in filming a story many deem unfilmable.
"None of you seem to understand. I'm not locked in here with you. You're locked in here with ME!" - Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley)
X-Men: First Class
Directed by Matthew Vaughn
Starring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Kevin Bacon, Nicholas Hoult, Rose Byrne, January Jones, and Zoe Kravitz
Directed by Matthew Vaughn
Starring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Kevin Bacon, Nicholas Hoult, Rose Byrne, January Jones, and Zoe Kravitz
I know most would point to Bryan Singer’s second installment of X2: X-Men United as one of the greats, and, while that is a really good film, to me, director Matthew Vaughn’s prequel was far more enjoyable. With First Class, I loved seeing the beginnings of the legendary characters. The writing was better, the acting was better, and the story structure was nicely done. I have to admit that Singer’s first X-Men film was severely flawed to me and most times boring. And as much of a major improvement X2 was – getting the franchise back on track – it still fit in that dull world Singer had fashioned, with the first one’s mediocre performances. Both X2 and First Class reference the stigma of being different, and they do it with style and poignancy. However, First Class shows the heroes we all know and love as not-yet-heroes, still in the infancy of their full potential. My only qualm was the sore underuse of Emma Frost (January Jones), who came off merely as eye candy. Nevertheless, Vaughn and his production team’s usage of James Bond-style sets and locations also help this film shine compared to its predecessors. Plus, getting to see the formation of Charles Xavier’s (James McAvoy) and Erik Lensherr’s (Michael Fassbender) legendary friendship is a thrill to watch as it builds and crumbles before our eyes! Throw in Jennifer Lawrence’s alienated Mystique, Kevin Bacon’s Sebastian Shaw – one of the most formidable foes the X-Men have ever faced – and the real-life setting of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis for good measure, and you’ve got an enjoyable film.
"There is so much more to you than you know. Not just pain and anger. There is good, too. I felt it. When you can access all of that, you will possess a power no one can match. Not even me." - Professor Charles Xavier (James McAvoy)
Batman
Directed by Tim Burton
Starring Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Jack Palance, Robert Wuhl, Michael Gough, Pat Hingle, and Billy Dee Williams
This may (or may not) come as a surprise when I say this but, save one major plot point, Tim Burton's 1989 film about the caped crusader is pretty much faithful to the comic. Batman is no doubt dated, but it perfectly captures the Batman of its time (the late 1980s/early 90s). Jack Nicholson's take on the Joker is funny, cool, zany, and homicidal -- just like in the comics -- and his performance makes it easy for him to steal the show. Of course, that plot point which is flawed is (SPOILER) having Joker being the killer of Bruce Wayne's parents, which never happened in the comic. (SPOILER END) Regardless, the first big-budget superhero film since 1978's Superman, which paved the way for the comic book genre so prevalent today, captures all of the dark, twisted imagery and style -- thanks to the production design of the late Anton Furst -- most Batman fans associate with the comic. Just as Christopher Reeve will always be Superman to a lot of fans, there are many who feel the same with Michael Keaton in regards to Batman. Gangsters, thugs, corruption, 1930s/40s style, gunfights, romance, hand-to-hand combat, the Batcave, Batmobile (my favorite of them all), Batwing, Bat-signal, and Joker's twisted Smilex gas toxin: it's all in here! Comic book movies are tricky to make as they reflect the times of when they are made, so some of the older films seem very dated. Batman certainly falls into that category. It's not as dark as the Christopher Nolan Batman films or the Batman portrayed in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, but it's still enjoyable and cool.
"Ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?" - The Joker (Jack Nicholson)
Superman: The Movie & Superman II
Directed by Richard Donnor and Richard Lester
Starring Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Terence Stamp, Ned Beatty, Sarah Douglas, Jackie Cooper, Marlon Brando, Glenn Ford, and Marc McClure
While there are some aspects to the films anyone could cherry-pick, it still doesn’t diminish the films’ quality or the enjoyment it exudes! As Jay mentioned, both films were meant to be combined so it’s easy to talk of both as one; however, if you watch the Donner cut of Superman II, it’s a major letdown that he lazily has Superman use the same deus ex machina power in the second film as he did in the first film – having Superman fly around the world so fast, it makes the world turn backwards and thus turns back time. The only problem with that theory is that some things are changed – all of them for the better – while some things are left in continuity. Ah, semantics! That’s why the Richard Lester version is a bit preferable with the “super kiss” scene -- at least it's something new, no matter how far-fetched. What does work for these films, besides Reeve who will always be the true Superman, is the use of General Zod (Terence Stamp), the action sequences, John Williams’ legendary music score, and the hope infused throughout. Also, despite Margot Kidder’s portrayal of Lois Lane, nothing beats that first meeting between Lois and Superman. Even the questionable aspects are great, leaving a lot of contemporary superhero films lacking what these films so effortlessly have: heart.
"They can be a great people, Kal-El, they wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason above all, their capacity for good, I have sent them you... my only son." - Jor-El (Marlon Brando)
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo
Starring Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Redford, Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie
I was pleasantly surprised with Marvel's 2011 adaptation of its star-spangled boy scout Captain America: The First Avenger -- especially since I've never been a big fan of his (my book, The Midknight, is an antithesis to Cap) -- but I was still very impressed. So the stakes were high when the inevitable sequel was released this past April. Fortunately, Captain America: The Winter Soldier greatly exceeded my expectations! Taking on all of the aspects of a spy film, Winter Soldier -- while it does have huge action sequences -- focuses more on story, twists and turns, and ideas. When I first saw the trailer, I was so excited as Cap (Chris Evans) sees what S.H.I.E.L.D. is doing with weaponizing alien technology for defense and promptly tells S.H.I.E.L.D. commander Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), "I thought the punishment came after the crime" and "This isn't freedom. This is fear." I loved the idea that Cap was "sticking it to the man" (as evidenced when Fury says, "S.H.I.E.L.D. sees the world how it is." Reminds me of how politicians go about deciding to pass laws nowadays.) And what is even more great is how Fury attempts to justify the weaponization. His moral ambiguity in order to secure some freedom runs parallel to not just real-world attempts of security (i.e., Patriot Act, overspending billions of dollars for defense, etc.), but also the antagonist's over-eagerness to bring order through homicidal utilitarianism. The Winter Soldier himself is not a big twist for those who know -- or have read -- the Cap comics, but what plays out on screen is done with expert precision, pacing, and writing. The only criticism I do have with Marvel movies is what I call the "coincidental catastrophe" in that there always seems to be some massive spaceship or transport (i.e., this film, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Avengers) and when said vehicle inevitably crashes, this massive machinery conveniently crashes safely either in a body of water or a huge city which has unrealistically been completely evacuated in a matter of minutes. I have said since The Avengers that Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow needs her own stand-alone film -- especially since her history in the comics is so freakin' cool -- and her role in this film only proves it even more (due to their history, I'm still hoping we may see her make at least a cameo appearance in Netflix's Daredevil series)! What most excited me was the addition of Anthony Mackie's Falcon and how he will ultimately figure into the sequel -- 2016's Captain America: Civil War, which will pit Cap against Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.)! Marvel doesn't hold most of my favorite comics (although I LOVE Daredevil and the Punisher), but their films have done an outstanding job at tying the entire universe together, and it is that technique -- along with the writing -- which makes them -- and Cap -- a success!
"After New York, I convinced the World Security Council we needed a quantum surge in threat analysis. For once, we're way ahead of the curve." - Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson)
"By holding a gun at everyone on Earth and calling it protection." - Captain America (Chris Evans)
Matt here. As Jay said, we did a list of our top five favorite comic book superhero films, and when we both thought of our favorite of all time (so far!), we both agreed on our number one. So, we're both writing an entry for that film. Here it is:
The Dark Knight
Directed by Christopher Nolan
Starring Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Morgan Freeman
Matt: Anyone who knows me, knows how big of a Batman fan I am (although, they also know I'm a bigger Superman fan). And even though this may sound biased, I can honestly say that The Dark Knight is the best comic book adaptation movie ever made! With little nods and sideplots that only us deep Batman fans could recognize (i.e. the sonar spying system that Batman utilizes in the film that is ironically close to the Brother I satellite from the OMAC Project storyline in the comics The OMAC Project; or the Batman wannabe gang that mirrors Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again), Christopher Nolan's Knight brings so much to the table. There are so many plotlines in this film, which may make you think that the movie would become convoluted, but it doesn't. If anything, it keeps the audience involved with each and every character all the while keeping them on the edge of their seats, as there are plenty of nailbiting sequences in this film. The main plotline is Bruce Wayne's (Christian Bale) having to deal with the fact that his persona as Batman has inspired many new acts of criminality -- both seemingly good and extremely bad. Yes, Rachel Dawes is back too. Only instead of Katie Holmes, we now get Maggie Gyllenhaal. I was one of those few when the first film came out that didn't think Holmes' performance was all that bad, but, after seeing Gyllenhaal in this, I now realize how -- although not that bad -- truly stiff Holmes' performance was. And, much to Bruce's chagrin, Rachel's love interest is no other than the compassionate, idealistic District Attorney Harvey Dent (with a performance by Aaron Eckhart that may be the best of his career to date). Of course, Bruce has to deal with this relationship as well (continuing their relationship from Batman Begins), all the while dealing with the newest criminal to grace Gotham's streets -- an anarchistic criminal who simply "wants to watch the world burn" and calls himself The Joker (Heath Ledger). And the complicated relationship between Gordon, Dent and Batman (another comic book staple) is explored with great writing (again, taking a cue from their relationship in Batman: The Long Halloween). Ledger more than deserved the Academy Award for Supporting Actor for his turn as The Joker. He is that good! Of course, being The Joker, he does have a few funny one-liners; however, unlike Jack Nicholson's Joker, Ledger's lines are so creepily delivered that you're not sure whether you want to, or should, laugh. And the complex relationship between The Joker and Batman -- one not being able to exist without the other -- that is a constant in the comics even to this day is added into the movie, which I was delighted about. Also, Ledger's Joker is always one step ahead of Gotham's police and Batman that he makes the perfect formidable foe that us fans know from the comics. Brothers Jonathan and Christopher Nolan, and David S. Goyer wrote what a Batman movie should be and perfectly showcase why all of us fans love the contemporary Batman in the first place: the dark, gritty realism peppered with hope and lots of cool gadgets. The action is plentiful but doesn't take away from the drama that is also needed for a film of this caliber. The Dark Knight dominates over every comic book-movie adaptation out there!
