It seems like something recent, but comic books have been turning into movies since the 1930's. It started with the serials that showed before the main feature. As the technology behind the movies improved, Hollywood found it easier to make movies out of comic books.
Comic book movies have a dilemma because they have two audiences to please. Not only do they have to please those who know little about the source material, but they also have to please those who've read the comic book.
So which movies do the best? Well, here's my list. Keep in mind, this obviously only applies to the ones I've seen. So, since I haven't watched Watchmen yet, I can't comment on it.
10) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The first Ninja Turtles movie was the closest Hollywood ever came to the comic. It was nothing like the cartoon--edgy, dark and not dumbed-down. The Turtles even cursed! (Raphael said "Damn!" a total of three times) The fights were well-choreographed and Jim Henson did great work on the Turtles.
9) Hellboy: DC and Marvel aren't the only big names in the comic biz. One company that's managed to do quite well is Dark Horse, the company that publishes Hellboy. Hellboy is a different kind of superhero in that he actually looks like someone the heroes usually fight. In fact, the villains often attempt to coerce him to their side, but he always refuses. This movie captures the dark fantasy and humor of the comic well and looks excellent.
8) The Crow: The Crow is a great gothic story of a spirit of vengeance that possesses those who have died at the hands of injustice. The first Crow movie tells this story expertly and is worth watching.
7) Iron Man: This movie was better than I expected. Robert Downey Jr was an excellent choice for the part of Tony Stark. I wasn't expecting a prodigal son-type story, but it actually worked. The special effects were top-notch and the fights toward the end were excellent.
6) X-men: Next to the Justic League, the X-men will always be my favorite superhero team. I've always loved the familial relationship between the members. The movie did a great job of telling the story. Ian McKellan was excellent as Magneto and I doubt anyone could've played Professor X better than Patrick Stewart.
5) Batman: Tim Burton makes some of the best movies around, and this is no different. Michael Keaton proves he's one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood and Jack Nicholson is excellent as the Joker.
4) Superman II: A lot of people think the first Superman movie was the best, but I beg to differ. That movie did little that hadn't been done in the comics numerous times. Superman II, on the other hand, gave us the more spiritual side of the character. If you were to ask Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster where they got the idea for Superman, they'd tell you it was actually from Jesus. And in this story, we get a Superman who is willing to give up everything for love, just as Jesus did (Okay, so Superman doesn't get crucified, but if you think about it, there is a spiritual side to Superman)
3) Spider-man: Spider-man is a great study in everything that makes him cool. What I especially like is its emphasis on his responsibility. Willem Dafoe was the best choice for the Gren Goblin. He was just as menacing in the movie as he is in the comic.
2) Batman Begins: After the debacle of Batman and Robin, people must've thought there'd never be a good Batman movie again. Batman Begins proved that notion wrong. Christan Bale was terrific as Batman. Cillian Murphy have us a bone-chilling Scarecrow. Liam Nesson was very convincing as Ra's Al Ghul, providing an excellent foil for Batman. Only one question remained, could it be done twice?
1) The Dark Knight: This movie answered the question with a resounding yes! Jack Nicholson was a great Joker in the original movie and a tough act to follow. Ledger gave us his best performance as a Joker who revelled in the chaos he created. Aaron Eckhart was over the top as Two-Face, and did an excellent job of playing someone with inner demons. If you want an excellent Batman movie, this is the one.
Note: honorable mention goes to:
Sin City
The Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
Spider-man II
X-men: United We Stand
Atop the Fourth Wall... Dot Com
10 years ago
I couldn't agree more with your ratings, though I've never seen Hellboy or any of the Superman movies. I must agree on the Batman movies, Jack Nicholson was a rather excellent Joker, a role only Ledger could trump as well as he did. I also have to agree the Batman and Robin was the worst Batman movie ever (those acursed Bat-nipples!).
ReplyDeleteAs for your honorable mentions, the only one of those I've seen was the first Fantastic Four and, honestly, it could've been so much better. Also, I could've really done without the Invisible girl's awkward changing scene in the front of everybody on the bridge. That wasn't really necessary, at all.
I agree with that Fantastic Four scene. She always managed to keep her clothes on in the comics.
ReplyDeleteHellboy is good even if you're a serious Christian. Just take it with a grain of salt. And the second movie isn't too shabby either.