Written as part of the blogathon hosted by Wandering Through the Shelves. It's incredibly easy to join - just pick three movies that fit the category for the week and post your link to the Wanderer's blog!
I was never really into comic books as a kid, but I was into Saturday morning cartoons. So when I was a kid my favorite superheroes were, far and away, the X-Men. I was a bit obsessed. I even had decks for the Marvel Overpower card game. I never felt the need, though, to see them in live action on the big screen. And truth be told, I have seen most of the superhero movies of the past few years out of some combination of boredom and duty: Everyone else is seeing them, they're part of the national cultural conversation, so I guess I have to see them, too. Not that I haven't enjoyed most of them (largely due to star power - Robert Downey, Jr. is compulsively watchable as Iron Man, Chris Hemsworth is hot as FUCK as Thor, the Chrises Evans and Pratt has never been more charismatic than as Captain America and Starlord, respectively), but I almost never WANT to go see them. Especially since there are just so damn many of them crowding the multiplexes practically year-round.
But here are three really, really good superhero movies, from the time before the cinema was All Superheroes, All The Time, in order from least to most realistic.
The Incredibles (Brad Bird, 2004) Look, by rights, this list should just be The Incredibles 1-3, but for some stupid reason Pixar hasn't made a sequel to LITERALLY THE ONLY FILM THEY'VE MADE THAT ENDS WITH A CALL FOR A SEQUEL. Whatever. Director Bird is apparently working on a script for a sequel now, so hopefully we won't have to wait too long to see the Parr family (and Fro-Zone) onscreen again. This is just a genius flick, with great scene ("NO CAPES!") after great scene ("WHERE'S MY SUPERSUIT?") after great scene ("That was TOTALLY WICKED!") and great, fully-fleshed-out characters. Some people say it's Pixar's best, and I'm not so sure, but it's definitely up there. And, God help me, I can't WAIT for the sequel.
Unbreakable (M. Night Shyamalan, 2000) Far and away Shyamalan's most sophisticated film, I think Unbreakable might be a far more important film than we give it credit for. This was the first superhero film to unquestionably take place in the real world, with very real consequences to its characters' actions - a style which has become more pronounced in recent years thanks to Christopher Nolan's Diminishing Returns Dark Knight trilogy. But this is where it really started, and what sets Unbreakable apart is that for the most part, it ISN'T a superhero movie - it's a mystery with a slight supernatural edge (frankly, the big superhero/villain reveal very nearly unmoors the whole movie; it's only saved by Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson's great performances). When this first came out, I appreciated it more than I enjoyed it, but looking back, this is Shyamalan's best film.
Erin Brockovich (Steven Soderbergh, 2000) I know. I KNOW. But people, Erin Brockovich is an ACTUAL REAL LIFE superhero: A single mother with no job experience who through sheer force of will and personality becomes a legal assistant and single-handedly brings down one of the nation's largest utilities (plus, I mean, six hundred and thirty-four blowjobs in five days. - COME ON - who wouldn't be tired?). And couldn't we use more of those? And couldn't we use more films this thornily entertaining? And couldn't we use more of the crackling chemistry between Julia Roberts and Albert Finney? Another film that is just perfect scene after perfect scene from start to finish.
BONUS PICK
Chronicle (Josh Trank, 2012) Okay fine, if that last one was too much of a stretch, what about this one? A lot of people said this found-footage teen flick was "really" a superhero origin story. I'm not sure I buy it, but Chronicle (about a trio of high school friends who find a UFO and, after touching it, gain mysterious powers, the development of which they capture on video) is one of the most surprising films of the last few years. Clever, fun, and with ingenious visual effects, it's a blast. One of those movies that makes you excited to see what everyone involved is going to do next.
Nice touch with EB. I am definitely on the Unbreakable bandwagon. I still think it's brilliant. The misstep was at the end with the cards saying what happened...didn't need to be there, kind of sullied it a bit, but it's still pretty genius.
Yeah, I randomly stumbled upon it on cable a few months back, and was just blown away. I think Unbreakable was the first film where I realized I could think something was a good film, but still not necessarily like/enjoy it. But now, I kept thinking "WOW. This is SO much better than I remember!" But the end really does nearly ruin it.
Nice take on Erin Brockovich, I'm not much of a Julia Roberts fan in anything but comedy but she was the best she ever was in this, Oscar worthy-no but good, and the woman's story is practically superhuman. Unbreakable is a decent film which I liked but didn't love. I haven't seen your other two.
Couldn't agree more about the oversaturation of superhero movies. I have a buddy who sees every single one opening day. I don't understand that, they all seem the same now with a few exceptions. Also agree about the Chrises Pratt and Evans making their films better through their charisma. Evans is the saving grace of one of my picks this week which are:
Fantastic Four (2005)-A group of astronauts on a routine mission unexpectedly run into a cosmic radiation shower that reformulates their DNA in remarkable ways. This lacks a little focus and takes itself too seriously at times but Chris Evans saves it with a high spirited performance as Johnny Storm.
Spider-Man (2002)-Terrific effects and tight direction make this one of the best superhero movies. Tobey Maguire’s quiet almost recessive screen presence is a good match for someone who is supposed to be unobtrusive in his daily life. That calm also plays into the control he shows when he is fighting the villain. Everybody else is good but without Maguire the picture wouldn't be what it is. The CGI is impressive but Raimi doesn't let it overwhelm the film's story.
Superman (1978)-This really revolutionized the whole superhero genre taking it from a Saturday matinee cheapie feature into a mass crowd pleaser. Full of fun and some cool effects with perfectly cast leads. Margot Kidder may not be the most glamorous actress but she is absolutely right as the spunky Lois Lane and Christopher Reeve gets the mix of dorkiness and heroism without overdoing either. Gene Hackman, Valerie Perrine and Ned Beatty, understand that their villains are supposed to be slightly ridiculous and join into the spirit of the movie.
Oh I think Julia absolutely deserved the Oscar for Erin. It's an amazing fusion of role, actress, and star persona. She's on fire in it.
Totally agree with you on Evans being the saving grace of Fantastic Four. He is FIRE, both literally and figuratively, as Johnny Storm. I've never seen the Raimi Spider-Man movies, and I feel kinda bad about it. I just never saw them. The original Superman is great (and I always forget that Valerie Perrine is in it!).
I LOVE Valerine Perrine and she's perfect as Miss Teschmacher. It show that casting sometimes works out, Goldie Hawn and Jessica Lange were both offered the role and turned it down, then Ann-Margret was in negotiations to do it before they broke down over salary. As much as I love all three of those ladies none of them could have brought the mix of fragile charm and brassy voluptuousness that Valerie did.
How come? I understand Julia has her detractors, and I agree that sometimes I can't stand her, but she's GREAT as Erin, and the film is pretty damn good, too! A little generic, maybe, but it's not afraid to let the heroine be unlikable, and it's very fleet-footed - there's not a single wasted moment.
Very inspired choice with Erin Brockovich. I like it. Love both of your other picks. The original Superman is still the best. And Unbreakable is M. Night's best movie.
Ahh, nice call on Erin Brockovich. I didn't care much for that movie, but you're right. She did do something very incredible.
ReplyDeleteYou really didn't like Erin Brockovich? What about it? I'm curious.
DeleteNice touch with EB. I am definitely on the Unbreakable bandwagon. I still think it's brilliant. The misstep was at the end with the cards saying what happened...didn't need to be there, kind of sullied it a bit, but it's still pretty genius.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I randomly stumbled upon it on cable a few months back, and was just blown away. I think Unbreakable was the first film where I realized I could think something was a good film, but still not necessarily like/enjoy it. But now, I kept thinking "WOW. This is SO much better than I remember!" But the end really does nearly ruin it.
DeleteGood shout on Erin Brockovich, I really enjoyed that movie, moreso because I knew it was based on a true story. Great picks :-) - Jen
ReplyDeleteThanks! I always like to try to include one "out of the box" pick, and it's such a good one. And the fact that it's a true story makes it even better.
DeleteNice take on Erin Brockovich, I'm not much of a Julia Roberts fan in anything but comedy but she was the best she ever was in this, Oscar worthy-no but good, and the woman's story is practically superhuman. Unbreakable is a decent film which I liked but didn't love. I haven't seen your other two.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more about the oversaturation of superhero movies. I have a buddy who sees every single one opening day. I don't understand that, they all seem the same now with a few exceptions. Also agree about the Chrises Pratt and Evans making their films better through their charisma. Evans is the saving grace of one of my picks this week which are:
Fantastic Four (2005)-A group of astronauts on a routine mission unexpectedly run into a cosmic radiation shower that reformulates their DNA in remarkable ways. This lacks a little focus and takes itself too seriously at times but Chris Evans saves it with a high spirited performance as Johnny Storm.
Spider-Man (2002)-Terrific effects and tight direction make this one of the best superhero movies. Tobey Maguire’s quiet almost recessive screen presence is a good match for someone who is supposed to be unobtrusive in his daily life. That calm also plays into the control he shows when he is fighting the villain. Everybody else is good but without Maguire the picture wouldn't be what it is. The CGI is impressive but Raimi doesn't let it overwhelm the film's story.
Superman (1978)-This really revolutionized the whole superhero genre taking it from a Saturday matinee cheapie feature into a mass crowd pleaser. Full of fun and some cool effects with perfectly cast leads. Margot Kidder may not be the most glamorous actress but she is absolutely right as the spunky Lois Lane and Christopher Reeve gets the mix of dorkiness and heroism without overdoing either. Gene Hackman, Valerie Perrine and Ned Beatty, understand that their villains are supposed to be slightly ridiculous and join into the spirit of the movie.
Oh I think Julia absolutely deserved the Oscar for Erin. It's an amazing fusion of role, actress, and star persona. She's on fire in it.
DeleteTotally agree with you on Evans being the saving grace of Fantastic Four. He is FIRE, both literally and figuratively, as Johnny Storm. I've never seen the Raimi Spider-Man movies, and I feel kinda bad about it. I just never saw them. The original Superman is great (and I always forget that Valerie Perrine is in it!).
I LOVE Valerine Perrine and she's perfect as Miss Teschmacher. It show that casting sometimes works out, Goldie Hawn and Jessica Lange were both offered the role and turned it down, then Ann-Margret was in negotiations to do it before they broke down over salary. As much as I love all three of those ladies none of them could have brought the mix of fragile charm and brassy voluptuousness that Valerie did.
DeleteLOVE the Erin Brockovich mention! That's an inspired pick and so right on.
ReplyDeleteThanks, man! After I thought of Erin, I almost went back and made the entire list Real-Life Superheroes, but then thought better of it.
DeleteI'm not a big fan of Erin Brokovich and Julia Roberts, but the real Brokovich is damn right a real superhero.
ReplyDeleteHow come? I understand Julia has her detractors, and I agree that sometimes I can't stand her, but she's GREAT as Erin, and the film is pretty damn good, too! A little generic, maybe, but it's not afraid to let the heroine be unlikable, and it's very fleet-footed - there's not a single wasted moment.
DeleteVery inspired choice with Erin Brockovich. I like it. Love both of your other picks. The original Superman is still the best. And Unbreakable is M. Night's best movie.
ReplyDelete