Let me Preface this article by saying, I know these films certainly have their flaws but I thought it would be a nice change of pace to focus on the positive for once. Please, no rude comments.
Fantastic Four (2005)
This film is by no means fantastic, but not every superhero film needs to be weighty and dramatic like a graphic novel in order to be enjoyed. Sometimes it’s okay to just sit back and have fun with a decent summer action flick like this. It entertains if nothing else.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
I’m willing to forgive a lot just to watch Hugh Jackman kick ass as Wolverine. Like many entries on this list it’s a fun time and it contains some cool action scenes. If I had one word to describe this movie it would be adequate.
Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Another perfectly okay installment in the Spider-Man film series, this movie actually has a lot to offer audiences. From cool action scenes to spectacular effects, it has everything a summer superhero movie should have…and then some things it shouldn’t. Regardless, I still somewhat enjoy this movie for all of those reasons and it’s (mostly) human, if not underdeveloped, characters. Yes, I know emo Peter sucked.
Superman Returns (2006)
I’m not a fan of this film but I appreciate it for what it is: a revisiting of everyone’s childhood hero. It’s truly and admirable film. With one or two great action sequences Bryan Singer and his team deliver on special effects, but it’s story and characters especially are where this film falls flat. Nonetheless, I don’t hate it.
Batman Forever (1995)
Flashy and ridiculous, this film is enjoyable in the same way watching Adam West masquerade around Gotham was in the 60’s. It’s silly and childish but it has the spirit of an old campy comic. Just enough actually, so that it’s not overdone like its 1997 follow up.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Now this is a good movie. It’s not on the same level as it’s predecessors but it’s sure as hell above the level of most superhero films. Rises slows down considerably in the middle but it builds to a sensational climax that incites real emotion. The last ten minutes of this movie means more than anything that happened in The Avengers.
Daredevil (2003)
You’ve probably heard it a million times but in case anyone forgot, the director’s cut is a good film. It’s not the best of the genre has to offer but Daredevil holds its own against the likes of Spider-Man (2002) and X-Men (2000). With a nice subplot added that shows Matt Murdock fight to prove the innocence of a man wrongly accused of murder, the story becomes much more cohesive and enjoyable.
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
Although it was a shell of its former self at this point in time, the X-Men film series fought on. Overcoming Obstacles like the departure of Bryan Singer and perhaps even more difficult the direction of Brett Ratner, this film still manages to be a good time. Loose ends are tied up in an adequate fasion. Cool action sequences galore.!
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
The newest entry in this article, it’s overstuffed and overdone but it’s still a lot of fun to watch with some friends. The main plot is okay enough and the action scenes are spectacular. Peter and Gwen's relationship, while a little soapy, felt real and the chemistry they shared added a lot of weight to the extremely well done death of Gwen Stacy.
Man of Steel (2013)
One of the few entries on this list that I genuinely feel is a great movie. This tale delivers on action twice over and equally as important it has heart. There were several truly touching scenes and Clark was character I felt was believable. Jor-El sending his only son to an unknown world while his implodes, Pa Kent witnessing Clark in a cape, Superman’s first flight. These scenes among others made me feel the characters and reminded me of the good old times when Superman reigned supreme.
Green Lantern (2011)
I don't dislike Green Lantern. It's really an enjoyable flick for what it is and I hold it in the same esteem as some of Marvel's. According to critics you’re “wrong” of you don’t hate this film with a burning passion and we all know how people love to be a part of the majority. For what it's worth I liked it better than both Thors and Iron Man sequels.
A lot of the criticism of Green Lantern was fair but none if it was bad enough to make it deserve 27% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics were unjustly harsh on that film. I think in time my opinion will be the popular one, people just need retrospect to see that's the case. What's really so much worse about Green Lantern than Thor and Captain America?
Thanks for reading! Let me know what movies you think are subject to unjust scrutiny. Please hit the red glove if you enjoyed this, and remember to keep it clean in the comments below.