I took my girlfriend to see Ant-man during opening weekend. It took some time and energy to convince her to join me in what I believed to be a good movie. It wasn’t because she hates these “superhero type” movies; she enjoyed Iron Man, the first Transformers, and some of the Superman and Batman films; but because it generally didn’t seem like a movie that interested her. Hesitantly, she decided to go with me and after the second credits scene she told me I was right – she did in fact enjoy the movie and was glad we had a good evening together.
But, it wasn’t gloating in the fact I was right which led me to writing this editorial. There was something she said during the Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice trailer that started spinning my wheels. Here we are at a superhero movie, watching our second trailer of another superhero movie when I heard “I am getting sick of all of these superhero movies”. And to be honest, this isn’t the first time these types of words have come across my ears from other people and editorials I have read.
The success of these types of movies is undeniable. As long as Hollywood Executives and the Property Holders continue to rake in the money from record breaking sales, how could it stop? However, there is a huge difference between what a superhero movie was during the 80’s and 90’s, and what we are getting today, and I believe it was a lesson well learned. These movies continue to get bigger and better. The stories are deeper, the stars attached to them are bigger, and probably best of all, they are entertaining enough to appeal to the general masses! This is a great formula for anyone to come out and spend their hard earned cash at the theater.
So, there is no end in sight – right? We will continue to see these movies well into the next 5 to 10 years. But, are they getting old? Is the genre wearing out?
The first question that comes to mind is – what genre are we specifically referencing? Superhero actually fits into a few categories; Action and Science Fiction taking precedence, with comedy and suspense in the mix. So, if superheroes are redefining the action genre, does this mean the action genre is getting outdated? Clearly not – Jurassic World did very well for itself this past summer pulling in over $200 MM on a $150 MM budget over opening weekend alone (boxofficemojo.com). And the same can be said for Sci-Fi movies with Terminator: Genisys generating over $300 MM worldwide on a $155 MM budget. It appears to me people aren’t tired of seeing those types of movies.
Trying to look at it from the outside in, maybe it’s more of the formula of the superhero movie that is getting old. It’s no longer “good guy beating bad guy and getting the girl”, but more often then not “good guy, or team of good guys, defeating a major villain before they can bring the end of the world”. And lets be honest, there are only so many ways you can bring about the end of the world. But, I don’t recall anyone stating the James Bond franchise is getting old, and how many of those movies brought impending doom on a large scale?
I’m thinking its time we no longer label these movies into an existing genre, but instead create a new one specific to Superheroes. The Superhero Genre or as this site so plainly states, the comic book movie! Let’s separate it out from other clichés and allow it to be its own form of movie as we do for comedy or horror. When I perform a search for a movie on Nextflix or Amazon Instant video, give me an option for Superhero movies specifically. Let’s petition to start handing out grammy’s and emmy’s exclusive to this genre, such as best heroic scene or best villainous role. Why not? If this formula for a movie will continue through the next decade, we might as well recognize it for what it is, whether it’s liked or not. Both Marvel and DC, as well as independent publishers have slated a formula that works, and will continue to work for years to come. I think recognizing comic books for exactly what they are is long over due. Every genre of movie has its bombs, as does this new genre, but its here to stay and I plan on buying a ticket for every single one that reaches my hometown, with popcorn in hand and a smile on my face.
At the end of it all, it, of course, comes down to your own opinion. Maybe I’m partial because I am a big fan of these stories coming to life. I say bring it all on (as long as it is a good movie!). Personally, I lost interest with Saw after the third movie and I have zero desire to see any more. Why you ask? – Well because it’s the same old thing. But, last I heard, horror flicks aren’t getting old…
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