Defending The “Bad” Superhero Movies

Defending The “Bad” Superhero Movies

CBM User Rob2814 discusses the constant complaints by "fans" about Superhero Movies. Are they founded or misguided? Continue on to see if some of your gripes are addressed in the editorial and decide if you agree with Rob2814. If not, write your own editorial.

Editorial Opinion
By Khan - Apr 10, 2013 05:04 AM EST
Filed Under: Other

Since the late 1990’s we as comic book fans have experienced one of the greatest times to be a comic book fan. You name the superhero we have probably seen them in some sought of media, It’s great. But every now and then we get a movie that... sucks. But this article is not about those films (Cough.... Batman & Robin... Cough... Elektra... Cough.... Spawn). This article will focus on the CBM’s that are apparently “Bad”. Shall we begin?

Hulk (2003)


Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 62%
Rotten Tomatoes Top Critics Rating: 67%

Now one of the films that have been constantly given crap is 2003’s Hulk. I personally don’t know why. A lot of the complains about this film has been the lack of action or “smashing”. Well let’s explain, Hulk is a character driven comic book, One of my major problems with a Hulk comic book nowadays is that it is all action and zero story or character development. I love Ang Lee’s Hulk, I feel it is a fantastic story and character driven movie. Say what you will about Eric Bana’s acting or the use of Absorbing Man. I honestly think the film is a wonderful film and if you haven’t seen it. I recommend giving it a watch.

X-Men Film Series (2000-Present)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: X-Men (2000) 87%, X2 (2003) 88%, X-Men Last Stand (2006) 57% and X-Men: First Class (2011) 87%
Rotten Tomatoes Top Critics Rating: X-Men (2000) 58%, X2 (2003) 80%, X-Men Last Stand (2006) 58%, X-Men: First Class (2011) 69%

Excluding X-Men Origins Wolverine, the X-Men film series has been pretty well received. Now a lot of people complain and say that the “Fox-Men” are crap superhero movies, I strongly disagree. These films are wonderful, if you let the comics slide. Now I understand these are Comic Book Films, but notice at the start of EVERY superhero movie they say “Based on...” They do not say “This is the movie of...” These films are merely based on these comic books. Was Cyclops treated like shit in these films? yeah. But in the recent years of comic books Cyclops has been underused and miscast. But these movies are truly wonderful comic book based films, the X-Men Film Universe has adapted some of the greatest stories ever told in comic book history. 

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 87%
Rotten Tomatoes Top Critics Rating: 80%

Christopher Nolan’s finale to his Dark Knight Trilogy, now if you know me, you would know how against this film I was. I hated the idea of the film being set 8 years after The Dark Knight, I was against the casting of Joseph Gordon Levitt, I was against basically everything. But after seeing the film, I have to say this is one of the best superhero movies ever. Now a lot of people on this site have given this film negative feedback for some pretty lame reasons (Robin wasn’t Dick Grayson, Talia’s death was lame and forced, Bane’s origin was not like the comics) Now I’m gonna touch on the last point. One complaint I have heard the most is that Bane didn’t use Venom, now imagine Venom being used in a Nolan film... Yeah i’m gonna give you a minute to imagine that. Go... Imagine.. Like Now. Pretty lame huh? Another reason why Venom wasn’t used was because.. Now I’m not sure if people understand this or not, but these are movies BASED on comic books, based on could literally mean anything. In 1999 there was a film starring Joseph Gordon Levitt called “10 Things I Hate About You”, now if you know anything about this movie you would know it was based on a William Shakespeare play called "The Taming of the Shrew”. Based on means anything.. Anything.

The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 72%
Rotten Tomatoes Top Critics Rating: 86%

Marc Webb’s reboot of the Spider-Man franchise has been constantly kicked in the nuts. The film has received constant complaints for no reason, majority of the reasons are the fact that the film explores many of the same story lines from the first Spider-Man film. Now correct me if I’m wrong but how different can you make it? It’s a Spider-Man origin movie story, there are certain things that are just needed. Peter’s Uncle dying? Needed, With Great Power? Needed, Spider-Man? Needed, Peter getting bitten? Needed. Now I heard a rumor that I believe to be true, back in 2010, Marc Webb pitched a alternate origin story for The Amazing Spider-Man, the film would have had Richard Parker experiment on Peter when he was a young boy, the alternate story made it extremely close to being in the final cut until Sony decided it was to different. Marc Webb’s Spider-Man film hasn’t seen the light of day, if you honestly think Webb would have made a Spidey film so close to Raimi’s then you really are quite stupid. I have heard a lot of people compare The Amazing Spider-Man to Twilight. Now there is only one comparison between the two and that is that the hero gets the girl. Yes Peter Parker gets Gwen Stacy, what a damn surprise, we must compare TASM to Twilight because you know, it’s a teenage love story. Now you explain to me how The Perks Of Being A Wallflower compares to Twilight. Explain it. Yeah, you can’t can you? Webb’s Spider-Man flick is coming out next year. Look out for it.


Comment below and let me know a movie you think is great but everyone else hates!
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AmazingFantasy
AmazingFantasy - 4/10/2013, 5:21 AM
Best article
Inb4 stolen
Tainted87
Tainted87 - 4/10/2013, 5:26 AM
The Dark Knight Rises shouldn't be on here, nor should The Amazing Spider-man - at least, if you're going to go by widespread critical acclaim (or lack thereof).

Really, the majority of the people who REALLY didn't like those movies are the fans who feel the characters casually sidestepped their roles and didn't present themselves well on screen - and you know, the poor story that's disguised in each by the "oh shit it's Batman/Spider-man!" factor.

Hulk is a great movie, one of my favorites.
I love the X-Men franchise because despite it's flaws (see above), it still retains the most important message of diversity. Except for Origins, which I loathe.
Tainted87
Tainted87 - 4/10/2013, 5:46 AM
Upon a second reading, I have to say...

Particularly when addressing "BASED ON". That wasn't why people didn't like TDKR - it just didn't make a whole heck of a lot of sense. There's so much exposition that verges on the point of tedious and unnecessary, and not only does it waste our time trying to explain things, but it doesn't get it right.

By that I mean how Bruce Wayne lost everything because of a fingerprint combined with a terrorist attack. How fast the electric company decides to turn off the power (only POSSIBLE explanation for that is: the movie took place at the end of the month). The motivation Selina has to give Daggett the prints.

Also, how swiftly Selina falls for Batman, how quickly Bruce sleeps with Talia - rushed elements that cheapen the characters and their relationships. Everyone knew there was more to Miranda. We all knew that eventually Batman would end up with Selina. But there's not a single bit that's "realistic", even within the established parameters of realism in the Nolan-verse.
Odin
Odin - 4/10/2013, 6:30 AM
I didn't like TDKR that much, but not beacause any of dislike reasons you listed(I think Bane was exacly how he was suppous to be: a Nolan version). TASM; for my opinion it was shit, but I have already had enough conversations/disputes about this movie, not gonna start another one; let's just hope that the sequel will improve.
AC1
AC1 - 4/10/2013, 7:45 AM
The thing about HULK was that it was just boring. It really was. The pace of the film dragged like a snail going against the wind. The writing was fairly good in places, especially those exploring Bruce Banner's past, but it was dragged down by some really bland performances (pretty much the whole cast), questionable CGI, and no real balance between the personal Banner moments, and the actiony Hulk moments. There was no tonal consistency.

The first two X-Men films worked well at the time, but haven't aged well. They both had their moments which have held up well, but mostly they're both pretty boring to watch now, with very bland characters. X3 and XOW were action-packed messes. First Class at least improved the story quality, while there were at least some interesting characters besides Wolverine for the first time in the series.

None of the reasons you listed explain why I disliked TDKR. I dislike TDKR for the weak story (the whole first act of the film was dedicated to undoing the events of The Dark Knight, rather than truly progressing from them), the lazy script, the inconsistent tone/plausibility/characterisation with the first two films, the general drop in quality, the unnecessary sub plots, the plethora of plot holes that made it incredibly disjointed to watch, the annoying cliches (nuclear bomb)... it just seemed like Nolan, a usually ingenious, innovative director, had copped out.

As for TASM, I loved it, and it was my favourite superhero movie of last year. It wasn't perfect by any means, but it was a great updated retelling of the classic Spider-Man story. The script was pretty solid, there were some really great performances (Andrew Garfield was exceptional), there was far more going on than what was present at surface level (the search for the missing piece reflected in Peter and Conners, Peter searching for a replacement father figure). I think a lot of people are unfair about this film. Sure, it had bad moments - a couple of shots which looked like they belonged in an MTV movie, some loose plot threads and obvious sequel baiting, but it held up pretty well as a deeper, more character driven Spider-Man story.
NBAfanaddict
NBAfanaddict - 4/10/2013, 8:11 AM
As someone who admittedly had a grudge at first when it came to TASM, I can honestly say that one reason it garnered so much negativity was because of how soon they made it after Raimi's trilogy, and how its tone was so different. I think because so many people grew up with the original trilogy, they felt antagonistic to Webb's verison. I can still to this day quote the trailer for the first Spider-Man. There was so much excitement to see Web Head on the big screen. When they announced the reboot coming so quickly after the trilogy ended, some fans became defensive. With Peter being portrayed vastly different, i think it may have rubbed some people the wrong way. Andrew's handing of the role was so much different than Tobey's (not necessarily in a bad way) that some fans recoiled. Add the much darker atmosphere, it was a big shock to fans systems.

I feel like the first Spider-Man and TASM both had their strengths, but both also missed their mark in in nailing Spidey down perfectly. IMO, Spider-Man had a better, more likeable Peter Parker, while TASM had a much more fun Spider-Man. If Webb's Spider-Man came out before Raimi's, i think we would be having the same discussion, but flipped. As time progresses, i think people will definitely (as i have) soften opinions on TASM, and maybe even more harsher opinions on SM.

That's my two cents. Nice article!
RidiculousFanBoyDemands
RidiculousFanBoyDemands - 4/10/2013, 8:28 AM
TDKR is not a bad super hero flick and neither is the Hulk. The Hulk is just misunderstood. It is a very smart, cerebral film, that got bogged down because the studios felt it needed more action beats (hence Hulk dogs). It is wonderfully edited and beautifully shot, and has a story that makes you think and went way over the head of the average summer movie going audience who only want to see "stuff blow up."

TDKR, is a critically acclaimed satisfying conclusion to a wonderful trilogy.
Lindsey35
Lindsey35 - 4/10/2013, 8:57 AM
Great article. I totally agree.

The Hulk is my favorite telling of our monster so far (I like deep movies...), although I have to agree that some parts were a tad boring. But other than that, I really enjoy it.
I've never really been a big fan of the X-Men stuff, but I don't hate them.
TDKR was good, it got me emotional in the theater. I think the hate the film gets is pointless.

And for TASM, their pointless efforts always end up getting countered by us who loved the movie. NUFF SAID, WEBB-HATERS.
Lindsey35
Lindsey35 - 4/10/2013, 8:59 AM
This deserves to be on main.
Lindsey35
Lindsey35 - 4/10/2013, 9:04 AM
And DRDOOM, why is TASM the only thing you want to talk...well "hate" about? I swear that's the only thing I see you comment about. Maybe you're secretly a fan......
jk :)
Lindsey35
Lindsey35 - 4/10/2013, 9:05 AM
DUDE IT'S ON MAIN! NICE GOING!!!
Minato
Minato - 4/10/2013, 9:20 AM
Indeed
marvel72
marvel72 - 4/10/2013, 9:23 AM
the dark knight rises is average movie with a couple of good moments,i could list everything i found wrong with it but this is easier.





no one can change my mind,it has faults same as the avengers & the amazing spider-man maybe because i expected it to be as good as the previous two but it wasn't.
Lizardking310
Lizardking310 - 4/10/2013, 9:25 AM
I don't like this article the dark knight rises and the first 2 x-men movies shouldn't be here.
marvel72
marvel72 - 4/10/2013, 9:31 AM
"You guys realize that there is a world outside of the comment section of CBM.com, right?" -theyoungman

so what are you doing here leaving a comment,if there is so much to do in the outside world.
Franshu
Franshu - 4/10/2013, 9:31 AM
I agree mostly. I still dont like Hulk. I mean, I get it... character-driven, some philosophical/metaporical stuff going on... it was aiming pretty high. BUt there was something that just didnt work. The film felt overlong and tedious. I know it had good intentions... hell, it could have proven to be something quite refreshing after a lot of dumb, mindless superhero flicks (alright, by 2003, there hadnt ben THAT many superhero flicks yet), but there failed somewhere in the way. I should watch it again, try to see what it was that didnt work...

TASM is terrible. I dont care about the story of SpiderMan being told again... it's alright, I can live with that. But the plot just doesnt hold together. Things like Peter never getting Ben's killer are the least of its problems... I mean, the villain leaves an extremely detailed 3D recreation of his evil plan in hi lab for anyone to see?? How retarded is that?? And that is only one example of OH SO MANY I have to explain why that movie is just terrible. After watching 500 days of summer I was so hopeful Webb would deliver something amazing... (pun intended).

TDKR.. well, there I see why people complain about. There are a few plotholes here and there, but nothing too relevant to the main story. It's still better than most superhero films, only being surpassed by TDK IMO.
marvel72
marvel72 - 4/10/2013, 9:40 AM
@ Batmaniac

but i like the other two nolan bat films & there is other dc movies i like as well.(scratching head so how can i be a dc hater)

you can't except that not everyone is gonna like what you like.

you don't like plenty of the marvel films be it from marvel studios/fox/sony,why is that? is it because its not a dc film or better still a batman film.
Lindsey35
Lindsey35 - 4/10/2013, 9:50 AM
Franshu TASM was awesome, not the best CBM out there (but NO Spider-Man movie has ever gotten to number 1 -not even SM2, which I have still yet to figure out why it gets so much worship-)

Oh and, what's the need to keep his plans a secret? His lab is located in the sewers. Who'd actually FIND it? That's a complaint that doesn't hold up or even make sense, pal.
Lindsey35
Lindsey35 - 4/10/2013, 9:52 AM
lol fettastic so true.
JohnnyKrypton
JohnnyKrypton - 4/10/2013, 9:55 AM
Hulk may be a good monster movie, maybe even a intriguing 'film,' but it's a lousy Hulk movie - period.

X/X2 had issues but were still good - X3 was, story-wise, an abomination for no good reason.

TASM has the same issues as Hulk, plus gaping plot holes besides. While it may be entertaining at times, that's NOT a good film OR a good Spidey movie. Trying to justify it by saying it could've been worse is "really quite stupid."

TDKR, I don't have a problem with - yes, it was stupid to waste Bane on a character who wasn't Bane. The two things that make Bane who he is (strength/intellect)were completely disregarded and what we got was essentially a bodyguard carrying out someone else's master plan. Yawn. There are plenty of other characters who would've been a better fit but I never cared about Bane anyway, so it didn't teally bother me.


I love Weekend at Bernies.
marvel72
marvel72 - 4/10/2013, 9:58 AM
@ TheYoungMan

my mistake i thought you were slagging off the users who visted this site.

well i'm a part of that cinema paying audience & i can like whatever i please,so if i think batman begins is better than the dark knight rises it is,its my opinion get over it.

rotten tomatoes ratings

the dark knight rises

fresh rating 87% average critic rating 8/10
audience rating 92% average audience rating 4.5/5

the avengers

fresh rating 92% average critic 8/10
audience rating 96% average audience rating 4.6/5

so by your logic the avengers is better than the dark knight rises,the critics say so,so it must be true & you must like the avengers more than you the dark knight rises.

yes or no?
TheKingsHead
TheKingsHead - 4/10/2013, 9:58 AM
Dark Knight Rises or Batman and Robin?







DKR by FAR!!
marvel72
marvel72 - 4/10/2013, 10:03 AM
@ Batmaniac

you called the marvel studios films mediocre at best,now you can like whatever want its doens't change my opinion of what i think of the particular movie in question.

maybe you should learn the same.
PaulRom
PaulRom - 4/10/2013, 10:06 AM
Good write up. I agree that TDKR, Amazing Spider-Man, and the X-Men series get a lot of unnecessary hate. Are they flawed? Of course, but they're masterpieces compared to the likes of Batman & Robin, Jonah Hex, and The Punisher films.

As for Hulk, I thought it took itself too seriously, and - as Ang Lee himself admitted - it wasn't as fun as it should've been. I'm all for character development, but I'd prefer an equal amount of that and action.
marvel72
marvel72 - 4/10/2013, 10:10 AM
@ TheYoungMan

metacritic is done out of what forty review rotten tomatoes is out of 200+,this article is done using rotten tomatoes percentages.

i must remember you bat-fans only use rotten tomatoes when it suits you.
m0th3r
m0th3r - 4/10/2013, 10:11 AM
There has been whole bunch of just bad ones...Steel anyone...

I personally don't like Fox's productions. This is about the Studio. Not actors, or even directors...well maybe Ratner. Fox in particular seems to just pimp out their product. This FF reboot/combo and new Xmen push are purely about the big Avengers Payday...nothing more, and the farther its gets away the less enthusiasm the studio will show. yes the first two xmen films were good, for their TIME. Watch them now, they dont even hold up as well as the Donner Superman movies. Those films also come post Blade (at least part 1) which showed us how it should be done in modern cgi world...I dont know what cards Marvel holds, but it seems little since Fox just seems to be making it up as the go along with no plan or reason..like an impulsive child with a ton of money.

Sony, despite some fan critics, seems to understand at its core WHO Peter Parker is and tries to project that and also seems to wanna play nice with Marvel/Disney...Marvel obviously knows its own characters and like the Cylons HAS A PLAN...and although the trilogy peaked in the middle, Nolans films brought DC from old and campy to gritty and modern...hopefully MoS kicks off a full Universe for DC...i want it..

We ALL want them ALL to be good films and make a truck load of money..more profit, more films. But at this point the novelty and uniqueness of even making CBMs is gone, its mainstream. You use to get a pass for bad film because we were just thankful to see our hero on the screen AT ALL. That time has passed. I dont think its bitching, whining, crying or boo-hooing...its DEMANDING something better. I would DIE if DOFP is the corrective action the Xmen-verse needs...hoping, praying, wanting...but not expecting...mostly because i dont put faith in people who have failed over and over again..even if they did get a good start in the race...
m0th3r
m0th3r - 4/10/2013, 10:19 AM
@Batmaniac i would say the box office total of The Avengers says that MORE people went out of their way to see that film (~660 vs ~450m in USA). With that said, lets wait and see how IM3 does. The true value of all those new people driven to the theater for Avengers should/may show its value there
m0th3r
m0th3r - 4/10/2013, 10:21 AM
And why all of a sudden do we care what the [frick] critics say....have you seen the bad stuff they say is good, and the good stuff they say is bad.come on people...F a critic...How about opinions being derived from actually seeing it and having your own opinion..
shamo
shamo - 4/10/2013, 10:27 AM
never saw the 1st Hulk. only movie on here i disliked was X-men last Stand.
marvel72
marvel72 - 4/10/2013, 10:31 AM
@ TheYoungMan

imdb rating

the avengers 8.3/10

the dark knight rises 8.6/10

not much difference for a movie that is meant to be its superior.

@ batmaniac

exactly,at last we agree on something you can't change my mind.
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