Rabu, 01 Agustus 2012

7 New Millennium Superhero Films

Superhero films provide viewers with an exciting opportunity unavailable in most other films
They take the world which we all know well and then input a tiny little variable – one person who has the power to change everything
When the depressing reality of modern life gets you down, the idea that there is someone out there with a special gift who can change it for the better is a comforting thought – even if only for a short while
While superhero films have been around for a good while, the start of the new millennium – with the release of X-Men by Bryan Singer in 2000 – really kick started this genre again and made it stick
Superheroes were rebranded from the secret passion of socially awkward men in their mother’s basements to something altogether more socially acceptable
So let’s take a look at some of the highlights (and lowlights) of this ever developing superhero genre

 7. The Spirit
 

Superhero films connoisseurs don’t turn away just yet! The Spirit tells the dimly lit tale of Denny Colt, quite literally a spirit as he comes back from the dead in order to fight the dark forces at work in Central City – yes, that’s really what it’s called - The Spirit takes inspiration from classic films such as The Crow by Alex Proyas and The Dark Knight by Christopher Nolan (more on this later…) so that’s bound to be a winning formula, right? That’s probably what writer and director Frank Miller thought. According to me Miller was wrong
The reason The Spirit is in this list is to serve as a prime example of how even if a film takes all the best aspects from its genre it can still come up short. Whilst watching the sharply dressed superhero race through yet another curious abandoned warehouse and talk about the city as if it is one of his (many) lovers, one cannot help but to sense that something just isn’t slotting into place. The Spirit feels as if all the classic films before it have been forced together into a blender. Chocolate tastes good. So does pizza, but you wouldn’t eat them together, right? It just feels awkward. The Spirit is the ultimate style over substance flick. Talking in a husky voiceover a superhero does not make. Trey Parker and Matt Stone - the duo behind South Park - made it funny when they mocked superhero stereotypes in the episode The Coon. The Spirit is neither funny nor touching. Sure The Spirit is pretty to watch, and entertaining enough, but it’s missing the heart and soul that is key to the new age of superhero films

 6. Kick-Ass

If there was ever an everyman superhero film that’s Kick-Ass. The main character isn’t a God, he hasn’t been blasted by radioactivity and he’s not a multi millionaire. In fact the only unusual aspect to him (at least for the first half of the film) is a strong desire to dress in spandex and flex in front of a mirror. Dave Lizewski – played by Aaron Johnson - is an ordinary, somewhat nerdy, teenager who becomes infuriated with the injustice he witnesses on the streets every day. Dave’s solution? Why, become a superhero of course… and name hisself Kick-Ass

Kick-Ass is continuously entertaining and the deeper levels only add more to the action on screen. The star of the show is quite clearly the small but deadly Hit Girl – played by the pretty Chloe Moretz – and the action sequences involving her are a treat for the eyes (as long as you’re not squeamish!) We are quickly presented with the bitter reality of being a caped crusader, but at the same time are handed several hell yes! moments. Kick-Ass is a superb example of superhero meets reality and it pulls it off excellently, directed by the would be X-Men: First Class director Matthew Vaughn. Kick-Ass is a thrill ride from start to end, and the epic ending scene is sure to leave you breathless and wanting more

 5. Thor

Okay so Thor
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isn’t necessarily a superhero – being a Norse God and all – but if you want to pick that bone with him, be my guest. Thor is a perfect example of how to do it right. There is no recycling of old plots or stereotypes (bar maybe the stunning and brainy Jane Foster – aka Natalie Portman - a classic trope which many superhero love interests seem to fall lazily into) Thor isn’t afraid to mix things up a bit, to take a chance. And these chances pay off. Thor tells the story of the young and impulsive hero of the same name – played by a muscular Chris Hemsworth - a somewhat blockheaded but lovable prince who is banished from his home in the legendary Asgard by his father – Anthony Hopkins - due to his reckless actions. And guess where he ends up? Earth. And the battle between good and evils ensues



Many questions hang over Thor. The villainous role is turned on its head due to magnificent writing and a stunning performance by Tom Hiddleston as the scheming Loki. We know we should support the brave, blonde, muscular lead, yet it is difficult to totally loathe his less-favoured and paler brother who seems less insane for no real reason and more pushed to the edge by brotherly jealousy. Thor is a story not only of warring Gods, but of classic human emotions – pride, jealousy and colliding ideals of the greater good. And love. Some cynics are already proclaiming the death of the superhero genre in film. Along came Thor this summer, and proved superheroes are very much alive

                                                               4. The Incredibles

Whilst some may be surprised to see an animated film feature here, they are becoming just as socially acceptable for adults to as superhero films. The Incredibles is so good that director Brad Bird went on to direct Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, starring Tom Cruise. A few good attempts have followed in The Incredibles Lycra clad footsteps (Megamind and Despicable Me are two perfectly entertaining examples) but when something is done this well it’s difficult to better. The Incredibles follows the story of the has been, the superheroes who have hung up the cape to pursue a normal domestic life in suburbia. However, escaping from this responsibility isn’t so easy and the heroes are quickly pulled out of early retirement with their kids in tow

The Incredibles is entertaining from start to finish and it’s got a wide appeal. Not only does The Incredibles mock and reveal in the superhero genre – a particular commentary of why capes are not such a good idea should amuse even old school superhero fanatics – but also fans of family dramas may even find enjoyment in the relationships which are stretched in the most extreme of situations. Not to mention, typical of Pixar Animation Studios, the animation is smooth and stunning, and the script features some of the most stand out funny moments of all animated films. The Incredibles is the perfect example of the family friendly superhero film - and that’s awesome


It would be impossible to make a list of superhero films from 2000 onwards without Spider-Man by Sam Raimi - which has shaped every ideal we have come to expect from the genre. Most of us know the classic story, nerdy boy – Peter Parker, played by a perfect Tobey Maguire - has crush on girl – Mary Jane Watson – a stunningly gorgeous Kirsten Dunst. Nerdy boy gets bitten by genetically altered spider. Nerdy boy becomes no longer nerdy. Boy gets girl and takes a few evil doers down in the process. In this particular adaption Peter Parker is set against an eccentric millionaire – Norman Osborne, played by a deranged Willem Dafoe  – calling himself the Green Goblin. Spider-Man is all that is nerdy, awkward and good versus big, green, maniacal evil
Spider-Man is a feast for the eyes. Watching Peter Parker swing his way around the rooftops of New York City is amazing. But at its core Spider-Man is a simple tale of good guy versus bad. Peter Parker is the all American boy who it is very difficult to hate and Mary Jane is girl next door – pretty, and of course clever to boot. Sometimes a complex or mind boggling plot isn’t needed to make a good movie. Spider-Man encapsulates everything that the superhero genre became loved for – one guy fighting evil and making a difference, saving pretty girls and fighting bad guys. Spider-Man is just the best example of that, and so it is a staple for any superhero fan


Now, while I’m sure many would expect to see it’s predecessor X-Men in this list, I decided to take a different approach, and select X2: X Men United which I believe to be the best of the entire franchise. Whilst X-Men did a fantastic job of showing the world that superhero films could be exciting, current and emotional – ridding the genre of the brightly coloured exclaiming stereotypes of the late 60’s – I believe that its sequel is a superior picture in every way. X2: X Men United sees the antagonists of X-Men – Magneto and Professor X – teaming up to defeat a greater evil. While this kind of plot line can usually feel a little forced and unrealistic, the superb performances by all involved turn X2: X Men United into an engaging and thrilling tale
The reason that X2: X Men United is such a good film is that there are layers upon layers to explore. Visually there are several standout scenes which would shine alone in any other film – the opening with Nightcrawler causing havoc in the White House is worth a mention, as is Magneto’s charismatic and brilliant escape from his plastic prison. The characters we already know are opened up and developed in ways that makes them all the more interesting to watch, and the new characters introduced seem to slot in nicely and add to the plot (something which Brett Ratner seemed to ignore in the ill fated X-Men: The Last Stand). Overall X2: X Men United manages to combine the thrilling visuals we expect from superhero films with an engaging plot led by charismatic and realistic characters. I would recommend X2: X Men United a thousand times over if I could. So go and watch X2: X Men United now!


The Dark Knight was impossible to avoid. We all knew that. And with good reason, too. The Dark Knight - a masterpiece of modern cinema – was fated to land smack bang in this countdown and I’m perfectly happy to allow that to happen. I could write a long and complicated retelling of the plot, but let’s just put it simply and state the facts – The Joker causes mayhem and Batman has to mop it up. Also there’s this guy called Harvey Dent. Should probably keep an eye on that deviously good hearted man
The Dark Knight Heath Ledger The Joker Christopher Nolan Wallpaper
Where to even begin? It seems difficult to give The Dark Knight the review it deserves – and definitely not the one it needs judging by its massive success! The Dark Knight isn’t simply a film of the moment because I think that it – and its messages – will always be relevant. You don’t need to be a comic book fan, or even a superhero fan to appreciate this cinematic brilliance. No knowledge of Batman is required to enjoy every second – although those in the know will appreciate the little nods. All the leads play their parts superbly; Heath Ledger gives the performance of a lifetime as a twisted, scary but absolutely dazzling Joker. And Bale pulls off a rounded but endearing Batman – an achievement indeed considering the almost comical voice Bruce Wayne adopts to hide his persona. The plot is a thrill ride, the script by Christopher and Jonathan Nolan is spine-tingingly good and rather than simply being a story about a caped crusader, The Dark Knight manages to become a tale of the human condition. And that is why The Dark Knight goes beyond simply touching comic-book fans – it is a human film that reaches many and I believe that humanity is the only requirement one need possess to enjoy every moment of this stunning picture


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