The Comic Book Guy is not amused

News Type: Opinion — Thu Mar 9, 2006 1:25 PM EST

entertainment, movies, film, comics, superman, comic-books, x-men, spiderman, x3

Since the turn of the century, thirty - yes, thirty! - movies based on comic books have been made. The success of the first X-Men turned flocks of producers onto the rediscovered genre, and the results have been mixed. With a host of new movies on the horizon, should we be hopeful or skeptical?

I didn't grow up reading comic books. I did all of the other normal growing up things: collecting baseball cards (what an investment), playing countless hours of Nintendo (we didn't have your so-called "Game Boxes" and "X-Cubes" back then), stealing my dad's Playboys, and - my personal favorite - gallivanting around the neighborhood with nothing but a stick. It's a wonder, then, that I am such a fan of this particular movie genre.

Among my friends, the feeling is the same. Movies have brought the comic universe into the mainstream, introducing hosts of younger and older generations to the worlds of Professor X and Wolverine. This is where I should and would apologize to the fanboys for stealing what belongs to them, but alas, I must come to terms: I've turned into a fanboy myself. In some ways, haven't we all? Who doesn't want to be a superhero? Who among you Peter Parkers out there doesn't want to score a date with Mary Jane?

As I posted yesterday morning, Fox aired the new X-Men: The Last Stand trailer during Monday night's episode of 24. Of course, as any Galactus-fearing fanboy would, I felt a tinge of excitement as Ian McKellan came on screen, sporting full Magneto gear sans helmet, telling an audience of mutants that the humans would draw first blood. The trailer drew me in from there, showing random flashes of possible brilliance on its way to setting up what hopes to be an epic third and perhaps final installment to the series. But as you might be able to tell, I'm skeptical. Why?

Of the thirty movies that have been released in the past five years, only ten have been quality, ones that I would not mind sitting through a second, third, and fourth time. So it's here, on Newsvine, that I will make my plea to movie studio executives, producers, and directors of comic book films.

Take your time!

Nothing good ever came out of rushing a movie, let alone one that is likely to be full of action scenes and special effects. The masses don't mind waiting for a good movie.

Stay true to the source material!

Okay, so I don't exactly know the source material, but I do know that there's an enormous amount of history involved with all of these characters.

Choose your cast well!

Good example: Christian Bale. Bad example: Ben Affleck.

Tease us!

It's true, we like it. Show a shot of Brandon Routh slowly turning his head to reveal the Superman curl, cut to the new Superman logo, and thousands of us will have to change our underwear.

Ten out of thirty is not bad for movies, but the potential is so much more. For every Batman Begins there is an Elektra and The Punisher. Currently, there are thirty-five movies slated for production or release over the next 3 years. Over-saturation of the market with poor quality films might end up killing it, thereby killing all of my chances to ever be called Tiger.

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{"commentId":53537,"authorDomain":"mariachi77"}

mariachi77

Yeah, honestly, I was reluctant to watch "Batman Begins" after the last few crap Batman movies, and I was pleasantly surprised. I also liked "Hellboy" because of the characters. Let's hope there will be more quality comic book-based movies.

{"commentId":53537,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"mariachi77"}

#1 - Wed Mar 8, 2006 9:03 AM EST

{"commentId":53601,"authorDomain":"concaf"}

concaf

I thought batman begins was better than the last few batmans, but "good movie" is a label I'm not ready to put on it.

{"commentId":53601,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"concaf"}

#2 - Wed Mar 8, 2006 9:45 AM EST

{"commentId":53630,"authorDomain":"baxter"}

Tim Baxter

Where's the list of the 30? Seems like an oddly round number. Did you include the ones that many people may not realize were based on comics, like "Road to Perdition"?

{"commentId":53630,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"baxter"}

#3 - Wed Mar 8, 2006 10:00 AM EST

{"commentId":53721,"authorDomain":"thedaily"}

madbaddangerous2know

A few more like Elektra, Daredevil and The Hulk and the comic movie fad will be over.

{"commentId":53721,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"thedaily"}

#4 - Wed Mar 8, 2006 10:56 AM EST

{"commentId":53779,"authorDomain":"brianford"}

Brian Ford

I enjoyed the Hulk, as it was a little deeper than your traditional comic book movie.

{"commentId":53779,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"brianford"}

1 vote

#5 - Wed Mar 8, 2006 11:30 AM EST

{"commentId":54108,"authorDomain":"jsnb"}

JsnB

I also enjoyed the Hulk. However, the Elektra and Daredevil fiasco .. omg.. how such drivel ever made it to the screen boggles my mind.

{"commentId":54108,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"jsnb"}

1 vote

#6 - Wed Mar 8, 2006 2:49 PM EST

{"commentId":54207,"authorDomain":"reverie"}

reverie

While many properties are helmed by the right people who want to see a quality adaptation, many graphic novel film translations are made for the very reasonable act of drawing in audiences. With popular characters and stories, it's very difficult to balance pleasing the investors and their wallets while pleasing the fans of the genre.

The newest Batman did it well (concaf, are you mad? Comic or not, that movie was awesome! ;)), along with all the Spider-Man movies. Lesser known properties need hooks and flash to bring in people who are otherwise not fans and this is one of the points where disappointment would set in for fans.

{"commentId":54207,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"reverie"}

2 votes

#7 - Wed Mar 8, 2006 3:50 PM EST

{"commentId":54239,"authorDomain":"concaf"}

concaf

reverie: epileptic direction, melodramatic acting, and christian bale has girl lips. :P

{"commentId":54239,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"concaf"}

#8 - Wed Mar 8, 2006 4:08 PM EST

{"commentId":54243,"authorDomain":"concaf"}

concaf

*which would be ok, if it wasn't batman, who's entire head is covered EXCEPT for the mouth.

{"commentId":54243,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"concaf"}

#9 - Wed Mar 8, 2006 4:09 PM EST

{"commentId":54255,"authorDomain":"sprydle"}

Sprydle

Does your tally include Alan Moore? He wrote "From Hell", The league of Extraordinary Gentlemen", and the soon to be released (if not already out) "V- for Vendetta".

Interestingly enough, his best comic (IMHO), "Watchmen" has not yet been made into a film. While it would be difficult, if done right, it would make a fantastic film. I know Terry Gilliam was interested, but if I remember correctly, he thought he wasn't up to the job...

{"commentId":54255,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"sprydle"}

#10 - Wed Mar 8, 2006 4:15 PM EST

{"commentId":54586,"authorDomain":"shah"}

Neil

Hey, guys. Here's the list - 28 movies. I tried to include lesser known comic-based movies, including Road to Perdition. Everything in bold is what I considered "good," but of course that's debatable. Everything with a frown next to it makes me "want to poke my eye out." I'd love to hear what you guys think!

X-Men
From Hell
Ghost World
Josie and the Pussycats I haven't seen this
Blade II
Men in Black II
Road to Perdition
Spider-Man
Bulletproof Monk
Daredevil :(
Hulk
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
X2: X-Men United
American Splendor
Alien vs. Predator
Blade: Trinity
Catwoman :'( :'( >:o
Hellboy
The Punisher :(
Spider-Man 2
Æon Flux :'( :'(
Batman Begins
Constantine
Elektra :'( :(
Fantastic Four (I know, but I liked it.)
A History of Violence
Sin City
Son of the Mask :(

{"commentId":54586,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"shah"}

#11 - Wed Mar 8, 2006 8:52 PM EST

{"commentId":54594,"authorDomain":"shah"}

Neil

madbad, Brian Ford, Jsn: I really enjoyed the Hulk. It was more of a character-based movie than a real superhero movie, almost tragic at times. I wonder if/how the next one will be made.

Sprydle: As you can see, my tally does include Alan Moore, although his graphic novels are far superior to their respective movies. I saw an interesting interview with him where he states that he "disowns" the movies based on his work. To him, it's no longer even his work. (Okay, so I just defined disowns haha.) I have high hopes for V for Vendetta, though. From the trailers that I've seen and the reviews that I've read, it's going to be great.

Regarding Watchmen - it's not only one of the greatest comics I've read, it's one of the greatest pieces of literature that I've read. I also heard about Terry Gilliam being attached to the project, but I thought nothing came of it because of some studio issues. It's interesting that he thinks he couldn't do it justice. Maybe I don't blame him?

Everyone: BATMAN BEGINS WAS AWESOME.

reverie: Natalie Portman is hook enough! :)

{"commentId":54594,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"shah"}

2 votes

#12 - Wed Mar 8, 2006 8:59 PM EST

{"commentId":54628,"authorDomain":"josh"}

josh

Neil, it'd probably be worth marking up the list to indicate movies that were really bad. I more or less agree on the goods, but there should be a line between Constantine, which was just kind of meh, and Catwoman, which was like being stabbed in the eye.

Does Unbreakable count?

{"commentId":54628,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"josh"}

#13 - Wed Mar 8, 2006 9:36 PM EST

{"commentId":54695,"authorDomain":"coldfish"}

coldfish

Looking forward to V for Vendetta. Aeon Flux should have been a lot better, and Batman Begins rules.

Comics and other graphic novels are great sources for movies, but producers should also look into the depth of the actual comic series or novel. Character development, a very interesting plot and a twisted ending are always a plus.

{"commentId":54695,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"coldfish"}

#14 - Wed Mar 8, 2006 10:38 PM EST

{"commentId":54739,"authorDomain":"darkside"}

Mykola Bilokonsky

Haaahaha Catwoman. Oh my god.

{"commentId":54739,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"darkside"}

#15 - Wed Mar 8, 2006 11:24 PM EST

{"commentId":54787,"authorDomain":"shah"}

Neil

josh: I added my primitive form of ratings to some of the more terrible movies. I kinda enjoyed Constantine, but I wouldn't watch it again. Also, the "Clip This" feature is fantastic.

Mykola: You know you love Catwoman.

{"commentId":54787,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"shah"}

#16 - Thu Mar 9, 2006 12:07 AM EST

{"commentId":54936,"authorDomain":"vinay"}

vinay

Um, you have a picture of Superman for the article, but somehow managed skip over that particular movie/series of movies in your list.

Don't forget other fantastic flops like Rollerball

I would love to see things like Battle Angel Alita that would be made.

Just some more thoughts from an avid comic book fan who doesn't have enough time to watch more movies.

{"commentId":54936,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"vinay"}

#17 - Thu Mar 9, 2006 4:55 AM EST

{"commentId":55010,"authorDomain":"catastrophic"}

mat catastrophe

Sometimes a "good" movie is in the eye of the beholder. For instance, I would say that Hellboy was a better movie than Sin City. No joke, I would. Hellboy was pretty solidly entertaining while Sin City seemed to just plod and drag its way through. Yes, I know that Hulk was also a plodding and slow movie - but that movie had a much deeper underpinning to it than just "HULK SMASH!" Still, Sin City was a better film (to me) than, say Daredevil - which itself probably isn't as bad as Elektra (which I haven't decided to torture myself by watching yet).

I do agree that there are obviously films that someone took a lot of time on and that sometimes the results are quite good. And then, there's Catwoman.

The Spiderman and X-Men films definitely fall into the former category. However, that doesn't always guarantee a good movie. I also happen to think Batman Begins plodded through, cheated the viewer with horrible fight scene direction, and allowed yet another secretive super hero to give up his identity much too easily (kudos to the Spiderman people for keeping that reveal until the second movie).

Alright, I now feel like I have met my geek quota for the month.

(ps: Josie and The Pussycats is a movie you watch and enjoy and never admit to either)

{"commentId":55010,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"catastrophic"}

#18 - Thu Mar 9, 2006 7:30 AM EST

{"commentId":55334,"authorDomain":"shah"}

Neil

vinay: This list only includes post-2000 movies that have already been released.

mat catastrophe: I thought that Sin City perfectly followed the pacing of the graphic novels. It's probably one of my favorites of the list. And I bolded Hulk for just the reasons you mentioned! What I didn't want was a HULK SMASH movie. Regarding Batman, I loved the "high impact" fight scenes. It almost put us into the shoes of the bad guys, wondering where the next blow would come from.

{"commentId":55334,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"shah"}

#19 - Thu Mar 9, 2006 1:16 PM EST

{"commentId":55345,"authorDomain":"brianford"}

Brian Ford

American Splendor seems slightly debatable as it seems to be more about a man who "writes" comics than a movie about one of his comics. (Though I suppose you could argue that it's about "all" of his comics.) Also, they did "make" a comic out of the movie.)

{"commentId":55345,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"brianford"}

1 vote

#20 - Thu Mar 9, 2006 1:21 PM EST

{"commentId":56325,"authorDomain":"catastrophic"}

mat catastrophe

Neil: I suppose I am guilty of never having read Sin City. In fact, I haven't read any comics, er - graphic novels, since the price went above one dollar. The other thing I should say (that I didn't quite make clear above) is that I didn't dislike Sin City. It's just not something I would watch more than once or twice. As for fight scenes, I like to see well choreographed fight scenes - which means the occasional long shot. Oh well, I suppose since I don't make movies I better just like what I get!

{"commentId":56325,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"catastrophic"}

#21 - Fri Mar 10, 2006 6:39 AM EST

{"commentId":56547,"authorDomain":"shah"}

Neil

Brian: I was debating that myself, but I love the movie, so I decided to include it. As you said, the movie is more or less about his entire body of work.

mat catastrophe: There is a distinction between comics and graphic novels. As I stated in the article, I never read (and still don't read) comic books, but I've thoroughly enjoyed reading Watchmen, V for Vendetta, and Sin City. A lot of people like the faster pace of true "superhero" movies.

{"commentId":56547,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"shah"}

#22 - Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:04 AM EST

{"commentId":57281,"authorDomain":"fawnshore"}

Walt D

I'm surprised no one mentioned Smallville, which is 95% WB drivel and 5% absolute brilliance.
Does anyone remember the glut of Marvel-based shows from the 70s? (God, I'm old) There was the Hulk (body-builder in green paint), Spiderman (guy in baggy suit with cheesy ropes shooting from his wrists) and Dr. Strange (I have no words for this debacle). I for one am glad I lived long enough for the technology to come into existence which would bring my old faves onto the screen and do them justice. Catwoman blew, though. Time for my Metamucil now.

{"commentId":57281,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"fawnshore"}

1 vote

#23 - Fri Mar 10, 2006 8:27 PM EST

{"commentId":57282,"authorDomain":"fawnshore"}

Walt D

Oh, and will they EVER do "The Dark Knight Returns"??!!

{"commentId":57282,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"fawnshore"}

#24 - Fri Mar 10, 2006 8:28 PM EST

{"commentId":57673,"authorDomain":"sprydle"}

Sprydle

Haven't seen V-for Vendetta yet, but I saw the advertisement for the film in the NY Times yesterday. Not a single mention of Alan Moore.

It simply said - From the Graphic novel illustrated by David Lloyd and produced by DC Comics... Wtf - no mention of the guy who wrote it!

Did Alan Moore ask to have his name removed from the credits, so as to distance himself from the film? Doesn't bode well. Has anyone seen it yet?

{"commentId":57673,"threadId":"29123","contentId":"123322","authorDomain":"sprydle"}

1 vote

#25 - Sat Mar 11, 2006 10:55 AM EST

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{"canLink":false,"threadId":"29123","isPrivate":false}

NEIL

Backyard

The Comic Book Guy is not amused

Since the turn of the century, thirty - yes, thirty! - movies based on comic books have been made. The success of the first X-Men turned flocks of producers onto the rediscovered genre, and the results have been mixed. With a host of new movies on the horizon, should we be hopeful or skeptical?

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