In anticipation of the release of Iron Man, EW.com’s Marc Bernardin offers his pretty diverse list of “The 19 Best Comic-Book Movies Ever Made.”
Why 19 instead of, say, 20? I have no idea.
His selections include X2: X-Men United, Akira, V for Vendetta, Ghost World, Old Boy, and Spider-Man (Parts I and II). But I’m going to guess much of the discussion will center on Bernardin’s inclusion of Batman Returns over the 1989 Batman. (Don’t worry, he picks Batman Begins, too.)
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:38 am
Why 19 instead of 20? Odd numbers are a popular trend in print right now, since people seem to notice them on covers more than even numbers. “103 ways to spice up your sex life!” “47 ways to go green!” And so on.
Seriously, next time you’re at the supermarket take a look at the numbers on the covers. There’s hardly an even number to be seen.
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:39 am
Saw it last night, and I’d put it near the top with Batman Begins and Spidey 2. Favreau, Downey, etc., have done a fine job.
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:41 am
It’s also been 19 years since Batman, that’s another possibility.
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:28 am
Because I’m lazy?
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:49 am
Well, all these lists are subjective, but I’d put Batman Returns ahead of the first film as well. Then again, I’d also put Superman ahead of Superman II and I know I’m in the minority there too.
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:53 am
Well, all these lists are subjective, but I’d put Batman Returns ahead of the first film as well. Then again, I’d also put Superman ahead of Superman II and I know I’m in the minority there too.
May 2nd, 2008 at 11:06 am
That can’t be the reason, Marc!
May 2nd, 2008 at 11:16 am
I thought it was a common opinion that Batman Returns was better than Batman? But to be fair he should have thrown out Batman Begins since it doesnt really qualify as a good movie and then put in Batman instead
May 2nd, 2008 at 11:24 am
I thought it was a common opinion that Batman Returns was better than Batman? But to be fair he should have thrown out Batman Begins since it doesnt really qualify as a good movie and then put in Batman instead
May 2nd, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Say what you will about the “Best” list… I found total enjoyment by checking out the counterpart: The 20 Worst Comic-Book Movies Ever Made
Ghost Rider is a “hot mess” and of Fantastic Four, “the film’s character development was so diluted, it was difficult to determine which of the four was the invisible one.”
Hats off and kudos to Marc Bernardin and Kate Ward… Hilariously funny commentary and I couldn’t agree more with the list.
May 2nd, 2008 at 2:04 pm
“he should have thrown out Batman Begins since it doesnt really qualify as a good movie”
LOL… It’s one thing if BB wasn’t your thing and you honestly like the goofiness of Burton’s Batman more. That’s fine. But most critics, comic fans and general filmgoers alike pretty much agree BB was a GREAT movie (not even just a a great “comic book movie,” but a great movie) and many feel BB is the best comic books movie ever.
A big reason why TDK has such anticipation (and hype) behind is because of the goodwill created by BB, which rescued the Bat-franchise from movie purgatory, and has people eager for the new movie.
Like what you like, and don’t like what doesn’t work for you, but there’s really very little to criticze BB for. Great cast, excellent story that (finally) gives some depth and focus on Wayne/Batman, no campiness, and it’s a well made film.
Burton’s films were well-made too, I just think they have too many plotholes and come off as too goofy after all these years.
May 2nd, 2008 at 2:48 pm
no, I’m pretty sure it’s because I’m lazy. Or tired. Or tirazy.
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:36 pm
I’d put Returns over the first Batman movies too. Visually it was a great movie even if the story was awkward aroung all the animal avatars business (bats, cats, and penguins).