In the darkest hour, there is a light that shines on every human being... but ONE!

Starring: Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand, Colin Frieis, Larry Drake, Nelson Mashita, Nicholas Worth, Dan Hicks

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"I'm everyone - and no one. Everywhere - nowhere. Call me... Darkman." - Dr. Peyton Westlake

Why watch this? Because not all super-heroes can be completely honorable.

Plot Summary: Scientist, Peyton Westlake, has all but mastered the process of developing synthetic skin. After being brutally attacked, covered with chemicals and burned alive by a ruthless mobster, Peyton barely survives. Though severely disfigured, he now possesses enhanced strength and resilience. Utilizing his synthetic skin research, he takes on various identities to exact revenge on those who wronged him.

Dad's Preview: The success of this superhero horror film relies on its lead actor, Liam Neeson. His performance solicits the necessary sympathy for his damaged character's persona. He desperately wants to be the hero, but his madness for vengeance won't allow it. Regardless, to battle the brutal mobsters, he is forced to fight evil with greater evil. The inclusion of Frances McDormand, as his love interest, was a wise choice. She keeps him tethered to reality, at least, for a while.

Renaissance Pictures, Darkman Productions; Universal Pictures

From flesh to steel. From blood to blade. From man...to Spawn.

Starring: Michael Jai White, John Leguizamo, Martin Sheen, Theresa Randle, Nicol Williamson. D. B. Sweeney

DML Rating: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ - above average

"You sent me to hell. I'm here to return the favor." - Spawn

Why watch this? This anti-hero is darker, more twisted than usual, and it works.

Plot Summary: Covert government assassin Al Simmons is betrayed by his boss, Jason Wynn, and murdered during a mission. Upon arriving in Hell, Simmons makes a deal with the demon king Malebolgia, agreeing to lead Hell's army in exchange for the chance to return to Earth and see his wife, Wanda. He returns as Spawn, a red-caped, scary anti-hero. He finds that five years have passed, his wife has remarried, and he must now choose between fulfilling his demonic contract or extracting his revenge.

Dad's Preview: Once Marine Al Simmons becomes Spawn, he finds his body is protected by a living necroplasm armor. He must face a clown-faced demon called Violator (deliciously portrayed by John Leguizamo). This stylistic, visceral film, based on the comics by Todd McFarlane, is exceedingly morose, yet visually stunning (especially his red living cape). After the long wait, it was great to see an African-American super-(anti-)hero!

Todd McFarlane Ent., Juno Pix, Pull Down Your Pants Pictures; New Line Cinema

Us United

Starring: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Ray Fisher, Jason Mamoa, Ezra Miller, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, J. K. Simmons, Joe Morton

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"I don't care how many demons he's fought in how many hells. He's never fought us. Not us united." – Bruce Wayne

Why watch this? This may be the one good thing that came out of COVID-19.

Plot Summary: Since the death of Superman (from Batman v Superman (2016)), three intergalactic Mother Boxes on Earth have begun to reactivate. Darkseid, who rules the war planet Apokolipse, needs these boxes to become supremely powerful. He sends his brutal lieutenant, Steppenwolf, to Earth to take possession of the boxes by any means necessary. However, Earth's heroes are also making plans to find the boxes. This includes Wonder Woman and Batman, but they will need some major help. This leads to finding newcomers Barry Allen (the Flash), Aquaman (Arthur Curry), and Victory Stone (Cyborg).

Dad's Preview: It was rumored that director Zack Snyder had filmed a very different movie than the Justice League that opened in theaters in 2017, which BTW was hot garbage (thanks to WB executives mucking it up). When COVID hit, Snyder promised his fans that he'd make this film HIS way, and sure enough... he did. This four-plus hour effort is superb. We get much better origins for Cyborg and Flash, Steppenwolf's CGI is unreal. It was truly a labor of love by the director, cast and crew. It's the reward that loyal DC fans deserved.

Access Ent., DC Films, Atlas Entertainment, The Stone Quarry, HBO MAX;
Warner Bros. Pictures

Justice is always Darkest before the Dawn.

Starring: Jack Nicholson, Michael Keaton, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl, Pat Hingle, Billy Dee Williams, Michael Gough, Jack Palance

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Batman... Batman... Can somebody tell me what kind of a world we live in, where a man dressed up as a bat gets all of my press? This town needs an enema!" - The Joker

Why watch this? This is the OG Batman. Keaton. Nicholson. "I'm Batman". It's all here.

Plot Summary: Set in Gotham City, the story centers on billionaire Bruce Wayne secretly operating as the masked vigilante Batman, combating rising crime. He confronts a dangerous criminal who transforms into the clownishly maniacal Joker, posing a major threat to the city. Batman must face this new nemesis while dealing with his own past and protecting a persistent reporter, Vicki Vale.

Dad's Preview: After the success of the Superman films, audiences had high expectations for Tim Burton's Batman. I was leery when comedian Michael Keaton was cast in the lead (and I am normally a Keaton fan). Regardless, I took a half day off and saw the film on its opening day. I must say I enjoyed it! It is dark and brooding, which is true to Gotham's hero in comics. Keaton is fine as Bruce Wayne, but it's Jack Nicholson who steals every scene as the insane, unpredictable Joker. This same cast would return for an above average sequel, Batman Returns (1992).

Warner Bros, Guber-Peters Company, PolyGram Pictures; Warner Bros.

Power. Grace. Wisdom. Wonder.

Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, Connie Nielsen, Ewen Bremner, Eugene Brave Rock, Saïd Taghmaoui

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I'm going, Mother. I cannot stand by while innocent lives are lost. If no one else will defend the world from Ares, then I must. I have to go." - Diana Prince

Why watch this? It's more than a great super-hero film... Diana is a superb role model.

Plot Summary: Princess Diana, raised on the hidden island of Themyscira, trains as an Amazonian warrior. When an American pilot crashes on her shores during World War I, he reveals a devastating conflict consuming the outside world. Convinced she can stop the war and believing the god Ares is responsible, Diana leaves her home to join the fight, discovering her true heroic destiny.

Dad's Preview: It embarrassingly took Hollywood this long to get one of their key female super-heroes right. Thank god it was Wonder Woman! This origin story of Diana Prince is a wonderful epic. The scenes in Themyscira are beautiful and poignant. The footage from World War I is powerful. Since her debut in Batman v Superman, Gal Gadot has catapulted into international stardom. Watching this transports me back to my childhood, where my heroes came alive, and stood for good!  

DC Films, RatPac-Dune Ent., Atlas Ent., Cruel and Unusual Films; Warner Bros.

Avengers Assemble!

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Helmsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"You know, the last time I was in Germany and saw a man standing above everybody else, we ended up disagreeing." Captain America

Why watch this? The first great super-hero team-up film. It does not disappoint.

Plot Summary: Nick Fury, the director of the agency S.H.I.E.L.D. assembles a team of Earth's mightiest superheroes to combat a mischievous and powerful being, Loki, who threatens the Earth. This team must overcome their individual differences and learn to work together to stop the emerging threat and his alien army from enslaving humanity.

Dad's Preview: As a DC Comics fan, I was initially a little sad that Marvel's The Avengers was the first "team-up" movie to hit big. I resisted... yet Marvel Studios (helmed by producer Kevin Feige) won me over, and it is truly a good thing. The set-up started way back in 2008 during the post-credits of Ironman (2008). The planning, the build-up, all led us to this pivotal moment in comic film history. You have to love a studio with a plan. The powerful Loki is an excellent villain for the team to take on... and finally, Marvel got the Hulk right!

Marvel Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

The fight of his life will be for his own.

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, Famke Janssen, Will Yun Lee

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Your grandfather called me a ronin, a samurai without a master. He said I was destined to live forever, with no reason to live." - Logan

Why watch this? This is the best Wolverine on film, and Jackman is perfect.

Plot Summary: Here our weary X-man heads to Japan to connect with an old acquaintance. This uncovers a sinister plot involving a man he saved during World War II, just as the atomic bomb exploded in Nagasaki. In Tokyo he meets, Yashida, a CEO dying of cancer who wants to transfer Logan's healing powers into his own body, thus freeing The Wolverine from the never-ending curse that keeps him from dying.  

Dad's Preview: This film really stands out from all of Jackman's other works as Wolverine (before Logan (2017) that is). He is such an interesting, conflicted, anti-heroic character to begin with, and that's why we all love him. This plot, with Logan operating alone outside of the X-Men, gives us a more personal, deep-dive into his character and history. The Japanese setting is excellent to contrast Logan against the code of the Ronin warriors, as they are very similar. As expected Jackman gives his all as the gruff mutant, yet there are also tender moments, as he develops feelings for the beautiful Mariko. If you are looking for a super-hero flick that is a cut above the rest, this is it.

Marvel Ent., Donners' Company, TSG Ent.; 20th Century Fox

Someone's killing our super heroes.

Starring: Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, Carla Gugino, Jackie Earle Haley, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Patrick Wilson, Matt Frewer

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I have witnessed events so tiny and so fast they can hardly be said to have occurred at all. But you, Adrian, you're just a man. The world's smartest man poses no more threat to me than does its smartest termite." – Dr. Manhattan

Why watch this? Snyder films are so stylistically unique, and this one is remarkable.

Plot Summary: Set in an alternate 1985 at the height of the Cold War, the film opens with the murder of a former costumed hero known as The Comedian. This event prompts the vigilante Rorschach, who is still actively fighting crime, to investigate a potential conspiracy targeting other former superheroes. As Rorschach reconnects with his former masked allies, they uncover a much larger and darker plot that could have catastrophic consequences.

Dad's Preview: Zack Snyder developed this film from the uber-successful comic graphic novel by the brilliant Alan Moore. Some fans were very critical of the film's adaptation, however it does work. There are great effects, interesting heroes and a rock solid, complex plot. I particularly love J. E. Haley's portrayal of the dark, disturbed Rorschach, an anti-hero, fighting to maintain his sanity in a violent world. This super-hero saga is not for kids. Rather, it's a very gritty film, where the plot is allowed to take us into new, mature and interesting directions.  

Paramount Pictures, Legendary Pictures, DC Ent., Lawrence Gordon/Lloyd
Levin Prod., Cruel and Unusual Films; Warner Bros. Pictures

We're not your classic heroes, we're the other guys.

Starring: Ben Stiller, Hank Azaria, William H. Macy, Greg Kinnear, Janeane Garofalo, Paul Reubens, Wes Studi, Geoffrey Rush, Tom Waites, Lena Olin

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"We've got a blind date with destiny... and it looks like she's ordered the lobster." - Eddie, The Shoveller

Why watch this? It's so much fun to watch a bunch of screw-ups win the day.

Plot Summary: A group of underachieving, self-proclaimed superheroes in Champion City are constantly upstaged by the city's popular and corporate-sponsored hero, Captain Amazing. When Captain Amazing's nemesis, Casanova Frankenstein, is released and kidnaps the hero, the misfit team must band together to save both Captain Amazing and their city. Along the way, the Mystery Men recruit other heroes with peculiar powers and learn to work together despite their quirks.

Dad's Preview: The Summary above makes this film sound so sanitized. Well, it's not. It's fugly. It's irreverant. It's hilarious. Personally, I'd never make it as a real super-hero, but with these guys, I might have a chance. This cobbled-together team of misfits must find a way to save the day. This flick manages to develop its characters and be completely snarky along the way. The actors, even the stern Wes Studi, seem to be having a great time. I so enjoy the masterful Geoffrey Rush as the notorious villain: Casanova Frankenstein.

Golar Productions, Dark Horse Ent.; Universal Studios

Two worlds. One hero.

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Colm Feore, Ray Stevenson, Idris Elba, Kat Dennings, Rene Russo, Anthony Hopkins

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"I, Odin Allfather, CAST YOU OUT! Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor!" - Odin, as he banishes Thor to Earth

Why watch this? "Chris Hemsworth's sure easy on the eyes." - Dad's wife, circa 2011.

Plot Summary: Thor, an arrogant god from Asgard, is stripped of his powers and banished to Earth by his father Odin. While stranded, he encounters astrophysicist Jane Foster and begins to learn humility and the true meaning of heroism. Meanwhile, his estranged brother, the mischievous Loki, plots to seize power in Asgard, threatening both realms.

Dad's Preview: The word was out that Marvel was building up to an Avengers film. Nick Fury was assembling the team, and Thor would be on it. I must admit I never really got into Thor in the comics. He just seemed kinda silly. This film fixed a lot of that for me. The cast, especially Hemsworth, is stellar. The back story explains the relationship between Thor, Asgard, and eventually Earth. Like Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) and Ironman (2008), this is a superb origin story for Kevin Feige's MCU.

Marvel Studios; Paramount Pictures

Believe in angels.

Starring: Brandon Lee, Ernie Hudson, Michael Wincott, Rochelle Davis, Bai Ling, Sofia Shinas, Anna Thomson, Tony Todd

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"People once believed that, when someone dies, a crow carries their soul to the land of the dead. But sometimes, something so bad happens that a terrible sadness is carried with it and the soul can't rest." - Sarah

Why watch this? It's dark and gothic, yet shining through is Jason Lee's charismatic light. 

Plot Summary: Eric Draven, a musician, is brutally murdered along with his fiancée the night before their wedding. A year later, Eric is resurrected by a mystical crow, gaining supernatural powers. Guided by the crow, he seeks vengeance on the criminals who killed him and his fiancée. His only tether to humanity is his young friend, Sarah.

Dad's Preview: This anti-hero film just grabbed me and wedged itself into my soul. The story originated in The Crow comics by James O. Barr. There is such a sadness to this origin story. Things get violent as vengeance is extracted, but the film never loses its tenderness. Lead actor Jason Lee, the son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, was accidentally killed during filming. Thank goodness they were able to finish this treasure.

Entertainment Media Investment Corp., Pressman Film, Jeff Most Prod.; Dimension Films, Miramax Films

ONE LAST TIME.

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Richard E. Grant, Boyd Holbrook, Stephen Merchant, Dafne Keen

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Nature made me a freak. Man made me a weapon. And God made it last too long." - Logan

Why watch this? ...it is a poignant finale for one of film's great super-hero personas.

Plot Summary: In 2029, a worn-down Logan, aka Wolverine, cares for an ailing Professor Charles Xavier in a secluded hideout near the Mexican border. Their quiet existence is upended when a young mutant girl, Laura, with powers akin to Logan's, seeks his protection from pursuing dark forces. Reluctantly, Logan and Xavier embark on a dangerous journey to escort Laura to a rumored safe haven

Dad's Preview: Hugh Jackson did it the right way. He won the role of Marvel's Wolverine and made it his own. He respected the part, and never disappointed the fans. This is a wonderfully violent send-off thanks to Jackson and Patrick Stewart, reprising his role as Professor X. It started with them, and should end with them. I'm sad to see him retire. I'll miss that scowl. It was a great ride. Thank you, Hugh!
(Well, he's back in the new Deadpool film!)

Marvel Ent., Kinberg Genre, Hutch Parker Prod., The Donners' Co., TSG Ent.;
20th Century Fox

An Ordinary Man. An Extraordinary Power.

Starring: Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Cliff Robertson, Rosemary Harris

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Remember, with great power comes great responsibility." - Uncle Ben

Why watch this? This film set a new super-hero film standard, and it's a treasure.

Plot Summary: Shy high schooler Peter Parker is bitten by a genetically engineered spider, granting him incredible powers. After a personal tragedy, Peter embraces his new abilities to fight crime as the masked vigilante Spider-Man, driven by the realization that "with great power comes great responsibility". However, he soon faces a formidable and vengeful adversary who emerges to challenge his burgeoning heroism.

Dad's Preview: Film technology had to evolve to make a great Spider-Man movie. Then it took Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire to make it a reality. This is Peter Parker's origin story, and we meet many familiar characters from the comics: newsman Jonah Jameson, Aunt May, Mary Jane Watson and the evil Green Goblin (played by the great Willem Dafoe). Many fans liked the second film better, me included, but this one still holds up well on its own. It is helped along by great performances from Cliff Robertson and Rosemary Harris as Uncle Ben and Aunt May.

Columbia Pictures, Marvel Ent., Laura Ziskin Prod.; Sony Pictures Releasing

This summer a man will face his destiny. A hero will be revealed

Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Alfred Molina, Rosemary Harris, Donna Murphy

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I believe there's a hero in all of us, that keeps us honest, gives us strength, makes us noble, and finally allows us to die with pride, even though sometimes we have to be steady, and give up the thing we want the most. Even our dreams." – Aunt May Parker

Why watch this? This is the best Spider-Man film EVER - Spidey vs. Doctor Octopus!

Plot Summary: Two years after becoming Spider-Man, Peter Parker struggles to balance his superhero responsibilities with his crumbling personal life, leading him to question his commitment to being a hero. Meanwhile, a brilliant scientist, Dr. Otto Octavius, suffers a devastating accident, transforming him into the villainous Doctor Octopus. Spider-Man must then confront this new threat, all while battling the potential loss of his relationship with Mary Jane.

Dad's Preview: Director Sam Raimi understood Spider-Man. The second film shows it. Maguire hits the right mix of immature school boy and quirky-quipping hero. The CGI is amazing, and really necessary, to make this kind of movie work. I was pleasantly surprised by Molina's stellar performance as the villain-in-conflict, Doctor Octopus. It's not easy to elicit sympathy for a bad guy, but Molina more than pulls that off. I rank this right up there with The Dark Knight (2008). 

Columbia Pictures, Marvel Ent., Laura Ziskin Prod.; Sony Pictures Releasing

Get ready for a different breed of heavy metal hero.

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Shaun Toub, Gwyneth Paltrow, Faran Tahir, Leslie Bibb, Clark Gregg

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I saw young Americans killed by the very weapons I created to defend them and protect them. And I saw that I had become part of a system that is comfortable with zero-accountability." – Tony Stark

Why watch this? This kicked off the MCU and brilliantly cast Robert Downy Jr. as Ironman.

Plot Summary: Following his kidnapping and escape from a terrorist group using a makeshift armored suit, brilliant industrialist Tony Stark returns home and vows to change his ways. He devotes his resources to perfecting this technology to fight global threats and protect the innocent. However, he soon discovers a dangerous conspiracy within his own company, forcing him to confront a powerful adversary in his new role as Iron Man.

Dad's Preview: This amazing origin film kicked off a film series that would eventually lead to The Avengers (2012), and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). In the role seemingly made for him, Downey excels as the eccentric, quirky, millionaire genius Tony Stark, the ideal man to invent an amazing iron suit. Even as a DC comics kid, I was drawn to Marvel's Iron Man, whose suit was cool as heck. Thanks to some incredible CGI regarding said suit, this stellar film more than lives up to any expectations.

Marvel Studios; Paramount Pictures

In heroes we trust.

Starring: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Redford, Cobie Smulders, Frank Grillo, Emily VanCamp, Hayley Atwell

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Even when I had nothing, I had Bucky." - Steve Rogers

Why watch this? This is one of the best of the MCU movies - it's awesome on every level.

Plot Summary: A deadly new assassin, code named Winter Soldier, is causing a lot of problems. Cap enlists help from Black Widow and Falcon to stop him. Cap learns that the soldier is none other than his best friend, Bucky Barnes, who somehow has been turned into a killing machine. It will take all the heroes Cap can muster to rescue Barnes, un-brainwash him, and find out who is responsible.

Dad's Preview: This is the ninth Marvel Studios film and you can really feel the filmmaking team hitting its stride with these story arcs and characters. True to form, the film is non-stop, incredible action, a few very good plot twists, and the emergence Falcon. For an super-hero flick, there is a ton of heart, too.

Marvel Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

From the Dark Side to Our Side

Starring: Ron Perlman, John Hurt, Selma Blair, Doug Jones, Jeffrey Tambor, Rupert Evans, Karel Roden, Biddy Hodson, Corey Johnson, Kevin Trainor

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"In the absence of light, darkness prevails. There are things that go bump in the night, Agent Myers. Make no mistake about that. And we are the ones who bump back." – Professor Broom

Why watch this? It's a great comic book hero adapted to film. Pearlman is awesome!

Plot Summary: Raised by a professor after being summoned to Earth by Nazis during World War II, a demon named Hellboy now works for a secretive government organization known as the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense. Alongside his fellow unique agents, Hellboy must protect the world from various supernatural threats that emerge from the shadows. However, his skills and fiery personality are truly tested when a powerful, resurrected sorcerer from his past returns with a sinister plan that seeks to unleash the apocalypse.

Dad's Preview: Being a comic book reader, I found my way to Mike Mignola's Hellboy. I read one story arc and was hooked. I love how Hellboy is written, his origin, the occult influence, everything. This movie dropped in theaters and was a huge hit. I couldn't be happier. Sure, you have to get over the fact that he's red and has horns growing out of his skull. After that, it's a big bowl of fun. Ron Perlman is an American treasure. This film also introduced me to (now Oscar-winning) director Guillermo del Toro.

Revolution Studios, Lawrence Gordon/Lloyd Levin Prod., Dark Horse Ent.; Columbia Pictures

Believe it or not - he's the good guy

Starring: Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones, Jeffrey Tambor, John Hurt, Anna Walton, John Alexander, James Dodd, Luke Goss, Anna Walton

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I'm not gonna kill him, Abe. But I am gonna kick his ass." - Hellboy

Why watch this? It's almost as good as the original. It has more wonderful creatures.

Plot Summary: Hellboy and the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD) face a new threat when an elven prince breaks an ancient truce between humans and mythical creatures. This prince, driven by a desire to reclaim the world for his kind, seeks to reassemble a magical crown that can awaken the unstoppable Golden Army, a formidable force designed to eliminate humans. Hellboy, Liz Sherman, Abe Sapien, and the newly introduced ectoplasmic agent Johann Krauss must race against time to stop the prince and prevent global devastation.

Dad's Preview: This sequel, which many feel is better than the original, takes our red, kitten-loving demon into a fantastical underworld filled with monsters, elves and beings of all kinds. Trolls, witches and magic are everywhere. There are twists where some of the villains may not be who we think they are. Regardless, it nice to see Ron Perlman again as our favorite hell-born super-hero.

Relativity Media, Lawrence Gordon/Lloyd Levin Prod., Dark Horse Ent.; Universal Pictures

The time has come for those who are different to stand united

Starring: Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, Famke Janssen, James Marsden, Rebecca Romjin-Stamos, Brian Cox, Allan Cumming, Bruce Davison, Anna Panquin

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"You are a god among insects. Never let anyone tell you different." – Magneto

Why watch this? It outdoes the original film with a better story and stronger performances.

Plot Summary: When an assassination attempt on the President of the United States occurs, seemingly by a mutant, it ignites a new wave of anti-mutant hysteria. The X-Men find themselves targeted by Colonel William Stryker, a military scientist with a past connection to Wolverine, who has discovered Professor Xavier’s school and plans to use a modified Cerebro to launch a devastating attack on the mutant population. Faced with an existential threat, the X-Men are forced to form an uneasy alliance with their old adversary, Magneto.

Dad's Preview: The original X-Men (2000) was pretty darn good, but this film is better and more fun. X2 finds the two opposing mutant factions (The X-Men and Magneto's band of baddies) heading for a climactic final battle. The cast members are more comfortable in their roles. The concept regarding mutant acceptance into the world continues to be explored, and we are introduced to the new "mutant cure". How this plays out will change the X-Men forever.

Marvel Ent. Group, The Donner's Co., Bad Hat Harry Prod.; 20th Century Fox

An entire universe. Once and for all.

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, Don Cheadle, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Josh Brolin, Paul Bettany, Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Olsen, Zoe Saldana

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I offered a solution... With all six stones, I could simply snap my fingers; they would all cease to exist. I call that... mercy." – Thanos

Why watch this? Its span and scope are huge, yet it still has a lot of intimate moments.

Plot Summary: A powerful being known as Thanos seeks to collect six ancient and incredibly powerful artifacts called the Infinity Stones. He believes that by using the stones to eliminate half of all life in the universe, he can save it from inevitable destruction. The Avengers and their allies across the galaxy must band together to stop him, leading to the ultimate confrontation for the fate of existence.

Dad's Preview: Marvel teased Thanos, a very powerful intergalactic entity, for awhile. This film is the awesome pay off. Josh Brolin is excellent as the massive, purple tyrant, who is certainly evil, yet actor Josh Brolin gives him enough intelligence so that we can almost sympathize with his cause. I must point out Captain America, in black, sporting a full beard - made fans scream in the theaters. As the film builds, all the Marvel heroes and teams are assembled on Earth for a huge final battle to save the planet. The ending, which is perfectly setup, is a brutal gut-punch that leaves you wanting the sequel all the more.

Marvel Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Avenge the fallen.

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, Don Cheadle, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Josh Brolin, Chris Pratt

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"I think you look great, Cap. As far as I'm concerned, that's America's ass." - Scott Lang

Why watch this? The perfect ending for the MCU's Phase Three.

Plot Summary: After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the remaining Avengers must find a way to reverse Thanos' actions and restore balance to the universe. With the help of allies and a potential new method, they embark on a crucial mission to undo the chaos caused by the Mad Titan. This final stand will determine the fate of the universe and conclude a long-running story arc.

Dad's Preview: I can't say enough about this film, and those that preceded it. This amazing conclusion may be remembered as the last great Marvel Studio film. Our defeated heroes discover a way to reverse the damage done by Thanos. However, it only requires a little time travel. No problem! Back in time they venture to find the Infinity stones and restart our universe. But can humanity and their allies stop the legions of Thanos a second time? The ending will blow you away! Frankly, I am not sure where how another super-hero film top this one - it will appear as wasted effort compared to this.

Marvel Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

You'll believe a man can fly.

Starring: Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando, Ned Beatty, Glen Ford, Valerie Perrine

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"There's a strong streak of good in you, Superman. But then nobody's perfect... almost nobody." – Lex Luthor

Why watch this? It's like Superman walked out of a comic book and onto the screen.

Plot Summary: Born on the doomed planet Krypton, infant Kal-El is sent to Earth by his scientist father, Jor-El, and is discovered and raised by the kind Kents. As an adult, Clark Kent moves to Metropolis, taking a job as a reporter while secretly using his superhuman abilities to fight crime as Superman. This brings him into conflict with criminal mastermind Lex Luthor, who hatches a scheme that threatens the lives of many and challenges the burgeoning hero.

Dad's Preview: This was the first serious full-length feature film about a super-hero. It's success created a new market for this type of movie. The special effects budget was sizable and it shows. Reeves literally is Clark Kent and Superman; as was Margo Kidder as spunky reporter, Lois Lane. Somehow they wisely snagged Hackman for Lex Luthor. The rest is history. The film is light and cheeky, even innocent, which audiences loved at the time. To this day, it remains one of my super-hero favorites.    

Dovemead Ltd., International Film Prod.; Warner Bros.

The Man of Steel meets his match!

Starring: Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Terence Stamp, Sarah Douglas, Ned Beatty

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"General, would you care to step outside?" - Superman to General Zod

Why watch this? The addition of three Kryptonian villains helps make this better than the original.

Plot Summary: Following an unintentional release from the Phantom Zone, three Kryptonian criminals, including General Zod, arrive on Earth and gain superpowers identical to Superman's. Simultaneously, Superman, deeply in love with Lois Lane, contemplates giving up his powers to live a normal life with her. This leads to a clash between the powerful Kryptonian criminals seeking to conquer Earth and a conflicted Superman.

Dad's Preview: I love (even prefer) this darker-in-tone sequel, which takes place immediately after the original film. Reeve played Clark Kent like no other - so unsure, clumsy and extremely ordinary. The three super-powered villains are unforgettable, with General Zod being the worst of them. They team up with the slimy Lex Luthor, who is intelligent, conceited and more than happy to aid in Superman's demise. There are some light moments, but things are more serious as Superman surrenders his powers to marry Lois, then realizes that in doing so, he may have doomed the Earth. Overall the film flows well, and there is a nice surprise ending.   

Dovemead Ltd., International Film Prod.; Warner Bros.

Why So Serious?

Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Morgan Freeman, Eric Roberts

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #20 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of The Dark Knight

"Some men aren't looking for anything logical, like money. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned, or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn." – Alfred

Why watch this? This Nolan effort set a new, grittier standard for comic book films.

Plot Summary: Following the events of Batman Begins (2005), the emergence of a criminal mastermind known as the Joker throws Gotham City into a state of chaos and anarchy. Batman, along with Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, try to combat the escalating threat, but the Joker's unpredictable nature challenges their methods and forces Batman to confront his own beliefs. The film explores the fine line between hero and vigilante as Batman faces his most personal and challenging struggle yet.

Dad's Preview: This iconic masterpiece has so much: great action sequences, compelling characters, twists and turns, heroes and villains. Bale continues perfection in the dual role of millionaire Bruce Wayne and the crusading Batman. Then there's Heath Ledger's Joker - his defining career performance. The actor received the Best Actor award after his death at the young age of 28. If this is not the best super-hero film ever made, it's in the top three.

Legendary Pictures, Syncopy; Warner Bros. Pictures