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Dad's top
20 Superhero Films - Ranked!
Countdown from #20 to #1.
This
includes Dad's spoiler-free Mini-Preview!
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Honorable
Mention |
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Spawn (1997)
From flesh to
steel. From blood to blade. From man...to Spawn.
Director: Mark A. Z. Dippé, Rated R for superhero
violence, language
  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.
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Dad's Preview: This film,
based on the very popular comic series by creator Todd
McFarlane, is better than the press it received. It's
very over-the-top and violent, as the flawed heroic
entity acts more as an anti-hero. Roger Ebert said this film was
"unforgettable as a visual experience." I have to single
out John Leguizamo portraying the clown-faced
demon Violator - his performance is deliciously evil. This stylistic, visceral film
is exceedingly
morose, yet visually stunning (especially Spawn's red living cape).
Finally, after the long wait, it was great to see an African-American super-hero.
Let's hope for more. |
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Todd McFarlane Ent.,
Juno Pix, Pull Down
Your Pants
Pictures;
New Line Cinema
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Top 20
Superhero Films
#20 Top |
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Darkman
(1990)
In the
darkest hour, there is a light that shines on every
human being... but ONE!
Director: Sam Raimi, rated R for language, violence
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.
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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. The perfect anti-hero is born. 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, too. She keeps him tethered to
reality, at least, for a while. Larry Drake's performance, as
the sadistic Durant, gives this film the villain we
crave. |
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Renaissance Pictures, Darkman Prod.;
Universal
Pictures
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Top 20
Superhero Films
#19 Top |
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Captain America: Civil War (2016)
United
we stand. Divided we fall
Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo, rated PG-13 for
super-hero violence
Starring: Chris
Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan,
Anthony Mackie, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Chadwick Boseman,
Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd, Emily VanCamp, Tom
Holland, Frank Grillo, William Hurt, Daniel Brühl
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near 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 faithful adaptation could be called Avengers 3. It's
that awesome!
Plot Summary:
Political concerns about the Avengers' previous actions lead to
a push for government oversight, dividing the team into two
factions led by Captain America and Iron Man. This escalating
conflict is complicated by the re-emergence of Captain America's
friend, Bucky Barnes, as the Winter Soldier, who is framed for a
bombing. As these disagreements escalate, the former allies
engage in an intense confrontation.
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Dad's Preview:
This is definitely one of my favorite MCU action films. The Avengers,
America's greatest heroes,
are divided over signing a government-mandated accord that limits their ability to
freely operate. This schism instantly makes half of heroes criminals.
Lots of action and awesome new characters (Spider-Man - hell
yeah!) keep this fine story
unique and fresh! Plus...Finally! We get to meet the Black Panther! |
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Marvel
Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pics
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Top 20
Superhero Films
#18 Top |
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Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
Us United
Director: Zack Snyder, rated R for super-hero
violence, language
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. To Earth, he sends his brutal lieutenant, Steppenwolf, 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), Arthur Curry
(Aquaman), and Victory Stone (Cyborg).
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Dad's Preview:
It was rumored that director Zack Snyder had filmed a very
different movie than
Justice League that opened in theaters
in 2017, which was mostly hot garbage (thanks to WB executives
mucking it up). When COVID hit, Snyder promised his fans that
he'd re-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, and may be the one positive thing
to come from that pesky virus. |
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Access Ent., DC
Films, Atlas Ent., The Stone
Quarry, HBO MAX;
Warner Bros. Pictures
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Top 20
Superhero Films
#17 Top |
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Mystery Men (1999)
We're not your
classic heroes, we're the other guys.
Director: Kinka Usher, rated PG-13 for
language/crude humor
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.
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Dad's Preview:
The Plot Summary above makes this film sound so sanitized. Well, it's
not. It's fugly. It's irreverent. It's hilarious. Personally,
I'd never make it as a real super-hero, but with these guys, I
might have a
chance. I'd call myself The Procrastinator! 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. None more than the masterful Geoffrey
Rush as the notoriously flamboyant villain: Casanova Frankenstein. |
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Golar Productions,
Dark Horse Ent.;
Universal Studios
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Top 20
Superhero Films
#16 Top |
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Wonder Woman
(2017)
Power. Grace. Wisdom. Wonder.
Director: Patty Jenkins, rated PG-13 for super-hero
violence
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.
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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!
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DC Films, RatPac-Dune
Ent., Atlas Ent.,
Cruel and Unusual
Films;
Warner Bros.
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Top 20
Superhero Films
#15 Top |
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The Avengers (2012)
Avengers Assemble!
Director: Joss Whedon, rated PG-13 for super-hero violence
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.
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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 the big
screen. 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! |
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Marvel
Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pics
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Top 20
Superhero Films
#14 Top |
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The Wolverine (2013)
The fight of his life will be for his own.
Director: James
Mangold, rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence
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.
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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. |
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Marvel Ent.,
Donners' Co., TSG Ent.;
20th Century Fox
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Top 20
Superhero Films
#13 Top |
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Watchmen
(2009)
Someone's
killing our super heroes.
Director: Zack Snyder, rated R for
frightening scenes, nudity, violence
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.
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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. |
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Paramount
Pics, Legendary Pictures, DC Ent.,
Lawrence Gordon/Lloyd
Levin Prod.,
Cruel and
Unusual Films;
Warner Bros. Pictures
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Top 20
Superhero Films
#12 Top |
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Thor: Ragnarok
(2017)
Thunder Will
Reign.
Director: Taika
Waititi, rated PG-13
Starring: Chris
Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff
Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, Karl Urban, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony
Hopkins
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"I don't hang with the
Avengers anymore. It all got too corporate." -
Thor
Why watch this?
This takes the Thor story in a fresh, and funnier,
direction. I instantly loved it.
Plot Summary:
Imprisoned on a distant planet, Thor must escape a gladiatorial
contest against the Hulk to return to Asgard. Upon his return,
he faces his powerful and ruthless sister, Hela, who seeks to
destroy his home world and its civilization. To save his people,
Thor must confront Hela and prevent the cataclysmic event known
as Ragnarök.
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Dad's Preview:
Kevin Feige, to keep new ideas coming, decided to turn Thor over
to upstart, quirky, director Taika Waititi. It proved to be a wise move. This
film is bright, light and so much more fun than the second Thor
film. Our blonde hunky Asgardian hero is transported to a slave planet,
where he unexpectedly encounters an old friend... The green, raging Hulk,
who has been missing. After a massive
battle in the gladiator arena, the two devise a plan to get themselves back
home to Earth, and back to the Avengers. |
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Marvel Studios;
Walt Disney Studios
Motion Pictures
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Top 20
Superhero Films
#11 Top |
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The
Crow (1994)
Believe In Angels
Director:
Alex Proyas,
rated R for violence, drug use
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.
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Dad's Preview:
This anti-hero film just grabbed me and wedged itself into my
soul. The character originated in
The Crow comics by James O.
Barr. There is such a sadness to this film 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, thanks to CGI animation. |
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Entertainment Media Investment Corp.,
Pressman Film,
Jeff Most Prod.;
Dimension Films, Miramax Films
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Top 20
Superhero Films
#10 Top |
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Batman (1989)
Justice is always Darkest before the Dawn.
Director:
Tim Burton rated PG-13 for super-hero violence
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.
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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
work and
attended the film on its opening day. I loved 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). |
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Warner Bros, Guber-Peters
Co.,
PolyGram Pics;
Warner Bros.
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Top 20
Superhero Films
#9 Top |
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The Batman (2022)
Unmask The
Truth
Director: Matt Reeves, rated PG-13 for super-hero
violence
Starring:
Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, John
Turturro, Peter Sarsgaard, Andy Serkis, Colin Farrell, Jayme
Lawson, Gil Perez-Abraham, Peter McDonald, Con O'Neill, Alex
Ferns
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"Fear is a tool. When that
light hits the sky, it's not just a call. It's a warning." -
Batman
Why watch this?
This new Batman reboot is so gritty, you'll need to wash the
sand out of your teeth.
Plot Summary:
Bruce Wayne has been Batman for two years. When both the mayor
and police commissioner are murdered by a masked serial killer
calling himself "Riddler", Wayne and Lieutenant Jim Gordon work
together to solve the case. When another death occurs, this time
the district attorney, clues lead Batman to The Penguin's night
club, where he bumps elbows with Selina Kyle (aka Catwoman).
Before this mystery is solved many truths will be called into
question including the reputation of Batman's parents, Thomas
and Martha Wayne.
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Dad's Preview:
In hindsight, it was a good idea to not pursue
Ben Affleck's version of Batman. This effort by Matt Reeves
successfully reinvents the Caped Crusader. This film does feel like the
successful noir Batman comics limited-series by Tim Sale called
Batman: The Long Halloween. It's all dark and ominous, focusing
on a brutal vigilante, a crime family's inter-fighting and a corrupt Gotham, badly in need of salvation
that only an unconventional hero can grant. I am excited
to see where this Batman series goes. |
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DC Films,
6th & Idaho, Dylan Clark Prod.;
Warner Bros.
Pictures
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Top 20
Superhero Films
#8 Top |
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Spider-Man 2
(2004)
This summer a
man will face his destiny. A hero will be revealed
Director: Sam Raimi, Rated PG-13 for Sci-fi violence
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.
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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). |
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Columbia Pictures,
Marvel Ent., Laura
Ziskin Prod.;
Sony Pictures Releasing
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Top 20
Superhero Films
#7 Top |
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Iron Man (2008)
Get ready for a different breed of heavy metal hero.
Director: John Favreau, rated PG-13 for sci-fi
violence
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.
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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. |
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Marvel Studios;
Paramount Pictures
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Top 20
Superhero Films
#6 Top |
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Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
In
heroes we trust.
Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo, rated PG-13 for
super-hero violence
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.
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Dad's Preview:
This is the ninth Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film and you can really feel
the filmmaking team at Marvel hitting its stride with these story arcs and
characters. True to form, the film is non-stop, sporting incredible
action sequences, a few very good plot twists, and the emergence
of hero called The Falcon.
It is one of the best super-hero films I can recommend.
It has everything: compelling heroes, nasty villains, engrossing
conflicts, incredible stunts and a ton of heart. |
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Marvel
Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pics
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Top 20
Superhero Films
#5 Top |
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Hellboy (2004) From the
Dark Side to Our Side
Director: Guillermo del Toro, rated PG-13
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.
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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 macabre 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. |
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Revolution
Studios, Lawrence Gordon/Lloyd
Levin Prod.,
Dark Horse Ent.;
Columbia Pics
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Top 20
Superhero Films
#4 Top |
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X2: X-Men United
(2003)
The time has come for those who are different to stand
united
Director: Bryan Singer, rated PG-13 for sci-fi
violence
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.
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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. |
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Marvel Ent. Group,
The Donner's Co.,
Bad Hat Harry Prod.;
20th Century Fox
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Top 20
Superhero Films
#3a
Top |
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Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
An
entire universe. Once and for all.
Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo, rated PG-13 for
super-hero violence
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.
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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 plan. 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 next film all the
more. |
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Marvel
Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pics
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Top 20
Superhero Films
#3b Top |
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Avengers: End Game (2019)
Avenge
the fallen.
Directors: Anthony and Joe Russo, rated PG-13 for
super-hero violence
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.
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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
in
Avengers:
Infinity War (2018).
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 how another super-hero film top this event - it is
the new high water mark. |
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Marvel
Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pics
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Top 20
Superhero Films
#2a Top |
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Superman: The Movie
(1978)
You'll believe a
man can fly.
Director: Richard Donner, rated PG
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.
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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 portraying spunky reporter, Lois
Lane. Somehow they wisely snagged Gene Hackman for Lex Luthor. The rest is
history. The film is
light and cheeky, even innocent, which audiences loved
at that time. To this day, it remains one of my super-hero favorites.
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Dovemead Ltd.,
International Film Prod.; Warner Bros.
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Top 20
Superhero Films
#2b Top |
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Superman II (1980)
The Man of
Steel meets his match!
Director: Richard Donner, Richard Lester, rated PG
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.
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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 great surprise
ending. |
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Dovemead Ltd.,
International Film Prod.;
Warner Bros.
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Top 20
Superhero Films
#1 Top |
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The Dark Knight
(2008)
Why So
Serious?
Director: Christopher Nolan, rated PG-13 for intense
violence, scary scenes
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.
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Dad's Preview:
This iconic action crime 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. |
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Legendary
Pictures, Syncopy;
Warner Bros. Pictures
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