Movies based on comic books can rake in some serious cash. Not all of them, however, garner love from comic book nerds, movie dorks or general audiences. What makes some comic book-based movies so much better than others?
Cover of Superman – The Movie
Cover of Superman – The Movie
It’s All About Pacing
A movie’s pacing can make the difference between fun and boring. On one hand, you have X2: X-Men United, which manages to maintain a fast pace without confusing the audience. On the other hand, you have X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which barely managed to tell a story between its huge yawning fits.
Some examples of excellent pacing in a comic book-based movie include
- Superman (1978)
- The Dark Knight (2008)
- Iron Man (2008)
Some of the most poorly paced comic book movies include
- Fantastic Four (1994)
- Captain America (1991)
- Watchmen (2009)
Story Matters
Without a good story, you just have a bunch of explosions and weird sci-fi technology. For a truly great comic book movie, you need a story that will capture the audience and convince them to suspend their disbelief while basic notions of reality get stretched into new territories. There are a lot of examples of movies that have great stories. Then again, a quick visit to Netflix will remind you of all the rotten tomatoes out there.
If you want a good story, then check out
- American Splendor (2003)
- A History of Violence (2005)
- Superman II (1980)
- Lone Wolf and Cub – Sword of Vengeance (1972)
If you think you can handle a tedious storyline or complete lack of coherence, then try
- Batman and Robin (1997)
- Steel (1997)
- The Punisher (1989)
Comic book-based movies are either terrific or terrible. Which ones make the top of your best and worst lists?