Superhero movies used to be the domain of comic book nerds and tech geeks. It is a relatively new phenomenon – the advent and super popularity of superhero movies, their mainstreaming and top stars being cast in those superhero moulds. What probably piqued all our interest was fantasy and magic genre films such as Lord of the Rings and the Harry Potter films; but now superhero films apparently rock! Big Time! What accounts for this?
They can fly, melt stuff, freeze stuff, stretch themselves, catch fire and not die, beat up legions of baddies singlehandedly, heal superfast, use fancy gadgets, teleport themselves….some of them are even gods!
Apart from their super powers, these super beings are super cool. They are forever saving the earth and rescuing people from certain death. Some would say they are cooler than 007!
As a rule superheroes tend to take themselves rather seriously (Superman rarely seems to crack a smile) The first time one of these films made an impact on me was when I realized that Ironman is really funny. Irreverent, sexist, even boorish, but funny!
Batman has no superpowers (apparently he's just rich) but he has the Batmobile! Spidey has his webs, Wonderwoman has her shield and ropes, Superman his his....he has his cape!
Ironman has his suit… which apparently does all sorts of stuff including that!
They aren’t just comics, there are encyclopedias devoted to this fictitious universe, and legions of fan clubs that share superhero ‘facts’. Apparently Wonder Woman can do this. You may wonder what use it is to be able to send someone to Pluto, but this is the sort of esoteric detail that sends the true Marvel and DC fan into paroxysm of delight.
We finally have a true blue female superhero. Wonder Woman is strong, fearless, gorgeous and a Goddess. Plus her movie is doing really, really well at the box office; raking up well over $650 million at last count.
That’s Captain America on the left and Thor on the left. You could say Thor is a God and leave it there, but that rippling hair, the gorgeous eyes, all the acres of muscle… resist him if you can!
The cutting edge special effects of these movies simply have us riveted! All the flying through the air, trouncing the baddies and world saving looks believable and hugely impressive, especially when seen in 3D. The vast improvements in movie making technology probably accounts for the uptick in popularity recently.
Those who are fans, are fans for life apparently. Not being a fan could be a deal breaker!
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