Entertainment, Movies - Navy Times

What are the best superhero films?

Question: With “The Dark Knight” opening this week, I’m wondering if you can offer a list of the best superhero films you’ve seen. Also, do you think comic book movies have grown better with time?

Answer: I do think comic book films have gotten better over the years, primarily because special effects are improving. Certainly, there are good, vintage comic book flicks. The first two Christopher Reeve “Superman” movies are the most obvious examples.

That said, the flying sequences in the Reeve films were not as convincing as in 2006’s “Superman Returns” simply because movie technology has improved.

Such technological jumps have also allowed realistic portrayals of comic book heroes that would have been nearly impossible to portray 30 years ago.

It’s difficult, for instance, to imagine a decent depiction of the pliable Mr. Fantastic or laser-eyed Cyclops in 1970.

Of course, special effects are always secondary to storytelling, which is why my list — although heavy on recently produced films — contains several movies made before 2000. Here goes:

1. “Batman Begins” (2005):

Director Christopher Nolan avoided the fanciful elements that dominate most superhero movies and went for a purely realistic portrayal of the Caped Crusader, explaining his origins and sophisticated gear while presenting a compelling adventure story. Superhero films don’t get any better.

2. “X-2: X-Men United” (2003):

The problem with making a movie about a super team is giving each hero adequate screen time while maintaining a good tale. Director Bryan Singer struck a perfect balance with his second look at Marvel Comics’ X-Men.

3. “Superman: The Movie” (1978):

The special effects may be crude by today’s standards, but Christopher Reeve is the most appealing screen Superman to date. What’s more, director Richard Donner’s look at the hero’s origin was executed with grace.

4. “The Dark Knight” (2008):

This sequel to “Batman Begins” is nearly as good as its predecessor, and Christian Bale’s performance as the title character is matched by a standout performance from the late Heath Ledger, who plays the Joker.

5. “Superman II” (1980):

This Christopher Reeve “Superman” sequel focused on the sacrifices a hero must make to serve mankind. Similar themes have been successfully tackled on the “Smallville” television series and in “Spider-Man 2,” but they weren’t as common when this film hit theaters.

6. “Spider-Man 3” (2007):

Critics weren’t as friendly to director Sam Raimi’s third look at the Wall Crawler as they were his previous entries. But I think this film contains the franchise’s bravest and most interesting moments.

7. “Spider-Man” (2002):

“Spider-Man 3” was great because this film got the franchise off to a great start. Tobey Maguire was an inspired choice to play both Spider-Man and his alter ego, Peter Parker, and he infused the hero with the good-natured modesty that millions of comic book fans have come to love.

8. “X-Men” (2000):

Great casting and an even better story helped director Bryan Singer build a franchise that didn’t jump the shark until Brett Ratner took over in 2006.

9. “Iron Man” (2008):

Director Jon Favreau obviously loves the Iron Man character, so he understood that Robert Downey Jr. would be perfect as the armor-clad hero’s alter ego, Tony Stark. Together, Favreau and Downey have built the foundation for a franchise that could get better with age.

10. “The Incredibles” (2004):

Pixar’s animated take on the world of superheroes is funny, exciting and infinitely clever. As if that’s not enough, it looks good, too.

Runners up:

11. “Blade II” (2002)

12. “Men in Black” (1997)

13. “Batman” (1989)

14. “Unbreakable” (2000)

15. “Superman Returns” (2006)