2016 has been nicknamed by many movie lovers the year of the superheroes. This year alone six big superhero movies or related works have come or are coming out. Most belong to the Marvel cinematic universe but Fox’s X-men universe, DC’s Justice League, and even Paramount’s TMNT are not being left behind. In the end, all these movies leave us licking our lips in excitement.
First, came "Deadpool" in February. "Deadpool" was a long awaited movie, and with a great actor like Ryan Reynolds, people made lines for the big premiere. Finally, comic book lovers would be able to see one of their favorite heroes/antihero on the big screen. This movie would also do "Deadpool" justice and let him be himself on the big screen. In other words, "Deadpool" would be allowed to cuss and many other R rated things. The R rating did not stop millions from dishing out millions of dollars to see this movie. Considering the movie has made around $734 million on a budget of $58 million and is the highest grossing movie of 2016 thus far, it’s safe to say it’s a success.
The second and most recent premiere of the superhero movies this year was Batman vs. Superman. Just the title would excite any comic book/ superhero enthusiast. Two of the most loved DC super heroes fighting each other. Who wouldn’t pay for this? The title itself would attract thousands, regardless of how good the movie might actually be. Sadly this movie was neither great nor terrible. The origin story of Superman had already been introduced in Man of Steel. Superman wasn’t new to us which helped the movie out a lot. On the other hand, Batman was introduced really quickly to the point that his origin story was patchy at best. All we know is that Bruce Wayne’s alter ego, Batman, had been in existence for over twenty years already. Alfred was never really introduced either or how he came about being Bruce’s personal helper/butler/technician/mechanic. Anyone who was not familiar with Batman would’ve been lost. Twenty years is a long time and hopefully DC will find a way to explain everything that transpired before the events of Batman vs. Superman in future Batman solo movies. Knowing DC’s usual work though, don’t cross your fingers hoping. Wonder Woman was another character introduced quickly. Her origin story will of course be introduced in her solo movie next year, but between now and then questions will and are arising. Not only that, but DC is following Marvel studios way of only having one female character to start it off. This may prove to be a costly mistake. DC may have jumped ahead by giving a female character a solo movie first, but it still is following the same sexist agenda Marvel is so heavily criticised by. Hopefully, DC will introduce other female characters soon. "Batman vs. Superman" had many other problems with it but these two are the biggest. Hopefully DC will fix them before the other movies come out. Regardless, "Batman vs. Superman" did just enough to excite people for another DC superhero movie and anticipate DC’s Suicide Squad.
2016 is the year of the superhero and with the first two installments of the six big superhero movies out, I can not wait until the next one. Even Doctor Strange which will easily become the worst movie, from a business perspective, of the six, still sends shivers down my spine in excitement. Stayed tuned, because 2016 is a big year that will lead into a paradise for superhero lovers.
