Just a mere couple weeks ago, theaters nationwide released the sixth mainstream blockbuster to be based within the comic book movie genre. Ten years ago, we’d be lucky to receive one major film based on a popular superhero but now we’re being spoiled dry. And a quick look at upcoming slates shows that we’ll be receiving more than six comic book movies on a yearly basis. I don’t know about you, but I definitely don’t see an implosion incoming soon. So before watching comic book movies becomes something nobody wants to do anymore due to over saturation and over exposure, I thought it’d be fun to rank the six comic book movies (inspired by the latest podcast for movie aficionados, the Schmoes Know Movie Show) from worst to best according to my own personal tastes. It’s also important to note that my opinion does not equate with fact therefore anger shall not be spewed if disagreements descend upon oneself.
6. Suicide Squad
This anti-hero ensemble directed by David Ayer had a solid idea in concept but it did not show in execution. Watching a group of villains reluctantly team up together to face a fiercer foe should’ve been a lot of fun to watch but it ended up feeling more frustrating than anything else. A stellar cast with infectious chemistry was butchered by an insufferable screenplay and editing job. Ultimately, there are more than a handful of elements that create for an enjoyable ride and optimistic future but the overall product did not live up to expectations. I still look forward to seeing the Suicide Squad in the DC Cinematic Universe but I have no desire to watch this first installment again.
5. X-Men Apocalypse
Fans of the X-Men franchise have been happy campers since Days of Future Past released, seeing as it’s recalled as one of the best superhero films in recent times. Fans were also ecstatic for the next installment due to the introduction of perhaps the most formidable adversary in these characters’ rogue gallery. But what I was treated to personally, was a bland and “by-the-numbers” story that took several complacent routes while also wasting potential throughout the runtime. The action was exhilarating and the characters were engaging but there was a lack of heart. There’s nothing terribly wrong with the film but it doesn’t do anything risky like prior films have done and because of that, X-Men Apocalypse is unfortunately forgettable.
4. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
There was tremendous pressure and ridiculously high expectations set upon this sequel to the first outing for the DC Cinematic Universe, Man of Steel. People have been waiting for their whole lives to see Batman and Superman battle on the big screen. Such expectations could bury any movie but to be perfectly honest, there’s much to admire in the movie we received even though there are an abundance of flaws carried over too. Visually, Batman v Superman is crafted like a beautiful painting and in various moments there are glimmers of hope shining through within the tumultuous plot. I cannot personally defend the way the story is told as well as the actual story itself, but it’s unwarranted how much hatred is associated with this movie. As dreary and incredibly serious as it could be, at least it is honestly trying to be something different.
3. Doctor Strange
Marvel Studio’s track record has been very consistently positive lately to the point where I’ve been asking myself, when will they slip up and jump the shark? Well, that possibility apparently won’t be occurring anytime soon because Doctor Strange was an inventive origin story that tells it’s story in an incredibly fun visual way. The structure of the origin for Stephen Strange is a structure you’ve seen many times before but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. For all the safe ways the story is told, there are also many ways the film takes risks. The exposition of the mythology of sorcery in the Marvel universe is quite heavy, but this film teaches audiences in clever ways that feel accessible in the best way. Once again thanks to Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill, Marvel has made a seemingly impossible task work with ease. If I was stuck in an infinite time loop watching Doctor Strange over and over again, I honestly wouldn’t mind.
2. Deadpool
The most successful superhero film of the year was successful for all the right reasons and it was also quite a “game-changer.” Deadpool was not afraid to be itself with it’s naughty humor and violent action sequences. Ryan Reynolds was born to play Wade Wilson and for all the years it took to get this movie made, it paid off in spades. The approach to marketing Deadpool deserves an article on it’s own but the main reason why the movie is so good is because it does nothing but take risks. The safest aspect of the movie is the romance that binds the story together but the romance is handled with such heart and care. This movie came into the world with a vital purpose of reminding studios that not all major blockbusters have to follow the textbooks in order to make something magical happen. Magical in this case though, happens to involve masturbatory jokes.
1. Captain America: Civil War
Reaching back into the Marvel well, it’s not easy to continually innovate and engage audiences so heavily within the same universe of movies with sequels but Captain America: Civil War proves that it can be done. After over 8 years of seeing these characters, the Russo Brothers directed a film that reminds us just how much we love them but at the same time tears you apart seeing them divided. This movie is an ideal culmination of everything we’ve seen prior that evolves toward an inevitable fate but has a lot of fun doing it. The introduction to new characters, the lighthearted levity for the drama, the engaging action sequences, and the story all come together beautifully. Watching this movie is like watching one of your favorite couples break up but you can understand why both significant others feel the way they do as they separate. And as much as you don’t want to see them move on from each other, you know it has to happen. Captain America: Civil War has also become very culturally relevant to the times whether it was intentional or not, but it’s emotionally resonant for being so. In my eyes, it’s the best comic book movie of 2016 and you should see it if you haven’t already.
