Last week I was able to go to the movie theater to finally watch “Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice.” Yes, finally. With it being all the rage, I had to go and see it for myself. I will admit that I was enthralled the entire time. What I was surprised to notice is the difference between the audience members during the showing. One would see an eight year old boy and further down the row a fifty year old woman. The audience itself was large in numbers. So, my question is what brings out so many people to watch these superhero movies?
These past couple of years have been huge for Marvel and DC comics. Everywhere you turn there is a new superhero movie that is coming to theaters or being remade. When you go to the theater, you should expect to see a new trailer that involves superpowers and the newest upcoming actors proving their worth. Even clothing stores, like Primark for instance, sell superhero merchandise of t-shirts and accessories. It has become part of our culture in the twenty first century. But what makes it so?
It’s the idea of change. In the 1950s and 1960s you would go to see what? A western movie. Now in the twenty first century we go to see superhero movies. It is called change and the adaptability through technology. Back then, the idea of making a superhero movie with all the amazing special effects would have been a laughable thought. Now, with the technology that we have, we are able to make that idea come to life in the theater. There is also the idea of change in stereotypes. Years ago, the geek in high school who loves comic books would be bullied and an outcast. Today, people are more accepting and embracing of the culture of “nerds.” Being smart is now attractive and it is not diminishing.
DC and Marvel are embracing the popularity of their comic books and movies. They have plans made for movie slates that continue into 2018, for DC, and 2020, for Marvel. Each superhero movie that has recently come out has grossed over 100 million dollars. No wonder Marvel and DC are continuing to make movies.
To make word of it lightly, we will never know what truly causes these movies to become so popular in today’s audience. Maybe it is the hope of having someone come to our rescue? Maybe it is the fact that gives us a three hour escape from our daily lives? Maybe it is the display of how our population reacts to change and diversity? Maybe it attracts people because it shows that differences can be accepted after some time? Maybe it also shows that no matter how much different a person may be, a superhero, they have to face the realities of humanity just as much as we do.
Overall, we have to give a slow clap to Marvel and DC for changing our thoughts of entertainment for today’s movie goers. And let us hope that they continue to make enthralling movies that have continuously done. If you have never seen and or personally witnessed such movies as these, maybe try to go see Suicide Squad in theaters August 5, 2016 and maybe it will change your mind on superheroes.
