Comic Books + Films = One Dysfunctional Family
Comic books. Film. Comic books into films. This notion of melding these two media forms has been around since the grand inception of the hallowed art of comic book writing. Ever since Batman, Superman, X-men, Ant-man, Iron Man, and Wonder Woman made their triumphant debuts, there has been a stream of comic book to film adaptations; some have succeeded while others are some of the worst cinema to hit since Ed Wood films. Alas, for every single good film (i.e. X-Men 2, Batman Begins, Superman Returns), there are at least two bad or very bad ones (Ghost Rider, Fantastic Four, Elektra, Catwoman, Batman & Robin, etc.
For many of us, comic books were an integral part of understanding the ways of the secular world. If Superman fought for Truth, Justice, and the American way, then I was going to as well; only minus the bright red underwear. Thus when the inevitable happens and some balding suit in a high-rise tower thinks it would be cool to destroy what is left of my childhood and make a poorly made comic book film, a piece of humanity dies. Where’s the justice? C’mon, do you really want to see Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, with him throwing all of the world’s nukes in the sun? Hell no, I want to see some ass-kicking. If I want a quest for peace, I’ll watch a Peace Corps promo video.
There is a bright spot to all of this gloom that the comic book industry hasn’t completely destroyed: directors and writers who actually like the material and stay true to the source material. Chaps like Christopher Nolan (Batman Begins), Bryan Singer (X-men 1-2, Superman Returns), Jon Farveau (Iron Man), Tim Burton (1989 Batman) and Guillermo del Toro (Blade 2, Hellboy). These guys actually wanted to make a true comic book movie and didn’t need to water it down and make all of the characters politically correct or Neanderthals. What resulted was a success where so many others have failed.
When considering the outlook for comic book films, there are still glimmers of hope out there. However, don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security. There will still be enough sub-par material spewed out that lovers and haters of comic book films will get their satisfaction. One film in particular to look forward to is The Dark Knight, the sequel to the impressive Batman Begins, with a stellar cast and the impressive Christopher Nolan directing this film, it looks like it will amaze. Another film coming out is an adaptation of Iron Man. While I remain skeptical, it at least has the potential to be good.
I must also leave a disclaimer: do not see Justice League. Any film that even considers casting Adam Brody (yes, from The O.C.) as Batman or any other role, doesn’t deserve, well, anything.
Comic book films have always been an enigma in today’s film industry. While providing great source material and sometimes decent commentary on different issues, unless handled with care, they become like any other Uwe Boll film: unwatchable, cheese-filled heaps of garbage. The next time you venture away from your house and feel the urge for some comic book kick-ass action, I leave this with you: choose wisely. If you don’t, not much will happen, other than wasting $11.00. In kid-terms, that’s equivalent to a Happy Meal and a G.I. Joe action figure.
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