The Superhero Marathon's Best of 2012

Here we go again - a look at my favorites for the year. To check out past lists: 2010 and 2009

Best Live Action Film
X-Men: First Class
Matthew Vaughn presents a smart, slick and mature look at the X-Men during their formative years. Marked by superb character interaction and sharp performances – James McAvoy is Professor X (a bit of a ladies man), Jennifer Lawrence brings youthful warmth and vulnerability to Mystique, and Michael Fassbinder makes Magneto a complex figure, both likable and haunted with a dangerous edge.

Best Animated Film
All-Star Superman
Though episodic, All-Star is an imaginative, intricate and thought provoking film that focuses on the death of Superman. The story has a lot of heart and spends as much time on the personalities as it does the action. In his last days the hero accomplishes great feats, attempts to tidy up his affairs and come to terms with friends, family and foes. He also reveals his secret to his great love - Lois, their interaction in particular, is touching. Of course there is an action packed finish, but it provides several left turns, which kept it fresh and unique.

Best Original (Not Based on Comic)
Super
Subversive insanity from James Gunn. Rainn Wilson plays a messed up loser who dons tights in order to save his wife from a drug kingpin. Aiding him is the sociopath Boltie (Ellen Page). The story mixes the spiritual and some truly heartfelt moments, with biting comedy and graphic violence. I found this controversial, low budget flick, a hilarious/sick, kick in the tail (or -wrench to the head – in this case)

Best DVD discovery
Griff the Invisible
While there is a crime fighter on the cover, it's not so much a superhero movie, as a sweet art-house romance between 2 odd people who like living in their imaginations. The script isn't sharp enough to elevate the film into the realm of greatness. But it features enjoyable performances and has its low-key charms.

Best Actor
Michael Fassbender, Magneto – X-Men First Class
Fassbender has become a personal favorite through his work in Independent film (Fish Tank, Hunger). He is actor with soulful and intense eyes and an understated expressiveness that serves Magneto well. As Erik "Magneto" Lenscherr, Michael brings the Sean Connery swagger -he even has a bass throbbing John Barry style musical theme- while maintaining his own uniqueness of character.

Best Actress
Ellen Page as Libby in Super
Page plays Boltie, and you'll either love or loath her. She's over the top and completely mad – laughing like a shrill loon as she bashes bad guys. I thought Page was great, even when she was annoying she was a blast. Hon. Mention: Maeve Dermody's quirky turn as Melody in "Griff the Invisible".

Best Voice Actor
Anthony LaPaglia as Lex Luthor in All-Star Superman
LaPaglia as Lex was smoothly sinister. I've never been that fond of the bald baddie, but this Luthor is actually frighteningly psychotic; it's one of the best versions of the character I've seen and shows off a few unexpected layers.

Best Fight
Magneto vs. Shaw, end battle. X-Men First Class
I loved the end battle in Super, but when Erik and Shaw square off in X-Men, it's one for the ages. What Magneto does is both bad ass and poetic.

Best Score
X-Men
Henry Jackman earns this if only for the bass throbbing John Berry style Magneto theme.

Best Quotes
From Thor
Jane Foster: "How'd you get inside that cloud?"
Darcy: "Also, how could you eat an entire box of Pop-Tarts and still be this hungry?"

Agent Garrett: [about Thor's Asgard buddies] "Is there a Renaissance Fair in town?"
Agent Jackson: "Call it in."
Agent Garrett: "Yeah. Uh, base, we've got, uh, Xena, Jackie Chan, and Robin Hood."

From Super
Frank D'Arbo: "People look stupid when they cry"

Frank to Jacques: "You don't butt in line! You don't sell drugs! You don't molest little children! You don't profit off the misery of others! The rules were set a long time ago! They don't change!"

Jacques: "You really think that killing me... stabbing me to death is going to change the world?"
Frank D'Arbo: "I can't know that for sure, unless I try."

From All-Star Superman
Jimmy Olsen: "Are you sure don't want to speak at the memorial service? Thousands of people are there paying their respects."
Lois Lane: "He's not dead. He's up there fixing the sun. And when he's done, he'll be back. And I'll be here waiting for him."

The Superhero Marathon's Best of 2010

Here we are once again with another look at my favorites from the year. To revisit last years best, click here... 2009

Best Live Action Film
Kick-Ass
Get used to seeing this title, as Matthew Vaughn's action packed film dominates this years awards. Exciting, brutal with a touch of humanity and humor. The movie lives up to his name and IMHO, it surpasses the comic by leaps and bounds. Kick-Ass is a blast that both teases and pays homage to the genre.

Best Animated Film
Megamind
Director Tom McGrath delivers a frequently funny, but surprisingly well told story of a villain who is thrust into the role of hero. The question of destiny vs. choice, the yin/yang of the hero/villain relationship and a great cast of actors who bring depth to their characters, makes Megamind more than the usual Hollywood eye candy.

Best Original (Not based on a comic)
Defendor
A great cast elevates this story of slow-witted man (Woody Harrelson) who dons a costume and scours the city for the evil Captain Industry. While there are funny elements, this isn't a comedy and can be rather dark - as well as moving. Kat Dennings co-stars as a hooker who helps Defendor in his cause

Best Made For TV Movie
Smallville "Absolute Justice"
Once again, there wasn't much to chose from so I'll go with this 2 hour event from the Smallville television show. While not everything works, seeing the colorful Justice Soceity -from Dr. Fate to Stargirl- was a blast.

Best Short
The Spectre
I enjoyed all of the first 3 releases from the Warners/DC line, but Spectre gets my vote as it packs in everything I love about the character in its short time frame. Made to look like a 70s detective/horror film, the animation is gorgeous, the story is scary and the voicework superb.

Best Actor
Woody Harrelson as Arthur Poppington, "Defendor"
Harrelson really brings Arthur Poppington to life – we witness his fears and frustrations, as well as his kind heart and dogged determination. Though there are laughs to be had (as when he does his "Batman" voice), the script doesn’t make fun of our hero (though some characters do) and in many ways there's a certain gentleness to it, and that's key to the success of the movie and to Woody’s performance. He makes Arthur someone I genuinely cared about.
Honorable mention: Nic Cage as Big Daddy in "Kick-Ass"

Best Actress
Chloe Grace Moretz as Hit Girl, "Kick-Ass"
There was outstanding work from Kat Dennings in Defendor and I'd love to call it a tie, but if I can only chose one - Chloe's pint sized assassin left an indelible impression and got some of the funniest –foul mouthed- lines.

Best Voice Actor
James Woods as Owl Man, "Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths"
Woods' take on the calculating sociopath existentialist was chilling.


Best Fight
Kick-Ass
Kick-Ass is rife with great action scenes. Hit Girl takes on druggies, Big Daddy tackles the mob, Hit-Girl’s one girl assault on the mob kidnappers. Honorable mention to the racetrack fight between Whiplash and Stark - who later dons the suitcase armor - "Iron Man 2".

Best Score
Kick-Ass
4 composers worked on this but instead of sounding scattershot, it works. I like the John Williams Superman tribute, the jaunty piece with the horn and the pulse pounding rocking bit when Big Daddy single handedly takes on the mob (quoted later at his death). All told a memorable score accentuated with some cool rock numbers.

Best Quotes
From Iron Man 2 Trailer:
Tony Stark: [about to jump out of a plane] Okay, give me a smooch for good luck, I might not make it back!
[Instead, Pepper kisses Stark's helmet and throws it out of the plane]
Pepper Potts: Go get 'em, boss!
Tony Stark: [diving after the helmet] You complete me!

From Iron Man 2:
Tony Stark: [to Nick Fury regarding "The Avengers" initiative] I told you I don't want to join your super-secret boy band.

From Batman: Under the Red Hood - Jason Todd’s speech to Batman near the end, asking why Joker is still alive, which concludes with... "Why? I'm not talking about killing Penguin or Scarecrow or Dent. I'm talking about him. Just him. And doing it because... Because he took me away from you."

From Megamind:
Hal: Who are you?
Megamind: [looking like Jor-El] I'm like your space dad.
Hal: Wow.
Megamind: You've been blessed with unfathomable powers.
Hal: What kind of power?
Megamind: Unfathomable. It's like, uh, without fathom...

From Defendor:
Chuck Dooney: [Being "tortured" by Defendor] Please, God, not the lime juice!

Kick-Ass has a bunch, but most are not suitible to print on my PG-13 blog. lol

My Favorite Superheroines (and bad girls)

Catwoman
Selina Kyle is slinky, lithe, playful, smart, independent and the dangerous type. She’s worn a variety of get ups; somehow she makes anything look good on her. A great character and foil/love interest for the Bat. I like the way Adam Hughes drew her, she looks a little like Audrey Hepburn (facially). While her feature film was a bomb, Michelle Pfeiffer in "Batman Returns" and Julie Newmar on TV have portrayed her nicely.




Emma Frost
Marvel hottest bad girl. Independent and gorgeous -villain turned X-Man- Emma can turn her skin into rock hard diamonds and has mental powers to rival Jean Gray. I like that she's her own woman, she makes the rules. You might think you got her figured out then she'll do a complete 180.

Black Widow
Her costume is a basic black cat suit with wristbands that shoot out lines of rope or a shock (called the widows bite) Russian agent Natasha Romanov is sexy, strong willed and crafty. Even in the crowded Alpha male world of the Avengers she stood out, tough and an equal to all. And Widow only sees men who can keep up with her - Hawkeye, Daredevil and Tony Stark (Iron Man). I'm looking forward to seeing her on film.

Supergirl
Kara has gone by many names and been seen in many forms. I've always preferred her to her cousin Clark. Maybe because she's flawed, more relatable. I love what Sterling Gates has done with her. She's still maturing so she stumbles here and there, but is always striving to do and be her best. I also loved Bruce Timm's version of her in the JLU. Younger, impulsive and trying to live up to her name - I got a kick at the way she'd stick her tongue out at someone who displeased her

Stargirl
Under Geoff Johns careful guidance, Courtney has grown into one of DCs best. First, teamed up with her Stepfather (S.T.R.I.P.E) and later as a vital member of the JSA. Johns created a teenager, who acted like a teenager. We watched her mature and go through her highlights and heartaches. She's got spunk and though young, she has great resolve and delivers in a crisis! I like her sporty costume and the staff bequeathed to her from the former Starman.

Black Canary
Gail Simone helped turn Canary into a great character in her run on "Birds of Prey". Sure, Dinah Lance looks great in that uniform, but more importantly she's tough as nails, a confident leader as well as a compassionate friend and able team-mate. Trained by Wildcat, she’s an exceptional hand-to-hand fighter and has that cool canary scream that can waylay the mightiest foes.

Harley Quinn
I don’t like clowns and I’m tired of the Joker’s shtick (Though he does bring out the best in many actors and voice over performers) But Harley is the exception. She’s ditzy and dangerous and somehow... cute in that get up!

Phoenix
When John Byrne drew Jean Gray as Phoenix, it was amazing. Her change into a stronger character was an improvement. But when she became Dark Phoenix she got even cooler. That bird flame thing that surrounded her, the dark red costume, the sash. Beautiful and bad-ass as anything out there.

Giant Girl
This version of a younger Janet Van Dyne was one of the highlights of the early "Marvel Adventures Avengers" series. She was a lot of fun as she had an interesting, cute, clever personality. Plus she’s a giant. I Love giants, I love how they look towering among the skyscrapers and picking up small baddies like they were dolls. I love this cover too, Giant Girl as the 60 Foot Woman.

Batgirl
There have been many versions of Batgirl, my favorite resides in Bruce Timm’s animated universe. While I've liked all the women who wore the cowl, no one surpasses Barbara Gordon. Who now puts her keen mind to use as Oracle, the mentor and helper to Gotham's heroes as well as the leader of the "Birds of Prey".

Elektra
Frank Miller did a wonderful thing when he introduced Elektra to the pages of Daredevil. What a superb, well rounded love story, what a superb well rounded character. This was the first time I ever saw sai’s, very cool. Too bad her movie wasn't up to snuff.

Deadly Girl
She didn’t come from a comic book, but was rather born on film as a member of “The Specials” – This was a pretty funny comedy and Deadly Girl was my favorite character. A snarky Goth girl who can enter the world of the dead. She can also summon forth demons, but sometimes that goes awry. Actress Judy Greer nailed it, she made DG stand out amongst a crowded and talented cast.

Rogue
The troubled Rogue was a different character in the films - in the comics she was proactive, she flew and brawled with the best of them. That white stripe in her hair stood out, as did her 'primarily' green uniforms. Later she hooked up with that Cajun guy, but I was a fan long before he came on the scene

Wonder Woman
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Wonder Woman – Diana was never one of my favorites, I didn’t care for the costume, but her character is what eventually made me a fan. She's a warrior who kowtows to no one, but she’s also a loving and loyal person. Princess Diana is intelligent and a smart tactician and a talented writer/artist who understands that can use this to stage some memorable fight sequences. Watch the "Justice Leagues Crisis on Two Earths" DVD and note the battle with Superwoman. She might be matched in brute strength, but she is without peer as a tactician. She beats Superwoman because she’s smarter, more skilled - more than just muscle.

Caitlin Fairchild
Created by Jim Lee and Brandon Choi for their Gen 13 comic. I loved the early stories of this team, and Fairchild stood head and shoulders above the rest as my favorite. She was not only an attractive red head, but super strong and smart as a whip. I actually didn’t care for Adam Hughes muscle bound version of Caitlin and prefer J Scott Campbell’s lanky, lean, Amazon look. I felt it was a unique way to portray a powerhouse figure.

The Huntress
Helena has been seen in many guises; my favorites were with her teamed up with Canary in Birds of Prey and in the animated JLU. The episode "Double Date" was one of the series best, and was the first pairing of her with the Question. The 2 made a strange, but nice couple.

Honorable Mention: Ms Marvel - Always liked the costume, she made a good Avenger and I enjoyed her in Iron Man's comics (though I hate how some writers have treated her. That thing with her and Marcus was messed up)

Honorable Mention: Ghost - The first time my eyes were awed by Adam Hughes gorgeous artwork, was in the pages of Ghost. A character from the "Dark Horse" superworld Arcadia. This mysterious pistol packing heroine was trying to solve her own murder, and would later been seen teaming up with characters such as Batgirl and Hellboy

Favorite Non-Super: Gwen Stacey - Peter Parker might have been a picked on nerd, but he sure dates the prettiest women. Gwen was the best, she was a sweetie. Man, how it broke my young heart when she died. I've also got to give a shout out to Tony Stark’s gal pals, Bethany Cabe and Pepper Potts. Two smart, confident, cool women that made the pages of Iron Man a much better place.

How many is too many superhero movies?

When it comes to the question of comic book flicks, many critics and bloggers are like a needle stuck on an old record album, repeating the same thing over and over and over. Every year they bitch about their being too many comic book films. Frankly I’m sick of hearing it, so I decided to put it to the test.

First off: Lets be truthful, when people use the word ‘comic book movies’ they really mean ‘superhero flicks’. I’ve yet to read a complaint about Eastern Promises or Road to Perdition being released (just 2 of several non supers comic book based film).

Anyway - I used the year 2008, because it had the most superhero releases. I did a count, and give or take a movie I might have missed or miscounted, here’s what I found.

Of the roughly 445 films released to theaters in 08, 10 were Superhero films (including Wanted, which doesn’t have a cape in sight, but I’ll include it. And Jumper, which was a book not a comic, but it did display extraordinary powers).

10 - about the same number of animated children’s features that where released in 2008.

And both those were surpassed by the 25 or so scary movies I saw listed that year.

But no one says, "God why do they keep making of all these cartoons and horror flicks!"

10 super flicks out of 445 releases, that's too much -- That's a glut of one genre? I have to ask, what's the real problem here, folks? Is it the hype? Is it that they make money and get so much attention? Are you simply tired of hearing about a type of movie you personally can’t stand?

Okay, I get that. But lets keep it in perspective. This handful of crime fighting flicks isn't ruining filmdom, any more than the Western or the Sci-fi, or the Arnold/Willis/Stallone action oeuvre did at their peak. The capes aren't the only game in town. In truth they are vastly out numbered by comedies and dramas etc. You have literally hundreds of options, a veritable cornucopia of genres to choose from each year. The are indies and art films and foreign fare... it's all still out there, superhero’s didn’t make them go away.

This film season will offer us 3 - Kick-Ass, Iron Man and the Green Hornet. But somebody, somewhere will inevitably whine about them too.. I gather all I can do is close the haters out and sit back and enjoy the ‘super’ ride while it lasts.

Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E.

Smallville’s “Absolute Justice” put me in the mood to check out both Stargirl and Geoff Johns' comic book debuts. Finding a nice price on the 2 volumes for “Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E.” I purchased both and settled in for a good nights read.

A little set up: Though I’m a fan of Johns work, I don’t think I’m as big a fan as others. Granted, what he did on Green Lantern... the way he brought back Hal Jordan was brilliant, intelligently written. I believe that was Johns at his absolute peak. But, I feel he gets a bit too busy as he goes on. I wasn't as impressed with the popular Sinestro Corps War or even Blackest Night. They are loaded with sound and fury, but little else. Neither have the depth of character or story for something I’d consider great. Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing was great, as was John Ostrander’s Spectre. Both were able to tackle a huge storyline and offer compelling character development as well. Generally, neither Johns nor his big events reach those levels of artistry.

I compare his writing to a candy bar – both are tempting and sweet tasting. While it might not be filling, that’s okay, I like a “Milky Way” now and again. Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E is probably Geoff at his most light and fluffy and Milky Wayish. It is -in his own words- rather green, especially at the start. The narrative doesn’t flow seamlessly and there is little character development, as the primary figures simply bicker and do little else. As the series went on we can see Geoff’s growth as both he and his protagonist mature.

The premise: Pat Dugan, who used to be the sidekick Stripesy to golden age hero The Star Spangled Kid, has just remarried and moved his new bride and her teenage daughter Courtney Whitmore, to a small town. Courtney expresses her unhappiness with this situation frequently. She’s pretty much a brat, treating Pat like dirt and doing whatever she can to get under his skin. She gets an opportunity to do just that when she discovers Star Spangled Kids’ cosmic belt and costume among Pat’s belongings. She adapts the uniform and wears it to a costume party/dance knowing it’ll bug her new stepfather. When baddies attack the dance she’s thrust into action, with Pat – now suited in robotic armor – looking to protect and keep her out of harms way.

The first volume sees the new Star Spangled Kid learning the ropes; there are strange goings on at her School and new town to keep her busy. S.T.R.I.P.E tags along and gets no end of grief from Courtney – loveable is not a word I’d use for her, she’s of High School age so it fits, but it took me a while to warm up to the girl. In these 8 issues the duo team up with the likes of Captain Marvel and Young Justice and do battle with goofy baddies such as… Paintball?

The art by Lee Moder is cartoony. I like his line work and composition. There’s a nice movement and flow in his pages. Unfortunately he can draw some ugly looking woman, maybe not Jack Kirby ugly, but ladies faces frequently foil him. Marked by large eyes, a narrow chin (rather light bulb shaped heads) and rubbery lips. Check out page 33 in Vol 1, Gaa! Is that supposed to be the face of a young girl or a Zanti Misfit?

His designs and renditions for S.T.R.I.P.E remind me of a Saturday morning cartoon figure, very old school in style. I like it, though the barrel-chest come off a bit exaggerated in some panels. Lee’s fight sequences aren't bad - not the best or the best choreographed, but not bad. They are clean and easy to read, if too static in places (for example: Vol 1, pg 158 panel 2 - the scene is too stiff, which lessens the clairity and impact of the moment). Lee would give way to the workman like Scott Kolins in later issues. Kolins is more realistic, but his panels are not as dynamic and crisp as Moder’s.

In Volume 2 the duo team up with the new Starman and the old Shining Knight, and wrap up their feud with the evil Dragon King and his daughter Shiv. We get to meet Pat’s annoying son from another marriage. He’s not an asset. And Johns bogs down some pages with excessive exposition (especially in the pages devoted to Shining Knight's comings and goings). But he also gives Courtney a few more layers. She jumped into the hero game so quickly and seemed pretty fearless for the most part, so it was nice to see her softening up a bit. There’s a heartrending sequence when her biological father shows up at her doorstep, and she and Pat have some nice moments, which were a welcome respite from the bickering.

All told these early tales of the future Stargirl were overall enjoyable fun. She's not as noble a young female hero as Supergirl. She’s not as kick ass cool as the Huntress or Marvel's Black Widow. As far as teenage heroes go; I didn’t find her as likeable and relatable as say, a Peter Parker. But Courtney does have her moments. She’s got spunk, and Johns and Moder kept me entertained with her and Pat's fast paced, colorful adventures. So... good candy!

Note: DC could have done a better job of filling in the gaps, provided a page directing us to crossovers (there is one obvious jump between issues in vol. 1) or told us where to go next for more Star Spangled stories. Research lead me to “JSA: Justice Be Done”, but DC could help themselves –sales wise- and do us fans a favor by giving us a quick and easy directory in their trade paperbacks

Push and Dark City on Blu-ray

Some critics complain that superhero flicks are too simplistic; Push got knocked for being too complicated. I guess there’s no pleasing some folks. With Dark City I’ve read that Alex Proyas and his actors did the ‘displaced thing’ all too well, to the point where they were not relate-able. I don’t understand that sentiment - I must be so well acquainted with feeling lost and unsure that I was able to relate a lot to the characters and found it the films strength. Never the less, I’m not interested in making this my bully pulpit. These are not intended as put downs, it’s just an example of the wide landscape of taste and expectation. Not every film is for everybody but these two were right for me.

Neither film is pure superhero per say. No one in Push dons tights to fight crime. Dark City does have a character come to power, but is viewed more as sci-fi horror. Both though, do have comic book elements that appeal to me. I recently found both on sale on blu-ray and put in an order.

The Push disc didn’t provide any new extras from the DVD, it simply delivers a stunning picture. I loved the look of this film. The cinematography had a grainy, indie feel to it and though I could be wrong, it doesn’t look like they tried to smooth it out through DNR - the details and facial characteristics (pores, moles and other marks) seem intact. Plus I didn’t see any compression issues. So it’s a good-looking release, and as for the story - I enjoy that it’s complicated, that it forces me to think and pay attention This factor keeps things fresh on repeat viewings too.

Dark City: As you would guess, it’s a very dark picture but the blacks look good. Color and detail is crisper and truer than on the DVD release. I did notice some compression, but it was so minor as to not be an issue. The great thing is that this disc includes both the theatrical and directors cut. I'm not happy, for example, that Underworld is only available in the inferior extended cut. Would it have hurt them to include both versions, like the producers of Dark City did? In addition that that, this blu-ray releases is packed with informative extras and several commentaries (on both versions).

The director’s cut offers a pop up option, which guides you through the changes made (something I was curious about), and I have to say, as much as I loved the theatrical, the new version is even better. It amps up the mystery so nicely that I wish this was the way I could have watch the movie from the start. I love the sense of discovery and illumination on a mystery, which was all but lost with the studio mandated intro on the original cut (now removed on the director’s)

Dark City is an evocative tale; it’s loaded with style and substance. The look and direction is stunning, the score adds to the surreal atmosphere. I am also moved by these peoples plight, even more so on the new edit. For example: In the director’s cut Jennifer Connelly singing vocals are restored. Her voice isn’t strong but that’s the way it should be. She isn’t supposed to be a singer, these people probably aren’t supposed to be together… everything is off kilter and this adds to the sense of loss, as well as dread and the need to set things right (or as right as they can be). I don’t know why others found this film and story remote, because it touched me deeply and I number it as one of my all time favorites

My original review for Push.

The Phantom on Blu-ray

As a big fan of this flick, I eagerly rushed out to buy a copy on the day of its blu-ray debut. My thoughts? While I was happy to see the detailed designs on the costume pop like never before, and that the print wasn't marred by any of the compression or ghosting issues I've seen on even big blockbuster releases... the movie was in desperate need of a good cleaning! The picture is rife with grain and specks and what not. There are some interior shots, in the cave etc, that look terrible. Reducing the backlighting, going from standard to movie mode helped make it a little less noticeable, but that cuts into the detail and vibrancy. If you're going to release a movie in Blu-ray, where very flaw will be noticed, you at least need to do some kind -any kind- of restoration. It also would have been nice if Lionsgate could have provided a decent extra. Such as a retrospective, or an interview with Director Simon Wincer, even a commentary track. I know the Phantom has a small following, but its Blu-ray release deserved to pack a little more punch than this.

My original review of the movie... The Phantom