The recent release of the new superhero, comic book movie "Iron Man" (one seems to be released every month) and its box-office success has lead me to continue asking the question, why? Why does Hollywood repeatedly make these movies and why does the public repeatedly flock to see them?To answer why Hollywood continues to make these movies, I feel the answer is simply. It deals purely with economics. The films make money. No one ever accussed Hollwyood of being tactful. If they can milk an idea dry and drain it for all the money it is worth, they will. But, why in 2002, starting with "Spider-Man" did they genre take off?
There had of course been comic book adaptations before. The best known were probably the "Batman" series in the late 80s and into the 90s. But those films didn't seem to cause a wave of comic book adaptations. Christopher Reeves in the "Superman" films, while causing a series, never inspired other adaptations in such rapid succession.
Since "Spider-Man" opened the film launched two more sequels, with talks of more on the way and a host of other superheroes. So far we have seen "Daredevil", "The Punisher", "Fantastic Four" and its sequel, "X-Men" and its sequel, "The Hulk" (and with a new one coming out in order to restart the series), a new "Batman" series (with a new one being released this year!) and the start of a new "Superman" series. And with the success of "Iron Man", talks have already started for a sequel.
So what about our current times are leading people to want to see superheroes? Cinema is a reflection of our society. Hollywood will give the public what they want, and for some reason the public wants superhero movies. Could this be part of a deeper commentary on the world? Has what appears to be an endless war in Iraq and the threat of terrorism caused such fear in people that the idea of a super being or group of super beings, protecting us seems comforting?
Maybe it sounds like a far fetching idea, but, we shouldn't merely brush aside the idea. If people have a thirst for these type of movies, it must stand a reason. I don't accept the notion they are merely "fun to watch". If they are "fun to watch" why did the trend only occur now?
But this trend also comments on Hollywood's current state of being. It is running out of ideas. Yes, of course original films are still being made, but, Hollywood is desperately looking for sure fired hits. Films which can be easily marketed and sold to the public with a built-in fan base. Comic books seem to be their answer. Hollywood, at least as far as the big picture studios go, have lost creativity. They no longer want to reinvent the wheel but simply duplicate it over and over again.
And this leads me to my problem with comic book movies. They are bad! I have yet to see one I enjoy. Because the films are marketed towards a very specific audience who understands the product an outsider simply gets lost. When I watch these movies I have no clue with is going on and for the life of me I cannot figure out what is the appeal? All the films seem brain dead. They are little more than eye candy, and not even good eye candy. But I'm not the audience for these films. I'm not who Hollywood is trying to appeal to. Maybe I just don't understand the need people have for seeing a man wearing a cape.
Here are my ratings for the few superhero movies I have seen:
"Spider-Man" * 1\2 (out of ****)
"Spider Man 2" * (out of ****)
"Daredevil" * (out of ****)
"X-Men" * 1\2 (out of ****)
"X-2" * (out of ****)
"The Hulk" ** (out of ****)
"Batman" ** (out of ****)
"Batman Returns" * 1\2 (out of ****)
"Batman Forever" ** 1\2 (out of ****)
"Batman & Robin" * (out of ****)
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