In a perfect example of what happens when we don’t think things through we give you the next 7 in our countdown from worst to first of the modern comic book movies. That leaves us with 10 to go which will be coming next week so keep an eye out. If you missed the previous entries – Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3.
16 – Iron Man 3
Channeling the runaway sensation that was the Avengers movie, Iron Man 3 roared out of the gates and didn’t look back. Despite the high critical praise and massive numbers, the movie is surprisingly divisive. Featuring a twist that enraged as much as it amused, I personally thought it was a pretty unique twist that allowed Marvel to sidestep the blatant racism that they were portraying in the movie and the almost no way to get around racist portrayal of having the Mandarin as a villain. It still doesn’t really explain where SHIELD was during all of this though…
Box Office – Domestic: $409, Worldwide: $1.215 (billion)
15 – Thor: The Dark World
Now this is what we’re talking about! Thor is wielding Mjolnir all across the galaxy as the Dark Elves rise again to threaten the universe. The invasion of Asgard was SPECTACULAR, Thor and Loki are stand outs yet again and another piece of the Infinity Gauntlet was in play. There was a real downside, though; Thor flies across the universe, battles godlike creatures bent on universal destruction while trying to connect with his supremely powered father and frost giant brother… and then Natalie Portman is there for some reason. Cut her for Thor 3 and we guarantee you it will be much better!
Box Office – Domestic: $206.3, Worldwide: $644.7
14 – Man of Steel
With DC pining for some of that Avengers money, they decided to kickstart a new DC Universe as soon as Nolan’s Batman movies were finished and Superman was the guy to bring about the whole new connected world of DC. I was genuinely pleased with this one. The whole beginning on Krypton, Michael Shannon as Zod and the slight tweaks to Superman’s origins gave this dated story a fresh coat of paint. Sure, Henry Cavill was a little bland, but I’m sure he’ll grow into the role. This movie also featured, easily, the most dramatic amount of collateral damage that I have ever seen. There’s your jaw-dropping action, folks. A billion (fictional) people are now dead because of your insistence.
Box Office – Domestic: $291, Worldwide: $668
13 – X-Men: First Class
Let’s say again, that whoever does the casting for X-Men movies deserves an award! Fassbender, McAvoy, Lawrence, Bacon, Byrne etc, came together for the sorta reboot, sorta prequel, First Class. Set in the ‘60’s, it told the story of the initial group of mutants brought together to stave off World War III which is being carried out by the dastardly Hellfire Club. Fassbender and McAvoy, who are old friends from Band of Brothers, were dynamite as the leads and they re-invigorated a tired old franchise, giving new life to what is arguably the best Marvel property out there.
Box Office – Domestic: $146.4, Worldwide: $353.6
12 – Spider-Man
Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy kicked off with record setting box office numbers and kick started us into the super saturated CBM era. The movie was a solid origin story that suffered a little from Raimi’s direction (jumping in front of the giant American flag how many times?) and some questionable costume choices (Green Goblin) but overall, proved to not only be an excellent entry but also a template for how to make an origin movie. It was great for the Spidey fans!
Box Office – Domestic: $403.7, Worldwide: $821.7
11 – V for Vendetta
With obvious ties to the tales of George Orwell, this movie struck frighteningly close to our current societal woes, while Hugo Weaving kicked ass in a Guy Fawkes mask. With more subtext than what is usually doled out in a CBM, this one sets itself apart for drudging up societal and personal problems with the backdrop of a superhuman ‘terrorist’. Well done, well adapted, great action and a stellar a stellar third act, this one flies under the radar in the CBM talk.
Box Office – Domestic: $70.5, Worldwide: $132.5