Fortunately, there seems to be a cure. Lately moviemakers have taken to a new trend of adapting previously established comic book heroes to film. These films have been quite successful, and examples include the X-men, Fantastic 4, The Hulk, and The Dark Knight, among many others. Why, though, does this trend continue to be so popular?
Perhaps it has to do with the special effects that these movies tend to utilize, effects that have become more available recently as our technologies have advanced. Moviegoers also seem to enjoy more realistic movies, which may be why these movies are more popular than the original cartoon and low-end renditions of the same characters. Why though, are comic book movies as a whole moving up when there are so many other choices out there, genres that have been established by decades of success?
One theory we’ve concocted is that good material is good material, no matter what form it takes. Just like bad writing is bad writing, no matter how grammatically perfect it is, bad movie material still doesn’t deserve the big screen even when it’s juiced up by all of our modern-day special effects. Good material, though, may be difficult to appreciate when it is viewed through the lens of outdated media.
It is for this reason that we propose the recent proliferation of these comic book movies to be the result of good material finally having a chance to prove itself by being produced as good media. Other previously established realms have moved to the big screen as well when their opportunities came, such as C. S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia and Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Our American superheroes have just been waiting for their chance, and now the recognition they deserve is finally within their grasp.
Even now the trend continues, and film producers are currently working on movies such as Kick-Ass, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, and The Green Lantern.
So what do you think - are comic book movies here to stay? Will their kind continue for generations to come? Only time will tell, but in the meanwhile there’s much work left to be done in bringing our already popular heroes up to par with our current capabilities.
I think the main reason super heroes are popular is because a lot of people want to live in a fantasy world. How great would it be to have little super heroes running around defeating crime? We wouldn't have to worry about violence in our neighborhoods. What if Batman lived in Athens, Ohio? He would practically defeat anything evil: bad professors, drug dealers, etc. Women would not have to worry about getting raped walking back to their dorm late at night. Why? Because Batman would be there to save you. I’ll try not to stretch my imagination too far, but super heroes, in my mind, are an easy solution to the problems we ordinarily face as human beings. With technology getting better, it has become easier to make these comic book characters look as if they are in real life. Some people take what they see in movies and apply it to real life. I recently heard that several people committed suicide after watching Avatar because the world (Avatar) depicted in the movie was far superior to our world. For me, I would much rather watch a super hero movie than say, a romantic comedy. Why? Because a romantic comedy does not fuel my imagination. Also, the movie trailer for Kick-Ass reminded me of the Boondock Saints dressed up in corny outfits. I do not think comic books are here to stay because technology has defeated their purpose. I do, however, think their legacy will live on through the movie screen.
ReplyDeleteI feel like these comic books/coming books movies so popular because who does not enjoy seeing their childhood interests come to the big screen? I agree with Brett, these comic books and movies create a world of imagination and a lot of people want to live in a fantasy world. Although, I do not feel like the comic book movies are going to remain popular for a really long time. I think movie writers are going to run out of coming book movies to make that keep a mass audience interested. Also, if comic books have suffered a fall in popularity why wouldn't comic book movies? Although, I do think that the major ones like Batman and Superman will be passed on from generation to generation because they are classics.
ReplyDeleteI connect part of this blog to the first blog about homosexual roles in the media. I made this connection because I believe it reinforces the idea that media is for entertainment. In my opinion, the reason these comic book heroes are being used so much in new movies is because they are very entertaining. Not only are the stories fantastic and exciting, but as the blog authors said the new age of graphics and technology have made these stories even more realistic, and therefore, more enjoyable. Comic hero movies provide an escape, and as Brett said, allow the viewer to use their imagination. I admit, the new Kick-Ass movie seems awesome not just because it looks funny, but because the idea of common people deciding to become superheroes is fun to think about. What if that actually happened? Could I do it? Obviously these are completely hypothetical and ridiculous questions, but it’s something to think and talk about. This is why I think the movie, The Boondock Saints, is such a hit. It’s exhilarating, action packed, and it makes people think, “what if”? Movies such as The Boondock Saints and The Dark Knight seem so similar to real-life, yet they are so unbelievable you can’t look away. For this reason I feel that maybe not superhero movies specifically will be popular forever, but action-packed fantasy movies that border on reality will be for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteFor me, I’ve always liked comic book movies because they’re mostly normal people, with one super power or two, who help get all the bad guys. Like the bloggers said, it’s awesome to see these comics be tackled by real people and big movie budgets. And the special effects don’t hurt. Just like Brett pointed out, who wouldn’t want to live in a fantasy world for a while? It’s free of crime and fear... except when all havoc breaks loose. But for the most part, it’s a nice little world where everyone is content. And when you read comics or novels, you get sucked into that world and become pretty carefree yourself. At least, that’s the case where I’m concerned. Anytime any sort of literature becomes a movie, I’m ecstatic. I love to read and when a book that has had a big impact on me becomes a movie, it’s like I’ll actually get to see all the characters in real life. It’s fun to compare what the movie turns out to be with what I’ve already thought up in my head. I’m sure for comic fans get the same feeling when some big shot director known for creating great action flicks picks up a comic book movie idea. And… it doesn’t hurt that these movies have people like Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale playing main characters. Just saying.
ReplyDeleteI believe comic books are here to stay, no doubt. There will always be that cult fallowing of people who are fascinated by the heroic cycles and artwork that make the stories come to life. I understand everyone is inspired by different things, but What's more captivating than something that feeds your imagination? You can often spot someone wearing a Gambit, Green Lantern, or a similar character t-shirt to find a follower. Comic authors are also increasing transitioning into graphic novels instead of your shorter traditional comic which could possibly be considered a more modern approach. In being a librarian this is interesting for me, and what others might find surprising, is that I’d say our science fiction books are almost easily checked out just as often as our fiction books. Even more amusing is possibly how most people probably don't even realize when they are viewing a show or movie that is based off of a comic book, such as Scooby-doo for example. On a larger scale many comic characters have even had periods of almost being icons such as superman in the nineties, weather the followers had ever picked up a comic or not. The decline in comic followers is certainly in relation to new technology, the same as books in general. I mean, we certainly aren't watching the quality of Adam West form the sixties, but the story still lives on. The big screen will always be looking to comics. Furthermore, new technologies are encouragement for these stories even more so, even if it’s simply just to outdo the last. I mean, what is America all about? Always pushing to do things bigger and better than before, right?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bfHsOPxSBE&feature=related
I feel that this blog ties into the “Immortality is SO romantic” blog. I agree that the overall objective of the media, especially movie media, is to entertain. The recent advances in technology have allowed movie makers to explore a whole different genre of superhero movies which weren’t realistically possible before. I feel that most people can agree that new things tend to be interesting and exciting. Who wasn’t excited to go to college for the first time? These new superhero movies use new technology that the audience hasn’t experienced much and as a result these movies leave the audience mesmerized by the life like actions that take place. This ties into why superhero comic book sales are declining while superhero films are on the rise. The new technology in films have advanced so much, that it now is almost as if the audience is there experiencing the action alongside the superhero. Connecting again to our current real life situation; It is possible to get the story of a college student by just reading about it in a book but wouldn’t you much rather experience it yourself if possible? With the advancements in film technology we are getting closer to being able to experience real life feelings and emotions through films.
ReplyDeleteI think comic book movies will continue for generations to come. Look at how many different versions of Batman have already been made? As technology keeps getting better and better, newer and newer versions of comic book movies are being made. I would have to agree with the other students in talking about why comic book movies are so popular. These movies are for pure entertainment and imagination. It gives people a way to escape from reality, especially with all the stress and headaches with the economy lately. Watching these films it makes the audience wonder how much easier life would be if superheroes and super powers actually existed. Think of all the problems that could be fixed if these superheroes really did fight off all the crime. This obviously is not realistic, but that is the point. Comic book movies are not about being realistic, there about entertaining the audience and making the audience imagine. With technology getting more and more advanced watching comic book movies have become even more fun to watch than before. The special effects make you feel apart of the movie and helps you to connect with the film. All in all, I don’t think comic book movies with ever go away. Batman and Superman will forever be classics.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Brett that these movies create a fantasy world. I think that is the attraction that people have to them. I also agree with MacKenzie that people enjoy seeing the comics that they read become movies. I agree that technology and graphics have improved the comic movies and I think that they will continue being made for a while. I think that these movies are being made because it is the trend right now. They are making the directors and producers money because people are going to see them; but I am not sure how long this trend will continue. Hollywood is starting to make movies like Kick-Ass and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. These are movies that have a comic book feeling but were never an actual comic book. I think they are doing this because they are running out of comic book Super heroes that are popular and everyone knows. I think that this type of movie will continue to be popular for a while but eventually a new trend will come along and these movies will be less common. But who knows, in the future these comic book movies that are being remade now might be remade again as our technology continues to improve.
ReplyDeleteI think that comic book movies are here to stay.I agree with the blog on their main point that a bad movie is always going to be a bad movie, just as good writing will stay good writing. As long as "good" fantasy films continue to be made, I don't foresee them leaving the big screen anytime soon. As someone mentioned above, who doesn't want to see their favorite childhood superhero on the big screen. It's so exhilarating too see someone fly across the screen or watch unrealistic "powers" come to life. Also, mentioned above is that a lot of people live or would want to in a fantasy world. These movies are just feeding the hunger of hundreds of thousands people. Being able to watch these movies come to life is a fantasy fanatics dream. I myself am a huge Harry Potter fan. I believe that I like it so much because it takes unrealistic powers, settings and people and makes it become so believable. I'm sure most people could say that after walking out of the theater after fantasy film they heard people say "That's sooo cool!" or "I wish I could do that". By feeding into comic book movies, we are just giving these types of films more and more reason to stay around. The more tickets that people buy to the film, the more films that are going to continue to be made.
ReplyDeleteI defiantly think that comic book movies are here to stay. Unfortunately, technology has taken over and movies are becoming more popular than books, newspaper and comic books. I don’t know much about comic books or what is soon to come of them and movies but I have a feeling that comic book movies will take over comic books in the years to come. Even though when we read about these heroes, brining them to life on screen is much more attracting for some people. Even though there are pictures in comic books, the comic book movies bring these known heroes to life. By doing so, the readers/ audience are more drawn to going and seeing the movie. Even though I am not a comic fanatic I can see why some people would not like this change. There are many people who like the old, such as the actually comic books, compared to the new, the comic books that are being made into movies. They enjoy the imagination and being able to create the character rather than seeing these heroes as real people in the movies.
ReplyDeleteMovies based on comic books are definitely going to stay a major part of the movies and pop culture in general. The fantasy world that an author creates for a comic to live in is a place of imagination and wonder. This world takes the viewer from their boring or mundane life and places them into one in which almost anything is possible. This genre is not solely enjoyed by the comic book store nerd stereotype but instead by anyone who still retains a shred of their childhood imagination and curiosity. Let's also not forget that movies are meant to entertain, and this genre normally doesn't disappoint people who go to see them. Also, these movies can easily been enjoyed by teens, adults and the elderly, making it a great family experience in which everyone is satisfied. Comics can also be altered from their original version, which might be over 50 years old, and easily make to fit into the modern day world by upgrading the technology used or modernizing the environments that they take place in. Being attractive to multiple groups of people and the ability to mold to stay current with the times secure the future for this genre of film.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Corey that comic book movies are here to stay. Not only are they based off of the beloved superheroes we grew up with, but the special effects and adventurous storylines have captivated audiences around the world. It is fun and exciting to see those characters, which we have come to love, brought to life. I think that another reason comic book movies are here to stay is because there is so much material to be used. There are numerous comics that have not even been touched by the film industry. As for the movies that have been made, there are several volumes and issues to most stories that could provide producers with more material for years to come, and it will never get old. There have been three Spiderman movies and each one has done exceptionally well at the box office. As Brett mentioned, comic books and their associated movies provide us with a fantasy world. Who doesn’t want to live in a world with no violence, hurt, or pain? I myself have never been a fan of comic books, but I have seen a number of the movies and I can see why others are such fans and how easy it is to get caught up in the fantasy.
ReplyDeleteI agree with MacKenzie that one part of the appeal of comic book movies is that it takes a part of childhood and brings it to life. I disagree with the emphasis on the fantasy world. I feel this way because all movies are made to create a fantasy world. Whether in that world you are an ugly duckling trying to get the girl of your dreams or a warrior given some impossible task, either way for about two hours you get to live a fantasy life. Therefore the fantasy life is a reason for the popularity of comic book movies, but I don't see it as the main reason. I believe that these stories are popular because they are good films. Take "The Dark Knight" for example. The main story surrounding this movie was Heath Ledger's epic performance, and the storyline was very good as well. These things are what made the movie so successful. As for the staying power of comic book movies, as long as they stay good then we should see more and more. With the upcoming releases of "Kick-Ass" and "Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World," both promising films it doesn't look like the trend will stop any time soon.
ReplyDeleteStated in the blog, the comic series has been around since 1934. This portrays a message to me that the comic series will stay in our culture for many more generations to come. I believe the fantasy world will never get old. It gives people the opportunity to live life with imagination. It is great to watch how the media keeps introducing new and better things, for instance, taking comic books to the next level improving the storyline while giving it more suspense and mystery. Young kids love them growing up which gives them the chance to re-live childhood memories, and to still follow up with them today. We have all observed and even participated in playing with action figures as kids and giving them noise effects and using our imagination. Seeing them now in real action and on television with special effects, and in 3D is awesome. As far as technology has already improved, such as: making pictures into real life people, I wonder what ideas are in progress for future action movie and what comic series will become the next thrill…
ReplyDeleteComic books have generated such a huge audience for so long that it's only logical to assume that movies based on comic book heroes would thrive. Everyone has wondered what it would be like to have X-ray vision and see through walls, or more popularly, clothes. We all want to move things with our minds, and everyone has thought about having super strength or the ability to fly! It is just cool to us; everyone wants something that they can't have. It's normal to have fantasies about saving a beautiful girl or killing the villain. These remakes of childhood heroes in a way play on the subconscious minds of the viewers, giving them a sense of child-like joy. These movies draw in vast amounts of radically different people, from the elderly to the teens, everyone is drawn in to see the action. Elderly want to see these movies to bring back past memories, our youth like these movies because it has the excitement factor we look for. It comes down to how thrilling the characters are, how popular they were in comic books, and the reviews from the public. If someone complains how the movie was so different from the comic book, no one will go to see it. We love our comic books, but seeing it come alive from the pages is even more epic.
ReplyDeleteI have never been excited about superheroes or comic books in general. but what these movies have been able to do is take something unappealing to a girl like me and make it something I would really love to watch. This burst of films have all of the aspects that people enjoy: great acting, awesome effects, romantic story involved, humor, and ofcourse the underlying story of *insert comic book story here*. I don't think comic books are "selling out" or anything like that because they're in the entertainment industry in the first place, and making a movie of a comic book story seems to be the ultimate compliment. I have to admit, despite the possibility of my living under a rock, that I never knew who iron man was until the flick came out. It is pretty cool that comic books get a whole new wave of popularity through this technique.
ReplyDeleteMovies based off of comic books take a whole different spin off of what the comic artist intended, and that is okay. I love how all of the different bat mans are different, for example. Different directors have portrayed the stories differently and been able to reflect what they got out of it through their films.