Ian Somer’s Top 5 Superhero Movies
29/05/2012 by David Maybury · No Comments
It’s a summer of superhero blockbusters with The Avengers, Spider Man, Batman, Judge Dredd and a few more crashing our way over the next few months. We’ve drafted in new-kid-on-the-block Ian Somers to write about his top 5 superhero flicks. His own hero in Million Dollar Gift has some pretty awesome powers… so who better to ask?
5. Superman 2 (1980)
By far the best of the Superman movies and starring the most recognisable superhero actor of them all, Christopher Reeve. This was one of my favourite movies when I was a kid; it was right up there with the Star Wars trilogy and Indiana Jones.
NERDY NOTE:There’s a lot to love about this film but the highlight is Terence Stamp’s portrayal of General Zod. His street fight with Superman still gives me tingles every time I watch it!
4. Iron Man (2008)
The best Marvel’s Studios’ production to date – and definitely the movie that lifted the superhero movie genre into the 21st century. It has a perfect blend of comedy, well thought-out plot, and mind-blowing action.
NERDY NOTE: Jon Favreau deserves a lot of credit for the standard of his directing but the true star of the movie is Robert Downey Jnr. His performance as Tony Stark is what set Iron Man apart from so many cheesy superhero flicks that came before it.
3. The Crow (1994)
This is not the quintessential superhero movie. The character of Erik Draven is far removed from what most would consider a “hero”, but as a moody teenager I could not get enough of this movie.
NERDY NOTE:The lead was brilliantly played by Brandon Lee, who tragically died on set when a stunt went wrong. The Crow was the best performance of his short career and is a movie that has passed the test of time.
2. Watchmen (2009)
One of the most adult orientated, and visually stunning, superhero movies ever produced. I’m a big fan of Zach Snyder but, like so many others, I worried about how he would Watchmen.Thankfully, my worries were unfounded and the movie turned out to be a masterpiec!
NERDY NOTE: The cast and soundtrack are inspired. Everyone should see Watchmen at least once!
1. The Dark Knight (2008)
There is no shame in admitting I’m a Nolanite. Everything Christopher Nolan touches turns to gold and the second instalment of his Dark Knight trilogy is pure gold. Easily the best superhero movie ever made.
NERDY NOTE: One of the best scripts, top-notch directing, a more than memorable score, breath taking action sequences and the acting is as good as you’ll see anywhere. There is so much to savour about the Dark Knight but it will always be remembered for Heath Ledger’s performance as the anarchist crime boss.
It isn’t easy to pick five out of so many great movies and there were quite a few that also deserve a mention. Five others that spring to mind are Kick Ass, Spider-Man 2, Batman Begins, X-Men: First Class.
Ian Somer’s Million Dollar Gift is out now, published by The O’Brien Press.
