By Peter Skrzypczak, Film Critic.
Batman (1989) Dir. Tim Burton, Rated PG-13, 2h 6m
This is the first major motion picture for the caped crusader. While the casting of Michael Keaton seemed strange to many, the film was a commercial and financial success.
“Tell me something, my friend. You ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?”
The Dark Knight (2008) Dir. Chris Nolan, Rated PG-13, 2h 32m
Yes, another Batman movie. But what sets this apart, not just from other Batman movies but superhero movies in general, is the dark, gritty and more realistic tone. If you haven’t seen Heath Ledger’s Joker, he is a sight to behold.
“Why so serious?”
Superman (1978) Dir. Richard Donner, Rated PG, 2h 31m
Now it’s time for the man himself. While not Superman’s debut on the big screen, this is the movie that really helped to bring superheroes to the mainstream.
“We all have our little faults. Mine’s in California.”
Spider-man 2 (2004) Dir. Sam Raimi, Rated PG-13, 2h 15m
The second installment of the Raimi Spider-Man movies improves on every aspect of the original without feeling like a rehash.
“I will not die a monster.”
Hellboy (2004) Dir. Guillermo del Toro, Rated PG-13, 2h 12m
This is del Toro’s second take on a comic book movie, the first being “Blade 2.” Both “Hellboy” and its sequel are both more his style. I can’t recommend this particular movie enough. It has character and style in a way that only del Toro can give.
“Unique. That is a word you will hear frequently around here.”
Iron Man (2008) Dir. Jon Favreau, Rated PG-13, 2h 6m
This is the movie that started it all and helped launch Marvel to where they are now. The casting of Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark is perfect and the movie is just fun all throughout.
“I am Iron Man.”
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) Dir. Joe and Anthony Russo, Rated PG-13, 2h 16m
“The Winter Soldier” is the movie that showed that Marvel could be serious as well as fun. This in junction with “Guardians of the Galaxy” shows they have no intention of slowing down.
“Before we get started, does anyone want to get out?”
The Avengers (2012) Dir. Joss Whedon, Rated PG-13, 2h 33m
This is one of those movies people thought couldn’t happen given the amount of stars and the characters involved, but it blew my expectations out of the water. It is a star-studded super group film not seen since the era of the Universal monsters.
“The Avengers. That’s what we call ourselves; we’re sort of like a team. Earth’s Mightiest Heroes type of thing.”
X-men: Days of Future Past (2014) Dir. Brian Singer, Rated PG-13, 2h 38m
Brian Singer triumphantly returns as director of the X-men franchise. It wonderfully connects the original trilogy with the First Class reboot prequel.
“Just because someone stumbles and loses their path doesn’t mean they’re lost forever.”
Dredd (2012) Dir. Pete Travis, Rated R, 1h 35m
Like “Hellboy” this was not a huge success, but it’s one of my favorites. It’s a fantastic action movie with unique visuals and excellent characters. This one will wash out the bad taste Sylvester Stallone’s “Dredd” may give you.
“Ma-ma is not the law… I am the law.”