25 Superhero Films Just As Bad As Batman vs Superman
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Let's be clear, Batman vs Superman is not good.
It is too long, too ponderous and takes itself way too seriously. It has mediocre acting, macho ham-philosophy, a bad score and confusing action sequences. It is packed with 'easter eggs' that are largely meaningless, espouses terrible politics, devotes itself to building its own mythology, and is rife with visual decision-making that is, at best, suspect.
Which is to say, it is no worse than many, many other superhero movies.
For controversy's sake, here are 25 recent-ish superhero films from the last 20 years that are just as bad - if not worse - than Batman vs Superman:
(In reverse chronological order)
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) (hot take!)
- The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
- Man of Steel (2013)
- Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2012)
- Green Lantern (2011)
- The Green Hornet (2011)
- Jonah Hex (2010)
- Wolverine (2009)
- Watchmen (2009)
- The Incredible Hulk (2008)
- Punisher: War Zone (2008)
- Wanted (2008)
- Spider-Man 3 (2007)
- Ghost Rider (2007)
- Superman Returns (2006)
- X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
- Elektra (2005)
- Catwoman (2004)
- The Punisher (2004)
- Hulk (2003)
- League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
- Daredevil (2003)
- Spawn (1997)
- Batman & Robin (1997)
- The Phantom (1996)
I've only listed movies that I've seen, which is why there are giant Fantastic Four-sized holes in the list. And I've left off some non-superhero (but very bad) movies such as 300, Sucker Punch and the Matrix sequels.
Media research shows that we have a 'Trial of the Century', on average, once every 18 months. In this case, we have a 'WORST SUPERHERO MOVIE EVER' slightly more frequently than once a year.
The lesson here, for me at least, is to use reviews to manage your expectations - not decide your opinions. And that the internet abhors moderation. If the only opinions are extreme ones, that just might say more about the discussion than its topic.