Top 5 Comic Book Movies - Our Picks

With comic book movies being released faster than a speeding bullet, we'd like to present to you our top 5 favorite comic book movies of all time. I'll be choosing 2 while Steve will be choosing 3.

Steve's List (in no particular order): 1. The Dark Knight Part of me wanted to throw a curveball and not pick a movie that seems to be the consensus pick for many but I’d be kidding myself if I didn’t start with The Dark Knight.  As many have probably done better reviews and more in-depth discussions, I’ll just try to quickly list the things that I liked most about the movie: incredible acting all around (includes the late Heath Ledger temporarily relinquishing his own persona and submerging into his Joker character), veteran actors with gravitas (Gary Oldman, Michael Caine), twisting plot, the Heat-like intro (Roger Van Zant, anyone?), the haunting feel of a comic book movie transcending its genre, epic soundtrack… Wait, let me stop right there because others could easily fill up that list for me. I feel like Hans Zimmer, despite his accolades, still does not get enough credit for all the soundtracks he has produced for blockbusters.  Soundtracks provide movies with that “epic feel” and can entice audiences as early as the teaser trailers.  I swear that if I ever see something like, “featuring music composed by the maestro Hans Zimmer…” in the trailer, I’d gravitate into the movie because I know I will have that epic experience throughout watching the film.  Heck, I could be eating potato chips while listening to his music and feel like kicking some serious arse (if you ever watched Death Note, I hope you appreciated this reference). “Do you wanna know how I got these scars?” 2. Batman Begins The story of Bruce Wayne’s scars was told in Batman Begins, TDK’s predecessor and unofficially the most successful reboot for a comic book franchise.  It’s as if Warner Bros saw Director Christopher Nolan’s early work, Memento, and told him, “Hey we really, really liked your movie. By the way, you know how Guy Pearce’s character forgets about stuff? Can you actually do that to our audience instead and make them forget about George Clooney’s Batman film, forever? You can have all the resources you want. Yes, we’ll pay for Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman, and Michael Caine, too.” One of Nolan’s understated achievements in Batman Begins is how he was able to portray realistic versions of characters, which were otherwise labeled too comic-bookish. If you don’t believe me, please wiki the comic book versions of Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy) and Ra’s Al Ghul (Liam Neeson/Ken Watanabe).  No, I’m not saying Nolan should feature Robin in his films.  But on this front, he’s already made great strides ahead of the 1997 version of Batman (“Ice to see you!”).  The finished product basically secured the nail on the coffin of audience memories for Batman 1997 and granted those Warner Bros employees (assuming they weren’t fired) with one more story to tell on company holidays – this one starting with, “Hey, remember when we thought nipples on Batman’s costume was a good idea?” One last thing, then-detective Gordon’s conversation with Batman at the end is as good a setup for the next movie as it could get.  First, it hinted about TDK’s theme (“Escalation… we do something, the criminals come up with something better…”). Second, it introduced the arch-nemesis Joker, who had been dormant for 16 years since Jack Nicholson’s iconic performance. “It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.” 3. Spiderman 2 In my mind’s picture, Spiderman 2 is like a pristine painting while Spiderman 3 is that same work of art painted over with hasty, convoluted brush strokes c/o the film studios desires.  It’s as if having a way better, even perfect, version of a film, but backwards! Here’s what #2 did right that #3 specifically overturned: 1) villains and their story arc; 2) occasional direct attempt at humor; 3) no Peter Parker dancing; 4) failing in making the movie “dark”. Comparing Spiderman 2 and 3 (and 1) doesn’t really do justice because film 2 stands on its own as one of the best comic movies.  It capitalized on its opportunity of being a sequel by branching off unencumbered and yet rooted from the origin story.  As iconic as Spiderman/Peter Parker is, one could easily relate to his struggles in film 2: job loss, financial problems, estranged best friend and love interest, loved one in debt, a overarching moral responsibility, and a burning secret.  Finally, my criterion for a favorite movie: a quote that I can remember. “…There’s a hero in all of us, that keeps us honest, gives us strength, makes us noble, even though sometimes we have to be steady, and give up the thing we want the most.  Even our dreams"

Merle's List (in no particular order): 4. V for Vendetta Not only is V for Vendetta my favorite comic book movie, it also happens to be on my top 10 favorite movies of all genres, perhaps partly because it does not present itself as a typical comic book movie. For one thing, instead of having an arch nemesis like most comic book formulas follow, V's enemy is the dictatorial government, the corrupt party that runs it, and the ideas that are associated with it. And while most movies of the genre focus on the idea of one superhero battling out one super-villain, V's goal of toppling down the government can only come into fruition with the help of the whole nation. Of course, the film also has its obligatory comic book elements; in particular, the mask and the "costume". Yet, despite the caricature-like nature of V's Guy Fawkes mask, he commands a tremendous amount of respect, more than I have ever found myself giving to other superheroes. It is not so much his eloquence, his diction, his old world chivalry... not even his prowess in fighting and knife-slinging (though action aficionados will be happy to know that this aspect is plentiful and in full cinematic glory); no, it is more because despite his seemingly invincible exterior, behind the mask lies not only the grandiose idea of freedom and of a people fighting for it, but also a human being in all his frailties and insecurities. And as the movie continues to unfold and expound on this by revealing V's past and unraveling his decisions for the present and the future, decisions which are substantially influenced by Evey, a woman he meets a year before his revolution, it is hard not to be completely riveted by everything this man represents - the man, the ideal, and the revolution. 5. Ironman There's something to be said about cocky, irreverent superheroes. Tony Stark (Ironman) doesn't really fit the cookie-cutter superhero type. He's a heartless (literally/figuratively) albeit charming man who's showy and not particularly obedient with the unspoken rules of costumed heroes everywhere. Unexpectedly however, he delivers on the "saving the world" rule. What we get as a result of this rather perplexing character, added to geniuses behind and on the scenes who know exactly how to portray him on a positive, like-able light, is a rather entertaining movie with witty lines, funny situations, and an all-around memorable depiction of what could have been another cliched story. It is also worth mentioning that the relationship between superhero and lead female is one of the most electrifying and captivating I have seen.

Top 5 Chick Flick Movies List - For Guys and Girls

Valentine's is just around the corner, so we thought we'd get into the mushy mood, and share to you our top 5 list of favorite romantic chick flick movies! We'll be commenting on each others' picks, and hopefully we'll end up with a couple of movies that suit both the guys and the gals :)

Steve's List (in no particular order): 1. Love Actually The ensemble of ensembles among romantic comedy films. This bona fide box office hit boasts of a predominantly British cast without the benefits of a Harry Potter label (think Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, Alan Rickman, Liam Neeson, and Bill Nighy). The cast members are involved in different subplots and their stories intertwine to build a 136-minute running time. Its main flaw is also the source of its charms:  relying on all those convoluted stories to deliver the most laughs and warmth that a feel-good movie is supposed to do. That the film was set during Christmas makes it a favorite to be part of one's Holidays and Valentines viewing tradition. 2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind One of the most thought-provoking films of the past decade within and beyond its genre. Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet) are former lovers who underwent procedures to erase all their memories about their relationship.  The story traverses along Joel's mind as he tries to revisit these memories while undergoing the procedure and proceeds with unexpected twists and outcomes. 3.  How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days This became an instant favorite of mine as soon as I watched it because of the chemistry between Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson in this film. Andie Anderson (Hudson), in the process of writing an article, "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days", proceeds to find a man to date and to whom she'll do all the wrong things women do in relationships.  Almost simultaneously within the same metro, advertising executive Benjamin Barry (McConaughey) makes a bet with his boss and coworkers that he can make any woman fall in love with him in just ten days. Barry's coworkers, aware of Andie's search for a subject in her article sets her up to be Barry's "target" girl.  The film proceeds with the opposing quests of Andie (to make Ben break up with her) and Ben (to make Andie fall in love with him). 4.  The Devil Wears Prada Another favorite of mine mainly due to Meryl Streep's outstanding performance as the cold-blooded Miranda Priestly, a fashion magazine editor.  For this role, Streep earned various award nominations, including an Academy Award for Best Actress. Andy (Anne Hathaway) gets a job as co-assistant to the steely and uber-demanding Miranda Priestly.  Andy tries to manage the demands of her job and her relationships with her boss Priestly, co-assistant Emily (Emily Blunt), and beau Nate (Adrian Grenier). 5. Aladdin Yes, one year after Beauty and the Beast (see Merle's list), Disney delivered yet again with another quality fairytale movie, this time about two lovers overcoming the odds and circumstances surrounding them from birth to complete a happily-ever-after ending. "A Whole New World" and the idea of having your wishes granted - how lovely.

Merle's List (in no particular order): 1.  Pride and Prejudice (Keira Knightley Version) From the very beginning of the show, when the beautiful piano composition (by the brilliant Dario Marianelli) starts to play and weave into the picturesque rural scenery, the feeling that the movie was going to be a memorable one was already swelling inside me. And this feeling never faded. When Elizabeth Bennett (Keira) meets the haughty but extremely rich Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen), their stubborn characters immediately get into a proverbial sword fight. The movie explores this relationship and how the two finally begin to understand each other and rein in their pride and prejudice over the other. The movie's success depended highly on Keira and Matthew's chemistry and acting ability and both certainly delivered. Matthew Macfadyen embodied the Mr. Darcy that almost every girl dreams of. Along with a charming musical score and a fantastic supporting cast, this movie is pretty much perfect in my eyes. 2.  Penelope Penelope is a chick flick that revolves around a girl named Penelope (Christina Ricci) who was cursed with a pig-snout for a nose and who has been locked inside her home for the past twenty or so years. The only way to break the spell is to find someone of her own kind to love her truly, which spurs on all the matchmaking soirees the mother hosts in their home. In one of the soirees, Penelope meets Max (James McAvoy), a gambler who unexpectedly helps Penelope come out of her shell. Ultimately however, it is Penelope who affects more change in Max, when she runs away from home on an adventure, and begins to come into terms with herself and her curse. The movie has great cinematography, and a very eye candy production set that certainly brings a quaint fairytale charm to the show. Once again, the chemistry between the two central characters was undeniable. But more than anything, what I liked about the show was how they were able to turn what could have been a cliched plot into a unique movie with little surprising twists, and brilliant character developments of the whole cast, which had the movie steering away from the fairytale evil vs. good cliche. 3.  13 Going on 30 This is probably the obligatory "Be careful what you wish for" type of romantic chick flick movie every girl should have on her top chick flick list ;) And there's definitely a WHOLE LOT of these kinds of movies out there. Jennifer Garner was perfect as Jenna Rink, a 13 year old in a hurry to grow up, be successful, and be a beautiful, popular girl. When she gets her wish and turns 30 however, she realizes she's thrown away some things along the way, particularly her friendship with best friend, Matt Flamhaff (played by the very, very, very lovable Mark Ruffalo), who has loved her ever since. Mark Ruffalo played the part of the pining best friend character just as flawlessly - it was hard not to gush over him. 4.  Beauty and the Beast I absolutely love this film, and a lot of people must love it too, considering it was the first animated film to be given a Best Picture Oscar nomination. There's always something captivating about the idea that a man can change for the better because of his love for a woman, and this movie is perhaps the shining example of such a notion. The soundtrack is also praise-worthy, and fits perfectly with the fairytale. 5.  While you were Sleeping I included this film on my top 5 list mainly for 2 reasons. One - because I felt it would be a mortal sin not to include a Sandra Bullock flick in my top 5, considering that I'm a huge fan of hers and find that she is perfect for the chick flick genre. Two - because the chemistry between Sandra and Bill Pullman was just so wonderful and charming, that it was hard not to smile like an idiot throughout the film as you see their relationship unfold. Charming is perhaps the one word to really sum up this movie - its cast, the plot, and the backdrop (set during Christmas time).

Other Notes:

From Steve: "I'm surprised with Merle's pick for a Sandra Bullock movie - I always thought Miss Congeniality whenever Sandra's name comes up.  Need to watch Pride and Prejudice soon."

From Merle: "I'm ashamed I've never watched Love Actually yet, but from watching a few scenes and trailers from the movie over on YouTube, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna love it as much. Devil Wears Prada is in my top 10 list of fave chick flicks. I'm slightly surprised with your choice of Aladdin but yes, I do agree that was a good animated film as well :) Not in my top 15, but I certainly enjoy watching that one and wouldn't mind watching it again."