As a cinephile who’s spent countless hours immersed in the magical world of films, I must say that these reviews transport me back to the golden age of cinematography. The first film that catches my eye is “The Crow” – a masterpiece that embodies the spirit of revenge and the supernatural. With its captivating visuals and haunting atmosphere, it’s no wonder Roger Ebert hailed it as “a stunning work of visual style.” Unfortunately, we lost Brandon Lee too soon, but his performance lives on in this timeless tale.
Over numerous years, Roger Ebert stood out as America’s most notable and impactful film critic, consistently associated with the Chicago Sun-Times. Known for his fearless approach and an unconventional rating system that assessed films on a scale from 1 to 4, his reviews captivated movie enthusiasts due to their balanced yet engaging tone. He was neither overly harsh nor excessively complimentary, and he remained unfazed by industry trends, often commending movies that other critics had criticized severely. His insightful and entertaining writing style earned him the distinction of being the first recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism.
Being an ardent cinephile myself, I’d say Roger Ebert, the renowned critic, held each genre in high regard, yet he was captivated by the world of superheroes. Sadly, he departed from us in 2013, at a time when Marvel films were making history on the box office like never before. Had he lived longer, this list might have been more extensive, and I can’t help but think that masterpieces such as “Avengers: Endgame” and “The Batman” would have left an indelible impression on him.
Here are 10 superhero movies Roger Ebert had the chance to see and fall in love with.
10 Batman Begins (2005)
Ebert’s Score – 4/4 Stars
In the late ’90s, Batman enthusiasts had to endure mediocre Joel Schumacher movies, but eventually, they were rewarded with “Batman Begins”, a film that not only delivers a powerful punch but also satisfies its audience. Christopher Nolan’s stunning, vibrant cinematography immerses us deeply into the heart of Gotham City, where a Caped Crusader who is still honing his skills stands beside us. He engages in fierce battles against his former mentor Ra’s al Ghul and other villains, and these encounters are far from simple.
The First Batman Movie That Impressed the Famous Critic
Roger Ebert, who had criticized all previous Batman films, commended this version for its authentic portrayals of the character’s equipment – the Batcave, Batsuit, and Batmobile – and its emphasis on narrative and character development rather than non-stop action. He stated that “this is the film I didn’t know I was longing for,” and it’s safe to say that many of us share that sentiment. With time passing, this tale of a spoiled rich kid transforming into a hero remains captivating on multiple viewings.
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9 Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Ebert’s Score – 4/4 Stars
Often considered superior among Spider-Man films, Spider-Man 2, follows Peter Parker as he grapples with both romantic troubles and the typical woes caused by supervillains. In this instance, a botched nuclear experiment results in the death of Dock Ock’s wife, driving the vengeful scientist to commit horrific acts. Simultaneously, Mary Jane Watson is on the verge of marrying someone else. Can Peter handle it?
The Best Superhero Movie… At the Time
As a die-hard superhero movie enthusiast, I can confidently say that Roger Ebert hailed “Spider-Man 2” as the finest superhero film since the inception of the modern genre with “Superman” (1978). He praised its ability to seamlessly blend special effects and a deeply human narrative, ensuring both storylines remained engaging and dynamic. At that point in time, “The Dark Knight” hadn’t hit the screens yet, so “Spider-Man 2” stood as the crown jewel of its genre. To add to its charm, the visual effects were truly captivating, with Peter Parker’s suit boasting vivid colors and sharp contours that really popped on screen.
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8 Hellboy (2004)
Ebert’s Score – 3/4 Stars
Titled “Hellboy,” this film unfolds in two eras – post-World War II and the contemporary one. Directed by Guillermo Del Toro, it presents a brooding, intriguing exploration of a demon striving to save the world from malicious forces. The blend of superhero action and a gritty, cityscape ambiance is perfectly balanced. In this tale, our titular character, played by Ron Pearlman, is a powerful being brought forth from hell by the Nazis but now serves as an agent for the Paranormal Research and Defense Bureau, using his formidable strength to fight off numerous adversaries in his new role.
Ron Perlman Carries the Film on His Shoulders
The quick-paced narrative of Hellboy manages to make its oddities seem plausible, while Ron Perlman’s exceptional acting elevates the movie’s overall quality. Roger Ebert recognized this, commenting that in Perlman, the film “found an actor who is not merely portraying a superhero, but relishing it.” He further acknowledged that the story of Hellboy seemed peculiar, but Perlman was “an actor bringing life to an impossible character and making it believable.
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7 Blade II (2002)
Ebert’s Score – 3.5/4 Stars
In “Blade II,” the protagonist, Blade (Wesley Snipes), teams up with a band of vampires he’s not fond of, defying the saying “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” This film, characterized by its fast-paced energy, challenges this idea as Blade collaborates to combat a dangerous new strain of vampires intent on triggering a genocide that threatens both vampire and human populations.
Ebert Disagreed With Other Critics
From the outset, the movie packs a punch sonically, as Snipes seamlessly blends into his role and gradually unveils his emotions. Not surprisingly, Ebert was impressed. He believed that Blade II surpassed the original and referred to it as “an impressive display of gory spectacle, a comic book striving to become a manual for deranged surgeons.” It’s worth noting that many critics panned the film. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a low rating of 54%.
6 Superman (1978)
Ebert’s Score – 4/4 Stars
In the movie “Superman,” directed by Richard Donner, personal narratives and military predicaments are expertly blended, resulting in a clear, moving, and thought-provoking exploration of superhero dynamics. The film follows the traditional tale of Superman’s origin, where he arrives on Earth, matures, and subsequently endeavors to thwart Lex Luthor’s plot to manipulate missiles.
Everything Is Good, Except Brando
Roger Ebert ranked Superman among his top films for 1978 and later added it to his “Great Movies” selection. He lauded Christopher Reeve’s performance, acknowledging that a miscast actor could have jeopardized the entire production. Moreover, he praised the film as an extraordinary blend of elements we always appreciate: thrilling adventures, tender romance, captivating heroes, and menacing villains, along with impressive special effects that left us awestruck.
However, despite his perfect rating, he still dedicated some time to Brando-bashing, saying the actor was “allegedly paid $3 million for his role, or, judging by his dialogue, $500,000 a cliché.”
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5 Iron Man (2008)
Ebert’s Score – 4/4 Stars
In the context of the War in Afghanistan, the film “Iron Man” showcases a keen understanding and portrayal of military nuances, surpassing its comic book origins. However, the main narrative of this thrilling story revolves around Tony Stark’s endeavor to transform his genius for invention into crime-fighting. While in the Middle East, he is taken captive by terrorists. In response, he constructs an iron suit during his captivity which allows him to eliminate them. Upon returning to America, he continues to mete out justice to local criminals with similar tactics.
The Beginning of a New Era
In this twisting, thrilling superhero tale, Robert Downey Jr. once again solidifies his status as a standout actor in the genre. His captivating portrayal leaves no doubt as to why he has garnered such global acclaim. As Roger Ebert aptly put it, “It’s Robert Downey Jr.’s performance that propels this film above most other superhero movies.” Indeed, his acting was the rocket fuel that launched Marvel into the stratosphere and kept them soaring high ever since.
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4 The Dark Knight (2008)
Ebert’s Score – 4/4 Stars
In the movie “The Dark Knight”, it’s a battle between Batman and the Joker. This encounter offers thrilling chases, surprising twists, and lines that fans remember forever. There isn’t another film that has left such an indelible mark on fans as this masterful superhero production. It represents the pinnacle of what cinema aims to achieve at its finest.
Revolutionizing the Superhero Landscape
I found myself deeply appreciative of how “The Dark Knight” redefined the possibilities within the realm of superhero films. By skillfully blending comic-book elements with real-world events, it surpassed expectations. Just like many others who watched this movie, I was struck by the depth and poetic nuances portrayed in the Joker’s character. Moreover, I couldn’t help but admire Christopher Nolan for injecting economic despair and existential melancholy into the storyline, yet managing to keep his characters resolute and determined throughout.
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3 The Crow (1994)
Ebert’s Score – 3.5/4 Stars
According to the 1989 comic book series “The Crow,” written by James O’Barr, the narrative heavily revolves around the concept of making those responsible pay for their actions. The story introduces us to Eric Draven, a musician who meets his untimely death along with his fiancée on their wedding night. Instead of seeking vengeance through a family member or friend, it is Eric himself who rises from the dead to mete out justice upon the culprits, inflicting brutal retribution upon them.
A Visual Masterpiece
Instead of watching the more recent adaptation of “The Crow”, you might want to reconsider and check out the ’90s version instead, which remains a timeless classic in the realm of eerie, supernatural films. Critic Roger Ebert deemed it a “stunning work of visual style”, and its chilling atmosphere is truly captivating. The movie employs an abundance of suspense, skillfully amplified through the strategic use of shadows and ominous sounds. Regrettably, Brandon Lee passed away during filming, but his death did not diminish the complexity and richness of this film. It’s a profound exploration of a tragic event and serves as the final, lasting masterpiece of the talented actor. In essence, Ebert would say that it’s “the best portrayal of a comic book universe I’ve encountered.
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2 The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
Ebert’s Score – 3.5/4 Stars
In The Amazing Spider-Man, life isn’t all great for our hero. He’s grappling with the next step in his relationship with his longtime crush, Gwen Stacy. On top of that, he’s dealing with the typical confusion common among teens who didn’t grow up with their biological parents. His investigations lead him to Dr. Curt Connors’ lab, a man known as Lizard in other circles.
A Familiar Story… Yet Still Enjoyable
This compelling portrayal of a superhero struggling internally is driven by an outstanding cast and the skilled direction of Marc Webb, aptly named. Ebert believed this reboot – the last Marvel movie he reviewed – gave more plausible explanations for why Peter Parker transforms into Spider-Man, despite the story being on the edge of repetition. He deemed it “likely the second best” Spider-Man film and appreciated that “the action sequences are simpler to grasp in terms of location and timing.”
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1 Superman II (1980)
Ebert’s Score – 4/4 Stars
Enthusiasts of films might find themselves irked by the recurring pattern that those who excel at something inevitably consider abandoning their skills. Even Superman, in the movie Superman II, yearns for a simple life as Clark Kent. Yet, the hydrogen bomb he launched into space to safeguard Earth inadvertently liberated General Zod and his crew. It seems they found no better place to enjoy their newfound freedom than on our very own planet, Earth.
A Worthy Sequel
Roger Ebert felt just as excited about this movie as he did when he first saw it. He appreciated how director Richard Lester incorporated satire seamlessly into the film and skillfully utilized the captivating charm of Christopher Reeve, whose portrayal in the lead role was subtle, witty, and yet authentic. This movie is undeniably humorous, a type that could fit well within James Gunn’s DC collection or the Marvel Cinematic Universe library. Although the special effects may seem outdated when you watch it today, don’t let that deter you from enjoying the overall experience.
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2024-11-04 01:04