Top 10 DC Comics Movies: Part 2

My countdown to Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice continues with my final five picks for the best DC films. And if you missed Part 1, click here.

5: The Dark Knight Rises

While some Nolanites holdfast, The Dark Knight Rises has undeniably fallen from grace. But that is not to say it is a bad film. It is stunningly directed and contains many of the best action sequences of the trilogy, even if the plot is a total mess and lacking in the thematic weight it so desperately believes it contains. Even though the movie is very enjoyable, hence the placing on this list, and I was crazy about it after watching it in theaters, after every repeat viewing the movie gets worse and worse to the point that I almost want to consider it a guilty pleasure. At the time of my first viewing, I even considered it better than The Dark Knight, yet every time I watch it, I find something else not to like. Despite those problems, The Dark Knight Rises is still a very fun movie.

4: Superman

"You'll believe a man can fly," that was the tagline in 1978, and Christopher Reeve made an entire generation believe man can fly! The film is almost like an epic following Clark Kent on his journey to becoming Superman. Christopher Reeve defined Superman and Clark Kent, playing each part differently almost to the point that you can believe how Clark's co-workers would not notice the similarities between the two. Reeve and Margot Kidder's brilliant performances and chemistry almost make up for the awfully campy performance of Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor, which clashes with the seriousness of Reeve. However, Reeve's take on Superman is legendary and still holds up well today, even if it is campy.

3: Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

For me, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is the best work of animation the west has ever produced, and that is not likely to change anytime soon. Based on Batman: The Animated Series, Mask of the Phantasm features the fantastic voice cast of the best Batman, Kevin Conroy, and Mark Hamil's brilliant take on the Joker. Unlike other adaptations of Batman, Mask of the Phantasm highlights the detective and mystery aspects of Caped Crusader to excellent effect. Also, the film’s romance is, by far, the best of any Batman movie. Overall, Mask of the Phantasm is well crafted Batman tale that goes deeper into the character than most other film versions.

2: Batman Begins

After Batman and Robin killed DC's films for nearly a decade, Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins kick-started the Batman franchise in the right direction with a serious take on the character. While Christian Bale starred in the film, the supporting cast is the real star of the film. Gary Oldman's James Gordon proves to be a brilliant casting choice and Liam Neeson plays an exceptional villain. The film might not be perfect by any means, but it finally gave audiences a serious, high quality live-action film.

Batman Begins Review.

1: The Dark Knight

Could there be any other? The Dark Knight is, by far, the best film that DC has produced. Nothing even comes close. Heath Ledger’s Oscar winning performance is legendary. He steals every single scene he is in. Everyone knows that The Dark Knight is a brilliant film and is almost universally adored. Christian Bale isn’t bad as Batman, but we all know that the movie is great because of Ledger’s performance. It's The Dark Knight, what more can be said?

The Dark Knight Review

What are your favorites? Please comment below and let me know!

Honorable Mentions: Batman: Under the Red Hood, Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, Red II, Red

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

Top 10 DC Comics Movies: Part 1

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is about to hit theaters soon! And while DC Comics' film adaptations might not be nearly as vast as Marvel's collection of films, DC actually produced the first massively successful superhero film in Superman (1978). Sure, there were superhero serials shown and the old Adam West Batman film, but Superman was the first film to really take things seriously, or at least mostly seriously. For this list, DC's popular collection of Direct-to-DVD animated films will not be included, with a focus on any theatrically released films, animated or not. Also, I am not a DC hater. The Dark Knight is one of my favorite films ever, and, as always, I have not seen every film.

10: Man of Steel

More or less placing tenth by default, Man of Steel is Zack Snyder's attempt to launch the DC Cinematic Universe. Did he succeed? Well, we will have to wait and find out when Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice hit theaters. But as a film on its own, Man of Steel is a moderately fun action flick with dull, lifeless characters, and cool special effects, even if the wanton destruction is disregarded.

9: Watchmen

Another Zack Snyder flick, Watchmen is an interesting film. Based on the legendary graphic novel of the same name, Watchmen is a deconstruction of the superhero, and the source material featured deep commentary on the genre, human characters, and an enthralling narrative. On the other hand, the film contains the shell of the fascinating themes contained within the original story. First, I watched the movie and found it to be decent, yet nothing remarkable, although the sexual content was extreme. Then I read the graphic novel and realized just how incredible the story should have been. But on the flipside, Watchmen serves as a visually stunning adaptation of the graphic novel that accurately adapts many of the visual aspect, while leaving the story and characters mostly wooden. Here’s hoping for that miniseries adaptation of Watchmen!

8: Superman II

Due to creative differences, the director of the original Superman film, Richard Donner, left the project and Richard Lester took the helm. Years later, a second cut of the film, titled "Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut," was released using a combination of deleted scenes and the original footage. While I have not seen that cut, the original Superman II is still a fun film. General Zod is an entertaining, theatrical villain, and Christopher Reeve is an exceptional Clark Kent/Superman.

7: Batman

While Superman launched superhero films onto the big screen, Tim Burton's Batman effectively proved that the genre wasn't dead after two failed Superman sequels. Michael Keaton also proved that he was more than "Mr. Mom" as he played a competent Bruce Wayne and Batman. But of course, Jack Nicholson stole the show as The Joker in his iconic turn as the character. Certain elements of the film might not hold up today, but Tim Burton's gothic style was the perfect fit to bring Batman back to the masses! And who can forget that iconic Danny Elfman score!

6: Road to Perdition

Did you think all comic book movies had to be about superheroes? Well, Road to Perdition is an Oscar winning mobster film starring Tom Hanks and directed by Sam Mendes, the man behind Skyfall and Spectre. Road to Perdition is ultimately a story of father and son bonding with the backdrop of a 1930s mobster revenge tale. Mendes' cinematography is stunning, and Tom Hanks' performance is reliably exceptional as expected. If you like crime dramas and want to see one of the more unique comic book films, give Road to Perdition a watch.

Are these any of your favorites? Please comment below and let me know!

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.