In The Colors (Top Five Comic Book Movies)

Right around now, the hype surrounding THE WATCHMEN is at a fever pitch. I’m not certain that it can live up to the hype for a lot of reasons, but that shouldn’t change the fact that it oughta be a fun night at the movies.

THE WATCHMEN continues the trend that’s been rolling for the last eight years, where every comic book property is treated like a potential goldmine. Some of them have transcended and worked well as movies (X-MEN for instance). Others…well…haven’t…(THE HULK, I’m looking at you).

So as I feverishly try to re-read the graphic novel that many call the best ever done, allow me a moment to rhyme off some of my favorite adaptations of funny books…

Hatter’s Top Five Favorite Comic Book Movies
#5. SPIDER-MAN 2 (2004)… The first was a rough draft, and the third was a mess. But in the second, Sam Raimi touched on a theme that suddenly made this superhero more accessible. As we watch Peter Parker abandon life as a superhero to try and have a normal life, we realize that while they are idolized by millions, the life of a hero is often a lonely one. The audience sees itself in Spidey’s struggle, which grounds the story. Of course it doesn’t hurt that some eye-popping action sequences take place to really make the film soar. It’s a pity Raimi didn’t quit while he was ahead.

#4. PERSEPOLIS (2007)… What? You didn’t think this list was going to be entirely made up of superheroes, did you? PERSEPOLIS tells the tale of young Marjane Satrapi who grows up in Iran as the Islamic Revolution takes over the country. It’s proof that 2-D animation is till alive and well, and gives both her horrific reality and amusing escapist moments a stage all their own. If you ever have the chance read, this graphic novel…then if you haven’t already, see the film. You can thank me later.

#3. IRON-MAN (2008)… Really and truly, this movie could have been called “How Downey Got His Groove Back”. IRON MAN is a prime example, that great effects may bring ’em in – but great acting makes ’em stay. Likewise, what I personally love about the film, is that it explores a lesser hero. When it comes to comics, you have your all stars…Superman, Spider-Man, Batman, Captain America. But after them, you have entire universes of supporting characters who can be just as interesting. As this film proves, those bench players can still make for a great film in the right hands.

#2. AMERICAN SPLENDOR… (2003) Moving away from the capes one more time…far, far away. Harvey Pekar isn’t the sort of guy you’d expect to have a comic book written about him. Hell, Harvey Pekar isn’t the sort of guy you’d expect anything to be written about. But his life is an amusing one in it’s own simple way, and such is the heart of AMERICAN SPLENDOR. However, the best part about this movie, is how they take a moment here and there, stop it dead in its tracks, and let the real Harvey get off a thought or two. Comic book, or no comic book – it’s a masterstroke.

#1. THE DARK KNIGHT (2008)… You’re shocked, I’m sure. I know, I know, it’s the fashionable answer right now, but I just can’t help it. It’s all about the story. Ditch the cape, wipe away the make up. Focus on the fact that it’s a cop drama about a lunatic taking the city hostage by means of tearing up the rules. It proved that a comic book movie could say something about how fragile we as a society really are. It also reminded us, that as soon as we elevate someone to hero status, the clock starts ticking on how long it will take us to tear them down. It is indeed the trendy answer, but it’s my opinion that in five or ten years time, we will look back on this film as the blueprint for every great comic book movie that follows it.

That, and chances are that in five or ten years, it’ll still be my favorite.

Did I miss one? Feel free to leave comments naming your favorite comic book films, along with suggestions for the next top five.