Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Why superhero movies click

We’re living in the age of the superhero movie. It’s well into the second decade of an era when films based on superhero comics have been launched into the market by major studios and have made staggering profits. But what gives superhero movies their might and staying power?

                               Image source:CinemaBlend.com 


For fandom website The Renaissance Fan, superhero movies are not a mere trend. They’re considered a genre with its own set of tropes as well as “expectations to be adhered to, subverted, and reflected upon.” While a particular genre fatigue is to be anticipated, there isn’t really a sameness that could be dismissed in superhero films.

For screenwriter Stephen McFeely, superhero films have become a genre that can be done well now in the face of computers. Advancements in movie-making technology have resulted in great gains in the last few decades, from motion capture to IMAX cameras to CGI. This way, filmmakers and storytellers can pull off the intended effects for each character and showcase them very well before eager audiences.
Image source:DigitalSpy.com 

Hordes of comic book lovers are also coming out and claiming a thriving space for themselves, even penetrating the awards race through Oscar wins and nominations. Both Marvel and DC bank on the strong interest and power up not just production but also promotional campaigns, fan events, and Comic-Con appearances and previews that keep fans excited.

So, is the superhero movie here to stay? Highly likely, and as a genre, it’s expected to have its highs and lows and a judgment of individual films within the movement.

Joe Cianciotto is a movie buff and enjoys a diverse selection of genres, including superhero films, independent science fiction, mumblecore, and Golden-age dramas and epics. More on his interests here.