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But might there be a few transgressive superhero movies that can entertain even the most hardcore cynics?
Turns out, yes, there are quite a few.
When Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man broke box office records in 2002, nothing was the same.
With decades of endless superhero movies, surely many are feeling just a little tired.
Brightburn (2019)
What if Superman grew up into a monster instead of a hero?
But when the boy grows into a troubled adolescent, his powers become a nightmare for an unsuspecting community.
But Brightburn still raises real scares in the glowing eyes of a strange being from another world.
Namely, his British identity and bleach blond hair (originally inspired by Sting).
The Batman (2022)
No one needs an introduction to Batman.
But that doesn’t stop The Batman from feeling like one of a kind.
In Upgrade, Logan Marshall-Green plays a paralyzed mechanic named Grey.
implant that not only helps him regain motor functions, but turns him into a lethal killing machine.
While Grey embarks on a road to avenge his wife, the implant slowly reveals its own agenda.
Taut and thrilling, Upgrade is the anti-superhero movie Venom wishes it could be.
Lee’s legacy influenced many around the world, including Chinese comics artist Li Chi Tak.
Black Mask is a blast, if only for its attractive showcase of Jet Li in his physical prime.
Or would you call the police?
Such is a dilemma grilled by filmmaker Adam Egypt Mortimer in his 2020 indie gem Archenemy.
Major characters like Captain Nemo, Dorian Gray, Dr. Jekyll/Mr.
He did it again in 2023 with Toei’s motorcycle-riding cyborg Kamen Rider.
(Nicolas Cage and Chloe Grace Moretz co-star, as the father/daughter team Big Daddy and Hit-Girl.)
While Kick-Ass gleeful R-rated take on superheroes feels passe in a post-Deadpool world, Kick-Ass still hits hard.
Hellboy (2004)
Hellboy wasnt the first superhero comic that celebrated filmmaker Guillermo del Toro applied his craft.
(That honor goes to Blade II.)
Its just one hell of a good time.
If nothing else, you cant take your eyes off Elizabeth Banks going absolutely gonzo as Rita Repulsa.
If only we could see that sequel with, according to rumors, a female Green Ranger.
Anyone claiming fatigue of superheroes ought to see what kind of inventive web Into the Spider-Verse weaves.
(Did we mention acclaimed filmmaker Michel Gondry was behind the wheel?)
Sadly The Green Hornet didnt sting and bombed in its dumpy winter 2011 opening.
But in hindsight, its freewheeling humor compliments its efforts to subvert superhero movie cliches.
The Green Hornet has aged well, unlike most other Green Hornet media from the 1940s.
(Long story.)
While it shares continuity with the DC cinematic universe, Shazam!
As electric as Zeus' lightning but unsuspecting in its emotional darkness, Shazam!
can make even the most cynical moviegoer say the magic words.
Punisher: War Zone doesn’t posture to be more than what it is.
After Spider-Man blew up the summer box office in 2002, the world was never the same.
Bruce Willis plays David Dunn, a family man and security guard who slowly discovers his impossible gifts.
Logan (2017)
When you think about it, Logan is a miracle.
