BEST SUPERHERO MOVIES
“Superman” (1978) This Richard Donner-directed actioner revived the superhero genre and made a star of an unknown named Christopher Reeve, who added more than 20 pounds of muscle to his skinny frame to look the part of the Man of Steel. In a complete departure from his “Godfather” persona, Marlon Brando shined in limited screen time as the title character’s father, Jor-El, and Margot Kidder brought a sweet vulnerability to hardcharging, chain-smoking reporter Lois Lane.
“Superman II” (1980) Probably the best of the Reeve-era “Superman” movies and arguably a classic, this story finds Superman forsaking his powers after he and Lois become lovers, just as three arch-criminals from his home planet of Krypton arrive on Earth bent on world domination. As the leader of the villains, General Zod, Terence Stamp is a scenestealer with his iconic cry of “kneel before Zod!”
“Batman” (1989) Michael Keaton was known primarily as a comedic actor when he more than capably donned the cowl and tights of the Caped Crusader in this excellent action-adventure, in which he protects Gotham City from the reign of terror of the Joker, played with gleeful menace by Jack Nicholson. Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl, Billy Dee Williams and Jack Palance are also in the solid cast.
“X-Men” (2000) Director Bryan Singer’s superb action-adventure stars Patrick Stewart as the leader of gifted mutants, who are brought together to combat a criminal mastermind (Ian McKellen) with a grudge against the human race. Hugh Jackman, Famke Janssen, James Marsden, Halle Berry, Anna Paquin and Rebecca Romijn also star.
“Spider-Man” (2002) A bite from a genetically modified spider gives shy, nerdy high-school student Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) spiderlike abilities that he uses to fight evil in director Sam Raimi’s blockbuster actioner. As the focus of his crimefighting efforts, Willem Dafoe shines as archenemy Green Goblin and Kirsten Dunst is solid as love interest Mary Jane.
“The Dark Knight” (2008) Heath Ledger’s untimely death just before its release only served to amplify the buzz surrounding this crime actioner in which Batman (Christian Bale) teams with Gotham City’s Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) to combat the Joker (Ledger). Maggie Gyllenhaal also stars.
“Iron Man” (2008) Always a standout in whatever role he occupies, Robert Downey Jr. is particularly so in Jon Favreau’s entertaining actionadventure as wealthy industrialist Tony Stark, who creates a weaponized suit of armor to fight evil. The talented cast also includes Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow and Terrence Howard.