Post 9– DC Comics & Marvel: Leaping to the Big Screen with a single bound.

DC Comics and Marvel have become part of America’s history. There has been numerous TV shows, about these heroes that have come out of these two brands. Now, DC and Marvel have leaped to the big screen with a single bound with their famous heroes. How and why did these superheroes make their way onto the big screen?

 

 The first movie attempt, by DC was the Superman (1978-87) movies, played by the late Christopher Reeves. The story of Superman and Clark Kent, is a famous one. An orphan child escaping from his home, comes to Earth and becomes its greatest hero. The first Superman (1978) opened on December 15th in America, and it grossed $134.22 million in North America and worldwide 300.22 million. Why was this a success? Was it because of new technical advances? People were familiar with the comic book heroe? Or, was it because of what Superman represents?

 

In 2006, Superman Returns was created and received $200,081,192 in the U.S. and worldwide it made $391,081,192. Reviews for this movie were divided. Most of the negativity revolved around Brandon Routh, who had taken the role; that once was held by Reeves. The reason, I believe this movie had mixed reviews, is because no one could see someone else by Superman besides Christopher Reeves.

 

The next movies that were made for the DC franchise, was Batman. Batman’s story is also famous. A young Bruce Wayne, watched his parents die and became Gotham’s vigilant hero to fight crime. The four Batman movies–Batman (1989), Batman Returns (1992), Batman Forever (1995), and Batman & Robin (1997) didn’t gross as much as the Superman movies. In fact, Batman & Robin was rated the worst movie in the superhero franchise. Why did these movies bomb in the theaters?

In 2005, Batman reveived justice with release of Batman Begins. It grossed 370 million dollars worldwide and 48 million in the US. This movie was a success with the viewers and the critics. But, it gets even better with the release of the Dark Knight in July 16 2008. Chritian Bale comes back as the Dark Knight, to fight his greatest nemesis, the Joker played by the late Heath Ledger. This movie made more than 500 million dollars and made over a billion dollars internationally. Why did these two movies make it and the other four did not? Did Batman Begins and the Dark Knight, bring the essence of Batman?

Other superheros from DC are making there way to the big screen: The Flash (2011) and The Green Lantern (2011) and the Justice League (rumor).

Marvel is the same way. The two movies out of the Marvel franchise; that could compete with the success of Batman Begins and Superman, are: Spiderman and Ironman

In 2002, the franchise released Spiderman (starring Tobey Maquire as Peter Parker) into theaters. The movie made 821.71 dollars worldwide. It was the third hightest movie in 2002 and because of this success two sequels were made: Spiderman 2 (2004) and 3 (2007).

Ironman was the next superhero from the Marvel franchise that had success in the theaters.  The movie was released on May 2 2008, starring Robert Downey Jr. as business engineer Tony Stark.  Overall, Ironman grossed $585,133,287 worldwide and in North America $318,412,101.  The success of Ironman, allowed for the production of the sequel.  Ironman 2 will be released this year May 7 2010.  Will this sequel, pass the first one?

Other comic book heroes from Marvel, will also be hitting the big screen.  Thor (2011), Captain America (2011) and The Avengers (2012). 

 I commented Brittany Alberry’s blog and Danyael Hughes’ blog.

 

 

Advertisement

~ by bgw1088 on March 28, 2010.