This is my first post joining on Thursday Movie Picks from
Wandering Through The Shelves blog. I know the picks are for Superhero movies specifically otherwise Sin City would have made the list. Of course Guardians of the Galaxy should be on my list - saw it at the cinema
not enough times but I thought these would be better picks.
The Mask
Technically The Mask does fall under the superhero category. He has super powers and does do some good. The 'he' of the story is Stanly Ipkiss (Jim Carey) regular guy, works at the bank which is eventually robbed by evil 'gangster' Dorian Tyrell. Stanly finds an old wooden mask after being rejected from Tyrell's club. While wearing the mask he becomes, essentially a cartoon that's more confident and wild. But when Stanly removes the mask he has to deal with the consequences left behind. There is more of a plot but with all the crazy antics from The Mask and Jim Carey having an excuse to be crazy, it doesn't seem as important. A great 90s film with the strangest superhero.
Constantine
I know this wasn't received particularly well and everything is backwards when compared to the comic book source material BUT if you watch this film and imagine that it is completely separate from the comic, its actually a really great film. John Constantine (Keanu Reeves) is trying to buy his way into heaven but sending demons back to hell. These creatures of darkness walk side by side with the humans on Earth as well as Angels from heaven. He can see them and has the power to banish them. Constantine committed suicide or tried to when he was younger and as it is a mortal sin he destined to go to hell when he dies. When a young woman jumps off her building, her police officer twin sister (Rachel Weisz) seeks his help for the truth. It's the kind of superhero movie that brings religion into the story but in an interesting way. Also, Tilda Swinton, ever the amazing actress plays Gabriel (gender is left ambiguous) and is definitely a scene stealer, so see it for her if anything.
Watchmen
This seemed like an obvious choice to me as it is adapted from one the greatest comics written. I read the book in a few days, digesting it and from there, I couldn't wait for the film. Again, this was met with controversy from the die hard Alan Moore fans. He of course hated it as he hates everything, but the artist, Dave Gibbons, endorsed it, good for him. The film is a sparlling masterpiece, telling a story across decades about two groups of masked vigilantes as they draw closer to the doomsday. The opening credits are particularly amazing, to those who know the book, will or should appreciate how the beginnings and feeling of the public can be explained with Bob Dylan's The Times They Are A-Changin' and a montage. The casting for this film was particularly spot on with a special mention to Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach. Beautifully created by Zack Snyder, every shot its perfect and for me it did feel like the comic coming to life.
Awesome picks! They're all so unique from the typical superhero movies we normally consider. I pretty much love them all! Love your note about Alan Moore hating everything. haha I know Zac Ryder doesn't have many fans but as someone who read Watchmen to see the movie, I thought it came to life too - and without that octopus ending.
ReplyDeleteThanks :) The weird octopus end in the book was ok - for the book - but I agree, the ending created for the film worked perfectly for a film audience.
ReplyDeleteNice picks, great to see some I hadn't considered.
ReplyDeleteDamn, now I wish I included The Mask on my list. Interesting choices!
ReplyDeleteConstantine: see it if you've never heard of the comic book and/or for Tilda Swinton and Peter Stormare. It's visually gorgeous in so many places too. I also agree that the Mask is a superhero, he was also a comic book character originally too. It's such a fun movie and one of Carrey's early roles that hold up the best with only a few moments where it feels dated due to some 90's catchphrases that he originated there, like "Somebody stop me!" or " Ssssssmokin'"
ReplyDeleteThanks :) I thought The Mask deserved to make a come back
ReplyDeleteThank you :) I was going through a 90s phase and when I saw this topic, The Mask popped into my head.
ReplyDeleteExactly! I had never read the comic before I saw the film and loved it from the first scene. The comic is amazing and I try not to think of them as the same characters. And yes :) I know what you mean about the 90s catch phrases, 'P-A-R-T-Y? BECAUSE I GOTTA!'
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