Back in 1998 the seed of blockbuster comic book film adaptations of Marvel superheroes began with Wesley Snipes as Blade in the film Blade directed by Stephen Norrington. It was successful, and had three sequels but didn't really have the mass appeal that studios were looking to capitalize on. Enter the new millennium and in the year 2000 the first X-Men film was released directed by Bryan Singer with a fantastic cast and launching Hugh Jackman and Ian McKellen's acting careers to infinity and beyond. It was this film that truly ignited the summer bonanza of comic book film epics, two films and three spin-off films followed, with another one due out in summer 2014. Some of the Marvel adapted superheroes have paid off more than others; Iron Man, Spider-Man and the Avengers have been the most lucrative. The brand of Marvel has become so successful in adapting films, that the market is becoming saturated with films starring the comic book superheroes, and even super-villains. Not including the films that are still being developed, since 1998-2015 there will be at least 35 Marvel produced comic book film adaptations and it appears that it will only increase from that point on. I was 12 years old in 1998 and now I am 28 years old, and in the span of 16 short years there have been more film made from that same topic than anything else: Harry Potter, James Bond, Star Wars, Star Trek, Pirates of The Caribbean, Underworld, Jason Bourne,The Matrix, or Lord of the Rings. I haven't even mentioned DC comics, which includes all of the Superman films, the 3 different Batman strains (Tim Burton, Joel Schumacher, and Christopher Nolan ), and The Green Lantern. Than there are other comic book films like Spawn, Hellboy, and Dick Tracy as well. America's addiction to epic escapism is staggering, but I think it may be related to the peter pan syndrome; not wanting to grow up and become a responsible individual. It is rather interesting (although not altogether suprising) that the majority if not all of these comic book films are targeted towards men, young men, and boys all of whom in American culture on average have been having extraordinary difficulty maturing at young age. A perfect example of America's reflection of American men was a film recently released starring Zac Efron and Seth Rogen called Neighbors. However, that is a discussion for psychological research. I personally believe that Americans will eventually tire of these films, at least I hope. When I was watching the Amazing Spider-Man 2 it seemed boring.....well, kind of like a ride that I've been on several times, and therefore has lost its thrill. Maybe that will happen, maybe not. As long as Hollywood makes money, they will continue to churn out comic book films like a factory. Here is a list of all the Marvel adapted film released since 1998 (I don't think I forgot anything): X-Men, X-Men: United, X-Men: The Last Stand, X-Men: First Class, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Wolverine, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2, Spider-Man 3, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, The Fantastic 4, The Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Thor, Thor: The Dark World, Catpain America: The First Avenger, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Iron Man 3, The Avengers, The Avengers: Age of Ultron, Blade, Blade II, Blade: Trinity, Hulk, The Incredible Hulk, The Punisher, Punisher: War Zone, Daredevil, Elektra, Ghost Rider, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, and Guardians of the Galaxy. Why don't you try rating them all from most to least favorite? Films being developed are sequels for several of the above mentioned films, a film on Ant-Man, the Sinister Six (Spider-Man villains), Dr. Strange (which could be great if done correctly), Deadpool, and several others I cannot recall currently. DC is also beefing up as well with A Batman vs. Superman film, the Justice League, and possibly rebooting the Green Lantern. I enjoy a lot of these films, but sometimes too much of a good thing can be....well, I'm sure you can figure it all out. I would personally rate The Avengers as the best Marvel produced film yet followed by Captain America: The Winter Soldier, then Iron Man, X-Men: United, The Amazing Spider-Man, and Thor. Who knows how well the new ones will be, or the films that follow afterwards. One thing is for certain though, these days everyone either wants a hero or wants to be a hero; in other words people want to be someone unreasonably exceptional, or be saved by someone unreasonably exceptional (it's all tied to the difficulty America is having with stagnant social mobility). Have a good night everyone.
X-Men: Days of Future Past trailer
Guardians of the Galaxy teaser
Interstellar trailer (not sure what to think)
