Are All Superhero Movies Capeshit?
Spurred on by the success of Marvel and DC comics, superhero movies have become a booming industry in the film world, with more and more being released each year. However, not all of them hit the mark, and some get a backlash from viewers who feel that these big budget extravaganzas are nothing more than capeshit. But what is “capeshit”, and is there any truth to this opinion? Let’s take a look.
The term “capeshit” was first coined by fans of comic books on the website Reddit. It refers to movies, TV shows, and comic books that rely heavily on dated archetypes, with minimal originality or plot, and rely heavily on tried and true superhero tropes. Many fans feel that these big budget releases are an attempt to cash in on the popularity of superheroes without doing any real work, and that they suffer as a result. This has led to some viewers claiming that all superhero movies are capeshit.
However, there are some notable exceptions. Films like The Dark Knight, Logan, and The Avengers have all received critical praise, and the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has shown that when done well, superhero movies can be great works of art in their own right. Director Christopher Nolan, in particular, has been praised for his ability to craft a unique and captivating vision with his Batman films, and this reflects the fact that there is still a lot of cinematic potential in the superhero genre.
Professional film critics also back up this opinion. Writing for the LA Times, Justin Chang said that “The Marvel Cinematic Universe has consistently aimed for mass entertainment and seldom missed… empowering [these] featurettes with enormous ambition and scale,” and The New York Times’ A.O. Scott noted that “[Christopher Nolan’s] Batman trilogy — of which “The Dark Knight” is by far the best — belongs in an entirely different conversation” from other superhero movies.
On the other hand, there are also a number of superhero movies that have received less than stellar reviews. Films like Batman & Robin and Catwoman have been accused of being nothing more than empty wallet fluff, with no real plot or character development. These types of films are exactly the kind of “capeshit” that fans on Reddit are referring to.
That being said, there are still a number of superhero movies that can be really enjoyable and entertaining, even if they don’t break new ground. Films like Spiderman: Homecoming and Deadpool are celebrated for their humour and lighthearted escapism, and these are just the kind of movies that can make for a great night at the cinema. So, while there may be some truth to the opinion that some superhero movies are capeshit, certainly not all of them fit this category.
Where Does the Caper Come From?
In order to understand what “capeshit” is, it is first necessary to understand where the term comes from. The term “cape” is derived from the fact that many superheroes wear capes, either as part of their costume or as a way of expressing their own personal identity. Thus, when people talk about “capeshit”, they are referring to superhero movies that rely too heavily on these caped archetypes.
Most superhero films make use of some form of cape, usually as a tool for representing their hero in larger than life fashion. Superman and Batman, for example, both have long capes that trail behind them as they fly through the air. Even comic book anti-heroes like Deadpool are often seen wearing capes in order to distinguish themselves from the other characters.
However, some viewers feel that filmmakers have gone too far with their use of capes, and that they have become a crutch that filmmakers use to avoid having to put any effort into creating a real story. This sense of over reliance is what has led to the term “capeshit” being used to describe some superhero films.
What Makes a Good Superhero Movie?
Despite the fact that there are some superhero movies that are less than stellar, there are still some films in the genre that are truly great works of art. So, what makes a good superhero movie?
For starters, the movie needs to have a good story. Superhero films are usually based on established narrative structures and conventions, but filmmakers need to find ways to subvert these conventions, or use them in new and interesting ways. Good superhero films will also have strong protagonists and antagonists, as well as well developed supporting characters.
The action sequences in a superhero movie also need to be well done. Visual effects have come a long way in recent years, and filmmakers need to take advantage of this new technology in order to create exciting, dynamic action scenes. Finally, a good superhero movie needs to have a distinct visual style, in order to make it stand out from the rest of the films in the genre.
Audiences’ Views of Capeshit Films
Despite the fact that many superhero films are derided as being nothing more than capeshit, there is still a large audience for these films. Part of the reason is that, despite their flaws, these films can still be entertaining and provide a much needed escape from the stresses of everyday life.
Another factor is that viewers are often able to find something to connect with in these films, whether it be a strong character, an interesting plot line, or a cool action sequence. For example, many viewers are drawn to the dark and brooding nature of the Batman films, or the humorous irreverence of the Deadpool films.
Finally, it is worth noting that some viewers are just drawn to these films for the novelty of them. There is something undeniably exciting about these big budget superhero films that many viewers find irresistible. It may not be deep or meaningful, but it is an experience that some viewers just enjoy.
What Does the Future Hold?
It is clear that, despite the negative opinions that some have of the genre, superhero movies are here to stay. With more and more films being produced each year, and with ever more advanced technology being used to create larger and more epic action scenes, it seems that audiences will continue to be drawn to these films for the foreseeable future.
That being said, it is also clear that viewers will continue to expect a certain level of quality from these films. As more and more films are released, viewers are becoming increasingly aware of what makes a good superhero movie, and those films that are simply trying to cash in on the genre will be quickly forgotten.
Ultimately, the future of superhero films depends on the filmmakers. Those who can rise to the challenge and create something truly special will go down in history as cinematic greats, while those who simply try to ride the wave of success will be quickly forgotten.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that there are both good and bad superhero films. Those films that are simply trying to ride the wave of success and cash in on the genre may be labelled as “capeshit”, but there are also those films that can rise to the challenge and create something truly special. What makes a good superhero movie ultimately depends on filmmakers who put in the effort to create something unique, and viewers who know what they want from these films.
