Superhero movies and comic book adaptations have become incredibly popular in recent years. However, as much as I love movies, I cannot seem to get into the genre of superhero movies. There are many reasons why I don’t like superhero movies, and I am not alone in this opinion. According to a survey conducted by Rutgers University, only 32% of respondents said they particularly like comic book movies. So, why don’t I like them?
First off, many superhero movies tend to feel like they have the same formula. Characters have extraordinary abilities and are tasked with saving the world from some evil enemy, which can feel a bit repetitive. The plots can also become somewhat formulaic and predictable, which is not something I find enjoyable. Additionally, there is often not enough emphasis placed on character development, leaving the audience uninterested in the characters onscreen. I understand that part of the appeal is seeing superhuman abilities, but without real character development, the characters can seem a bit shallow.
Furthermore, these movies often lack creativity. Since there is an abundance of existing material for filmmakers to draw from, creativity often takes a back seat. However, I think that having a unique and creative story is the key to an enjoyable movie. It is hard to enjoy a movie when it feels like you’ve seen it before, and quite frankly, I just find it boring.
Speaking of boring, many superhero movies are also very long. On top of the repetitiveness and lack of creativity, having to watch a movie for three hours can be too much. I like a well-paced story, but sometimes there is just too much of it. Many characters also become overexposed in the storylines, and this really takes away the appeal of these movies.
Finally, I think that the superhero genre has some potential, but I often find that the movies don’t live up to that potential. They often try to cram too much into one movie, and the audience gets overwhelmed with information. This can shift the focus away from the story and characters, and just make the whole experience very unsatisfying.
The Diversity Issue
Another reason why I don’t like superhero movies is the lack of diversity. Despite the advances in representation in recent years, superhero movies still tend to be overwhelmingly white, cisgender, straight, and male. This lack of representation makes it harder for me to identify with the characters onscreen, and as a result, it can be hard for me to become invested in the story.
Additionally, the world of superheroes is usually portrayed as an all-male one, denying the presence of powerful women. This is disappointing, as it can make it more difficult to find strong female role models in movies, which is important for everyone, especially younger viewers.
However, some film studios have made an effort to change this. Marvel, for example, has released movies with all-female casts, such as Captain Marvel and Black Widow, and DC has also started to introduce more female characters, such as Batgirl and Supergirl. This is a positive step forward, but there is still room for improvement.
Ultimately, while I understand the appeal of superhero movies and have seen some good ones, I just can’t get into them. I think the lack of creativity, diversity, and character development combined with the repetitiveness and overexposure make the movies less enjoyable.
Excessive Special Effects
Another problem with superhero movies is the excessive use of special effects. While special effects can certainly enhance a movie, too many can quickly take away from the story. Many films rely too heavily on CGI, to the point where the plot and character development become secondary to the effects. In addition, the budget and amount of time spent creating these effects can often lead to rushed storylines and character arcs.
The focus on effects over plot also creates a disconnect between character and audience, as the characters become more like stunts than people. This means that the audience does not get to emotionally connect with the characters, and as a result, the movie does not seem to have much substance.
The lack of substance can also take away from the enjoyment of the movie, as there is not much to savor. I understand that the characters often need special abilities to complete their mission, but these abilities should not overshadow the story, as that is what makes a movie great.
On top of that, a reliance on special effects also tends to make superhero movies much more expensive to produce. This could mean less money is left over to create interesting and complex characters and plots, leading to yet another issue with the superhero movie genre.
Being Too Serious
Another common problem with superhero movies is that they often take themselves too seriously. This makes the movies less enjoyable, as they often feel like they lack a sense of fun and excitement. It can be fun to watch the characters take on impossible tasks, but it’s also important to add some lighthearted moments and humor to the mix.
This lack of lightheartedness also creates a disconnect between character and audience, as it makes it harder for the audience to relate to the characters. It can be difficult to identify with characters that never seem to smile or show emotion, as this further prevents them from feeling relatable. Thus, the audience often leaves the movie feeling a bit unfulfilled, as the characters do not feel like real people.
It is also important for moviegoers to be able to laugh and let loose, and a lack of comedy in superhero movies can make that difficult. Humor can help break the tension and bring out the character’s humanity, allowing the audience to connect with them on a stronger level. Thus, adding an appropriate amount of humor can make the experience more enjoyable, and can help set the movie apart from others in the genre.
Too Many Continuity Errors
Some superhero movies suffer from too many continuity errors, which can also detract from the overall experience. Continuity errors are errors in the storyline, such as characters appearing in locations that they previously were not in, or inconsistencies in physical features or locations. These errors can be confusing, as it makes it harder to keep track of what is going on in the story.
These errors can also take away from the enjoyment of the movie, as it can be hard to stay engaged in the story when there is confusion about the characters or their actions. This can lead to a feeling of frustration or boredom, as it can be difficult to make sense of what is going on in the movie.
In addition, these errors can also disrupt the viewer’s sense of immersion. If the audience becomes distracted by a continuity error, they may not be able to fully appreciate the movie. This can make a huge difference, as the goal of any movie should be to take the audience on a journey and fully engage them in the story.
Too Many Characters
Finally, some superhero movies include too many characters. While having an abundance of characters can create an interesting story, it often leads to confusion, as the viewer may not be able to keep track of who everyone is and what they are doing. This can make the movie drag on for longer than necessary, and it can be hard to remain engaged in the story when the focus is constantly shifting.
In addition, having too many characters can impact the development of individual characters, as there is usually not enough time to focus on all of them. This can be a problem, as character development is essential in creating an enjoyable story.
Finally, some movies also feature a large number of villains, which can make the story feel cluttered. It can be difficult to fully appreciate the story when you are constantly introduced to new villains, as each character needs to be fleshed out in order to create an engaging movie experience.
