While watching TV last night, I saw a commercial for the new G.I. Joe movie. It got me thinking about movies based on superheroes and comic books. Why must we start every film franchise with either a movie origin about how they became “super” or just after they’ve fallen off the pedestal. If you’re the kind of person who goes to see movies based on cartoons, comic books, or graphic novels, you probably already know how the got into the business.
Don’t get me wrong, I like the ideas behind most of these movies. But in the end, they’re disappointing because I just want to see Batman jump in the Batmobile. I really don’t care how it ended up being painted black.
Then there is the hackneyed story, “after the glory days” and somehow the hero must get back in the good graces of the government, the public, and/or the sidekick. Who cares. The reason I bought a ticket was to see good guys fight bad guys. I don’t care that I already know what’s going to happen and how it’s going to end. The glory days and gravy are what make the heroes or at least make them interesting.
I miss the old cartoons and shows. You knew what was going to happen and still watched because it was fun and maybe a little cheesy. You knew that Adam West would win and that Julie Newmar really wasn’t going to put out; but knowing was half the battle.
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