How is this movie (the entire genre) so popular? What does it speak to that resonates with some many? Or is it just the effects that titillate people’s buttons?
It’s probably a favorite of MGTOW’s.
You got me. Comic book movie with comic book characters. I would rather watch something more real-world based. One could argue that movies are by definition escapism, so the Marvel movies simply take it to another level. Doesn't interest me though.
Same reason that people have always told tales of heroes. From Beowulf and Hercules to Robin Hood and Ivanhoe to 3 Musketeers and Tale of Two Cities to Cowboys and Space Rangers and Super Heroes.
They embody what we believe is best in us. They show that we all have flaws but can rise above and succeed. That we can defend what we believe and protect others while still being imperfect.
There has been a trend for years to move toward the darker more ‘realistic’ characters and plots. The introduction of anti-heroes etc.
I firmly believe that the reason Marvel has done such a better job in the box office is they didn’t go major dark where DC has. They kept some humor n the films true, but more importantly they kept the ideals in place of what we expect in heroes - what we can achieve when we are the best of us.
I haven’t seen the movie yet - so I won’t be reading any further comments. Have to wait till my girls are back from college next week.
There’s always been a big market for exploitation movies. They are specifically built to give the audience what they want out of a movie. Some conflict, some escapist fun, expected beats. It used to be they were low budget, but almost always profitable. Then the summer blockbuster got invented. Now they are the tent poles that hold up the industry. All the comic book movies are is another form of exploitation movie.
As others have noted, if a movie does not NEED a big theater screen and sound system, people will prefer watching at home.
The availability of 4K TV will further accelerate the trend away from movie theaters.
I was a fan of the comics in my youth, so that's why I enjoy the movies. Are they everyone's cup of tea? No. But then ... how boring would this world be if we all liked the same things all the time?
Because, as the saying goes, “Different strokes for different folks.”
I love sci-fi and comic book action movies. But that’s just me. Why should I speak approvingly or disapprovingly of anyone else’s tastes?
I don’t understand the predilection here on Free Republic to hate these movies as much as you don’t understand why they’re so popular at large.
For example, I never got into Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, or 24, but these shows are/were quite popular here. I never once wondered why others liked them—I didn’t.
But that was me.
To each his own.