Four Superhero Movies Every Movie Lover Should Stream
Comic book movies are all the rage these days as juggernaut, comic book publisher Marvel goes head-to-head with DC comics. (Whether you should be a Marvel or DC person shall be saved for another, separate posting.) Both in print, and on the movie screen, Marvel and DC have been sharing their stories with us for decades, since DC's Superman and the Mole Men (1951) to an growing fan base. But what if you missed out and don't know what all the fuss is about? It is never too late to get into them. Here are four upcoming superhero movies every movie lover will love.
1. X-Men: The Last Stand
This installment of the X-men series is an attempt to repair the bungled storyline of Jean Grey from X-men: The Last Stand (also marketed as X3 or X-Men 3). It centers Dark Phoenix, (Famke Janssen), a mutant who is former member of the X-Men, who possesses theoretically limitless telekinetic and telepathic powers. It is the sequel to 2003's X2, as well as the third installment in the X-Men film series, and was directed by Brett Ratner. Many of the previous X-Men of this ensemble cast (Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, Halle Barry as Storm, Anna Paquin as Rogue, Kelsey Grammar as Dr. Henry "Hank" McCoy / Beast, James Marsden as Cyclops, Rebecca Romijn as Raven Darkholme / Mystique, Shawn Ashmore as Bobby Drake / Iceman, Aaron Stanford as John Allerdyce / Pyro, Vinnie Jones as Cain Marko / Juggernaut, Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier / Professor X, to name more than a few) reprise their roles in this installment. This blockbuster has been critically acclaimed for its action, which far outweighs any critics’ grumblings about its depth. The final product delivers, and is worthy of a streaming movie night. As a side note, this was re-made in 2019 with Simon Kinburg as director and Sophie Turner (of Game of Thrones) in the lead as Jean Gray. The 2019 remake is arguably not as strong (with its abundance of swirling force fields, explosions, and collisions) as the 2006 version. This (2006) version delivers and is worthy of a streaming movie night.
2. Avengers: Infinity War
Infinity War successfully merges all the storylines from the Avengers series. The movie’s runtime pales in comparison to some of cinema’s lengthier films—but it still, clocks in at a almost three hours—149 minutes. It covers the epic battle, the Infinity War, started by Thanos. So, it makes sense that it would take at least 140 minutes to save reality and existence, itself. This movie is a who’s who of characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with an appearance by nearly every one of them. Each partakes in the epic battle. This is available on various streaming services, and is a definite must-see.
3. Deadpool 2
Deadpool 2 is a great vehicle for everyone’s favorite anti-hero. This movie introduces some new characters and a new person at the helm, David Leitch, a billion-dollar film director, actor, stuntman, writer, producer, and stunt coordinator, who co-directed John Wick (2014) with Chad Stahelski, which he also served as producer, Atomic Blonde (2017). Zazie Beets, the female lead, stars as Domino, and Josh Brolin once again stars as Cable, a super soldier (with a light-up eye and a metal arm) who spends most of his time scowling and shooting throughout the movie. Overall, despite some questions about Cable’s complex backstory, this movie is still very much enjoyable for its goofy one liners.
4. Venom
This movie forges new territory, and focuses on one of Spider-Man’s most formidable foes: Venom, a failed reporter who is bonded to an alien entity, one of many symbiotes who have invaded Earth. Instead of wanting to succumbing to the nefarious plans of the alien entities, he (i.e., his resultant life form) decides to protect Earth. Actor/Director, Andy Serkis does a superb job of developing Venom’s story in its own universe and his encounter with Carnage (a.k.a. Cletus Kasady), a serial killer and psychopath that has amassed a substantial body count in his villainous career. At times it has elements of a horror movie, than a superhero movie, but the final result is well balanced and eminently watchable—and enjoyable.
There you have it. Five highly recommended superhero movies that are screen-worthy, ones that are sure to satisfy and entertain. Stream and enjoy.