Superhero movies: Story or Spectacle

Story or Spectacle: which is more important in making a good Superhero movie.

A movie production is made up of several elements put together such as a script, actors, directing and editing to name a few, making a good movie requires every element to function in creative harmony in order to please viewers everywhere. As much as the genres of movies differ, so do their audiences and each genre requires a focus of efforts on specific aspects or elements in the movie in order to meet the needs of their different demographics. For example, action movies rely on editing, effects as well as stunt choreography/coordination, horror focuses on scares, Sci-fi on special effects and visuals and dramas rely mostly on narratives and strong performances from the cast.

We are very much in the era of comic book and superhero adaptations as movie-goers can expect at least 4 superhero or comic book movie or tv show from big the production companies every year and the rave doesn't show any sign of stopping anytime soon. Over the last 10-15 years, the formula with new releases for the production studios each year has always been to up the ante which most of the time means giant budgets, bigger explosions and more special effects but recently, directors have looked to experiment with the genre and flip the status quo opting to make superhero movies that are much more story driven with quality characterization and sometimes at first glance a seemingly less blockbuster appeal.

So what then makes a better Superhero movie, more heart or more explosions?

Whether or not you've noticed it, the superhero genre is dominated by blockbusters, movies that prioritize expansive high octane CGI set pieces over a solid narrative and although it's a long shot for anyone to assume that the superhero rave in movie making has run it's course and is nearing its end, the  suggestion that fans, as well as regular viewers, would appreciate a deviation from the norm is evident in the amount of both critical and commercial acclaim movies that have opted to follow a different path have garnered. but even that, cannot take away the exciting ride that the spectacle-centric movies are. So where do you stand?

Some would argue that a strong narrative and effective characterization is a foundation upon which every great movie is built, stories that tug at the heart's strings, leaves us emotional and has us thinking by the end of the movie, coupled with compelling characters who are relatable and are worth emotionally investing in. The same applies to superhero movies, take this year's early release from Fox, Logan for example. Logan, Hugh Jackman's last hurrah as the gruff mutant, Wolverine tells the story of a weary and considerably weaker Logan as he cares for a sickly Professor X as they both live a life outside their past legacy as mutant superheroes. Logan's plans to remain withdrawn from the outside world is ruined as he's flung into a battle to protect a young mutant much like himself from those who sought to capture her.




With a significantly lower budget and VFX scale when compared to the likes of the latest Spider-man movie as well as previous X-Men movies, the biggest set piece in this movie was a car chase scene that ended in a car simply overtaking a train. Rather than let those shortcomings become major setbacks and shortcomings in the movie, Logan director, James Mangold saw them as an opportunity and delivered a well-crafted heavy drama with bold themes and emotional weight that would make you appreciate the more than a decade-long journey of Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart as Wolverine and Professor X respectively. Logan wasn't just a good Superhero movie, it was an amazing movie overall capable of competing with the best movies across genres, having watched Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart in those roles for over 10 years makes you appreciate the dynamics of their relationship in this movie and seeing them both in significantly weaker states, unable to perform those feats of power we are used to seeing them manifest was amazing and equaly sad to see. Also, watching Logan struggle not just with his enemies but also with his physical limitations to protect Laura. Logan perfectly humanizes these otherwise superhuman individuals and makes up what it lacks in budget and effects with well a crafted narrative. 

Compare all of Logan's strengths to last year's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and you get a completely opposite superhero movie with a big budget, expansive VFX scale and multiple set pieces but with the most incoherent story you will find anywhere with multiple plotholes and shallow characters. BvS was supposed to be the ultimate superhero movie, bringing together two of the most beloved superheroes ever, Superman and Batman battling each other, the ultimate fanboy fantasy come to life and sure, it was an exciting ride, the action sequences were well crafted and fun to watch but that was all it had to offer. The entire movie lacked depth and as a result, viewers could never really understand character motivations and appreciate the stakes the movie tried so hard to sell and failed at. One thing though is that, much like Logan, BvS  also made up for its shortcomings, what it lacked in story and characterization, it made up for in pure spectacle, giving us some of the best action sequences in a superhero movie, it was more than exciting to see Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman on-screen at the same time, taking on Doomsday. 

 So which is more faithful to Superhero movie genre?

It all boils down to preference really, viewers go into a movie with varying expectations and leave with varying levels of satisfaction. Our perception of what is most important in making a good superhero movie will shape where we'll all stand but if I were to pick, I'd pick Logan for its compelling storyline and solid characterization, those attributes helped the movie become not just a good superhero movie but a great film overall that transcends genres. 

Finally, in an attempt to answer the question in the title, I believe that the best superhero movies rather than focus on one of these elements have a combination of both in order to create something amazing. Please air your opinions in the comments section.