I am not quite sure of what category to post in so I will just list this under an editorial. Basically, this article is just my overall analysis on what makes a successful super hero film based on comic book super heroes.
So, I would be listing out the aspects
5 Aspects of a Successful Super Hero Film
1) The film must be like a comic book
Don't take this literally. What I am trying to say here is that the film must have a good reference to the comics they are adapting from. Of course, this does not mean that the whole film has a comic like feel (Batman Forever, Batman and Robin). Comic like feel films have a tendency to ring the wrong bell as it somewhat doesn't do the film justice. The comic feel I am talking about here would be like incorporating fight sequences or chase sequences. Those final confrontations with hero and main villain are one of the best and high points of a super hero film. In a way, the super hero film needs to maintain two things: 1) Is based on the hero's comics (storylines and villains - villains made for the movie and not from the comics are usually unpopular) 2) Action Sequences (Fans of the hero are usually in this for the action and not watch a newly made movie. Adaptation of cool action sequences and bringing in of final confrontations are the best (The Dark Knight, Iron Man 2)
2) The film must have a tone of realism and the hero realistic and not over fantasy
Not that I favor a realistic tone and feel for all super hero films, what I am trying to say here is that the film cannot be overly imagined. Things like pseudo science gadgets and devices usually belong in a cartoon and not a full length film. Certain gadgets and devices from the comics like the popular grappling gun and the ace weapons like Repulsor Rays or Plasma Whips can be accepted but running amok with mind absorbing ray guns and Energy absorbing devices that shut down the city is a stretch.
The second part would be having the hero realistic and not infallible. Past super hero films might have accidentally made the super hero infallible when they make him impervious to injuries simply by his intelligence. There must be enough compromises with the hero's injuries and triumphs. If a hero doesn't feel pain then what is there for us to resonate with?
3) Characters must be there for a reason
You might have seen super hero films where there are either too many super heroes or characters. Things like references are still acceptable but if a character does appear then it should have a use. In The Dark Knight, you would have noticed how all the characters in there have a connection with one another. If Coleman Reese discovers Batman's secret identity then there will be a repercussion involving him and the villain. Simply to speak, a character must have a very good thing to add to the plot device.
Another thing would be to limit the number of characters in a film. Though ensemble films could do with loads of members, best figures would be from 5 to 6 as the film might be unable to deliver enough story bout these characters.
4) Interweaving Plots
In a usual super hero movie, you would see numerous sub plots take place. Those uber good films would be the ones who have sub plots that link very nicely to the main plot. Things like a robbery can lead to a further link or how a jail break leads to etc. If plots are weaved together, the film will not have audiences feeling bored halfway through the film. This is usually the part where the film comes to a lag and everything is a bore. If plots are close knit and written tightly then a consistent pace is maintained.
5) Playing up the story's strengths
A film must be able to play up on its story's strengths. Simply to say if the hero is a technological based hero, then play up the tech side. If the hero has a comedic villain then play up on it with black humor or some jokes. However, never ever try to marry humor with any character. Just look at Two Face in Batman Forever, critics felt that Two Face was just another version of the Joker.
If a character is a psycho maniac, then make him a psycho maniac. If the villain is meant to be a symbol of something, then play up the symbolism.
That pretty much wraps up what I feel are 5 Aspects of a Successful Super Hero Film. I won't say that this is a definitive check list but I feel that if some of these elements are present in a film, then we can look forward to an epic hero film.
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