The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
2012 Christopher Nolan finale to his Batman trilogy. Christian Bale, Tom Hardy as Bane, Anne Hathaway as Catwoman.
Genre: Superheroes
Reviews of superhero movies across every franchise and era, from golden-age adaptations to modern cinematic universes, judged one film at a time.
ActionWonder Woman (2017) Review
Allan Heinberg wrote the screenplay from a story by Heinberg, Zack Snyder, and Jason Fuchs. Patty Jenkins had previously directed Monster in 2003, the production that won Charlize Theron her Academy Award for Best Actress.
ActionMortal (2019) Review
André Øvredal's Norwegian superhero film with Nat Wolff. The best Thor origin story ever filmed, and Thor is never named.
ActionThe Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) Review
1960s retro-futurist aesthetic as protection against contemporary political fatigue. Galactus underdeveloped, period setting works.
ActionGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) Review
James Gunn's farewell with substantive Rocket Raccoon backstory, the High Evolutionary's dark register, the Phase 5 exception. The 6 reflects honest evaluation based on what the available material shows, the broader critical reception, and the documented commercial response.
ActionShang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) Review
Tony Leung's career-best Wenwu, Hong Kong-influenced martial arts choreography, the Phase 4 entry that demonstrated the alternative. The 6.5 reflects honest evaluation based on what the available material shows, the broader critical reception, and the documented commercial response.
ActionThe Wolverine (2013) Review
James Mangold's first Wolverine film. Japan setting, bullet train sequence, the foundation that led to Logan.
ActionX-Men (2000) Review
Bryan Singer's foundation of modern superhero cinema. Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman's debut.
ActionAnt-Man and the Wasp (2018) Review
Evangeline Lilly's Wasp introduction through earned narrative foundation. Ghost's underdeveloped sympathetic antagonist.
ActionAnt-Man (2015) Review
Paul Rudd's likability anchors a heist-comedy that survived Edgar Wright's departure. The Quantum World setup that would matter.
ActionBlack Panther (2018) Review
Jordan's Killmonger is one of the franchise's best villains. Production and costume design earned Academy Awards.
ActionGuardians of the Galaxy (2014) Review
1 soundtrack, the cosmic Marvel foundation. The 6.5 reflects honest evaluation of one of the more creatively committed Phase Two MCU entries and the film that introduced cosmic Marvel to mainstream audiences.