OK, everyone knew Iron Man would hit box-office paydirt. But $100 million in one weekend ($104 million if you count the preview shows on Thursday night) and $201 million if you count the worldwide grosses. That's gold, baby, gold! What we have here is the second best debut ever for a non-sequel after 2002's Spider-Man, which took in $114 million, and the 10th biggest opening of all time. It's a great kickoff for Hollywood's summer 2008 and even better for audiences and critic types like me since Iron Man is actually one terrific movie. Not too many superhero epics can boast an award-caliber performance like the one Robert Downey, Jr. delivers as Tony Stark, aka Iron Man. Which brings me to today's topic: What actor gave the best performance ever as a superhero?
If you go by box-office, the hugest openings after Spider-Man with Tobey Magure and Iron Man with Downey are: The Hulk with Eric Bana, Fantastic Four with (I'm too bored to care), X-Men with Hugh Jackman as a lively Wolverine, Ghost Rider with a deadly Nic Cage, and Batman with a grave, much underrated Michael Keaton as the Caped Crusader. You could throw in Hellboy with a scrappy, red-faced Ron Perlman, Batman Begins with a hyper-focused Christian Bale and even Batman Returns with Michelle Pfeiffer as the definitive, purr-worthy Catwoman. But as a rival to Downey, I'd have to go with the late Christopher Reeve who, thirty years ago, brought humor and heart to the Man of Steel in Superman. Go ahead, let me hear your nominees. I'd also like your picks for the worst acting as a comic-book hero. George Clooney would nominate himself for Batman & Robin. But did you ever see Billy Zane in The Phantom? Now that's superlousy.
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Scarface | August 13, 2008 4:44 PM
Christopher Reeve as superman was the most inspiring performance ever made by an actor potraying the man of steel or any superhero for that matter. Chritopher Reeve also paved the way for actors that may have been,well normal looking.(Michael Keaton as Batman,Tobey Maguire as Spiderman would never have come to be if it wasn't for Reeve.)The world will always remember Reeve as Superman because Christopher Reeve is Superman.
Eric | May 18, 2008 3:13 PM
Best- Downey, Jr. as Iron Man, Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, Patrick Stewart as Professor Xavier, and Thomas Jane as The Punisher.
Worst-TOBEY MAGUIRE AS SPIDER-MAN!!!!!!!!! I used to love Spider-Man as a character, but Maguire's eternal pussification of the character took us beyond the idea that Spider-Man has the same problems as every other person and makes him look like the biggest bitch to have ever put on tights. Also, Ben Affleck wasn't that great as Daredevil.
Lena | May 17, 2008 12:52 PM
- Best: no doubt Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. They made me love the characters I didn't love before.
- Very good: Christopher Reeve also made me love Superman, but it was a loong time ago, and it's hard for me to judge his acting. I really liked Brandon Rough as Superman too - he did a good job, not only acting as Superman, but also acting in the same manner as Chris Reeve did; it had to be hard.
- So-so: Batmans left me mostly indifferent with a tiny plus. Actually I didn't like Tobey as Spidey very much, although it's more because, IMO, his looks doesn't fit the character, plus the part itself wasn't written very well, especially in the sequels - so it's not so much about acting as about other factors.
- Worst: Ben Affleck as Daredevil (even though he is a looker). But it's only from among the movies I saw. I didn't see Hulk, Punisher, Sin City and Fantastic Four, and judging by the opinions in the Internet, they have a chance to beat Daredevil in worst-ness.
Mr. Poopoopachu | May 16, 2008 9:48 AM
Thomas Jane as The Punisher...no question. And this movie remains Marvel's best comic-to-film adaptation to date. Though Iron Man and RDJ were very, very good.
seefomatic | May 14, 2008 10:08 PM
Wesley Snipes gave a compelling performance in the first Blade (I never saw the sequels). I prefer the comic book spidey - as previously stated, he had a real sense of humour when he was kicking glutea maxima, as he might have said. The film spiderman seems like a new millennium action figure, very disconnected from the rich history of the timeless Marvel comics stories. Speaking of coloured comic heroes, When are we gonna see the original Nic Cage?
Aaron P | May 14, 2008 11:41 AM
The Good: Reeve, Bale, Downey, Keaton, Jackman. Maguire did a decent job but Spiderman is definately much talkier in the comics and goofy etc. it wasn't a knock out, but is watchable.
Nicholson was great as the Joker, and I think Ledger will be up there as well. Comics I think are tough mediums to bring to the large live action screen, they have such a huge expectation from the fanbase on what to do and how to portray the character as close-as-possible to the book. I don't envy the directors in these movies, when they don't get it right, its really BAD! You know which movies Im talking about too.
Go VH! | May 13, 2008 8:29 PM
I know I stand alone with this... but I've never really liked the new Spiderman films. Or Tobey McGuire in the titular role.
*dives for cover*
It's just a matter of personal taste, that's all. I feel like Peter Parker's real world troubles were very well done, but that's about it. I don't think Peter's scientific genius was really showcased, or -- and this was key for me -- his gift for banter. One of the great joys of a Spiderman action scene is how much he taunts his enemies. In contrast, most of the fights in the movie were terribly dramatic and serious. Also, so much of each film was spent on Peter that it felt jarring to me when Spiderman finally appeared. The Spiderman aspect of Peter felt almost tacked on by comparison.
Tobey Mcguire himself didn't feel right as Spidey. I know it's been said before, but he always looked half awake to me. Spiderman always struck me as a bright-eyed, eager genius. Tobey's came across as a sleepy guy of just abov average intelligence.
Well, that's my two cents on the Spiderman movies. Slag away.
TankCat | May 8, 2008 12:57 PM
I think you came up with a good list, although Nic Cage doesn't belong on it. Christopher Reeves is still the best, but Hugh Jackman deserves some props for his portrayal of Wolverine.
Tim | May 8, 2008 3:32 AM
The best: Tobey Maguire/Christopher Reeve
The worst: The entire cast of The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen
auramac | May 7, 2008 4:17 AM
Looking forward to seeing Iron Man. Keaton was the best Batman. Spidey movies were perfect. Chris Reeve was fantastic as Superman/Clark Kent. Bruce Lee was one of a kind, though they tried.
The best, most haunting superhero on film, the one who comes closest to making me wanna be like him, do what he does- was George Reeves, the original TV Superman. The music, theme, whooosh!- I'm a child of the 50's and still get chills- "faster than a speeding bullet.." In black and white of course...
Joker77 | May 6, 2008 11:40 PM
Hands down Nickleson as the joker and you can soon add Heath Ledger to the top of your list, but if you want a hero its got to be Downey for pulling the entire thing off. Iron Man isn't as well known as other superheros so his work was cut out to really make an impression.
Worst without a dought is Dolph Lundren as the Punisher. If you didn't know they made a punisher movie 15 years ago there's a reason, it's terrible.
Alejandro | May 6, 2008 3:52 PM
Do graphic novels count? Mickey Rourke's "Marv" in Sin City was pretty awesome if you ask me. Despite his dark tendencies, I'd consider him a hero.
Michael Keaton as Batman would be my runner up.
Worst comic-book portrayal on the big screen? Michael Chiklis as "The Thing" in the Fantastic 4 was pretty aweful. But I think Ben Affleck as Daredevil takes the cake.
Has anyone given props to Jack Nicholson as The Joker in the first Batman? Hands down one of the best comic book inspired performances.
EvilMulder | May 6, 2008 2:23 PM
Tobey is untouchable AS Spider Man - no one would ever match his performance as that character. Same with Iron Man/Tony Stark. And the same with Chris Reeves. Set the bar? He IS the bar, the yardstick by which all others will be measured. And Brandon Routh didn't even COME CLOSE, was NOWHERE NEAR his calibre of performance.
Also, Juan, Reb Brown is mighty in Yor The Hunter from the Future. Check it out.
Gabrielle deMontigny | May 6, 2008 2:15 AM
As for the worst... everybody loses including Travers. Stallone as Judge Dredd, tops my list as the worst.
Z | May 5, 2008 10:17 PM
the bad:
everyone in fantastic four, halle barry as catwomen horrible, christan bale could loosen up a little as batman, ghost rider sucked, the hulk sucked, eletra=crap, so does daredevil, batman forever batman and robin were garbage.
the good:
robert downey jr. very impressive, micheal keaton the best batman ever, hugh jackman good, chris reeves great, nightcrawler in x2 was good.
cant wait for: heaths joker, will smiths hancock, ironman 2, the wolverine movie, the dragonball z movie (it'll probably suck but its a movie that needs to be seen)
no so excited about:the avengers movie and justice league (too many heroes in one place) the new hulk (neither trailer was impressive, and the studio isnt all that happy with it) the next superman
Savon | May 5, 2008 8:29 PM
First, kudos to Marvel Studios, Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau, and everyone associated with Iron Man! I watched it opening weekend, and I believe it deserves its success. As for favorite superhero performance, I'd have to go with Christian Bale as the Caped Crusader in Batman Returns. From American Psycho to Gotham Savior, Bale is certainly worth following.
batlantern_87 | May 5, 2008 7:51 PM
I am going to have to go with a Keaton or a Bale's Batman, Batman is the greatest hero there is with many layers. Keaton played Bruce as a man who hated his own skin, where as Bale played Wayne as a duel character. In one way embracing the playboy billionaire and then a sad but driven hero. They both nail the role as Batman both going dark and dirty.
The worst hero has got to be Grufford or whatever his name is for fantastic 4 although lets not count out Evens or Chiklis in those horrible films. They all really competed for worst portrayle of a hero ever.
Julian | May 5, 2008 5:55 PM
Looks like i'm a little too late because all of the good ones have been mentioned.
BAD:
-Any Batman (Post-Michael Keaton/Pre-Christian Bale)
-Ben Affleck as Daredevil (Horrible)
-Halle Berry as Catwoman (For Sure)
-Eric Bana as The Hulk (I like Eric Bana but that was just a poor movie)
-Any character in both Fantastic Four movies
-Any Batman villian from Batman Forever and Batman & Robin.
GOOD:
-Of course Christopher Reeve as Superman. He set the bar for all superhero movies.
-Michael Keaton i'll have to give the edge over Christian Bale, but I love them both as Batman.
-Absolutely loved RDJr. as Iron Man. That was probably the most academy worthy superhero portrayal i've seen in a VERY LONG time.
-Hugh Jackman absolutely owned the X-Men movies. Without him, I personally don't think those movies would have held up.
I'm pretty sure we are all going to add Heath and Mr. Norton to all of our lists once The Dark Knight and The Incredible Hulk hit theaters this summer
Joxn | May 5, 2008 5:31 PM
So are we talking comic book movies or super-hero movies?
Brandon Lee as Eric in the Crow is up there for best in a comic movie.
JP | May 5, 2008 3:44 PM
My favorite performance in a comic book movie is a villian. It's Ian McKellan as Magneto. For heroes, it's a toss up between Robert Downey Jr. and Michael Keaton.
For the worst, I'm still split between Eric Bana and Christian Bale. Both of them are good actors, I think they were hampered by the script and the direction.
Darth Pop-Tart | May 5, 2008 3:36 PM
i thought Toby Maguire SUCKED as Spider Man....Peter Parker was nerdy but not THAT nerdy, he was more witty than nerdy.
the dude that played Cyclops in X-men was also awful. Cyclops was a much cooler carachter in the comic book than on screen and wouldnt have backed down to Wolverine as easily.
I'm gonna have to go with Bale in Batman as the best with Keaton 2nd however i havent seen Iron Man yet and I know Downey Jr will be incredible
Matt Vargas | May 5, 2008 1:37 PM
Christopher Reeve was Superman no doubt about it and he will always be remembered as Superman. But I have to say that I really enjoyed watching Robert Downey Jr. play Iron Man. Tobey Maguire played the nerdy kid from Queens in Spider-Man to a tee. I also enjoyed Jackman slicing and dicing bad guys as Wolverine. As far as worst acting superhero, hands down Halle Berry in Catwoman. Horrid.
Juan Carlo | May 5, 2008 12:38 PM
I agree, Reeve MADE the superhero actor; he was as charming and "boy-scout-y" as we all expected Superman to be, but could also show enough emotion. Jackman is my favorite though, he made Wolverine jis own; with some time I think this guy could be the next Mel Gibson (sans his last years). As the worst, I kinda enjoyed Billy Zane in the Phantom, pardon me very much; and I guess poking at Ben Affleck as Daredevil is too easy. So I'm going to dig reeeeal deep and remember an old CAPTAIN AMERICA made-for-TV movie with a ridiculous, ridiculous suit and transparent shield. The actor's name was Reb Brown. Yeah, I don't remember him either. That said, I'm gonna go for Halle Berry as Catwoman. Yeah, even easier tahn Ben, but God, she deserves it.