With Jonah Hex coming out this week, we’ve decided to look at seven of the best comic book-to-film adaptations. Hex, starring Josh Brolin and Megan Fox, tells the story of a scarred bounty hunter out for revenge. After being left for dead, Hex has a connection to the “other side.” Fox plays a “hooker with a heart of gold,” and a quick gun hand.
From all the footage we’ve seen so far, this film looks promising and hopefully it will turn out to be an entertaining action flick. Without further ado, here are our seven favorite films based on comics:
300
Based on the graphic novel of the same name, 300 stars Gerard Butler and is directed by Zack Snyder. Blood, gore and murder have never looked so pretty. The film is an epic exercise in slaughter and killing. It revolves around the story of an army of Spartans, 300 strong, who go up against Xerxes and the Persian army which numbers in the millions.
Visually arresting is an understatement to describe this film. Filmed almost entirely on a green screen, the battles play out like a wet dream. Slow motion, CG shenanigans, extraordinary feats and more fill the screen. While it’s certainly not the best-written narrative with the best-developed characters, 300 is an awesome battle epic that never stops having fun.
V For Vendetta
V For Vendetta is a personal favorite of mine. The brilliant dialogue, smart characters, important themes and the strong social message combine for a real treat. Based on the graphic novel of the same name, the film tells the story of a man known as V (Hugo Weaving), a freedom fighter living in a futuristic Britain where a totalitarian government rules with an iron fist. One day, V rescues a young girl named Evey (Natalie Portman) from an attempted rape by some corrupt state policemen. Evey’s eyes are opened to the corruption around her and she joins V in his fight against their oppressors.
The film is compelling, witty and manages to be entertaining enough to still get the message through. Portman and Weaving are both at the top of their game, offering great performances and executing the cleverly written script perfectly. Full of great action scenes, a couple interesting plot twists and a frightening vision of what our future could be like, V For Vendetta is an entertaining affair the whole way through. It preaches without being too preachy, it causes controversy without being too controversial, and it offers a complex and deep story without becoming too confusing. V For Vendetta hits all the right strides and it offers one of the most political movies released in the last decade.
The Losers
Sure it had problems and was far from perfect, but The Losers is an enjoyable action romp. Based on the comic book from DC Comics, the film tells the story of a CIA black ops team that is betrayed and left for dead. Of course, the plan fails, and the team ends up alive and out for vengeance, seeking out those who left them to die. Though the film is very similar to The A-Team, it basks in the sheer excitement and enjoyment of the action comedy on screen, rather than a taut narrative or layered performances.
The film did exactly what it set out to do, provide a fun if not a bit over the top, action flick that makes for the perfect popcorn movie. Director Sylvain White has a visual flair that holds the film together, even when the acting becomes a bit mundane and the story becomes a bit silly.
Sin City
When it comes to comic book adaptions, Sin City is one of my favorites. I’ve seen the film multiple times and it’s always enjoyable. Based on the graphic novels by Frank Miller, the film weaves several stories to create a tapestry of noir-esque melodrama. The great cast comes together to capture the tone and feel of the source material perfectly.
The film’s silvery black and white look is captured beautifully and only helps bring the original graphic novel to life in visually-stunning fashion. The here-and-there splashes of color that do show up only further the beauty of the visuals.
While some may be put off by the extreme violence of it all, if you have the stomach for it than you owe it to yourself to watch this film. The kinetic, hard-boiled action mixed in with fantastic dialogue and some of the most interesting characters I’ve seen in a long time makes Sin City a truly superb film.
Wanted
Wanted is a 2008 action film based on the comic by Mark Millar. Starring James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, and Morgan Freeman, the film opened to generally positive reviews and respectable box office numbers. The film is a non-stop, in-your-face action ride. A roller coaster that never lets up, the film is fast-paced and full of energy that’s sure to leave you clinging to your seat.
The stunt work is epic and, although the action is unrealistic, it’s a complete blast to watch. Add to that CG-infused action and a precise use for slow motion (not to mention a hero viewers can relate to), Wanted will dazzle even the most jaded of audience members.
Iron Man
Robert Downey Jr’s great comeback vehicle is one of the more successful comic book adaptations in recent years. Earning a ton of money and rave reviews, the film quickly spawned a sequel. The sequel, although not as good as the first, still went on to make large sums of money despite relatively mediocre reviews.
Downey Jr. gives a supercharged performance as billionaire Tony Stark. He oozes with charisma and wit as he so perfectly slips into the role. When he needs to turn up the intensity for the film’s action packed second half, he is able to do so on a whim, as though it was the most natural thing in the world.
I think it is safe to say Iron Man was the best comic book movie of its time. When it came out there was nothing better. Then everything changed: Christopher Nolan blew our minds.
The Dark Knight
You knew it was coming, you just didn’t know when. You knew no ‘comic book to movies’ list could get away with not mentioning The Dark Knight. I’m not even sure what to really say that hasn’t been said already. It grossed over a billion at the box office, it’s one of the highest ranked films on IMDB, it’s widely regarded as one of the best comic book adaptations of all time and the list goes on and on.
I’m assuming anyone who is anyone has seen this film and if you haven’t you should stop reading this article immediately and go watch it. It’s a truly astonishing film in every aspect, not to mention it is actor Heath Ledger’s best, Oscar-winning performance.
Can Hex live up to all of this hype?
What do you think? Have you seen Jonah Hex?