So sayeth Loki, the god of mischief! Ok so really its Tom Hiddleston, the actor who plays Loki in the upcoming Avengers movie…but hey that is close enough. This is a great article about how super hero movies have evolved over the years and no longer should get the reaction of “holding ones nose”. It’s a shame to think that the great Christopher Reeve was almost ostracized for playing Superman. Like so many of my generation, I remember being awestruck the first time that Reeve took off and flew in that amazing first movie. We might watch it now and think the effects are a bit cheezy…but back then it was the dream of every kid who saw it to fly like that and get the girl too. Take a read before you continue with my ramblings.
Superheroes movies like Avengers should not be scorned
I can’t wait for the Avengers and it has been on the top of my list of movies for this year for a long time. Shan has already given me that resigned sigh, knowing she’s going to have to see it, but its the same resigned sigh she’s given for other super hero movies I’ve “forced” her to see. So far she’s really liked most of them!
So I am quite taken by Mr. Hiddleston’s arguments about super hero movies in general, and the new mythology they represent. The Avengers holds a special place in my heart as it was one of the first two comics I ever owned (the other being Shang Chi, The Master of Kung Fu!). I still remember that first comic, having no clue who the Avengers were when my mom bought it for me in a little gift shop of a hotel in Huntsville, Ontario when I was about 7 or 8 years old. I didn’t realize, at the time, what a seminal story it was, when Henry Pym (Antman) shot and killed his nemesis, Egghead, the leader of the Masters of Evil. It hooked me though, and I have followed the Avengers ever since (even catching up after my decade out of comics in the 90’s)
Sure it helps that the movie has good pedigree, a great director and some great actors too (and the early reviews are fantastic). There hasn’t been a movie quite like this one for excitement in a long long time amongst my geeky friends. I am sure I’ll be explaining comic book history to some nephews once more while Matt, Bruno and Arthur all roll their eyes at me while admitting what a great movie it was. And even farther behind them will be Shan shaking her head still wondering…”what did I get myself into??”
Easy answer there. A guy with a love for the new mythology of our generation. Something that definitely doesn’t deserve scorn. Trust me more to come once I see this one!