What A Marvel-ous Surprise!

If you’d asked me a year ago, I would have scoffed at the idea. Or worse, said something along the lines of: “Aren’t those targeted for chauvinistic men?” I thought I just didn’t get it, or maybe I (quite pretentiously) reasoned that my taste was somehow more refined than the general masses. Now I realize the dangers of speaking before giving something a true chance, and I’m ready to declare that my prejudices couldn’t have been more wrong. I’m ready to sing this truth from the rooftops of the Internet, because…

I love Marvel movies.

If you’re a bit reluctant to embrace Marvel Comics' film universe, my best advice would be to try watching at least one before making any firm resolutions. I’m far from being an expert on the subject, but I’ve decided to outline my reasons for falling in love with these films. (Oh, and just in case you don’t want to take my word for it, a certain Robert Redford just signed up for a role in Captain America 2 and has all kinds of good things to say.)

Reason #1: Character Arcs to Write Home About -- Iron Man If you're a fan of characters learning life  lessons, I think I have the Marvel superhero for you.  In Iron Man, billionaire-playboy Tony Stark gains a new worldview after a traumatizing experience and decides to use his savvy to "privatize world peace."  With a strong dose of sarcasm that could only be delivered by the multi-talented Robert Downey Jr., Iron Man is funny, action-packed, and surprisingly romantic.  (We'll forgive you your regression in Iron Man 2, Tony.)
   
Reason #2: Women Who Kick Some Serious Ass -- Black Widow in Iron Man 2 and The Avengers Remember how I wondered if comic book movies were just for chauvinistic men? If you like movies where female characters take care of matters themselves, I'd suggest seeing any Marvel film featuring Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow. Just watch what happens when people underestimate her abilities. No really, just watch. Here's to hoping Marvel gives "Natasha" her own origins movie.


Reason #3: Love...Trapezoids? -- The X-Men films in general Who knew comic book movies could rival most daytime soap operas? If you're like me and you enjoy rooting for various romantic pairings of characters (or as we call it on the Internet, "shipping"), then you must watch the X-Men films. Or maybe you should avoid them, because the confusion and heartache that you will endure can sometimes be too much to handle. In my opinion, they should market the trilogy with boxes of tissues. I've given up and decided to root for myself getting together with Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, but we'll see how that goes. (I'm a cat owner so I'm not worried about the claws.)


Reason #4: History AND Mythology Tie-Ins -- Captain America and Thor Marvel films can be somewhat educational! Steve Rogers didn't actually aid in the resolution of World War II, but Captain America does illustrate the 1940s in an accessible way that captures attention differently from history textbooks. Lovers of mythology should enjoy the colorful parallel universe brought to life in Thor. I'll happily admit to being more than a little in love with Tom Hiddleston's god of mischief, Loki. (If it doesn't work out between Wolverine and myself, I might just go for the villain.)

What do you think about comic book movies? Feel free to share in the comments!