The cinematic world has often been split on superhero films, with one of its most recognizable voices being Roger Ebert. While he championed many titles within the genre, his reviews of a select few superhero films were notably harsh. Ebert, acknowledged as one of the most consequential movie critics, had a unique talent for dissecting films with clarity and wit, offering audiences valuable insights.
Even though Ebert passed away in 2013, before the superhero genre reached its current heights with the emergence of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), he played a crucial role in the genre’s early critique. Many comic book adaptations struck a chord with him, yet some missed the mark entirely, becoming emblematic of what he despised in Hollywood’s approach to superhero storytelling.
10 Elektra (2005)
Ebert’s Rating: 1.5 / 4 stars
In 2005, Elektra resurfaced Jennifer Garner’s character from Daredevil, but the film was met with widespread disapproval, including from Ebert. He rated it a meager 1.5 stars out of 4, critiquing its “muddled”narrative and fragmented storytelling. His review humorously pointed out its shortcomings, particularly its lackluster action sequences, leading Ebert to dismiss it as one of the superhero genre’s low points.
9 Thor (2011)
Ebert’s Rating: 1.5 / 4 stars
Early in the MCU saga, Thor was an ambitious attempt to introduce a more fantastical angle to superhero storytelling. Ebert was less than impressed, awarding it 1.5 stars. He criticized its overreliance on CGI, describing it as a “desolate vastation”with a plot that resembled a simplistic story better suited for children’s animation.
8 Constantine (2005)
Ebert’s Rating: 1.5 / 4 stars
Based on the DC character John Constantine, this film starred Keanu Reeves and received Ebert’s scorn. Awarding it a 1.5-star rating, he largely pointed out its flaws, humorously critiquing the film’s logical inconsistencies. Ebert made little effort to highlight any redeeming qualities, except to attribute Reeves’ performance to the character’s brooding nature.
7 Blade: Trinity (2004)
Ebert’s Rating: 1.5 / 4 stars
The final installment in the Blade trilogy, Blade: Trinity did not fare well in Ebert’s eyes, who gave it a similar 1.5-star rating. He lamented its incoherent narrative and convoluted action sequences, pointing out its failure to maintain the sharp storytelling present in previous entries.
6 The Green Hornet (2011)
Ebert’s Rating: 1 / 4 stars
The Green Hornet struggled to make a lasting impact, receiving ambivalent reviews. Ebert had very little patience for the film, rating it just 1 star and describing it as a “half-cooked mess.” His critique emphasized the excessive dialogue and lack of meaningful storytelling, indicating a film that failed to engage its audience.
5 Kick-Ass (2010)
Ebert’s Rating: 1 / 4 Stars
The controversial 2010 film Kick-Ass attempted to satirize the superhero genre. Despite its popularity, Ebert was vocally critical, awarding it only 1 star. He took issue with its portrayal of violence, particularly involving children, arguing that its message was inappropriately received in an era where real-life violence was increasingly prevalent.
4 Fantastic Four (2005)
Ebert’s Rating: 1 / 4 stars
Fantastic Four sought to capture the essence of Marvel’s beloved team and its origins but fell flat in Ebert’s assessment. Scoring a 1-star rating, he criticized the film’s lack of narrative depth and character development, deeming it a stilted portrayal that merely skimmed the surface of its potential depth.
3 The Spirit (2008)
Ebert’s Rating: 1/ 4 stars
Widely criticized and routinely cited as one of the worst in the genre, The Spirit attracted Ebert’s ire, resulting in a 1-star review. His disdain for the film was expressed through incisive commentary on its lack of emotional weight and virtually nonexistent character development, pointing out its shortcomings in comparison to better adaptations of similar material.
2 Catwoman (2004)
Ebert’s Rating: 1 / 4 stars
With its dismal reputation, Catwoman, headlined by Halle Berry, received harsh rebukes, particularly from Ebert, who awarded it a single star. His review articulated that the film did little to develop its narrative or characters, focusing instead on showcasing its lead actress and ignoring coherent storytelling.
1 The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
Ebert’s Rating: 1 / 4 stars
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen stands as Ebert’s final condemnation in the superhero genre with a 1-star rating. He described it as disorganized and nonsensical, using humor to frame his critique of its many logical inconsistencies. Even its financial success could not save it from Ebert’s withering judgment, establishing it firmly on his list of failures in superhero filmmaking.
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