I don’t know about you guys, but I am completely obsessed with the Batman franchise. I have so many questions about it, and considering I haven’t seen a single one of the films, none of those questions have really been answered. Here’s my question: What is Mr. Pattinson’s take on the Batman persona? Is he serious about it, or is it just a fun fling for him? I mean, he is dating the sweetest girl in the world, and yet he seems to embrace the darkness.

The Dark Knight Rises

I’m sure most of you have seen the Batman movies, but in case you haven’t, here’s a quick summary: In Batman Begins, Bruce Wayne trains his body and mind for battle, and eventually enters the criminal underworld to fight against injustice and the corrupt rich who prey on the poor.

In The Dark Knight, two years after the events of Batman Begins, Bruce Wayne is still determined to protect Gotham City from the drug-induced criminals who terrorize it. In order to do this, he donates much of his vast fortune to buy military equipment and conduct vigilante raids in the city, turning himself into a ruthless criminal in the process.

Finally, in The Dark Knight Rises, two years after the events of The Dark Knight, Bruce Wayne trains his body and mind for battle one more time. However, this time, he is much older and weaker than he was in the previous two films, and he goes into hiding, determined to protect the city and those who depend on him.

So there you have it, three parts mystery, three parts mayhem, and plenty of superheroes. What do you think? Is Mr. Pattinson’s take on the Batman persona similar to that of the character?

The Hunger Games

While we’re on the topic of superheroes, let’s talk about one of the most popular franchises of all time: The Hunger Games. As you’d probably expect, this is a series about teenagers who fight in annual battle royales for their survival.

What is interesting is that these kids are forced to fight not with their fists, but with bows and arrows. Therefore, although the movies are set in a dystopian future, they weren’t actually made in a dystopian future. In The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen, a girl whose village has been destroyed by a meteor, volunteers to fight as tribute in the games.

Ever since then, the series has been popular around the world, with even adults getting in on the action. In the most recent installment, Catching Fire, due for release next month, Katniss volunteers to take her sister’s place in the games, fighting not just for survival, but for revenge as well.

Along with Batman, The Hunger Games are among my favorite movie series. I love how the movies avoid the cliche of teenagers being heroic, and instead show that even teenagers have their weaknesses and can be as cruel as anyone else. Plus, the costumes are spectacular.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: Wouldn’t it be more appropriate to discuss these kinds of things with your girlfriends? And, yes, you’re right; however, the topic of movie heroes comes up more often in a boys’ social circle than a girls’ social circle. For the most part, the guys I know don’t really care for superhero movies or fantasy movies in general. They are much more into action movies and war movies. Still, I think it’s cool that girls appreciate fantasy movies as much as boys do.

The LEGO Movie

Another favorite franchise of mine is The LEGO Movie. This animated movie was one of the first Hollywood blockbusters to embrace a more realistic approach to its themes, with jokes about the complexity of human relationships and the futility of individual battles.

However, this does not mean that it lacks an element of the magical realism that has made the Lego franchise so appealing to kids and adults around the world. In The LEGO Movie, the main character, a LEGO minifigure known only as “Brickster,” is visited by a small army of Lego warriors who warn him of a grand evil known as the “villainous villain.” They assure him that they will help him fight the villainous villain, whose powers enable him to take over any dimension, any time, and any place. As with most blockbusters and fantasy movies, the battle to save the day doesn’t come with a clear-cut ending and the resolution of the conflict is left up to the audience.

In general, the guys I know don’t really like movies like this either, but I think it’s kind of cool that they can be as fascinated by them as girls can. Plus, it’s always great when an animated movie comes with some awesome characters like Ironman, Black Widow, or Thanos.

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Avengers: Age of Ultron is the sequel to the 2012 blockbuster Avengers. Just like its predecessor, it features a group of superheroes who are forced to work together to save the day. The movie is set four years after the events of The Avengers, and it introduces a younger version of the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), who is now the ruler of an alternate Earth where superheroes are considered “freaks” and “mutants.”

The overall tone of the movie is very serious, but it features several gags and one-liners that are humorous in nature. However, unlike previous Marvel movies, Age of Ultron is much darker in tone, which keeps the interest of even the most casual movie fan. Plus, it features the return of several classic characters from the Marvel Universe, which is enough plot for anyone.

Suicide Squad

Suicide Squad is a 2016 American superhero film based on the 2011–2015 comic book series of the same name by Grant Morrison and Dave McKean. The film is directed by David Ayer, and features an ensemble cast that includes:

  • Margot Robbie (viable sex symbol)
  • Barbra Streisand (voice of Harley Quinn)
  • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (voice of Deadshot)
  • Idris Elba (voice of Captain Boomerang)
  • John Malkovich (voice of Mr. Freeze)
  • Michael Caine (voice of Killer Croc)
  • Djimon Hounsou (voice of Diablo)
  • Will Smith (voice of Enchantress)
  • Tom Hardy (voice of Venom)
  • Billy Joel (voice of The Joker)

The plot follows the premise of the comic, a group of supervillains who agree to help the authorities catch other criminals in exchange for lighter sentences. Together, they make up a squad of supernatural and human operatives who work for a covert agency that specializes in taking down dangerous criminals. The film is a darker take on the comic, with darker themes and subject matter. For example, the Joker is quoted as saying, “[Life] is unfair. You could have all the fun you want, but still, somebody else gets hurt.”

The trailer for Suicide Squad is enough to capture anyone’s attention. It features a fantastic ensemble cast, superb CGI, and loads of colorful costumes. It also shows us a darker side of the characters we have grown to love. For instance, the Joker is shown brutally torturing a city bus full of children, and Harley Quinn is shown laughing hysterically as she watches the carnage. At this point, I think it’s fair to say that many of you have most likely heard of Suicide Squads, and with good reason. The trailer is already making waves online, with over 7 million views as of this writing.

Deadpool

Deadpool is a 2016 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. The film is directed by Tim Miller and stars Ryan Reynolds. It follows the titular character, a disheartened and depressed young man who feels that his life has no meaning. After gaining superpowers from exposure to a radioactive substance, he decides to embrace his alter ego Deadpool and assist authorities in capturing other superhumans.

Deadpool combines first-person shooter gameplay with humorous dialogue and razor-sharp comic-book paneling. What’s more is that Tim Miller (the director of the movie) also worked on the gameplay design. One of the coolest things about this game is how it makes you feel like a part of the story. For example, when you shoot the bad guys, their bodies will react realistically according to the type of bullet you used. It really makes you feel like a superhero, or at least, an honorary citizen of the Marvel Universe.