This decade seems to be the Age of Superheroes. Comic book movies are the craze right now and to celebrate, I thought I’d attempt to review every comic book movie ever made. Yes, every single one. Even the 1966 version of “Batman.” Maybe, just maybe, even “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.” Why am I doing this, you ask? Well, why not?

I’m going to start with the movie that started it all…

“Superman” (1978)- Although this was not the first superhero movie ever made, it set the standard for all superhero films to come and was arguably the first respectable film of the genre. With its rich, fully-realized characters and surprising poignancy, it inspired top flight directors to enter what was once seen as a disreputable genre. Director Sam Raimi cited this film as inspiration when he was working on the “Spider-Man” movies. It inspired him as well as the cast to bring real life to the characters and inject their otherwise cartoonish story with truth and respect.

Most memorable is Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Superman. He brought vulnerability and humility to the character that allowed audiences to empathize with him. Superman is a perfect, surreal character in the comics that seems susceptible to all pain and anguish, making it difficult for audiences to relate to him. However, Reeve’s broke that barrier with his performance, making Superman more human than super.

Although it is not my personal favorite, “Superman” may very well be the best superhero movie ever made. If not the best, it is certainly the most influential. Those who said the comic book genre was dead until “The Dark Knight” emerged should really take a step back and look at this film. It’s movie magic at its very best.

“Superman,” Grade: A

I’d like to devote more time in this blog to the originals, so I’m going to just do a quick breakdown of the sequels…

“Superman II”- Decent sequel. Not nearly as magical and exciting as the original, but it has some interesting villains and plot twists (such as when Superman surrenders his powers and goes back to being plain old Clark Kent–not unlike Peter Parker’s actions in “Spider-Man 2”). However, the series should have stopped with this film because it only went downhill from here. Grade: B

“Superman III” Grade: D+- Even the hilarious Richard Pryor could not make this film more entertaining. It is simply horrible. This is “Superman” almost at its campy worst. Then, “Superman IV” came along…

“Superman IV: The Quest for Peace”- This movie is so bad that it is almost good. Key word: almost. In this campy outing, Superman not only seeks to rid the world of all nuclear weapons, but he also aims to destroy his evil clone created by Lex Luthor named Nuclear Man. Yes folks, Nuclear Man. This is the kind of superhero movie that makes people look down upon superhero movies. Grade: D-

“Superman Returns” (2006)- I must admit that this film reinvigorated the “Superman” franchise. It is certainly more sophisticated and entertaining than “Superman III” and “IV.” However, the problem with it lies in the portrayal of Superman. Played by Brandon Routh from director Bryan Singer’s screenplay, Superman is depicted as an alien, a Christ-like figure that struggles to relate to the very people he is trying to save. His behavior not only alienates them, but the audience as well. Thankfully, this film is saved by its stunning, flashy production design and camerawork that looks like panels ripped right out of the comic books. Grade: B-

Don’t worry– I didn’t forget about “Supergirl.” I just still have to watch that one. To be continued…