Superheroes have saturated films everywhere. Leaping off the page of comic books and onto the silver screen, superhero movies are some of Hollywood’s biggest investments. But they have a fatal flaw: They’re boring and audiences are tired of them.

Christopher Nolan’s “Batman” series seemed to embody the trend of the brooding, moody superhero. That dullness and lack of dimensionality came to fruition in the past summer’s “Man of Steel” and the trend appears to be continuing in the upcoming “Captain America: Winter Soldier.” Fun, excitement and joy are lost in these long drawn out narratives.

There is some light at the end of the dark, boring tunnel. On Feb. 18, the trailer for Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” was released. It will hopefully encourage more superhero movies to embrace the genre from whence they came. Tim Burton’s “Batman” films embodied the colorful, silly spirit of comic books that just isn’t in many superhero movies these days. “Guardians of the Galaxy” promises to break the mold with the use of hyperbolic imagery, self-awareness and great casting.

The film is based on the second volume of a comic book series that follows a team of the same name that began in 2008. It focuses on a band of interstellar assassins and criminals who seem less like heroes and more like a fun band of unruly delinquents.  This is the first film to be released by Marvel in recent years that extends the universe into the cosmos. With unchartered territory, the outer space in Marvel is bound to be more exciting and colorful than Zach Snyder’s dusty, earth-toned images of Krypton in “Man of Steel.”

Besides the extraterrestrial setting, the filmmaker should set “Guardians” apart as a forerunner of a new era in the superhero genre. Writer and director James Gunn has never done a superhero film before. He’s better known for his work in campy, fun, horror comedies like “Scooby-Doo” in 2002 and “Slither” in 2006. A fresh, funny voice is bound to break up the monotony we see in typical superhero stories.

The casting should also lend a hand in making this film great. Chris Pratt plays the lead role, Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord. Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper voices Rocket Raccoon, and Vin Diesel plays his caricature-like bodyguard Groot. Pratt’s prominence is growing really quickly. He plays funny and relatable characters, making him a refreshing change from the super rich and handsome Bruce Waynes, Tony Starks and Clark Kents whom we see far too often. Pratt has the energy to reinvigorate superhero movies.

Movies grasping at profound themes and larger meanings fizzle out. Obvious metaphors for the “human experience” and struggle are lost in plots that are too long and become too deluded by the ideas of a superhero searching for his or her identity.

Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight” series was able to be profound, dark and interesting because of Nolan’s ability to set multiple plots in motion and the fact that he didn’t forget that Batman is all about cool gadgets and cleverness. Zach Snyder on the other hand uses his superhero movies and action movies to try to make larger claims about humanity. “Man of Steel” was less about Superman and more about a good-looking guy trying to find a place in the world. He really could have been anyone.

“Guardians of the Galaxy” won’t be about just anyone. Hopefully it will encourage superhero movies and the studios that make them to be more innovative in the genre. Superheroes have been used as tools rather than characters in complex stories to bring in audiences and money. “Guardians” will hopefully open the door to dynamic plots and characters that will make the genre more enjoyable.

Cassie-lee Grimaldi is a senior television, radio and film major. Her column appears weekly. She can be reached at [email protected] and reached on Twitter @cassiegrimaldi.

 

Published on February 25, 2014 at 11:16 pm