Superhero flicks today seem to have lost their appeal for younger viewers. Recently, I had the rare chance to catch a movie, and thanks to Grandma and Pop-pop, we didn’t even need a babysitter! We certainly weren’t taking our kids along, though. Despite their origins as characters for children, the latest superhero blockbusters are far from suitable for them. In fact, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find a superhero film that’s appropriate for kids.
Take “Batman v Superman,” for instance. The film opens with a disturbing scene reminiscent of 9/11, shows Batman wielding a machine gun, and even features him dressed in a trench coat that seems to suggest a school shooting vibe. Not to mention, there’s actual swearing! Superman, on the other hand, is portrayed as a villain, grappling with self-doubt and receiving questionable advice from his mother. The plot twist that drives him to confront Batman? It’s downright unsettling.
These characters, who I grew up watching on Saturday mornings, are now clearly aimed at adults. While it’s understandable to explore deeper themes with characters like Batman, who is essentially just a wealthy man with a mission, it feels absurd to take a dark and serious approach when he’s sharing the screen with magical beings, or “metahumans,” as they’re now called.
I’ve always loved superheroes, both as a kid and as an adult. They represent modern mythology, and while a mature interpretation is certainly valid, it shouldn’t come at the expense of children’s access to these stories. Even the Marvel films, which usually manage to balance seriousness with fun, have shifted to narratives that pit heroes against each other. Where has the wonder gone? What happened to celebrating characters like Superman?
Growing up, we had the Christopher Reeve films, which still rank among the finest comic book adaptations ever made. Superman and Superman II were thrilling without being heavy, offering excitement while still being family-friendly. Sure, Batman can be dark, but please don’t take Superman from us! He embodies hope and strength, and while adults may lose some of that innocence, our kids deserve to see him portrayed as the hero he is meant to be.
Unfortunately, the current portrayal of superheroes doesn’t resonate with the children of today. My kids won’t be watching the latest superhero film anytime soon, and that’s truly disappointing.
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In summary, today’s superhero films have strayed far from their family-friendly roots, making it tough for parents looking to share these beloved characters with their kids.