Here are some more superhero flicks I’ve been meaning to talk about. For the first part of this article, go to Superhero Files – Part 1.

Eternals (2021)

written by Chloé Zhao, Patrick Burleigh, Ryan Firpo, and Kaz Firpo

from a story by Ryan Firpo and Kaz Firpo

based on characters from Marvel Comics

directed by Chloé Zhao

Eternals is a strange addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a superhero movie where the heroes are immortal beings whose purpose – unbeknownst to them – is to ensure humans survive long enough to provide energy for Celestials, god-like beings responsible for the creation of the multiverse. Once they realize they are in effect eventual mass murderers, what moral path will they take? Nope, this ain’t Avengers, even though that supergroup’s fight against Thanos does come into play here.

Instead, Eternals is preoccupied with bigger stuff, which makes it more interesting but also less fun. It’s a weird balance, and co-writer/director Chloé Zhao is not always successful in maintaining it. Still, I’m always intrigued when money-making machines like Marvel try to go for something deeper, and Eternals‘ more naturalistic approach feels refreshing (at least it’s not another Thor). Consider me curious about where it goes from here (if at all).

Rating: **½

The Flash (2023)

written by Christina Hodson

from a story by John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein, and Joby Harold

based on characters from DC Comics

directed by Andy Muschietti

The Flash (Ezra Miller) gets his own movie without the Justice League, and despite some clever moments, it’s pretty much a mess. The inclusion of 1989’s version of Bruce Wayne/Batman (Michael Keaton) could’ve been cool in theory, but it comes across as weirdly forced and unengaging – even Keaton himself seems bored. And I kid you not, the VFX here are probably the worst I’ve seen in a really long time, completely pulling you out of the film with their video game chintziness.

The whole thing culminates in a ridiculous sequence in which 1978’s Superman (Christopher Reeve), 1984’s Supergirl (Helen Slater), and even Nicolas Cage’s version of Sup from the unproduced film Superman Lives (1998) all have “cameos.” The Flash has brief flashes of charm, but it’s mostly a slog.

Rating: **

Shazam! (2019)

written by Henry Gayden

from a story by Henry Gayden and Darren Lemke

based on characters from DC Comics

directed by David F. Sandberg

Is Shazam! the first DC Extended Universe movie that’s actually, you know, fun? After forgettable turds like Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Justice League (2017), Shazam! is a breath of fresh air. What sets it apart? It doesn’t take itself too seriously, instead keeping its focus on troubled teenager Billy (Asher Angel) as he discovers he can transform into the titular adult superhero (Zachary Levi). It’s like Big (1988) on steroids, sharing that film’s DNA and perhaps stealing a bit from the Marvel Extended Universe (the final scene and credit sequence are directly lifted from 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming, down to the suspicious use of a song by The Ramones… and it’s equally great).

I also dug the moments in which writer Henry Gayden and director David F. Sandberg play with the formula, such as when villain Dr. Sivana (Mark Strong) and Shazam are facing off in the air and Sivana stops to spout the usual baddie spiel. Shazam, too far away to hear Sivana, says, “Are you making some big evil guy speech right now or something? You’re like, a mile away from me right now!” And just like that, a moment we’ve seen in countless movies before feels original again.

Rating: ***

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

written by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Dave Callaham

from a story by Phil Lord

based on characters from Marvel Comics

directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson

I find it hard to believe, but it’s true: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is every bit as good as Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)… and that’s no small feat for a sequel. Yet, this second film in the amazing adventures of Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) ups the ante in so many wonderful ways – storytelling, cutting-edge animation, humor – it easily shames any other animated flicks out there (seriously, watch this and then follow it with The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) and see what I mean).

I also love how this movie is really about Spider-Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld), giving the character ample room to shine on her own. And that cliffhanger? Wow. Last time I heard gasping from the audience as the credits started to roll was at the end of The Empire Strikes Back (1980). Hope the final installment, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, sticks the landing.

Rating: ***½

Venom (2018)

written by Jeff Pinkner, Scott Rosenberg, and Kelly Marcel

from a story by Jeff Pinkner and Scott Rosenberg

based on characters from Marvel Comics

directed by Ruben Fleischer

Venom was roundly criticized when it came out, and granted, there are plenty of things that don’t work in this film about alien parasite/Spider-Man archenemy Venom. Among them is Tom Hardy, playing investigative journalist Eddie Brock. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Hardy. But the guy can’t play average, and as a maverick reporter with girlfriend troubles, he just can’t sell it. What Hardy does do well is offbeat, bizarre, and darkly funny… and so he’s perfect when Venom invades his body, destroys his apartment, and demands to eat humans. Hardy has fun with the role – contorting his body and biting off heads – even if the film as a whole feels rushed and underdeveloped (Michelle Williams gets the worst of it as Brock’s ex-fiancée Anne). Still, the visual effects are good for a change, the action scenes exciting, and the rapport between Brock and Venom (also voiced by Hardy) a blast. Now, when’s Spider-Man gonna show up?

Rating: **½

Carlos I. Cuevas