Top 10 Times Superheroes Celebrated Too Early
#10: Sir Patrick’s True Identity
Top 10 Times Movie Villains Celebrated too Early
“Wonder Woman” (2017) 1918 is a world fraught with war. This catapults Diana into following her chance to defeat Ares, whom she believes is the cause of this warfare. Ares is a god who has tried to use his power to tear down humankind. In the final act, she delivers a strike with her “god-killer” sword to end the adversary for good. Just when we thought victory was within her reach, it quickly disintegrates into thin air. As if frozen in time, we all think “if that’s not it, what is?”. Then, Sir Patrick emerges and declares that he, as the true Ares, had been directing her plans since the start. To face not one but two villains back to back? Wow! This woman is truly a wonder.
#9: “Oh, My Back!”
Top 10 Times Animated Movie Villains Celebrated Too Early
“The Incredibles” (2004) The glory days of the superhero life are long gone. But, all of a sudden, Bob gets an opportunity to don his super suit again and accepts a secret mission from a mysterious person who proposes a fight between Bob and a mega robot. Superhuman strength versus a machine: what could go wrong? When the fight begins, we all anticipate Mr. Incredible’s moves to outmaneuver the Omnidroid. Unfortunately, the robot gets the best of Bob. Fearing for his life, Bob musters all his strength and hurls the robot into the lava. Yeah! What a totally wicked move. But, that victorious cast throws out Bob’s back. And of course, seconds later, the robot emerges from the lava to launch its next attack. Not super. Not super at all.
#8: Who Else Is Worthy?
Top 10 Times Movie Characters Celebrated Too Early
“Avengers: Age of Ultron” (2015) So, who’s worthy enough to wield Mjolnir? What a great party question to pose to the Avengers. A moment of uncertainty creeps in as Thor sees Steve Rogers come very close to lifting Mjolnir. We all want to let out a cheer of joy, but to no avail. Meanwhile, Thor quietly revels in the fact that he alone is worthy. Later, after a losing fight with Ultron, Vision enters to warn the Avengers about the danger they are dealing with. When Vision exits, he lifts Mjolnir to hand to Thor. Instantly, a shocking silence fills the room. The look on Thor’s face is so relatable. You can feel that second-hand embarrassment come right through the screen. Another round? Yeah. We’re going to take that as a no.
#7: The Battle Isn’t Over Yet
Top 10 Times Movie Bullies Celebrated Too Early
“The Amazing Spider-Man 2” (2014) There’s nothing like a good tag team. And Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy are quite the match. With a wave of relief, Peter and Gwen work together to overcome Electro. Suddenly, a villainous laugh echoes in the distance. That moment of joy and happiness quickly turns into a frantic and terrifying moment of fear. After the Green Goblin surrounds Spider-Man, he begins to wonder why Gwen is with him. Suddenly, Harry realizes that Spider-Man is in fact Peter Parker. A whirl of mayhem circles round in our minds as we try to figure out what Harry will do next. But we don’t have time: the Green Goblin grabs Gwen in one swift motion - and Spider-Man swings right after her. And just like that: we’re taken on a ride on a never-ending emotional rollercoaster.
#6: Saving The Spaceship
“Dark Phoenix ” (2019) Teamwork can present two options: you can either win as a team or lose as a team. When the X-Men save the astronauts from a disastrous space event, they take the win. Except for one: Jean Grey. At the time of the team’s heroic act, Jean is caught in the crossfire of an immense energy force. Maybe this is the time to check in and/or investigate? Nope. They party instead. After Jean unknowingly releases a great, uncontrollable power. we get an eerie feeling that things are going to take a turn for the worse. Whoa! This team just might have found the win that leads to countless losses.
#5: “I’m Back!”
Top 10 Times Superman Went Beast Mode
“Spider-Man 2” (2004) Does power instill greatness? Or does greatness come from within? This problem weighs heavily on the shoulders of Peter Parker. When Peter loses his powers, he gets a view of a life without being Spider-Man. He sees a life less complex and more honest. However, the city - and his love interest - needs him now more than ever. So, he makes a return as the friendly neighborhood hero. On the roof tops, we are back where we began: the classic leap of faith, the swelling music and the strides that gain speed. Peter beams with joy. Yea! Spidey’s back! But unfortunately, the leap becomes a great fall. And our cheer turns to concern. Oh, Spidey….your back!
#4: No Movie For Robin
Top 10 Times Actors Refused to Film Specific Movie Scenes
“Teen Titans Go! To the Movies” (2018) Imagine being a super sidekick waiting for a chance in the spotlight and there’s no greater time to shine than in your own movie. When the Teen Titans go to the movies, they’re shown the trailer for a film seemingly describing Batman’s right hand man. But hold on, it’s actually a movie about Alfred! What about the next trailer? A Batmobile movie? Okay, we got one more trailer. This is it! This is the one! Robin jumps up to the screen to thanks those responsible for finally making a film that’ll be solely dedicated to him. Sadly, he’s all-too-quickly proven wrong when the title: “Utility Belt: The Movie” is announced. Seriously? The film is about a belt. A belt? Tears swell up in Robin’s eyes as his dreams screech to a halt and audience members mock him. Somebody, anybody: GO and make a Movie about this Teen Titan!
#3: Celebrating The Defeat Of The Elementals
Top 10 Films Celebrating Black Joy
“Spider-Man: Far From Home” (2019) One hero can inspire another. But even one day of taking on their mantle can take its toll. After defeating the Elementals, Spider-Man goes for a celebratory lemonade with Mysterio. At that moment, Peter thinks about who really should be the next Iron Man. Trepidatious about holding the responsibility, Peter gives the glasses that control E.D.I.T.H. to Mysterio. No! We all feel Tony meant it for him. But, for Peter, a weight has been lifted. There’s a moment of peace, a moment of hope that Peter will get to live out his life as he walks out the door. But then, the illusion slowly disappears. Literally. Quentin Beck dismantles his simulation to reveal that he had manipulated Peter to give him EDITH all along.
#2: A Win / Lose Situation
Top 20 Times Superman Went Beast Mode
“Thor: Ragnarok” (2017) Sometimes victories can be bittersweet, especially if a victory leads to a defeat. During Thor’s capture, Surtur shares that the future destruction of the Asgardians’ home through Ragnarok is inescapable. Due to Odin’s disappearance, Asgard’s throne is vacant. With the kingdom vulnerable, Surtur states that he will combine his crown with the Eternal Flame to ensure the realm is demolished. As he monologues on, Thor has ample opportunity to catch him off guard. Soon, Thor frees himself and triumphantly lays hold of Surtur’s crown, assuming he’s stopped Ragnarok right in its tracks. It’s cool. It’s clever. It’s mighty. We love to see it. But, when Thor returns home, everything is not what it seems. Suddenly, we are reminded that Ragnarok is truly unavoidable. Thor might have won the battle, but the war is well on its way.
#1: Thanos’ Sacrifice
Gorr vs Thanos
“Avengers: Infinity War” (2018) Gamora tries everything she can to keep the location of Vormir from Thanos. But, when he threatens her sister, Nebula, she knows she has no choice. When Thanos and Gamora arrive at Vormir, Red Skull informs them that to earn the Soul Stone, you must give up the one you most hold dear. We all love this small cinematic pause. It’s a pause of tables about to turn. Gamora victoriously claims that he holds nothing dear. Finally - we start to see his plan collapse! Maybe this Guardian of the Galaxy will save the day. But, sadly and unexpectedly, the Mad Titan reveals to Gamora that the person he loves the most is her. Our hearts begin to sink as the victory slips officially out of our grasp.
