Superhero films today seem to have strayed far from their kid-friendly roots. Just the other day, I had a rare chance to watch a movie, thanks to my parents watching the kids. However, we decided against bringing the little ones along. Despite being iconic characters originally designed for a youthful audience, the recent superhero blockbusters are decidedly not suitable for children. In fact, it’s increasingly difficult to find a superhero film that families can enjoy together.
Take “Batman v Superman,” for instance. Its opening scenes are reminiscent of 9/11, Batman wields a machine gun, and at one point, he dons a trench coat over his suit that evokes the image of a school shooter. Not to mention, the characters are embroiled in a morally complex plot, with Superman facing severe self-doubt and criticism. This is a far cry from the lighthearted adventures I remember from my childhood.
As a kid, I loved watching these heroes on Saturday mornings, but now it feels like the narratives have shifted to cater exclusively to adults. It’s one thing to explore Batman’s darker side, as his character lends itself to serious storytelling; after all, he’s a human with no superpowers. But when you juxtapose his angst with magical beings, the whole thing becomes a bit absurd.
I remain a huge fan of superheroes and their stories, both as a child and an adult. While it’s natural for our narratives to evolve as we grow, this shift seems to overlook the younger audience. Even the Marvel films, while still engaging, have started to pit heroes against each other, which detracts from the joy of simply celebrating these characters. Where is the delightful Superman we once knew?
Growing up, the Christopher Reeve films were the gold standard for comic book adaptations. “Superman” and “Superman II” struck the perfect balance of fun and excitement without descending into grimness. Batman can be dark, but Superman should always embody hope and strength. Our children deserve to see him as he was intended: a beacon of light and heroism.
Unfortunately, the current landscape of superhero films is not inviting for kids. My children won’t be seeing the latest superhero offerings anytime soon, which is a real shame. If you’re interested in exploring more about the topic of family-friendly content, check out this post on intracervical insemination. For those looking for authoritative advice on home insemination, Cryobaby provides excellent resources. Additionally, for an in-depth understanding of pregnancy, this Wikipedia page is a valuable reference.
Summary
The evolution of superhero films has veered away from their family-friendly origins, leaving many iconic characters unsuitable for younger audiences. While darker themes resonate with adults, they overshadow the joy and hope that these characters once represented for children. This shift creates a gap in accessible superhero narratives for the next generation.