Best Actor Playing a Comic Book Character?

[toolbin]

My picks!

Danny DeVito - Penguin
Christian Bale - Batman/Bruce Wayne
Michael Keaton - Batman/Bruce Wayne
Jack Nicholson - The Joker

[FinkPish]

Do you mean the best actor who has played a comic book character, or the best comic book role played by an actor?

Ian McKellan as Magneto

[Michael Corvin]

Or do you mean an actor who fit the role better than anyone else could have?

Very vague question. I'll throw out an answer though:

Brandon Lee: The Crow

[matome]

Wesley Snipes as Blade
Hugh Jackman as Wolverine

[Iron_Giant]

Christopher Reeves, he was/is Superman.

No even comes close.

[MrE]

While not thrilled with S3, props to Tobey Maguire. Not only did he inhabit the character (as unlikely as that seemed) and jumpstart the franchise, but then Spiderman's success revitalized the whole genre.

[rexinnih]

Have to agree with some of the above:

Tobey as Spidey
Hugh as Wolverine
Ian as Magneto

[Mondo Kane]

http://www.gjemmesiden.net/bilder/marv.jpg

[Mr. Cinema]

Ian McKellen - Magneto
Tobey Maguire - Spiderman
Alfred Molina - Dr. Octopus
Hugh Jackman - Wolverine (Dougray Scott did him a huuuge favor)
Christopher Reeve - Supes

[canaryfarmer]

Patrick Stewart as Prof. X
Christopher Reeve as Superman
Hugh Jackman as Wolverine
Christian Bale as Batman
Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman
Mark Pillow as Nuclear Man -ptth-

[Shannon Nutt]

Christopher Reeves, he was/is Superman.

No even comes close.

Yes, Christopher Reeve hands down. This thread can now be closed. :)

[The Valeyard]

Christopher Reeve is always going to be the definite Superman. Always.

Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman
Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker/Spider-Man (more Peter then Spidey)
Thomas Jane as Frank Castle

[jeffkjoe]

I think if you gave George Clooney a decent script and decent villains, he would have been remembered as one of the best Batmans / Bruce Waynes.

[Palaver]

I don't know if he falls in the category of Comic Book Character, but Robin Williams' take on Popeye was spot on in my opinion.

[JPRaup]

Clive Owen

[Yavin]

Hugh Jackman as Wolverine (I think it was the hair :) ), Wesley Snipes as Blade, Ron Perlman as Hellboy (the creature makeup helped too).

[Michael Corvin]

I think if you gave George Clooney a decent script and decent villains, he would have been remembered as one of the best Batmans / Bruce Waynes.

Wow. I thought I was the only one with this sentiment. I have to wholeheartedly agree. If he had more than 10 minutes screen time, he could have been great.

Oh, and Christopher Reeve is a given.

[FantasticVSDoom]

I have to go with Patrick Stewart as Prof. X

[KillerCannibal]

Hero: Christopher Reeve, although I really dig Bale as Batman too.

Villain: Alfred Molina was amazing as Doc Ock. Runner up would be McKellan's Magneto. Both powerful performances.

[maingon]

Christopher Reeves, he was/is Superman.

No even comes close.

I never liked him as superman, he never looked right in the suit, To me, I think Brandon Roth "Looks" more like Superman, I like Reeve, but I always thought he was miscast.

[james2025a]

I agree with a lot mentioned already. Christopher Reeve, Ian Mckellan, Tobey Maguire, Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Wesley Snipes, Alfred Molina, Christian Bale, Ron Perlman, Jack Nicholson...all excellent as the characters.

I also liked Liam Neeson (Ras Al Ghul), Cillian Murphy (Scarecrow), Rebbecca Romain (Mystique), Colin Farrel (Bullseye) Ray Park (Toad). And Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman was just amazing. Man she looked good in that costume.

I think a couple of the worst were Tyler Mane (Sabretooth....just nothing near as good as the comic book character) and Vinny Jones (Juggernaut.....see Tyler Mane).

[james2025a]

I never liked him as superman, he never looked right in the suit, To me, I think Brandon Roth "Looks" more like Superman, I like Reeve, but I always thought he was miscast.

Wow...thats the first time i have heard someone say that. I think that Reeves captured both Superman and the Clark Kent roles perfectly. He was an actor that got saddled with the role too much and he gave some great performances in other movies (Deathtrap comes to mind) but never got to fully acheive the recognition he deserved. Routh on the other hand i liked, but i felt that the role was too empty. The character in the original movie had a great storyline and script to back up the acting, Superman Returns had a downright awful storyline and script and it affected my view of the Superman character. He didn't do enough in the movie, and the role of Clark Kent wasn't a scratch on Reeves original in any way, shape or form.

[Michael Corvin]

Repeat after me:

R

E

E

V

E

That's it. How many times do we have to go through this?

[LivingINClip]

Reeve - Superman.

Bale - Batman

Steward - Pro. X

That's it really.

[FinkPish]

I never liked him as superman, he never looked right in the suit, To me, I think Brandon Roth "Looks" more like Superman, I like Reeve, but I always thought he was miscast.
But Routh was cast because he looked like Reeve, so how does this logic follow?

[Michael Corvin]

Reeve - Superman.

Bale - Batman

Steward - Pro. X

That's it really.

+1 for getting Reeve right

-1 for getting Stewart wrong

:)

[badlieut]

Bale-live action Batman
Kevin Conroy-animated Batman (the definitive voice of Batman)
Reeve-Supes

[Doc MacGyver]

Have to agree with the Reeve and Bale praise. Both of them were perfect for the roles. Other actors have nailed certain sides (Tobey was a great Peter, but not a great Spidey, Keaton was a fantastic Bruce, but not so much with the Batman) but none have nailed both sides to the personality as well.

Sir Ian was fantastic as the movie's version of Magneto, but I felt that the characterization wasn't exactly in step with the comics (I actually prefer the movie Magneto).

But I have to fervantly disagree with a couple... Danny Devito as Penguin? No way. Did he look the part? Sure... but this was one of the worst character assassinations in comics-to-film translation. The same goes for Pfeifer as Catwoman. I don't blame either of the actors, mind you, I blame the script.

Penguin may look that way, but he behaves completely counter to that. He is erudite, and affects an upper-class New English, almost British accent. He strives to fight the perception of him based on his appearance.

Likewise, Catwoman is not a mousy, insecure secretary who got "licked" back to life by alley cats. She's a sassy, smug cat burgler who takes the theatricality of it a bit too far.

In fact, all of the bat villains from the previous series have behaved totally out or character... I mean, Jack was pretty good as the Joker, but he wasn't scary. Joker's the guy who will tell you a joke, and midway through shoot you in the gut without skipping a beat and finish the joke. People run from him on the street. Jack, let's fact it, was playing Jack. Just Jack with makeup.


Doc

[devilshalo]

I agree with most on the previously mentioned actors/roles, but here are some you can criticize me on.. I don't care... :p

Stallone - Judge Dredd (He needed a better script but certainly looked the part as Dredd)
Evans & Chiklis - Human Torch & the Thing (I thought these were the only faithful characterizations from FF)
J.K Simmons - J. Jonah Jameson
Teri Hatcher - Lois Lane

[Yavin]

J.K Simmons - J. Jonah Jameson


Can't disagree with that one

[Doc MacGyver]

Evans & Chiklis - Human Torch & the Thing (I thought these were the only faithful characterizations from FF)



They made the movie watchable for me.



Doc

[Digigeek06]

Hugh Jackman as Wolverine
Christopher Reeve as Superman
Christian Bale as Batman
Thomas Jane as The Punisher

[lukewarmwater]

Kevin Conroy - Batman
Christopher Reeve - Superman
Hugh Jackman - Wolverine
Ron Pearlman - Hellboy

and hopefully
Robert Downy Jr. - Iron Man

I know everyone on this forum loves batman begins, and I liked it too, but I hated they way bale did batman's voice. The really scary over the top voice he tries to force. Conroy did it soooo much better.

[Mondo Kane]

J.K Simmons - J. Jonah Jameson


Reminds me of other good supporting casting/acting choices that I liked:

Sam Elliot as "T-Bolt" Ross in Hulk
Jon Favreau as Foggy in Daredevil
Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler in X2
Kelsey Grammer as Hank/Beast in X3
Stan Lee as Willy in FF (Everyone seems to love him most in Spidey 3, but this is still my favorite)

[GoldenJCJ]

But I have to fervantly disagree with a couple... Danny Devito as Penguin? No way. Did he look the part? Sure... but this was one of the worst character assassinations in comics-to-film translation. The same goes for Pfeifer as Catwoman. I don't blame either of the actors, mind you, I blame the script.

Penguin may look that way, but he behaves completely counter to that. He is erudite, and affects an upper-class New English, almost British accent. He strives to fight the perception of him based on his appearance.

Likewise, Catwoman is not a mousy, insecure secretary who got "licked" back to life by alley cats. She's a sassy, smug cat burgler who takes the theatricality of it a bit too far.

In fact, all of the bat villains from the previous series have behaved totally out or character... I mean, Jack was pretty good as the Joker, but he wasn't scary. Joker's the guy who will tell you a joke, and midway through shoot you in the gut without skipping a beat and finish the joke. People run from him on the street. Jack, let's fact it, was playing Jack. Just Jack with makeup.
Can't argue with that!


I know everyone on this forum loves batman begins, and I liked it too, but I hated they way bale did batman's voice. The really scary over the top voice he tries to force. Conroy did it soooo much better
Can't argue with that either. But Bale's voice has always bugged me. He's got kind of a lisp. I can't quite put my finger on it but his way of speaking bothers me.

[Terrell]

But Routh was cast because he looked like Reeve, so how does this logic follow?

I have no idea why they cast him. He made a poor Superman and only a passable Clark Kent. Hence the reason they gave him little dialogue, and when they did it was only simplistic. Most of the time he just stood around and brooded.

My choices are.....

Reeve
Jackman

.....you know which roles.

[invisiblegt]

I don't know if it is simply me, or if others feel this way as well, but I, personally, have always hated the Simmons portrayal of Jameson.

In a similar vein, Tobey Maguire never impressed me as Spider-Man, nor as Peter Parker.

As for best... I'll merely echo the sentiments of those who have posted prior. Reeve, Jackman, Stewart, etc.

(Oh, side note: Conroy is Batman. Accept no substitutes.)

[maingon]

But Routh was cast because he looked like Reeve, so how does this logic follow?

while Roth resembles him, Its not like he is his twin, So why doesnt this logic work? I think Reeve did Clark Kent much better but once in the Suit, I thought he looked like Superman.

I never Cared for Christopher Reeve, I always thought he was overrated. Hes the better actor in the Superman Flicks, but looks wise.

Reeve

http://www.michaelnetzer.com/rEvolution/images/stories/culture/cr_04.jpg

http://www.supermanhomepage.com/images/superman-returns4/superman6.jpg

[R_3]

Colin Farrell - Bullseye
Thomas Jane - Punisher
Hugh Jackman - Wolverine

[Shannon Nutt]

I think the script/direction failed Routh and the jury is still out on his acting ability...he was asked to play a VERY "touchy-feely" Superman...he wasn't really given many scenes to show off the "tough" side of The Man of Steel.

[freshticles]

I never liked him as superman, he never looked right in the suit, To me, I think Brandon Roth "Looks" more like Superman, I like Reeve, but I always thought he was miscast.

Totally agree with this. Christopher Reeve was too lanky and awkward looking. I'd also go as far to say that his acting was just passable.

MY picks

Micheal Keaton - Batman
Christian Bale - Batman
Ron Pearlman - Hellboy

Lou Ferrigno - the hulk ...makes me laugh every time...

[DieselsDen]

Yes, Christopher Reeve hands down. This thread can now be closed. :)

Ditto. The winner was and is obvious.

Routh could very well be the second best Superman we've had, if the next movie is what Singer promises it will be.

[Ronnie Dobbs]

Thomas Jane as Frank Castle

I strongly disagree.

Reeve as Supes, McKellan as Magneto, Thora Birch in Ghost World.

[Ky-Fi]

Terrance Stamp as Zod
Warren Beatty as Dick Tracy

I liked Reeve a lot, but Routh was just as good if not better, IMO.

[JIF]

Hands down, Christopher Reeve as Superman!

[Superman07]

character in the original movie had a great storyline and script to back up the acting, Superman Returns had a downright awful storyline and script and it affected my view of the Superman character. He didn't do enough in the movie, and the role of Clark Kent wasn't a scratch on Reeves original in any way, shape or form.

Well there was hardly any Clark at all. The most you saw of that was at the farm and even that was very little. In fact I wish we had seen more of Clark. It would have been an interesting way to see some of the relationships from an "outside" point of view.

For the thread I'll also echo:

Stewart
Jackman
Maguire

Others: Bale, McCullam I liked in the role, but I'm not absolute in my belief that somebody couldn't play those roles better.

[Jon2]

I can't say much about the characterization, but Thomas Hayden Church looks like he literally stepped right out of a Ditko Spiderman.

[Doc MacGyver]

I can't say much about the characterization, but Thomas Hayden Church looks like he literally stepped right out of a Ditko Spiderman.

Totally, which is why it was so dissapointing the way they ruined his character by trying to humanize him and make us feel bad for him. He was a complete dick in the comics. One of the biggest dicks in Spidey's rogues gallery. I'm all for realistic, fully-rounded characters (I prefer it), but sometimes a dick is just a dick. Call a spade a spade, the guy's an asshole. It's alright to sometimes have villains who are... you know... villains.


Doc

[Rizor]

But Bale's voice has always bugged me. He's got kind of a lisp. I can't quite put my finger on it but his way of speaking bothers me.Are you sure you're not confusing him with Val Kilmer, who does have a lisp as Batman?

[Maxflier]

Totally agree with this. Christopher Reeve was too lanky and awkward looking. ...

I'm with you. I envision Superman as being a seriously bowed up dude like he appears in the comics, not built like Chrisopher Reeve. I've never gotten why people love him so much as Superman.

[JTH182]

I always liked Dean Cain as Superman, but Reeve will always BE Supes

Tobey is great, Bale is awesome

Jack was a good Joker, but a little too JACK

Kevin Spacey made a good Lex

Jim Carrey as the Riddler (maybe just because I'm a big Jim Carrey fan, Frank Gorshin owns the role however)

[T1000]

Brandon Lee in The Crow.

Also Thomas Jane in The Punisher.

[Luther Heggs]

Just based on the effect of the actor in the role, not necessarily on the faithfulness of the movie adaptation:
Thora Birch as Enid Cohn (http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0162346/)
Paul Newman as John Looney/Rooney (http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0257044/)
Viggo Mortensen as Joey Cusack (http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0399146/)
Vincent Cassel as Blueberry (http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0276830/)

[paradicelost]

Have to agree with the Reeve and Bale praise. Both of them were perfect for the roles. Other actors have nailed certain sides (Tobey was a great Peter, but not a great Spidey, Keaton was a fantastic Bruce, but not so much with the Batman) but none have nailed both sides to the personality as well.

Sir Ian was fantastic as the movie's version of Magneto, but I felt that the characterization wasn't exactly in step with the comics (I actually prefer the movie Magneto).

But I have to fervantly disagree with a couple... Danny Devito as Penguin? No way. Did he look the part? Sure... but this was one of the worst character assassinations in comics-to-film translation. The same goes for Pfeifer as Catwoman. I don't blame either of the actors, mind you, I blame the script.

Penguin may look that way, but he behaves completely counter to that. He is erudite, and affects an upper-class New English, almost British accent. He strives to fight the perception of him based on his appearance.

Likewise, Catwoman is not a mousy, insecure secretary who got "licked" back to life by alley cats. She's a sassy, smug cat burgler who takes the theatricality of it a bit too far.

In fact, all of the bat villains from the previous series have behaved totally out or character... I mean, Jack was pretty good as the Joker, but he wasn't scary. Joker's the guy who will tell you a joke, and midway through shoot you in the gut without skipping a beat and finish the joke. People run from him on the street. Jack, let's fact it, was playing Jack. Just Jack with makeup.


Doc
I completely agree, I love those movies but i don't think any of the actors came close to their comic book counterpart, maybe Poison Ivy but thats it. I love Jack but he was not the Joker, and as Michelle was hot but she was nowhere near the Selena Kyle(?) of the books.

[Yavin]

Mickey Rourke as Marv in Sin City

[Lunatikk]

Pat Stewart

[Doc MacGyver]

I completely agree, I love those movies but i don't think any of the actors came close to their comic book counterpart, maybe Poison Ivy but thats it. I love Jack but he was not the Joker, and as Michelle was hot but she was nowhere near the Selena Kyle(?) of the books.

And again, it's not the actors. I mean they are the owner of their character, but only to the extent of the director's vision... The script called for Selina to be batshit crazy, so that's how she was played. As for Poison Ivy... (which is hard to talk about because of how painful that movie was) she had the sultry seductress thing, but again, it was just far too campy. I never really felt her total love for all that is green and her violent hatred of humanity.

And of course, let us not forget Bane... One of the only villains to seriously hurt Batman through intelligence, planning and patience (an of course all jacked up on venom) and they turn him into Ivy's mindless goon. Disgraceful.



Doc

[paradicelost]

And of course, let us not forget Bane... One of the only villains to seriously hurt Batman through intelligence, planning and patience (an of course all jacked up on venom) and they turn him into Ivy's mindless goon. Disgraceful.



Doc
don't even get me started on Bane. From what i've heard in the books Bane figured out that Bruce Wayne was Batman just by the way he walked(i started reading after the fact so i'm not sure if that happened or not). And i think disgraceful is even too light of word on what they did in that movie.

[Yavin]

Drew Carey as Dilbert.

[Doc MacGyver]

don't even get me started on Bane. From what i've heard in the books Bane figured out that Bruce Wayne was Batman just by the way he walked(i started reading after the fact so i'm not sure if that happened or not). And i think disgraceful is even too light of word on what they did in that movie.

It was a little more complicated, but still totally intuitive. He would stage crimes that Batman would respond to and then stakeout the batmobile. It would always leave the city traveling the same direction across the Robert Kane Memorial bridge up toward Bristol (which is to Gotham what West Chester is to New York), which confirmed Bane's theory that Batman would have to be incredibly wealthy.

He then did his research on everyone living up there... many were too old. Of the ones that were the appropriate age (narrowed down based on reports of Batman's description and on how long he's been operating in Gotham), only two had the right build - A former athlete and Olympic Champion who started his own fortune 500 and lazy, incompetent party boy Bruce Wayne.

Bane immediately knew it was Bruce Wayne and that this Playboy exterior was a front - the perfect disguise. He confirmed this when he had a fund raiser attacked and he observed from across the street. Bruce "accidentally" tripped up one of the robbers, and Bane noticed how well he handled himself. Later, as Batman was on patrol, Bane was able to tail him and observe him without being seen (not an easy feet, we're told) and noticed the same trained movement (You know that old Martial arts cliche, you can know a man, even under a mask, simply by fighting him).

That was when he made himself known and put into motion his plan on defeating Batman. This is key... most villains are filled with Hubris... and Bane is too, to be sure. But the difference is he realized Batman was better. He knew he could not take Bats in his prime, so he freed the inmates of Arkham. He watched Batman go out night after night on little to no sleep, getting injured and not properly tending to the wounds, eating little if anything at all... and only after weeks of this when Bruce was so dead tired and weak that he literally got back to the cave, took off the cape and cowl (didn't even take off the costume, just walked upstairs toward the bed) did Bane make his move, standing in the living room, holding an unconscious Alfred as Batman came up from the cave.



And look what Joel Shithead did to him.



Doc

[paradicelost]

It was a little more complicated, but still totally intuitive. He would stage crimes that Batman would respond to and then stakeout the batmobile. It would always leave the city traveling the same direction across the Robert Kane Memorial bridge up toward Bristol (which is to Gotham what West Chester is to New York), which confirmed Bane's theory that Batman would have to be incredibly wealthy.

He then did his research on everyone living up there... many were too old. Of the ones that were the appropriate age (narrowed down based on reports of Batman's description and on how long he's been operating in Gotham), only two had the right build - A former athlete and Olympic Champion who started his own fortune 500 and lazy, incompetent party boy Bruce Wayne.

Bane immediately knew it was Bruce Wayne and that this Playboy exterior was a front - the perfect disguise. He confirmed this when he had a fund raiser attacked and he observed from across the street. Bruce "accidentally" tripped up one of the robbers, and Bane noticed how well he handled himself. Later, as Batman was on patrol, Bane was able to tail him and observe him without being seen (not an easy feet, we're told) and noticed the same trained movement (You know that old Martial arts cliche, you can know a man, even under a mask, simply by fighting him).

That was when he made himself known and put into motion his plan on defeating Batman. This is key... most villains are filled with Hubris... and Bane is too, to be sure. But the difference is he realized Batman was better. He knew he could not take Bats in his prime, so he freed the inmates of Arkham. He watched Batman go out night after night on little to no sleep, getting injured and not properly tending to the wounds, eating little if anything at all... and only after weeks of this when Bruce was so dead tired and weak that he literally got back to the cave, took off the cape and cowl (didn't even take off the costume, just walked upstairs toward the bed) did Bane make his move, standing in the living room, holding an unconscious Alfred as Batman came up from the cave.



And look what Joel Shithead did to him.



Doc
off the subject but is there a TPB of that storyline.

[Doc MacGyver]

off the subject but is there a TPB of that storyline.


It's actually a few... there are three books in all, Knightfall: Part one, Knightfall: Part two - KnightsQuest, and Knightfall: part 3- KnightsEnd. It falters here and there and totally reeks of late '80s, early '90s comic logic, but it's still pretty good. There's also a very good novelization of it by the same name - Knightfall.

Though if you want to read the best novel based off of a Batman storyline, read "No Man's Land"... cannot recommend it enough. I even got non-comic-fan friends of mine to read it and they raved about it.

< thread-jack ended >

Doc

[tofu]

off the subject but is there a TPB of that storyline.
Yeah, its the Knightfall storyline. I think the TPB is split into Part 1 and Part 2.

I also really liked Bale as Batman.

[Dr. DVD]

Mickey Rourke as Marv was a great idea. Christopher Reeve will ALWAYS be Superman in my eyes. Oh, and Ron Perlman as Hellboy was genius. A more well known actor would have insisted on his face being seen, but with Perlman it didn't matter and he had enough smart ass persona to bring the character to life.

While many will most likely disagree, I would have to say Thomas Jane was a good Punisher. Granted, the writers didn't know how to handle the character, but it was evident in Jane's performance that he understood what Frank Castle was all about and gave all he could for the fans with the material he was given.

[glassdragon]

I've always said I would love seeing the "Breaking of the Bat" storyline, and the aftermath with Azreal. Last time i mentioned it here I pretty much got told that it would never make a good movie and I didn't know what i was talking about :(

[starman9000]

Paul Giamatti in American Splendor, probably doesn't count since he's real I suppose.

[boredsilly]

Kevin Conroy - voice of Batman
Clancy Brown - voice of Lex Luthor
Dana Delany - voice of Lois Lane
Mark Hamill - voice of The Joker

All of these actors turned in definitive performances as far as I'm concerned, especially Conroy.

Live action:

Hugh Jackman did great things with his portrayal or Wolverine.
Gary Oldman was a fucking fantastic young Jim Gordon.
Michael Caine's Alfred really hit the spot as well.

[FRwL]

Reeve actually went through the rigorous weight gaining, unlike that muscle-suit wearing imposter.

Tobey's Spider-man was a blank in the movies. You don't get inside his head. When he puts that mask on he should be a whole different person, the fun and upbeat guy doing the wisecracks like in the comics.

but I hated they way bale did batman's voice. The really scary over the top voice he tries to force. Conroy did it soooo much better.

Keaton's Batman had the coolest voice next to Conroy. His portrayal is still my favorite, i remember Burton once said Keaton had this madness in his eyes.

[devilshalo]

I've always said I would love seeing the "Breaking of the Bat" storyline, and the aftermath with Azreal. Last time i mentioned it here I pretty much got told that it would never make a good movie and I didn't know what i was talking about :(
They very briefly touched on the Knightfall storyline in the new Batman animated series.

[paradicelost]

It's actually a few... there are three books in all, Knightfall: Part one, Knightfall: Part two - KnightsQuest, and Knightfall: part 3- KnightsEnd. It falters here and there and totally reeks of late '80s, early '90s comic logic, but it's still pretty good. There's also a very good novelization of it by the same name - Knightfall.

Though if you want to read the best novel based off of a Batman storyline, read "No Man's Land"... cannot recommend it enough. I even got non-comic-fan friends of mine to read it and they raved about it.

< thread-jack ended >

Doc
Was the about the aftermath of the earthquake in Gontham. I saw some of the TPB of that storyline. It was broke up into 4 parts and i had 1, and i found 3 & 4 but i never could find 2. I need those and i've been trying to find the TPB of i elieve it was called "Legacy", it followed the Contagion storylin Now that i'm way off topic.
And i loved Paul Giamatti

[paradicelost]

It's actually a few... there are three books in all, Knightfall: Part one, Knightfall: Part two - KnightsQuest, and Knightfall: part 3- KnightsEnd. It falters here and there and totally reeks of late '80s, early '90s comic logic, but it's still pretty good. There's also a very good novelization of it by the same name - Knightfall.

Though if you want to read the best novel based off of a Batman storyline, read "No Man's Land"... cannot recommend it enough. I even got non-comic-fan friends of mine to read it and they raved about it.

< thread-jack ended >

Doc
Was the about the aftermath of the earthquake in Gontham. I saw some of the TPB of that storyline. It was broke up into 4 parts and i had 1, and i found 3 & 4 but i never could find 2. I need those and i've been trying to find the TPB of i elieve it was called "Legacy", it followed the Contagion storylin Now that i'm way off topic.
And i loved Paul Giamatti in American Splendor, it helped me go out of find some of American Splendor books. I really like them, he gets a little preachy political wise in some parts but i guess thats part of his style.

[Maxflier]

The Knightfall TPB's don't cover any of that stuff about Bane figuring out who Batman is, just so you know.
Knightfall is my all-time favorite Batman stroyline.

[hdtv00]

Christopher Reeve Brandon Lee: The Crow Jack Nicholson - The Joker

[Depression]

Tommy Lee Jones - Agent K
Tom Hanks - Michael Sullivan
Bale - Wayne
Rourke - Marv

And I know it was completely over the top, but I loved Gerard Butler as King Leonidas in 300.

[mrhan]

What about Bill Campbell as the Rocketeer and Jennifer Connelly as Jenny. She was so freakin' hot in that movie. I always thought that was one of the better adaptations; too bad it bombed.

[PopcornTreeCt]

My vote goes to Colin Farrell as Bullseye. The movie never gets the credit it deserves and Colin Farrell's awesome performance never gets mentioned either.

[Depression]

My vote goes to Colin Farrell as Bullseye. The movie never gets the credit it deserves and Colin Farrell's awesome performance never gets mentioned either.

Definitely. The directors cut was a lot better. Less Elektra, more Murdock.

I loved the airport scene that was added.

[Giantrobo]

I know he doesn't get credit because of the zealous hatred for X-men 3 but <b>Kelsey Grammer as Dr. McCoy/Beast</b> was awesome. I think he owned the character and I doubt I could see anyone else play Dr. McCoy/Beast after seeing his performance.

[bychance]

In a now post-The Dark Knight movie world...

The Joker - Heath Ledger.

Others worth mentioning:

Peter Parker/Spider-Man - Tobey Maguire
Bruce Wayne/Batman - Tie between Michael Keaton and Christian Bale
Superman - Christopher Reeve | Clark Kent - Dean Cain
Wolverine - Hugh Jackman

[Rockmjd23]

Captain America - that guy in that creepy youtube video.

[chris_sc77]

Hugo Weaving in V for Vendetta is amazing. He is able to convey so much emotion without ever seeing his face.

[hasslein]

I'm surprised no one mentioned Hackman as Luthor. He is the one that made Superman The Movie great. I'm in the Chiklis camp as well, a truly moving performance of a tragic character, all while covered in layers of polyfoam or whatever the suit was made of...

[PopcornTreeCt]

Hackman as Luthor? This is a Best list... not a Worst list. :)

[The Cow]

I'm surprised no one mentioned Hackman as Luthor. He is the one that made Superman The Movie great. I'm in the Chiklis camp as well, a truly moving performance of a tragic character, all while covered in layers of polyfoam or whatever the suit was made of...

Hackman as Luthor? This is a Best list... not a Worst list. :)

Agree.

Michael Rosenbaum is Lex Luthor.

[Solid Snake PAC]

Christian Bale is a better actor and a better Batman than any of the others.

[hasslein]

Hackman as Luthor? This is a Best list... not a Worst list. :)

What? How can you say that? Hackman is the best American actor ever! He was hilarious as Luthor. And he was the best villian ever. He had a plan.. unlike most villians in the movies today... Even Roger Ebert in his review of Superman Returns said, "Well Kevin Spacey is no Gene Hackman" And Kevin Spacey is a great actor! I... I'm stunned... I can't believe anyone, much less two of you feel this way.... It truly is the end of the world....

[tanman]

I think if you gave George Clooney a decent script and decent villains, he would have been remembered as one of the best Batmans / Bruce Waynes.

No way. He is way to smiley in all his films. Too much Bruce Wayne and not enough Batman. To me it should be played as Bruce Wayne is the person with the mask not Batman.

[Moonstone]

Heroes:

Robert Downey Jr. - Tony Stark/Iron Man
Christopher Reeve - Clark Kent/Superman

Villains:

Terence Stamp - General Zod
Heath Ledger - The Joker
Aaron Eckhart - Harvey Dent/Two-Face

[MaxMFP]

I'm surprised no one mentioned Hackman as Luthor. He is the one that made Superman The Movie great.


Hackman's Luthor was the worst aspect of that film, him and Beatty's sidekick Otis. The movie is great despite, not because of, them.

[stingermck]

My vote goes to Colin Farrell as Bullseye. The movie never gets the credit it deserves and Colin Farrell's awesome performance never gets mentioned either.

Definitely. The directors cut was a lot better. Less Elektra, more Murdock.

I loved the airport scene that was added.

Agreed, just him walking around was so damn bad ass.

I will always have a spot for Thomas Jane as the Punisher. Some say he didnt look old enough for Frank, but he fit a good 'year one' look which works, since Frank has been at it for 30 years.

And of course Bale, Ledger, Reeves, Cain, etc

[Michael Corvin]

What? How can you say that? Hackman is the best American actor ever! He was hilarious as Luthor. And he was the best villian ever. He had a plan.. unlike most villians in the movies today... Even Roger Ebert in his review of Superman Returns said, "Well Kevin Spacey is no Gene Hackman" And Kevin Spacey is a great actor! I... I'm stunned... I can't believe anyone, much less two of you feel this way.... It truly is the end of the world....

Hindsight is 20/20. After seven years of Rosenbaum you realize how silly Hackman's Luthor really is. It worked for the time, but not so much anymore. He plays off Reeve well, but as the character of Lex Luthor it's a miss. I'm not downing him as much as everyone else here, just comparatively speaking now that we've had a different type of Lex around.

Kevin Spacey is a non-factor.

[bychance]

John Shea is my favorite Lex Luthor. He speaks very well. Something about his delivery is very well...Lex Luthor-ish. He was the only reoccurring saving grace as far as villains go on Lois and Clark. I haven't seen enough of Smallville to make a solid judgment, but Michael Rosenbaum seems very good too.

[kstublen]

Keaton: Batman
Bale: Batman
Nicholson: The Joker
DeVito: The Penguin
Pfeiffer: Catwoman
Ledger: The Joker
Eckhart: Harvey Dent/Two-Face

McKellen: Magneto
Stewart: Professor X
Jackman: Wolverine
Cumming: Nightcrawler
Romain: Mystique

Pearlman: Hellboy
Jones: Abe Sapien

Carrey: Stanley Ipkiss (The Mask)

Hanks: Michael Sullivan, Sr.

Weaving: V

EDIT: I HATE Superman and I HATE Reeve.

[chris_sc77]

John Hurt is also wonderful in Hellboy as Broom.

[hasslein]

Hindsight is 20/20. After seven years of Rosenbaum you realize how silly Hackman's Luthor really is. It worked for the time, but not so much anymore. He plays off Reeve well, but as the character of Lex Luthor it's a miss. I'm not downing him as much as everyone else here, just comparatively speaking now that we've had a different type of Lex around.

Kevin Spacey is a non-factor.

Any other actor in that role and the whole movie would have been camp.

C'mon that's one of the funniest deliveries ever, when he sends the missels out and Valerie Perrine says "But my mother lives in Hackinsack..." Then Hackman looks at his watch, then looks back up to her, and shakes his head "No."

Plus the great line-

"Everyone has their faults, mine's in California"

He was clever, funny and had a good plan. More so than any other villian.