Compare and Contrast: Two Comic Book Movies

Let's take a look at two of the biggest movies that'll be hitting cineplexes in 2007.

First up, the one that'll rule it all, Spider-Man 3:






And next up, another sequel based on a Marvel comcis, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer:





Now, here's three reasons why Spider-Man 3 will be, hands down, the better film.

1) The time involved. Spider-Man 3 started film in January of 2006 to come out in May of 2007. They took their time, doing re-shoots, crafting the speical effects, and doing everything to craft an ideal film. Fantastic Four 2 started filming in August to come out in June. 16 months for Spidey, vs. 10 for the FF.

2) Location filming. Both of these films take place in New York City. Spider-Man 3 was filmed in New York City, Cleavland, and on soundstages in Hollywood, all to create an idealized New York. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer was filmed completely on location...in Vancouver. No offence to Vancouverians, but Vancouver is not an idealized New York City.

3) The talent behind the camera. Sam Raimi, director of all three Spider-Man films, loves Spider-Man, hands down. Tim Story, director of both Fantastic Four films.... Now, no offence to Mr. Story. He's made a couple of good films, but Mr. Story is very much a "working director." Not much passion for the source material. He's just handed the script and gets to work.

Doesn't really matter. I'm just a sucker for comic book movies, and I'll be first in line for both. Just that I've got bigger expectations for the wallcrawler than for the world's greatest superheroes.

Spider-Man 3 hits on May 4.

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer is June 15.

Oh! I almost forgot the third Marvel comics movie this year. It's one month to Ghost Rider