Gremlins (1988/USA) The splicing of proper horror and black comedy into what is, for all intents and purposes, a children’s film can sometimes feel out of place but it comes off with great success. Some of the later scenes are more akin to a macabre take on the Muppets but it still stands up today. A true 80’s classic.
The Incredible Hulk (2008/USA) This begins with the promise of a more considered, humanistic look at the superhero genre (and the casting of Norton as the protagonist certainly aided that). Unfortunately, as it progresses it only becomes more bound by convention with the final scenes resembling a WWE travesty. 
Iron Man (2008/USA) With strong, bold characters and a plot revolving around reformation this should have the perfect recipe for a solid superhero jaunt but alas it falls short of the mark. The lack of a real nemesis (cardboard cut-out Middle-Eastern terrorists anyone?!) and the dull action scenes let it down making it just another average Marvel vehicle. 
Ultraviolet (2006/USA) Although visually interesting, theres little to recommend about this style-over-substance sci-fi. The fight scenes are a particular disappointment with overly-choreographed prancing the order of the day.
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006/USA) With an established franchise behind it, this 3rd X-Men film had the license to attempt a different approach. The moral dilemma (of a “cure” for the mutants) that pervades the film is certainly interesting but rarely explored in much depth but it does help to keep proceedings ticking over nicely….until we get to the travesty of a final battle(why cant they get these things right?). Overall another “almost”.
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