Sunday, July 7, 2013

The 10 Most Heartwarming Moments in Comic Book Movies

A couple of months ago, we ran a piece that looked at the most heartbreaking moments in comic book movies, highlighting some of the quieter moments in otherwise bombastic, action-focused extravaganzas. But let's face it, it was kind of of a downer, so as an antidote here are our top ten moments in comic book movies that’ll make you want to squeeze a loved one’s hand and sigh in a 'hell, everything’s alright with the world' kinda way.

(Major spoilers ahead.)

10

Knives Steps Aside, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

Released 2010

If you love somebody set them free, and that’s exactly what Knives Chau does in Scott Pilgrim vs the World, when she graciously steps aside so Scott can be with the love of his life, Ramona. "I'm too cool for you anyway," she says. Damn straight, Knives.

9

The Cranes, The Amazing Spider-Man

Released 2012

The crane scene is The Amazing Spider-Man’s version of Spider-Man 2’s ‘train’ scene; a moment that tells our deflated hero that the city is behind him. Sure, a bunch of cranes swinging to Spider-Man's aid to James Horner's somewhat relentless score is a little cheesy, but so what? There should be a little cheese in comic book movies. Further, it’s beautifully shot; have a watch below.

8

Tony's Gift, Iron Man 3

Released 2013

The relationship between Tony Stark and Iron Man super-fan Harley is defined for the most part by spirited bickering, Tony seemingly impervious to the kid's charms. It’s particularly heartwarming then, when he fills Harley’s workshop with a bunch of geeky toys as a thank you for helping him during his plight.

7

Abe & Red Drink Together, Hellboy II: The Golden Army

Released 2008

The Hellboy movies never thrust sentiment down your throat, instead defining themselves by good humour and a healthy sense of irony. It’s fitting then that the most moving scene in Hellboy 2 features Ron Perlman’s gruff n rough Hellboy drunkenly sharing his heartbreak alongside his equally lovesick amphibian buddy, both of them briefly vulnerable in the face of the dulcet tones of Barry Manilow.

6

Perry Stays, Man of Steel

Released 2013

For a movie that features such a barrage of destruction and ripped bodies of demi-gods, the human moments in Man of Steel really stand out. Arguably the film’s most heartwarming scene is when Daily Planet Editor-in-Chief Perry White stays with a trapped co-worker, sacrificing his own life so hers doesn't have to end in isolation, as Metropolis is torn apart around them.

5

"A Hero Can Be Anyone," The Dark Knight Rises

Released 2012

“A hero can be anyone,” says Batman to Commissioner Gordan at the end of The Dark Knight Rises. “Even a man doing something as simple and reassuring as putting a coat around a young boy’s shoulders to let him know the world hadn't ended.”

He’s referring, of course, to the moment when Gordan did exactly this after little Bruce Wayne witnessed the brutal murder of his parents. But there’s a broader message here, and whatever your thoughts on the final film, it wraps up the trilogy with pertinence.

4

Rogue & Logan On The Train, X-Men

Released 2000

The friendship between Logan and Rogue in Singer’s 2000 X-Men stems from a mutual alienation; hers comes from a power that isolates her from physical contact, and his from an, uh, animalistic inner-rage. It’s little wonder that Logan, as the elder, becomes a sort of father-figure for the young Mississippi teenager, and the moment when he tells a weeping Rogue to give Charles Xavier a chance is the most heartwarming in the film.

3

The Cafe Scene, The Dark Knight Rises

Released 2012

Nolan’s third Batman is so relentlessly dark it’s hard not to tear up when he gives us a flash of light, particularly when it comes from Michael Caine’s grateful smile.

2

Mary Jane Chooses, Spider-Man 2

Released 2004

The will she/won’t she question is a constant in Spider-Man 2. Will Mary Jane marry the chumpy astronaut guy or will she walk the aisle for her true love, Peter Parker? The question is answered in spectacular fashion at the end of the film, when Mary Jane, in full bridal regalia, ditches astronaut guy and runs towards Peter’s apartment. The line that seals the whole moment? “Go get ‘em, tiger.”

1

Superman & Lois Fly, Superman

Released 1978

There is something inherently childlike about this moment in Richard Donner’s Superman. It captures a sort of joyful innocence in Christopher Reeve’s wholesome Man of Steel, and in Margot Kidder’s streetwise Lois Lane. Only the stoniest heart could remain unmoved as the pair soars over the Metropolis cityscape with goofy grins and wide eyes, and that John Williams score plays, and everything is perfect.

What would you put in this list? Let us know in the comments. 

Lucy O'Brien is Entertainment Editor at IGN AU. Follow her ramblings on IGN at Luce_IGN_AU,or @Luceobrien on Twitter. Like what you're readin? Join the whole Aussie IGN team on our Facebook page


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