Comic Book Movies

207 movies, 1 book, 2 interviews in this series

Superheroes. Vigilantes. Hitmen. Demigods. And the occasional fascist regime in a Guy Fawkes mask.

Now Playing Podcast has reviewed over 200 comic book movies spanning DC, Marvel, Dark Horse, Image, and beyond. From the spandex action of Batman and Spider-Man to the artsy Watchmen, V for Vendetta, and 300, to the cult favorites Hellboy, The Spirit, and Swamp Thing, to even dramas like American Splendor, Road to Perdition, and A History of Violence.

We’ve covered the capes, the cowls, the indies, and the prestige adaptations that barely look like comic books at all.

Big studio tentpoles. Cult oddities. Faithful panels brought to life and “in name only” adaptations that took wild swings. The comic book movie didn’t start with shared universes, and it doesn’t end there either.

Our hosts explore the full spectrum of graphic storytelling on screen, breaking down what works, what doesn’t, and how this once-niche genre took over Hollywood one panel at a time.

Movie Reviews

Superman and the Mole Men

Truth, justice, and the podcasting way!

Reviewed Apr 9, 2013
Reporters Clark Kent and Lois Lane arrive in the small town of Silsby to witness the drilling of the world's deepest oil well. The drill, however, has penetrated the underground home of a race of small, furry people who then come to the surface at night to look around. The fact that they glow in the dark scares the townfolk, who form a mob, led by the vicious Luke Benson, intent on killing the strange people. Only Superman has a chance to prevent this tragedy. Genres: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction

The New Original Wonder Woman

Cold War justice in star-spangled shorts

Reviewed May 30, 2017
After a dogfight with a German plane, U.S. Army Air Force pilot Steve Trevor crash lands on an uncharted island in the Bermuda Triangle. Paradise Island is inhabited only by women, and their existence has been kept a secret for thousands of years. Learning of the Nazi German threat to humanity, the Amazon princess Diana is chosen to accompany Trevor back to the United States to battle the Third Reich. Garbed in a skimpy red, white, and blue costume and armed with a magic lasso that forces anyone within its grasp to tell the truth, Diana uses her powers as Wonder Woman to battle the forces of evil. Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

The Return of the Incredible Hulk

If Mr. Feeny is killing Julie, Cory and Topanga better wa...

Reviewed Mar 2, 2012
Continuing his solitary flight, David Banner arrives in a small town where he saves the life of a young heiress, the target of a deadly conspiracy orchestrated by her stepmother and a corrupt physician. While working undercover to protect the girl and dismantle the plot, Banner must struggle to contain the beast within, especially when the arrival of reporter Jack McGee threatens to expose his secret to the world. Genres: Action, Drama, Science Fiction, TV Movie

Legends of the Super Heroes

The movie Now Playing Podcast was never meant to review!

Reviewed Feb 23, 2016
The adventures of many of DC Comics greatest superheroes and villains. In the first episode, "The Challenge," the superheroes must race against time to stop the diabolical super-villains' plot to destroy the world. In the second episode, "The Roast," the superheroes pay tribute to Batman and Robin in the form of a roast which even the villains attend. Genres: Action, Comedy, Science Fiction

Captain America

The only thing this has in common with the comic characte...

Reviewed Jan 17, 2012
Artist Steve Rogers is nearly murdered by spies, seeking his late father's national secrets. He is saved during surgery via a secret formula; this serum not only heals him but also gives him fantastic strength and lightning reflexes. To help solve the mystery behind his father’s murder and bring those guilty to justice, a government agency equips him with a special motorcycle loaded with gadgets and an indestructible shield. Now armed, he battles against the nation's enemies as the Sentinel of Liberty, Captain America. Genres: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction, TV Movie

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace

Two and a Half Supermen!

Reviewed May 28, 2013
With global superpowers engaged in an increasingly hostile arms race, Superman leads a crusade to rid the world of nuclear weapons. But Lex Luthor, recently sprung from jail, is declaring war on the Man of Steel and his quest to save the planet. Using a strand of Superman's hair, Luthor synthesizes a powerful ally known as Nuclear Man and ignites an epic battle spanning Earth and space. Genres: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction

The Incredible Hulk Returns

By Odin's Beard! Hulk Returns!

Reviewed Mar 6, 2012
Years after the end of the original series, David Banner continues his wandering search for a cure for the condition that turns him into the Hulk. He reunites with former colleague Don Blake, unaware of his mystical connection to Thor. When a criminal organization threatens their lives, Banner is forced to unleash the Hulk once again, marking the character’s return after the series finale. Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, TV Movie

The Trial of the Incredible Hulk

I never thought I'd die fighting side by side with a Hulk

Reviewed Mar 13, 2012
Falsely accused of assault, Dr. David Banner is arrested and placed on trial, facing the possibility of a long prison sentence. Blind attorney Matt Murdock takes on his defence, while secretly operating as the vigilante Daredevil. As the courtroom battle unfolds, Banner’s struggle to control the Hulk leads to a dangerous confrontation with criminal mastermind Wilson Fisk. Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Science Fiction, TV Movie
Now Playing Approved

Batman

I have given a name to my podcast, and it is Now Playing

Reviewed May 22, 2012
Having witnessed his parents' brutal murder as a child, millionaire philanthropist Bruce Wayne fights crime in Gotham City disguised as Batman, a costumed hero who strikes fear into the hearts of villains. But when a deformed madman known as 'The Joker' seizes control of Gotham's criminal underworld, Batman must face his most ruthless nemesis ever while protecting both his identity and his love interest, reporter Vicki Vale. Genres: Action, Crime, Fantasy

Book Reviews

Interviews