Intriguing plots, fascinating characters and a visual flair for storytelling.
That describes at least two popular media.
Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we're counting down our picks for the
top 10 graphic novel movie adaptations.
For this list we're focusing on movies that have memorably
adapted stories from what are commonly thought to be graphic novels and not
traditional comic books.
Number 10: The Crow. "Are you some kind of ghost?" "Boo."
Telling the story of a rock musician who's resurrected and on a mission to
avenge his own murder and that of his fiancee, The Crow is often remembered for a
real-life tragedy attached to it.
The accidental death of star Brandon Lee during filming. "People we love were stolen from us.
The way to have them live on is to never stop loving them. Buildings burn, people die,
but real love is forever." But based on the 1989 comic book by James O'Barr The Crow
deserves to be better remembered for its feverishly intense direction and
imaginative visual style both of which serve its captivating story well.
"The Avenger, the killer of killers. Nice outfit.
I'm not sure about the face though." Number 9: Kickass.
Overflowing with violence and profanity Kickass scores big points for taking a
more realistic look at what is involved with being a costumed vigilante. "With no
power comes
no responsibility. Except,
that wasn't true." It also considers be less than noble motivations that go
towards becoming a hero which
adds further depth to its characters. "I mean all those comic books, movies, TV
shows, you'd think the one (inaudible) would've made himself impossible."
While definitely not for those with a weak stomach, "Daddy, I'm scared. Come on Mindy, honey, be a big girl now
there's nothing to be afraid of." Kickass is a thrill ride of a movie with direction
that's over the top but in a carefully calibrated manner. While the film's
direction differs from the source material it stays true to its essence and
was developed simultaneously by the movie's director and the comic book
writer.
Number 8: Road to Perdition.
Inspired by the 1998 graphic novel of the same name, this revenge story set in
the gangster world of the Great Depression found widespread critical
acclaim and six Academy Award nominations. "Tomorrow when they find out where
we're going they're going to come after us. I have to protect you now." Although some have
found Road to Perdition a bit cold and distant this move fits the story of a mob
enforcer intent on settling the score with the gangster that killed most of
his family. And, brilliant performances by Paul Newman, "Leave. Before it's too late." Tom Hanks and Daniel
Craig make up for any failings.
Number 7: Scott Pilgrim vs The World. "Hey what's up?" "Nothing." While this film disappointed
at the box office
it did not disappoint its core fan base
otherwise known as the readers of Bryan Lee O'Malley's Scott Pilgrim graphic
stories and it has developed a fervent cult following since its release on DVD.
"Does that mean we can make out?" The plot deals with young Canadian musician Scott
Pilgrim as he battles the seven evil exes of Ramona, the girl of his dreams. "Are we
done with the hugging and the learning? I thought we had a fight going on here!"
Funny, quirky and inventive, Scott Pilgrim vs The World is filled with eye-popping
moments that stick and linger in the memory.
Number 6: Ghost World. The deadpan sarcasm of Daniel Clowes's graphic novel
was translated perfectly to the screen and Terry Zwigoff's film version. "This is so
bad that it's almost good." "This is so bad that it's gone past good and back to bad again." Nora Birch beautifully captured her character's sense of sad
alienation. "Give me all your
money bitch!" And a young Scarlett Johansson is terrific as her friend who
needs to move on. "**** you. Have fun living with your dad for the rest of your life."
Zwigoff's film makes some changes to the source but it keeps the melancholic
poetic atmosphere intact "Are you waiting for a bus?" "Yes." "I hate to tell you this but they
canceled this bus line two years ago. There are no more buses on this street."
"You don't know what you're talking about." Ghosts World is technically a coming of
age film but it's also so much more "Hey you! How many time I tell you? No shirt no service get the hell out of my store. What you think this is." "It's America dude, learn the rules." Number 5:
Watchman.
It's impossible to cram all of Alan Moore and David Gibbons's groundbreaking and complex
graphic novel into one hundred and sixty-one minutes. "We will be starting shortly.
We're waiting for one more." But Zack Snyder's film is still impressive and packs a wallop. "Who murdered Hollis Mason?!" Yes it
makes some changes that purists will bawk at. "This wasn't caused by nuclear warheads.
It was me." But those willing to meet it on its own cinematic terms will find
Watchman a glorious exploration of what it means to be a superhero. "I'm tired of being afraid. Afraid of war.
Afraid of the mass killer.
Afraid of this godddamn suit." It's both cerebral and excitingly visceral.
Number 4: V for Vendetta. "Remember remember the fifth of November, the gunpowder treason plot." To topple a fascist
dystopia, anarchy maybe the best means. "Anarchy in the UK!" That's clear from both the film of V for Vendetta and
the Alan Moore source material.
The graphic novel is perhaps subtler and more nuanced but it lacks the galvanizing presence of Hugo
Weaving and Natalie Portman's engrossing performance. "You really think that blowing
up Parliament's going to make this country a better place?" "There is no certainty." V for Vendetta
raises many important issues but it also never skimps on the excitement
and offers plenty of intriguing visuals.
Number 3: Sin city. "Enjoy the show."
Many comics are brought to the screen with care taken to disguise their
origins. "He knew what he was doing. So tell me, who sent you." Sin city revels in its source
creating a look that screams out comic Arts while never neglecting the needs of
the movie medium. "Walk down the right back alley in sin city and you can find anything." Director Robert
Rodriguez is perfectly in tune with creator Frank Miller sensibility's. "You wanna see what I got?" The
result is brash, bold and brutal, and utterly mesmerizing.
"Every step of the way." Sin city may be to stark for some viewers but those who get it
will be richly rewarded.
Number 2: A History of Violence. "You're a big hero." "Sure took care of those two bad men." Director
David Cronenberg is associated with shocking horror. There's plenty of tension
and fear here but he's operating in a low-key mode that is exactly what this
graphic novel adaptation calls for. "Better late than never." A man is thrust into a violent confrontation
resulting in the revelation of his own criminal past. "I saw you turn into Joey right before my eyes. I saw the killer that Foggarty warned me about."
And raising questions about the nature of both
individuals and the communities of which they are a part of. Heavy stuff, but handled
with a restless intensity that makes a history of violence totally gripping.
Before we reveal out top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. "Everything that happens now
is in your hands."
Number 1: 300. Frank Miller's fictionalized telling of their Greco-Persian war was stunningly
brought to the screen by Zack Snyder who got just about everything right. "This is Sparta!"
Both the testosterone and the energy levels are pumped right through the roof and
fittingly so.
The violence is rampant also fittingly so and the pace nonstop.
Some may desire deeper characterization but they're missing the point.
War is the main character here.
Fortunately that doesn't stop Gerard Butler from turning in a commanding
performance that anchors the film solidly.
"But tonight we dine in hell!" Do you agree with our choices? What other graphic novel movie adaptations
deserve to be on this list? For more enthralling top tens published every day
be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.