7. The Phantom (1996)
The Phantom has a reputation for being one of the worst superhero movies ever made. But while the film does have its drawbacks, that's a pretty unfair criticism to make, as it's better than Ghost Rider and Catwoman. That being said, it's not
that much better, but it at least manages to be what it's trying to be: a fun pulp-style adventure that doesn't take itself too seriously. And that's a good thing, because a serious movie about a guy in purple tights fighting evil would require more suspension of disbelief than most audiences could muster. The plot is nothing too complex. Basically The Phantom has to thwart the plans of an evil dude named Xander Drax, who is planning to rule the world with three magical skulls that he must find. Along the way, the Phantom reconnects with his old girlfriend, Diana Palmer...and that's pretty much it. The cast is decent. Despite criticism to the contrary, I actually think Billy Zane plays the Phantom rather well. He goes for a more tongue-in-cheek approach, but still has the charisma required for the character. Also, you can tell he's having a lot of fun playing the role. Treat Williams is fun as Drax, even if he does sometimes come off as a Saturday morning cartoon character. He isn't a particularly deep villain, and the cookie-cutter "taking over the world" plot that he is given bogs things down a bit. But he's so over-the-top and funny that you can't help but enjoy his performance. Kristy Swanson's Diana Palmer is really just there to be a damsel in distress, and not much else, but she is given a few moments to shine. And it was nice to see Catherine Zeta Jones in one of her first big roles. The Phantom was made at a time when comic book superheroes were starting to be seen as silly by the movie-going public. Still, the movie is fun in an escapist, old school movie serial type of way. Turn your brain off and you may enjoy it.