In particular, Ebert’s statement about X2, “I had a good time. Dumb, but good.” is a perfect description of the experience. The movie was a good time. And, as action sequences go, it was very well made. But, let’s compare the story to the source, the X-men graphic novel “God Loves, Man Kills.” Virtually all of the interesting parts of the story are absent from X2. Without elements such as the comparison of religious devotion in Nightcrawler to the Reverend William Stryker, it’s little more than a fun action movie. Which is not to say I didn’t enjoy X2. But, it is, in a word, dumb. And that’s nothing compared to the first X-men which had one of the stupidest plots I’ve ever seen.

I could make similar arguments about most of the other comic book movies. Since the time you wrote this essay, there have been some really good films based on comic books, many of which completely do justice to their source material (Spider-man 2, Batman Begins, Hellboy, Iron Man, and the 2008 Incredible Hulk). But, let’s not excuse the films that talk down to all of us (Daredevil, Spider-man 3, Superman Returns) or the ones that are just plain bad (2003 Hulk).

Finally, I really think who your very well thought out criticisms should be aimed at the film makers who strip out the important parts of the characters and stories we love, as opposed to the film critics who are, rightfully, judging what’s up on the screen.