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Roger Ebert’s Rare Perfect Scores for Marvel Films Revealed

Source: Roger Ebert Only Gave A Perfect Score To Two Marvel Movies (2025-11-24)

Legendary film critic Roger Ebert famously reserved his highest praise, awarding only two Marvel movies a perfect 4 out of 4 stars: "Spider-Man 2" (2004) and "Iron Man" (2008). Ebert’s discerning eye appreciated "Spider-Man 2" for its seamless blend of special effects and compelling storytelling, calling it "the best superhero movie since the modern genre was launched." He praised "Iron Man" for Robert Downey Jr.'s captivating performance and director Jon Favreau’s bold approach. Beyond these, Ebert was generally cautious of superhero films, often critiquing their reliance on spectacle over substance. Recent developments in film criticism reveal that Ebert’s standards remain influential, with contemporary critics increasingly emphasizing narrative depth and character development in superhero movies. Notably, Marvel’s recent releases like "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" and "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" have been praised for their storytelling, but few have achieved the critical acclaim of Ebert’s top-rated films. Interestingly, Ebert’s selective praise underscores a broader trend: the evolving criteria for cinematic excellence, which now prioritize diversity, representation, and innovative storytelling. As Marvel continues to expand its cinematic universe, understanding Ebert’s high standards offers valuable insight into what makes a superhero film truly exceptional—beyond just box office success. Today, critics and audiences alike look for films that balance spectacular visuals with meaningful narratives, echoing Ebert’s legacy of thoughtful, honest film evaluation.

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