The ‘Fantastic Four’ Popcorn Bucket Has a Crazy Price Tag

When Marvel unveiled an enormous popcorn bucket for the movie The Fantastic Four: First Steps modeled after Galactus’ head, they neglected to disclose its cost. Given that it stood 17.5 inches tall and spanned 20 inches wide, it was evident that this item wouldn’t come at a budget-friendly price.

In simpler terms, the AMC Theatres website is selling a Fantastic Four Galactus popcorn bucket for $79.95, which comes with glowing eyes. If you’re planning to buy it, your bank balance should be as vast as Galactus himself.

These ornate popcorn containers aren’t usually cheap, though they don’t typically cost around $80 per piece. For instance, the Karate Kid: Legends bucket, which resembles a stack of fragile bricks, is currently priced at $31.95 on the AMC store. The Lilo & Stitch popcorn container shaped like a life-size Stitch (and capable of holding your drink) retails for just $49.95. None of the buckets available for purchase exceeds $50, except for the one modeled after Galactus’ head.

The movie “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is set to hit cinema screens and popcorn containers on July 25. If you’re interested, you can click a button on AMC’s website to be notified when tickets go on sale. If you’re willing to wait, there might be a chance to get them at a lower price later. At the moment, AMC’s website has discounted novelty popcorn containers for previous movies – the “Gladiator II” bucket (modeled after the Colosseum) is currently available for under $5.

Conversely, should the item run out, it might fetch a higher price in the resale market. Perhaps it’s worth consulting Reed Richards, who can apply his brilliant mind to estimate the chances and suggest the most suitable strategy.

The Best Superhero Movie Of Every Year From 2000 to Today

2000: X-Men

Indeed, the initial X-Men movies, with their black leather costumes, do give off a dated vibe. And while Hugh Jackman was undeniably talented, his physique in these early films seems relatively slight compared to his later portrayals of Logan. Yet, it’s crucial to remember that the first X-Men film played a significant role in igniting the superhero movie craze of the 2000s. It managed to capture the essence of the characters and translate them onto the screen effectively, trimming away unnecessary elements and focusing on the core aspects that would strike a chord with a broad audience. Interestingly, Hugh Jackman, who went on to become a global sensation as Wolverine, almost didn’t get the chance. He was initially the second choice for the role; only securing it after the original Logan, Dougray Scott, had to withdraw due to delays in the filming of Mission: Impossible II.

2001: Spy Kids

By the turn of the 21st century, it wasn’t until several years had passed that big-screen superhero adaptations became a regular occurrence, almost yearly or even monthly. However, as time went on, the impact of comics – their visual storytelling, their character archetypes – started to permeate everywhere, including in films like Robert Rodriguez’s “Spy Kids.” While its title suggests an espionage adventure for children, there’s not much real spycraft to be found. Instead, it showcases a lot of superhero-style combat and sci-fi technology – a unique blend of James Bond, Batman, and a dash of “Home Alone” for good measure. It may seem an unusual combination, but it proved effective, and Rodriguez has continued to capitalize on this success with numerous sequels, reboots, and television series based on the “Spy Kids” franchise.

2002: Spider-Man

With several Spider-Man films releasing annually, it’s quite simple to overlook the extraordinary impact of Sam Raimi’s initial Spider-Man movie from 2002. It was truly revolutionary for its time. From the design of the costume to the action sequences, special effects, and the poignant portrayal of Uncle Ben’s death and Peter Parker’s intricate relationships with Norman and Harry Osborn, it managed to capture the essence perfectly. This film fundamentally changed how mainstream audiences perceived superhero movies and paved the way for the current landscape of shared cinematic universes. Moreover, numerous subsequent superhero films have emulated its iconic final scene, where Spider-Man swings through New York City in a single, extended shot.

2003: X2

In a nutshell, the film “X2” could be considered one of the most significant superhero movies of the 21st century. The initial “X-Men” and “Spider-Man” films demonstrated that cinema could capture the enchantment of comics. However, “X2” exceeded these expectations, particularly with scenes such as Nightcrawler’s White House infiltration, which not only reproduced his distinctive teleporting ability but elevated it to a level cooler and more dynamic than any static comic book panel could convey. The dam explosion in the movie’s finale might be likened to the literal bursting of floodgates, marking the beginning of the Hollywood Superhero Rush in earnest. After “X2”, nothing was quite the same.

2004: Spider-Man 2

In Spider-Man 2, director Sam Raimi skillfully expanded the story beyond just introducing Spider-Man and his origins. Instead, he crafted a comprehensive tale focusing on Peter Parker’s complex relationship with the ambitious scientist, Dr. Otto Octavius, brilliantly portrayed by Alfred Molina. This performance is often considered one of the best in the entire Spider-Man series. Fifteen years on, the film’s visuals still impress (the train sequence remains a standout Marvel moment), and the way it relentlessly adds layer upon layer of troubles to poor Peter Parker’s life makes the ultimately joyful (though also bittersweet) ending all the more rewarding.

2005: Batman Begins

The movie “Batman Begins” offered a pleasant shift in tone. It discarded the excess physical and emotional baggage that had burdened the series, bringing the character back to his modest roots. In this version, Christian Bale portrayed Bruce Wayne, while Liam Neeson played an intricately crafted antagonist. Even if Christopher Nolan hadn’t made subsequent films, he would still deserve praise for creating one of the finest Batman movies in history.

2006: X-Men: The Last Stand

2007: Spider-Man 3

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The final Spider-Man film by Sam Raimi has been unjustifiably criticized over the years, even by Raimi himself who once stated that it “didn’t work very well.” Admittedly, there are parts that could have been better, but there are also many aspects that shine, such as several action sequences from the Maguire trilogy, including the thrilling mid-air rescue of Gwen Stacy from a construction accident. The primary issue for many viewers is the portrayal of Venom, particularly Raimi’s treatment of the black suit as a running joke, with a notorious scene showing an “evil” Peter under the influence of his alien costume dancing through New York City streets.

These scenes may have been incongruous with the trend towards darker and grittier superheroes in late 2000s movies. However, when you consider Spider-Man 3 as Raimi intentionally satirizing the concept of a “dark” comic book movie through Venom, the overall experience becomes much more enjoyable. (Go ahead and admit it; you’ve warmed up to Emo Tobey and his questionable dance moves.)

2008: The Dark Knight

In my opinion, Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” continues to be the benchmark that every Batman film, if not all superhero movies, are compared against. It provided an abundance of thrilling visual effects, especially in IMAX, a cinematic format it pioneered for mainstream films, and posed numerous thought-provoking ethical dilemmas. It also bestowed upon us several phrases that have become part of everyday conversation, one of which (“You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain”) is so profound and frequently quoted, it’s astonishing it originated from a Batman movie in 2008. Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker, combined with Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard’s memorable soundtrack, and the sheer coolness of the Bat-pod, make this film an undeniable addition to the Hall of Fame. Even after more than a decade, “The Dark Knight” hasn’t been outshone yet.

2009: Watchmen

Zack Snyder’s remake of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ trailblazing series can be seen as the comic-book film equivalent of Gus Van Sant’s Psycho: It stays true to the original, yet lacks some vital energy, while offering occasional intrigue. The opening credits, depicting how the superheroes in the Watchmen universe might have shaped 20th-century history, remain captivating. However, much of the subsequent content has been outdone by Damon Lindelof’s recent series. Despite this, considering the growth of the superhero genre since 2009, Snyder’s Watchmen now serves as an intriguing film to revisit from a somewhat experimental perspective.

2010: Super

Before James Gunn gained fame with “Guardians of the Galaxy”, he created this bold satire. The story revolves around a distressed individual, portrayed by Rainn Wilson, who chooses to take up vigilantism despite not having superpowers or exceptional physical fitness. Essentially, it’s a reimagining of “Taxi Driver” as a humorous superhero tale, carrying the same intensity and disturbing undertones as its original concept.

2011: Captain America: The First Avenger

Although it might have some issues with its storyline (essentially an entire war was condensed into a montage), Chris Evans’ portrayal of Captain America in this film stands out as one of the most successful character adaptations within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This movie transformed a hero who faced criticism for being too bland or outdated, into a lively, endearing, multi-dimensional character embodying timeless human values. The subsequent Captain America sequels have been commendable, but I’m not sure any have surpassed this one in embodying the spirit of Steve Rogers. This remains the MCU film to watch when you need a dose of inspiration.

2012: The Avengers

Despite the release of “Infinity War” and “Endgame,” the first “Avengers” movie continues to be an extraordinary achievement. Each character is flawlessly balanced, the dialogue is concise, and the climactic Battle of New York remains one of the best action sequences in comic-book cinema. Has Marvel ever surpassed this? Some may argue yes, with quotes like “Puny god” or “I’m always angry,” but it’s open to debate.

2013: Iron Man 3

The movie “Iron Man 3” was generally enjoyable, but its connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe somewhat diminished its impact. Throughout the film, Tony Stark’s journey culminates in his decision to retire as Iron Man and depart. However, he went on to appear in numerous subsequent films. (And this was all before Robert Downey Jr. took on the role of Doctor Doom.) Guy Pearce’s character, Killian, fell short, but every scene with Tony Stark and his clever sidekick child was excellent. Typically, MCU movies are more satisfying when viewed within their respective contexts; however, “Iron Man 3” might benefit from being watched spontaneously without considering its place in the larger universe.

2014: Guardians of the Galaxy

In the initial run of Marvel productions, the Guardians of the Galaxy demonstrated that Marvel’s reputation was robust enough to captivate audiences even for lesser-known properties. Many longtime Marvel enthusiasts hadn’t read a single Guardians of the Galaxy comic before the movie premiered; they were almost insignificant in Marvel lore until James Gunn transformed them into an unexpected blockbuster hit. Furthermore, it is undeniably Rocket who stands out as the superior Guardian, a fact that requires no debate or contention.

In a more conversational tone:
Before the first Guardians of the Galaxy movie, many people had never read a single comic about them. In fact, they were barely noticed in Marvel’s history until James Gunn made them famous. And let me just say, Rocket is definitely the best Guardian!

2015: Avengers: Age of Ultron

The scores for The Avengers on Letterboxd are 3.7, and for Avengers: Age of Ultron it’s 3.2. I can understand that the sequel might not have been as impressive as the original, but the general dislike for this movie seems puzzling to me. The climactic scene where the Avengers unite to save everyone in Sokovia is nothing short of classic Marvel action. Maybe over time, people will grow to appreciate Ultron more, just as some fans have come to view Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man films in a more positive light after a while.

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2016: Captain America: Civil War

In a less effective capacity as an ideological battle between Iron Man and Captain America or as a solid thriller (it’s actually quite flawed and unravels under close examination), “Captain America: Civil War” nonetheless excels remarkably as a platform to present the first wave of MCU heroes, engaging in an epic battle royale at an airport.

2017: The LEGO Batman Movie

For approximately two years, my eldest daughter’s preferred movie was “The LEGO Batman Film.” I can’t tell you exactly how many times we watched it during that period. It’s safe to say that this film belongs to the most rewatchable movies of the past decade. With countless visual jokes, puns, and references to lesser-known Batman trivia, not to mention Will Arnett’s brilliantly arrogant voice performance as LEGO Batman himself, it’s a delight to watch. Compared to many children’s films I’ve seen over the last decade, some of which were amusing or miserable, “The LEGO Batman Film” stands out as the funniest. Rather than making fun of the character or comics, it is a heartfelt tribute to everything that makes the Dark Knight iconic.

2018: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

In essence, the movie “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” could arguably be the best and most authentic Spider-Man film, surpassed only by its sequel “Across the Spider-Verse.” It boasts a large ensemble of web-swinging characters such as Miles Morales, Gwen Stacy, and Peter B. Parker – all relatable in their own ways. The movie also showcases a powerful and unambiguous interpretation of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko’s moral philosophy from the original “Amazing Spider-Man” comics of the 1960s. This narrative elegantly conveys their idea that anyone who uses their power responsibly can become a hero, transforming it into an animated tribute to their noble ideals.

2019: Avengers: Endgame

In no other superhero film has the level of complexity been greater than “Avengers: Endgame.” It was tasked with providing a satisfying resolution to one of cinema’s most significant cliffhangers, tying up numerous unresolved plotlines from over 20 Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies, and delivering an enjoyable standalone film experience. Remarkably, the team at Marvel Studios led by Kevin Feige and the Russo brothers managed to achieve this feat. Incredibly, the abundance of Easter eggs didn’t hinder the narrative flow or the action sequences, nor did it detract from the poignant conclusion to Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Tony Stark.

2020: The Old Guard

In the comic-based film, “The Old Guard,” directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, we find a group of immortal warriors, led by Charlize Theron, who engage in endless battles against evil. However, this time, the antagonist is not your typical supervillain but a sneaky pharmaceutical executive, played exceptionally well by Harry Melling. The film’s unique aspects stem from Prince-Bythewood’s thoughtful approach, as she delves deeper into the implications of immortality, a subject rarely explored in movies of this genre. Unlike many similar films that focus on the glamour of superpowers and power fantasies, “The Old Guard” tackles the darker side of eternal life.

2021: Spider-Man: No Way Home

In Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man movie, we find a level of quality comparable to Sam Raimi’s third Spider-Man film. Both share a common trait – they’re jam-packed with numerous villains. However, on the bright side, this production effectively encapsulates the charm of Peter Parker as a character, who despite frequent failures, never loses his determination to rectify mistakes in future attempts. It also significantly introduces the multiverse concept into MCU films, making it a significant landmark in the studio’s history.

2022: RRR

This Indian film titled “RRR” overwhelms your brain with three hours of grandeur, romance, music, and thrilling action scenes. It can be likened to a modern adaptation of an old-school John Woo action movie, set in South Asia, where two powerful figures from different walks of life – one being Bheem (N.T. Rama Rao Jr.), a Gond tribe warrior, and the other Rama (Ram Charan), a member of the British Empire’s military – find themselves unexpectedly bonding. Initially, they are on opposing sides, but fate brings them together in an unusual friendship after a fortuitous incident.

Although neither character possesses superpowers or can fly, “RRR” draws inspiration from the superhero genre. The film’s director, S.S. Rajamouli, even referred to it as an “imaginary friendship between two superheroes.” With enthusiasm and a contagious spirit of adventure, they elevate the genre to new heights, paving the way for an exciting future in this genre.

2023: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

In the expansive continuation of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” Miles Morales encounters Spider-Man 2099 and his “Spider Society,” a group dedicated to shielding the multiverse from threats like Spot, a new villain capable of opening interdimensional portals on command. While “Into the Spider-Verse” was visually stunning, “Across the Spider-Verse” promises an even more breathtaking and daring experience. Notably, the world of Spider-Gwen resembles a living watercolor painting, while Spider-Man India originates from a vibrant cityscape reminiscent of Mumbai, with hues of yellows and greens dominating the landscape. However, one potential drawback is that “Across the Spider-Verse” is the first part of a two-part story, which at times can feel like it. Nonetheless, there’s no denying that it’s one of the most exhilarating and visually striking superhero movies of 2023.

2024: Deadpool & Wolverine

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2025-06-12 23:26