The Phantom 4K 1996

It’s hard to stand alone against everyone. More precisely, it’s very hard to defend what you like when others don’t like it at all—and for reasons unknown.

One critic wrote about *The Phantom*, and with your permission, I’ll quote him in full (unfortunately, he didn’t give his name—probably out of fear), since his words really hurt me.

‘Before Bryan Singer showed us with 'X-Men’ how comic books should be adapted for the screen, there were other attempts to bring famous superheroes to the big screen. But there are almost no successful ones among them, and the vast majority are like ‘The Phantom’—silly, empty-headed films made for who knows whom. If there is anything good about ‘The Phantom,’ it is only that its failure finally convinced Hollywood that a different approach to comics is needed."

As a fan and admirer of ‘The Phantom,’ I’m naturally disappointed, but I’m not going to argue with anyone right now; I’ll just tell you why I liked the movie.

First, this is an engaging adventure story with a plot that’s clear, not silly, and sufficiently logical. And I love it when things are simple and straightforward.

Second, the cinematography is superb. The picture is crisp and bright. It’s clear who’s where, what they’re doing, and why.

Thirdly, the actors are likable. Not great, not brilliant, but just people who are pleasant to watch on screen.

So, it’s not exactly some thick, impenetrable mess we’re dealing with here. Yes, *X-Men* is a hundred times worse (forgive me, fans, but *X-Men* just doesn’t do it for me no matter how you slice it).

And on top of everything else, ‘Phantom’ is one of my favorite childhood movies, and I simply cannot betray a childhood love.

So, whether you want to criticize the movie or not, I’ll keep watching it over and over again.