Bummer Summer: Why Are Action-Movie Heroes So Glum?

by Freddy Tran Nager, Founder of Atomic Tango + Superhero Analyst…

It must suck to be powerful.

I’m determining what image I should use to present myself here at Atomic Tango. Since I picture myself as an action star (in a power-nerd way), I researched how Hollywood is depicting its almighty this summer.

What I saw wasn’t encouraging.

Indeed, I didn’t know if I was looking at action-movie posters or mugshots from the Beverly Hills P.D. Apparently, the heroic pose du jour is full emo: look moody and gaze at your navel. If these are superheroes, who needs villains? See for yourself…

“Go ahead, run around a battlefield carrying a target and see how you feel.”

“Forget Valhalla — get me some Valium.”

“It just hit me that I’m going to be governor of California someday.”

“I said we got an illegal alien problem in these here parts, but did anyone believe me? Nooo…”

“Of course I look inexplicably intense and grumpy. I’m a cat.”

“I know, I know, it’s a Disney family movie based on a theme park ride and my character is supposed to be comedic, but I’m still thinking about my reviews in The Tourist. At least I’m looking up.”