Superhero sequels like The Dark Knight and Thor: Ragnarok received critical acclaim for their innovative action sequences and for displaying darker and more emotional stakes for their respective heroes and villains. There are also sequels that have gone under the radar.

Films such as Blade II, X-Men: The Last Stand, Spider-Man 3, Batman & Robin, and Venom: Let There Be Carnage were criticized for delivering over-the-top action and/or taking on too many characters. However, these features deserve more credit for trying to present scenarios in which the heroes are placed in unsettling positions, and are forced to take on dangerous villains who are desperately trying to seek their own desires or agendas.

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Batman & Robin

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Over two decades later, Joel Schumacher's overproduced Batman film understandably continues to be called one of the worst superhero pictures ever made. The corny jokes and dialogue, the noisy, over-the-top action sequences and explosions, and the cheesiness of characters like Mr. Freeze, Bane, and Batgirl. There are plenty of elements to dislike and is a far cry from the greatness of Nolan and Burton's Batman films. However, there are some appreciated moments that redeem some of Batman & Robin.

First, George Clooney's Caped Crusader may be the least favorite compared to other portrayals, but he did display toughness in his partnership with Robin, contemplating over jealousy (involving Poison Ivy) and how to trust one another as a team. Clooney is also an admirable Bruce Wayne, slightly conveying his qualities as a bachelor and a billionaire, and also has his best moments with Michael Gough's wise and comical Alfred. Second, Uma Thurman delivers a charming and seductive performance as Poison Ivy, a villain who knows how to take advantage of everyone. She even tricks Freeze into crushing Batman and Robin, leaving the heroes with the difficult task of taking on several enemies at once.

Spider-Man 3

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While Sam Raimi's third Spidey film with Tobey Maguire didn't surpass the greatness of the first two films, this sequel is an ambitious effort in making Peter Parker more vulnerable than before, thanks to three major nemeses. Harry Osborne, Sandman, and Eddie Brock all contribute to making Parker's life a living hell. Harry seeks vengeance on Peter for his father's death, Parker tracks down Sandman because he was involved with Uncle Ben's murder, and Brock gives Parker competition over who takes the best Spidey pictures.

The power of Venom also changes Parker's behavior, causing him to be self-centered and careless, while also tarnishing his relationship with Mary Jane by making her feel worthless and unimportant. All the villains, fame, and conflicts in Spider-Man's life make him more erratic, which is why it's satisfying for spectators to see a flawed hero who's capable of overcoming his obstacles in the end by understanding his true identity and why he became a hero in the first place.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage

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While many reviewers have praised the Venom sequel for being superior to the original film, it still received a mixed reception for its goofiness and over-the-top special effects. However, this sequel is better than it's given credit for because of the complications in the relationship between Eddie Brock and Venom. Brock tries very hard to live his normal life as a journalist, but Venom is difficult because it's always hungry for human flesh. This dilemma makes Brock/Venom a complex anti-hero.

Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson) and Shriek (Naomie Harris) are entertaining as sadistic, murderous lovers desperate to be reunited after years apart in separate prisons. When Kasady obtains the power of Venom to become even more powerful than before, hell breaks loose. However, while Kasady becomes Carnage, Shriek's ability to form loud sonic screams negatively affects her lover, causing discrepancies in their rekindled relationship. This sequel is shorter and less exciting than the original, but the showdown between Venom and the killer villains is both darkly comical and action-packed.

X-Men: The Last Stand

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There are several X-Men films that eclipse this one in terms of depth, but this sequel contains plenty of action and showdowns between heroes and villains. Of course, Wolverine is the center of attention, but his physicality and his emotional bond with Jean Grey is the best aspect of the film because he desperately wants to help the woman he loves most, but her power is too unstable and uncontrollable. The film also raises interesting questions about mutants, and whether there should be a "cure" for their powers.

Unlike some other X-Men features, the action in this film is slightly more intense and fast-paced, including a scene in the woods in which Wolverine takes down several evil mutants. Magneto also has some great moments, including a scene in which he moves the Golden Gate Bridge for his army to cross over and wage war, as well as emotional parts when Professor Xavier (seemingly) dies and Mystique loses her powers. Storm and Iceman are also more confident this time around when unleashing their powers in this film, and Kelsey Grammer's Beast is a welcome addition to the series.

Blade II

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While the first two Blade films each received a mixed critical reception due to their gloomy atmosphere and bloody violence, many fans have argued that they are two of the best Marvel (and R-rated) superhero films to date. Blade II is especially special because of filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro's visual style, and a talented cast led by the cool and smooth Wesley Snipes. This sequel is near perfection due to Snipes' commitment to the role of an elite vampire killer. Snipes portrays Blade as a great fighter and martial artist, but also as a person who acts cold around others in order to make everyone understand the harsh reality of the world around them.

The vampires in this sequel (the Reapers) are more gruesome, deadlier, and harder to kill than in the first film, thanks to their large mouths and superhuman strength. Blade and his mentor Whistler also continue their effective partnership and father-son bond from the first film. Nomak, the primary villain, is the strongest of the Reapers and is a tragic character due to his feud with his father (an elderly vampire who wanted both Nomak and Blade dead in order to form more vampires with all their strengths and none of their weaknesses). Ron Perlman's Reinhardt is funny and villainous as a member of the Bloodpack who's eager to kill Blade but is always a step behind the Daywalker, and Nyssa is a tough female character who respects Blade and tries to understand his rugged demeanor.

These superhero sequels may not be the most memorable comic book features, but they are each entertaining in their own right due to the talented actors involved, the high-octane action sequences, and in seeing cool but flawed heroes taking on tragic and ambitious villains.

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