Comic book movies generally and Marvel films specifically have been under attack by the Hollywood elitists and their fanboys on social media, claiming that the films are not “cinema.”

Several Marvel Studios celebrities and filmmakers have defended the comic book movie genre, most recently, according to Showbiz Cheat Sheet, actor Chris Evans, known for playing Captain America in several films, including Avengers: Endgame.

Speaking with co-star Scarlett Johansson, the topic of whether the Marvel films are “cinema” came up. Evans offered a very articulate defense of the movies.

“I just believe there’s room at the table for all of it, you know what I mean,” he said. “Like, it’s like trying to say a certain type of music isn’t music. Well, why bother? Who are you to say that? It just feels like a strange, you know. Same team, same team.”

These echoed comments made by Nick Fury actor Samuel L. Jackson made in October. “I mean that’s like saying Bugs Bunny ain’t funny. Films are films. Everybody doesn’t like his stuff either,” he said at the time. “Everybody’s got an opinion, so I mean it’s okay. Ain’t going to stop nobody from making movies.”

Many have echoed legendary director Martin Scorsese’s derisive comments on the genre made by earlier this year where he made ad hominem attacks on the films, saying they were not “cinema” and were more akin to “theme parks.”

“I don’t see them. I tried, you know? But that’s not cinema,” the director of Goodfellas said. “Honestly, the closest I can think of them, as well made as they are, with actors doing the best they can under the circumstances, is theme parks. It isn’t the cinema of human beings trying to convey emotional, psychological experiences to another human being.”

Now, the Goodfellas director is legendary at his craft, but he is simply wrong on this one. Hollywood has always feared innovation. From the talkies to colorizing to animation to CGI, there has always been resistant to new developments.

Now, Scorsese is wrong. Despite being called out for his elitist attitude, he continued to double down, even trying to write an op-ed that was akin to a “say you’ll love me,” moment. He is free to have an opinion, but those petty comments about a franchise and the comic book genre-at-large display how out of touch Hollywood is with their audiences.

As an aside, one thing I have learned in this debate is that those who have defended comic book films are way more classy than the upper echelon of the film industry.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or novel you would like me to review. While you are at it, check out my graphic novel reviews The Brave and the Bold: Batman and Wonder Woman and Captain America: The Chosen. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more posts like this one.

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