By Lori Bartlett
Daily Press Staff Writer

MONTANA AVE. — Get the Halloween costume back out, or at least throw on a cape, as the Aero Theatre plays host to “The Modern Mythology of the Superhero,” starting this weekend.

Superheroes are ingrained in American culture as icons, a favorite of young and old alike. In the past 20 years, numerous comic book characters have made the leap from the page to the big screen. Modern film cinematography and green-screen technology has allowed Spider-man to weave his way through New York City skyscrapers and Batman to stalk the streets of an ever-grittier Gotham. Even the “Man of Steel” got an upgrade this year, taking flight once again in “Superman Returns.”

The Aero Cinematheque celebrates the myth and legend of the Marvel and DC masters with a film double-feature extravaganza starring the men who aren’t afraid to wear tights.

The series opens today with a double-feature of “Darkman” and “Danger: Diabolik.”

Sam Raimi, known for creating horror hits “The Evil Dead” and “Evil Dead II,” brought fast-paced adventure to the 1990 thriller “Darkman.” Liam Neeson stars as a tragically scarred and unstable former scientist-turned-superhero. This dark picture calls upon film noir to present its tale of revenge.

On the same bill, “Danger: Diabolik” is a European thriller based on a popular Italian comic strip hero. Super-thief Diabolik, played by John Phillip Law, creates havoc for his own financial gain in the flick. He is aided by his curvy, superficial girlfriend Eva Kant (Marisa Mell). Take a trip back to the swinging ’60s for this crime-laden yarn.

On Saturday, two of the most popular superheroes of all time grace the big screen once again, with the presentation of “Superman” and “Batman.”

The 1978 film that started the adaptation buzz, “Superman” is digitally restored for screens with eight additional minutes of never-before-seen footage. Christopher Reeve stars in the role that made the Man of Steel a household name, along with Hollywood heavyweights Marlon Brando (Jor-El) and Gene Hackman (Lex Luther). Bumbling reporter Clark Kent transforms into the high-flying superhero with a quick wardrobe change, and saves the day, all while capturing the heart of Lois Lane (Margot Kidder).

Tim Burton’s dark sensibility matched the comic-book Dark Knight’s style as he brought “Batman” to life for his first big-budget feature. Michael Keaton stars as the well-to-do playboy Bruce Wayne, who turns into Batman at the first sign of danger. Pitted in this tale against Jack Nicholson’s sinister Joker, and saving damsel in distress Vicky Vale (Kim Basinger), Batman is trouble-filled Gotham City’s only hope.

Stick around on Sunday as the series continues with the counterparts to the Saturday screenings. The double feature begins with the Man of Steel saving the day again in “Superman II.” The 1980 flick written by “The Godfather” creator Mario Puzo, and directed by Richard Lester, brought a new excitement to the franchise. Three super-villians join Lex Luther on his crusade to destroy Superman in this second installment.

The second in the Batman series, “Batman Returns,” features the Caped Crusader battling evil-doers Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer) and The Penguin (Danny DeVito). Burton and Keaton team up again to keep the dark beauty of the original film.

“The Specials” serves as the finale to the series on Wednesday, Nov. 22. The comedy stars Thomas Haden Church, Rob Lowe and Paget Brewster as they form a rogue gang of outsider superheroes. These unlikely heroes aim to save while overcoming the everyday trials of their job. The screening will be followed by a discussion with director, Craig Mazin. The film’s editor, Jeremy Kasten, and producers Mark Altman and Mark Gottwald will also be on-hand to field questions.

The Friday, Saturday and Wednesday screenings begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday’s screening begins at 6:30 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to dress as  their favorite superhero or villain to get in the spirit.

Tickets are $10 for general admittance. Double features are two films for one admission price. Generally, there is a seven- to 10-minute break between films. 

For information, call (323) 466-FILM or go to the Web site at www.americancinematheque.com.