Top 5 Movie Heroes in Glasses
Today is List day, a bit of a light hearted one this week, lets have a look at the top 5 Glasses wearing Movie Heroes!
Last night we watched the latest installment of the Potter Saga, Deathly Hallows Part 1. I am not really a huge Potter fan so I do not feel educated enough to do a review on the film. But watching it got me thinking, mostly about his glasses….
Custard in Specs, No Laughing at the back…
As a reluctant glasses wearer myself (see photo) I always like to see a character being portrayed in glasses. Unfortunately most of the time the glasses are only for the weak side of the characters persona, be it his or her hidden identity. This still amazes me after years of geekville, how does no one recognize Superman with the glasses. It never works for me, I can’t even go to the local shop without being recognized, with or without!
Anyway here are my top 5 Movie Characters that wear glasses..
5) Ultrviolet (2006) – Violet / Milla Jovovich
A beautiful hemophage infected with a virus that gives her superhuman powers has to protect a boy in a futuristic world, who is thought to be carrying antigens that would destroy all hemophages.
Technically the glasses in question are a very fetching pair of designer sunglasses, but this is Milla Jovovich and she looks cool in anything she wears. The glasses though could not save the film, it is boring and full of plot holes. NEXT!!!
4) Austin Powers : International Man of Mystery (1997) -Austin Powers / Mike Myers
A 1960s hipster secret agent is brought out of cryofreeze to oppose his greatest enemy in the 1990s, where his social attitudes are glaringly out-of-place
Sporting a lovely pair of ‘National Health’ Glasses and crooked teeth, Austin shows that with charm and humour you can have any girl you want…. hehe Loved these films back in the day.
3) Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001) Harry Potter / Daniel Radcliffe
Rescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
With a lovely pair of ‘Lennon’ style glasses the boy Potter (why is it I always pronounce Potter like Draco Malfoy, even in my head!!) looks super cute in this first outing of the series. Unfortunately as he grows I can’t help but think that maybe he should have got some more fashionable specs
2) Spiderman (2002) Peter Parker / Tobey Maguire
When bitten by a genetically modified spider, a nerdy, shy, and awkward high school student gains spider-like abilities that he eventually must use to fight evil as a superhero after tragedy befalls his family.
With some very geeky pair of plastic glasses, taped up on one arm (like my old ones I will have you know) Peter Parker is the picture of dweeby geekness, Although his costume completely covers his face the hero wanted to be sure his identity is safe by donning these beauties.
We all know who is at number 1….
1) Superman (1978) – Clark Kent / Christopher Reeve
An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home’s first and greatest super-hero.
Lets ignore the fact that this is probably one of the most ridiculous disguises that any superhero could ever dream up. I mean really? Lets concentrate on the pair of glasses that Superman chose for his alter ego, an amazingly huge pair of tortoise-shell framed spectacles. Very 70s but also very back in fashion. Great choice Man of Steel
I have just one honorable mention, that is -
Heroes (Tv Seres) – Hiro Nakamura / Masi Oka
With the ability to bend time and space, and a quirky nature Hiro is very cool. Nice specs too.
Any of you wear glasses? Does it get on your nerves or are you embracing them as I am trying to do? Any heroes/characters I forgot? Please comment below
Scott Lawlor
Clark Kent looks damn good with his glasses! So does Austin Powers….
You watch Heroes? We were obsessed with that show for a while!
I have this great photo of my dad wearing total nerd glasses in the 50s. Makes me wanna get glasses…
Clark Kent does look very cool in those specs hey?
We watched the first 2 seasons of Heroes but it kind of lost its way with us and we gave up. Hiro was my favourite character though.
Go get some Ness!!
ooh, looking superb with those glasses, Custie!
we, men who wear glasses, are especially dashing, aren’t we?
I love how glasses fit me and I think I always pass as the wise one in any room thank to my glasses not to my brain 
My optician swears she always gets a heart attack when I send her on a mission of finding me a new pair of perfect eye-wear 
But I must admit I’m not a “reluctant” wearer, but a proud one
I’m currently sporting EMporio Armani glasses by the way
Colin Firth also sported quite nice glasses in A SINGLE MAN. And Austin Powers is unbeatable. Who can outrun his mojo when he puts those goggles on?
Groovy!
And, oh, I love when Justin Timberlake puts glasses on too!
I need to embrace these beasts like you have embraced your Dezzy, let’s face it with my eyesight I need to cos they are not going away anytime soon. I miss my contact lenses though
Love Austin and his MMMMMMMojo hehe
Thanks Dez
Hey you! So this post is just an excuse to show those flashy specs, eh Custard? Ehm… [don't tell Lynette but I think you are very handsome!]
My hubby also wears glasses and I must say he looks even better w/ them. I personally prefer contacts though, as I have a high prescription.
Oooh be still my heart, that photo of Mr. Reeve made my heart skip a beat! I’ve loved him since I was a wee lass (probably 4-5 yrs old) when I saw Superman for the first time. He really is a true hero in real life, too, battling his spinal injury w/ such courage and inspiration. Did you know I got two autographed photos from him, I’ve shared that on the blog a while ago.
Awesome post as always, matey.
hahaha
You totally busted me!! Yes they are new Glasses!! I too have a massively high prescription Ruth but with a bit of extra cash thrown at the optician they can really get the lenses quite thin. I even got some Sunnys while I was at it!! (thanks for the handsome comment, totally blushing right now)
When I put Mr Reeve at number one I was thinking of you. I remember seeing your signed photo on your blog. I knew it would get you going, in a good way of course!!
Thanks for the lovely words My friend
C
Awesome post!
It makes me realise that I’ve never really paid attention to glasses in films, because I can’t really remember any worth mentioning. I’ve just never really thought about it before, but you’re right, they are often used to make a character seem less attractive or more nerdy or whatever.
Anyway, I don’t wear glasses and no one in my family does either, but maybe I might have to when I’m older, you never know…
Thanks Jack, always nice when you pop over her and say pleasant things. Thanks matey.
Glasses shouldn't really make a difference, but sometimes they do add an extra level to the character. Take Brick Top from snatch…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuCT45SnO1E
Alan Ford is scary in that film but he was made absolutely terrifying when the glasses were added….I think because they look so ridiculous and you want to laugh but know he would kill you for even just a sideways look.
I am waffling sorry.
Thanks for the comment my friend
Totally love this post!! … correction>> Totally love that picture of Christopher Reeves!!! a super handsome Clark Kent.
Those are great list, C.
Glad to see Hiro is included (although I only love season one).
I am happy that I don’t wear glasses even though I read a lot and watch movies a lot. No one in my family wears glasses (except old people),maybe it runs in the family.
I couldn’t think of any other superhero who wears glasses. Isn’t Hulk – human version (I forgot his name) wears glasses when he was in the lab?
His name is Bruce (read it in Ruth’s blog)
Bruce Banner in fact
LOL what is it and the silly alter ego names too? Surely if the want to blend in they should go with John Smith, or Peter Brown….Not Clrk Kent, Peter Parker, Bruce Banner….lol
It totally is in the family with us lot here, my eldest Daisy wears glasses now, thankfully Lyn (my wife) has amazing eyesight and has evened her out a bit.
Thanks for the comment novroz, you're always welcome here!!
The glasses are massive! Makes him look funky
hehe they are like a couple of frisbee's!!
LOVE this!
I am still waiting for a decent movie about a non-superhero female who wears glasses (all the time…not just to read or work on the computer!). I have the feeling I will be waiting for a looooong time LOL
Hey Paula, Thanks for taking the time to comment. Really kind of you.
I deffo had a hard time trying to find men let alone ladies. Maybe that girl from Scooby Doo, but thats not exactly cool is it?
I hope you are having a great day
C
Ha… "how does no one recognize Superman with the glasses". Soooo true.
Seeing two superheroes with glasses on there makes me wonder if comic book writers purposely do that to make them look weak, which accentuates their rise to strength. Or something.
I think you have hit the nail on the head there John. I guess also these Super Heroes are from another time. Written long ago when we were a lot more innocent and easier to please!!
Thanks so much for coming over John, means a hell of a lot when a big hitter (like yourself) pops over…
C
I see we have another thing in common Custard
I have to wear glasses to. I could wear contacts, but putting anything that close to my eyes kind of freaks me out
And yeah, i also think the gasses disguise is silly
yeay!! SNAP!! I feel weird coming out of 20 years of contact lenses back to glasses, but it is great to hear that I am not on my own.
Loving having prescription sunglasses. That is very cool.
C
In the Limited comic series Superman ‘Birthright’, which looks to be a heavy inspiration for Snyder’s upcoming ‘Man of Steel’, Martha Kent gave Clarke the glasses to dull his very unEarthly bright blue eyes.
This webpage is dedicated to Supe’s Glasses. I’m glad I don’t wear the things. I’d be losing them as often as I lose my damn keys, phone, sunnies, ipod, wallet, and manbag.
http://smallville.wikia.com/wiki/Clark_Kent's_glasses
Hi Mothy!! How come I had to approve the comment, I am sure you have commented on here before..ah well no matter.
Interesting comment about the unearthly blue eyes. That makes a lot of sense.
Mothy I am always looking for mine, and quite often they are actually on my face
Great idea for a list but I worry that Spiderman and Superman might give people the wrong impression about us spectacle-wearers. I mean, believe it or not, when I take my glasses off I can’t fly, swing between highrise buildings, or use my eyes to burn holes through walls. In fact, I can’t do much of anything since I can’t see much of anything!
…now Austin Powers, he’s a guy I can look up to.
hehe too funny. I can't even see the end of my nose without my glasses!!