If a unified DC universe is like a boat, then a
Justice League of America movie is the engine and solo movies for each league member are the fuel that drives it.
The JLA movie is more wishful thinking rather than being an actuality. At this point, we don't even know if Warner Brothers still has any plans for a JLA movie. Also, even with motivation for the project, their DC franchises seem so disconnected that we wonder exactly how a JLA can make the jump to the big screen. Given their vast potential, why exactly WB has not decided to create a linked DC universe of films seems like a wasted opportunity. Marvel is taking strives forward with their assortment of movies leading up to
The Avengers. Could WB be standing back just to gauge the success or failure of
The Avengers enterprise? Despite the progress of Marvel Studios, WB should be standing by ready to launch their boat.
We are in the age of the comic book movie. Therefore, it would indeed be a logical step for WB to capitalize on the potential of their DC franchise. This idea of “capitalizing” has a 3-fold connotation:
- The perfect opportunity to bring a horde of diversified comic book movies to the live-action big screen
- Making a ton of money
- Please comic book fans and non-fans
So how exactly should Warner Brothers approach a Justice League of America film? Well, the initial consideration would be to begin with the independent franchises like Green Lantern, The Flash, Wonder Woman etc. There is no reason to reject the notion that they are all part of an interconnected DC universe simply because a movie like “The Flash” only features one hero. Therefore, WB needs to use these independent movies in the same vein that Marvel Studios are for their Avengers initiative. In other words, start with the independent films featuring solo league members, but with the notion that these films are leading up to something combined and monumental. I think almost all of us would agree when I state that a unified DC universe is more than desirable, it is necessary. Chris Nolan’s Batman Begins is a stand-alone type film where Batman exists as the sole hero. Should the same apply to other DC franchises? I think not. In fact, a linked universe only enhances the fans’ excitement which in turns boosts WB’s opportunities to capitalize (in the 3 ways mentioned above) on the DC franchise.
Team Chemistry The team consists of a unique assortment of personalities. The chemistry and relationships between the League members are vital. This team chemistry is part of what made
Star Trek: The Next Generation hugely appealing. One of the fundamental aspects of the team is that it embraces the “Musketeer” motto of all for one and one for all. Of course the team’s members are not always going to see eye-to-eye on everything. However, it is the team dynamics that would make for an extremely intriguing movie. Also, just think of how humorous a few Bat glares could be.
Screen time for individual characters Screen time for each character need not be an issue. One way to sufficiently bestow equal screen time to each character is with the use of a multiple narrative story format.
The Lord of The Rings successfully utilised this concept and allowed an intricate plot to unfold whilst maintaining an appropriate share of the screen time for the characters involved.
Big Budget No doubt that WB are going to have plough millions into the production. Big movie means big bucks. A comprehensive assortment of toys and movie prop replicas will be available for the debut of the Green Lantern movie which itself seems likely to make a huge profit. WB can rest assured that despite the money they would have to invest into a range of independent franchise films and then a
Justice League, movie, that they would stand to benefit financially.
The movie’s duration Any time less than 120 minutes would simply not do justice to a film of this epic nature.
Inception has a running time of 148 minutes and no doubt most of us sat completely engaged for the entire duration. It seems reasonable that a running time approximate to that of Inception would be ideal for a movie of this magnitude. The following is an example to indicate how exactly this time frame would work: use the 1st hour to depict the assembly of the team and build upon the team dynamic; the next 88 minutes to awe us with an adrenalin-packed narrative filled with character development and astounding action.
The movie’s villain/s The movie is going to require an antagonist who is so big and bad that he poses a challenge to an entire team of super powered heroes. Now the “big bad” might come in the form of a imposing being, such as Darkseid who represents oppression. Or, the enemy might be a metaphorical notion and one which may be the reason for the creation of the Justice League. Perhaps the movie would utilize a combination of each of the league member’s villains e.g. Brainiac, Joker, Luthor, Sinestro etc.
WB are fortunate to work with creative minds like Geoff Johns and Bruce Timm. The animated lines of the Justice League and spin-off movies garnered much success. These shows’ episodes are only approximately 20 minutes in length but more than adequately encompassed an enthralling story with action. WB’s screenwriters can utilize graphic novels/comic books like
Justice League of America (writers include Grant Morrison and Geoff Johns);
DC: The New Frontier (Dwayne Cooke); and
Justice (Jim Kruger and Alex Ross) for inspiration.
Many of us on CBM complain when a comic book movie deviates from its resource material. So, keep faithful to the comic books and graphic novels. Even with this notion in mind, we of course must demand some creative liberties in order to give us a story that we have never read about and to keep us intrigued. What is needed is a story that functions on multiple levels and plot and action are balanced.
I think this is the ideal time for DC to launch its boat, don't you?