The Past, Present and Future of the DC Extended Universe
As someone who checks comicbookmovie.com periodically throughout the day, I have to admit I have have not posted an editorial in nearly two years. However, with all of the massive 2016 CBM's this year (Batman v Superman, Captain America Civil War, Suicide Squad, Doctor Strange, Deadpool) coming to a end, I feel this is the most appropriate time to address something that's been on the forefront on my mind for a while: the state of the DC Extended Universe. Bare with me here as I take you through a recap of past DC films, what's been going wrong, what's been going right, and the future. Evidently based off my username, I am a DC fan. That's not to say I don't love Marvel, but if there's a Batman, Superman, Green Lantern film being released the same day as any Marvel film, I'm seeing the DC one. Without further due, hope you enjoy my fresh take!
Man of Steel (2012):
Ahhh, the first DC film. I actually love Man of Steel. When it was first announced Zack Snyder was helming the project, I literally got goosebumps. One issue with previous Superman films, with all due respect to Christoper Reeves's first two films, was the lack of action, hand to hand combat, and in best terms "kick ass action." Snyder delivered exactly that. This movie was marketed beautifully. From the first image of Superman's costume, to the first trailer, to the TV spot of Cavill breaking the ground as he flew for Carls fast food, I was instantly gravitated towards this film. As I watched at the midnight premiere, myself along with the entire crowds jaw dropped watching that spectacle of a final fight scene. Christopher Nolans's influence as producer was definitely thrown in there, in terms of action, DC delivered. Was the movie perfect? No, it had some flaws. For one, the script was quite bland and fell short at times to make you feel any sort of connection or relationship with these characters. Superman was not as charismatic as he should have been, and the movie was too long. But Man of Steel gave fans the action and brutality Superman needed. Throw in a Wayne Enterprises Easter egg that confirmed his existence in this universe and we had what should have been a great start to a even greater universe.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016):
When I first received news that Batman and Superman were coming back to the big screen, I think I actually fainted. Just 4 years after Nolan graced us with one of the best movie trilogies ever in his take on the Dark Knight we were getting another Batman? And not only is Batman back, but he's fighting Superman?! I honestly did not believe the day has come. Believe me when I say this, I was never more excited for a movie in my entire life. Did it meet my expectations? Ehhhhh.... While I do believe the movie is better than critics reviewed it, it had a ton of flaws. To start, the movie is just too long and awkwardly paced. A lot of the film could have been scraped to make the movie simpler and more fun. With this complex plot, I blame Snyder for dropping the ball to make you feel any sort of emotional attachment to any character in the movie. Also Doomsday was completed wasted. Killing Superman was the only benefit of his screentime. Lex Luther was interesting, and at times I really enjoyed Eisenbergs portrayal, but it didn't have the same impact as Kevin Spaceys from Superman Returns. Why did I like the movie? That Superman and Batman fight, in terms of pure action, was beautiful. Don't get me started on the Martha line that saved Supermans life. Snyders decision to include that probably tops of my list for the BIGGEST mistakes in CBM history. And that introduction to the rest of the Justice League through a flash drive was absurdly laughable. But if you take a look at Afflecks Batman, there's really not much to hate. Affleck is an amazing actor. If you haven't seen his work in The Town, Argo, The Accountant, get off your butt right now, watch them, and then come back to the article. I'm serious, Affleck turned his career around better than any other actor I've ever seen (Robert Downey Jr. deserves a shoutout too). Batfleck as the seasoned Batman exploited his anger and our brutality. The fight scene with Batman saving Supermans mom literally came right off the pages of the comics, and resembled our first look at a film adaptation of the spectacular Batman video games. I'll include the video in this article so you can take a second, third, fourth, fifth look. His costume is also amazing, rivaling that of Nolans. Throw in a past Robin, a mystery-shrouded relationship with the one and only Joker, and the great casting of Jeremy Irons as Alfred, it was clear to me that Batfleck has potential to do something great. The film was fun and exciting for a fan whose been dying to see this movie come together. While I do like the film and love watching Batman steal the show, it fell short to my sky-high expectations.
Suicide Squad (2016):
David Ayer's Fury is a great film, so when I heard he was putting together the Suicide Squad that included the Joker I was jumping out of my computer chair ready to see the movie. Will Smith as Deadshot, Oscar-winner Jared Leto as the Joker, and Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn.... what a cast! Did Ayer and Warners Bros succeed in a my opinion? ABSOLUTELY NOT. The trailers for the movie looked unique and amazing. Unfortunately, the movie was a longer trailer that did not work out at all. The Jokers introduction was extremely misjumbled and straight up disrespectful to the beautifully chaotic character he is. Leto could've done great, but I blame the studio and Ayer for putting together a script and plot that gave you zero connection to the character like Nolan Oscar-worthily did. Enchantress and his terribly done CBM brother are the worst villains ever. I could tell you how pissed I am about this film for days. And by days I am not exaggerating, I could for days. But I won't. Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Amanda Whaller and even the Joker with Batfleck as director are the only characters I can see carrying out success in the future. This film took a huge hit at my expectations for this promising universe.
What's Gone Right with the DCEU?:
DC has put together some of the most incredible, jaw-dropping action I've ever seen in the movies. Whether it's Superman and General Zods epic final showdown in Man of Steel, or Batman and Superman going at it mano-e-mano, or even Will Smith's Deadshot showcasing his skills on those zombies, DC's eye candy of action sequences has delivered. The darkness and brutality showcased in this universe could lead to amazing things down the line. Also beyond the action, DC has shown it knows how to cast. While some castings were questionable, alike any other movie, a lot of the castings have worked. As mentioned earlier, Afflecks take on Batman with more films could actually rival the likes of Keaton and Bale. Don't worry, I'd hop off the Affleck wagon now. Cavill's appearance as Superman is very on point. Geoff Johns, if you're reading this right now, do me a favor and give the guy some more lines please. Also Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman could steal the entire show in Justice League. Michael Shannon's Zod was fantastic, and Ezra Millers take on the Flash and Jason Moma's Aquaman has true potential to triumph at least half of the current Avengers team. DC is drawing in great and accomplished actors: Affleck, Amy Adams, Jeremy Irons, Will Smith, Gal Gadot, Margot Robbie, Jared Leto, Octavia Spencer, Kevin Costner, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Jesse Eisenberg, William Dafoe, Amber Heard, the list goes on and on. DC, it's time to put those actors to work.
What's Gone Wrong with the DCEU?:
To answer that question with a single sentence: "a lot." The best way to put it is Warners Bros is trying to create a universe of Nolan films that Zack Snyder can't do. It shouldn't be a surprise that Warners Bros and DC would want this. The Dark Knight trilogy changed the genre, as evident by its both critical acclaim and revenue. But DC has quickly scrapped together pieces of a puzzle that isn't connected. Man of Steel, BVS: DOJ, Suicide Squad have all failed to hit the core of viewers that makes them bring out an emotional attachment to any of there spectacular characters. The plots have large amounts of flaw in them, and there are too many things going on behind the scenes at Warners Bros that are continuing to have a negative impact on the screen. The tone of the movies are never fully established, and they don't have a premise that hooks viewers to crave more. When you look at the DCEU's rival over at Marvel, it is easy to understand why they are so successful. The MCU has a light tone and formula that works by helping viewers of all ages laugh, scream, and jump out of there seats wanting more. Subtle teases into future films and a clear cohesiveness make Marvel films thrive. DC's attempt to put together such a universe has so far failed to meet its potential. But is there still hope for this grim reality? Read on....
The Future of the DCEU:
If you've gotten to this point, I just wanted to quickly thank you. If you haven't noticed already, I'm extremely passionate about my DC movies, and am looking forward to see genre-changing films. Unfortunately, they haven't done that yet. However, there is hope. As I described before, DC is drawing in big name actors who could accomplish amazing things with some of the greatest characters in pop culture history. I consider myself a DC fan because I think DC's heroes and rogue galleries have depth and have extremely
interesting, bad ass, and just straight up fun story lines and abilities. It seems that Warner Bros is making an effort to bounce back from there "lackluster" past performances. Bring me that Ben Affleck directed Batman movie please! Wonder Woman could be the first DCEU movie with real potential to thrive. That first trailer is awesome. Also Justice League looks to have changed the tone and made the film more fun. Something the universe desperately needs. Steppenwolf as the villain seems like a bad decision, but we'll have to see how that works. The fact that they can't give us Darkseid now is annoying and seems almost as if they are already looking forward to making fans excited for Justice League 2. Just give us the first one please!!! The Flash also seems to have been a great addition to the lineup, if they can get a freaking roster. And I'm past the old Green Lantern movie, give me the Lantern corps. I'll take all of them please and thank you. Overall, the DCEU has clouded future. But unlike others, I believe there is a sun behind the clouds for the DCEU. Hopefully Warner Bros learns from its mistakes, and takes a "dream" and transforms it into a reality.
Thanks for reading, feels good to be back. Feel free to share your comments, opinions and fresh takes in the comment section. And don't be afraid to hit that THUMBS UP bottom. The more people we can reach, the more we'll get talking.
- CaptainDC