DC Extended Universe
This is how I view the films that are part of what is being referred to as the DC Extended Universe or DCEU. These are in the order of release.
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- DirectorZack SnyderStarsHenry CavillAmy AdamsMichael ShannonAn alien child is evacuated from his dying world and sent to Earth to live among humans. His peace is threatened when other survivors of his home planet invade Earth.Gone is the cold and rigid Krypton of past incarnations, in this telling, we have a Krypton that is more alive, more organic. Kal-El's importance even more profound given he is the first natural birth in hundreds of years and its last. The first 25 minutes is a fantastic look at Krypton and the violent revolution led by General Zod that lead up to Kal-El being sent to earth. Through flashbacks, excellently staged and placed within the story, we are provided a look at Kal-El's life on earth as Clark, growing up with the Kent's on earth, learning about his powers through the years. I was not a fan of Zod being reintroduced but it works very well here through the combination of an excellent story and performance by Michael Shannon. Kevin Costner and Russell Crowe are excellent as Pa Kent and Jor-El, respectively. Henry Cavill deftly provides a performance that is multi-layered. Amy Adams, as always, is excellent, giving Lois Lane a new look, but the same focused journalist we love. The finale battle is an absolutely fantastic sequence of action pieces; Supes power has NEVER been shown more accurately in a theatrical release than in this movie. The violent events of this film would feed directly into the story and riff between Batman and Supes in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. I applaud that such consequences are dealt head-on here, adding a more organic drama arc rather than the conventional tacked on, forced drama. An excellent start to the DCEU, a strong as steel 9 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorPatty JenkinsStarsGal GadotChris PineRobin WrightWhen a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, Diana, an Amazonian warrior in training, leaves home to fight a war, discovering her full powers and true destiny.A lot was riding on this film. The first ever female directed and female led superhero film. Could Patty Jenkins and Gal Gadot live up to the expectations? Not only did they meet them, they exceeded them. Gal Gadot, no questions, IS Diana/Wonder Woman. She is equal parts goddess and naive, warrior and caretaker, strength and love. If this wasn't enough of a treasure trove of riches, in steps Chris Pine. Giving what I feel is his best nuanced performance to date, Pine allows Gadot all the space to lead this film with a supporting performance that equals her lead. What sets this film apart from the other films in the genre is that it is first and foremost a proper film, which just so happens to have a super hero goddess at the center. Wonder Woman firmly places a flag atop the mountain that many will be trying to match in the coming years. A wonderful 9 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorZack SnyderStarsBen AffleckHenry CavillAmy AdamsBatman is manipulated by Lex Luthor to fear Superman. Superman´s existence is meanwhile dividing the world and he is framed for murder during an international crisis. The heroes clash and force the neutral Wonder Woman to reemerge.Zac Snyder continues to imbue the DCEU with a gravitas that some confuse as pretentious. I suggest there is no exaggerated importance here. Like Man of Steel, BvS gives weight and respect to these iconic characters which fans like myself very much appreciate. There is so much here for the fan that multiple viewings is a must. Cavill once again spot on as is fellow returning cast members Adams and Fisbourne. We get the introduction of Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne/Batman. He offers up a more weathered, older take on the character than we have been given before. He is well on his way to becoming one of the best to put on the cowl. By far, Affleck is the most intimidating presence with his height and frame. Gal Gadot's introduction as Wonder Woman is measured and very well done, giving us just enough to see she will aptly handle taking on the character in her own solo story. Jessie Eisenberg puts a spin on Luthor that may be jarring, but for me, a welcomed change to the middle-aged land grabber he has been portrayed as in previous cinematic adventures. Zimmer, best hero soundtrack to date (too bad he is retiring from these kinds of soundtracks). Could the story used a bit more levity to it? Maybe, maybe not. Personally I like the tone that is being set by these films. A "super" 8 out of 10 stars from me.
- DirectorJames WanStarsJason MomoaAmber HeardWillem DafoeArthur Curry, the human-born heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, goes on a quest to prevent a war between the worlds of ocean and land.Jason Momoa is the perfect embodiment of a new and more bad-ass Aquaman. All kinds of crazy beautiful visuals coupled with fun and heart, this film sets a new course for the DCEU that is much needed and embraced. Amber Heard balances things out as Mera against the bravado exhibited by Momoa. James Wan directs the film like a field trip to Disney Land, which is a total compliment to his ability to provide a film full of fun, heart and action. An 8 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorDavid AyerStarsWill SmithJared LetoMargot RobbieA secret government agency recruits some of the most dangerous incarcerated super-villains to form a defensive task force. Their first mission: save the world from the apocalypse.There is a frenetic and maniacal energy about the film that, for those along for the ride, is a welcome aspect, for those not, it is off putting. The structure of the film is fractured like the mental state of the characters involved. It helps to give the film its edge and at times, dark humor. The surprise of the film is the weight that Will Smith gives to Deadshot. At the core of the group is his steady leadership that comes from a point of view that most of the others in the group have never had or don't want to have. Like a savvy poker player, the film gives us just enough of Joker that we can see the maniacal nature brewing up, but we never get the full on boiling pot of madness. It is a MUST that Harley and Joker get their own movie. It was very smart of the filmmakers to keep Joker outside of the main story, he operates not within the team nor within the story arc, but rather, he is the fly in the ointment, so to speak, right where he perfectly fits. It goes without saying that Margot Robbie flat out owns the role of Harley Quinn. She gives Harley equal touches of tragedy, sexiness, insanity and ruthlessness. What was a return to form from the 90's Batman films, Suicide Squad embraces its soundtrack music and it plays as big a part in the elements of scenes as the score and images. A no joking around 8 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorZack SnyderStarsBen AffleckGal GadotJason MomoaFueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his new-found ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy.Affleck continues to give one of the better Bruce Wayne interpretations. Gal Gadot is 3 for 3 when it comes to playing Diana/Wonder Woman. Cyborg, as played by Ray Fisher, is reserved, machine-like, in stark comparison to the other new members of the team and in my opinion, this makes for a perfect balance. Momoa and Miller bring most of the movie's lighter tone (Miller at times maybe too much) with Arthur Curry (Aquaman) and Barry Allen (Flash) respectively. Both are perfectly cast. As villains go, Steppenwolf is yet another CGI megalomaniac who is forgettable. I really wish both the DCEU and MCU would get away from the CGI baddies and get back to villains that are physically in the room with the other actors. Danny Elfman's return to the DC universe is a welcome one; make sure to listen for hints of his classic Batman theme as well as Williamson's Superman theme. What holds this film back is the obvious post-production tinkering. I think WB lost confidence in Snyder and in trying to make Justice League more like The Avengers, they made a big error. A good film by the shear will of the performances but really would like to see the original Snyder vision (we will get that in 2021). 7 out of 10 stars.
- DirectorDavid F. SandbergStarsZachary LeviMark StrongAsher AngelA newly fostered young boy in search of his mother instead finds unexpected super powers and soon gains a powerful enemy.More of a Saturday morning entry than the dark and brooding adventures the DCEU is known for, Shazam brings with it a lighter air of entertainment. All of the performances are spot on and help to make it a fun film. A less-than-stellar box office has future films in question. Hopefully we get to explore more territory with these characters. A solid 7 out of 10 stars
- DirectorCathy YanStarsMargot RobbieRosie PerezMary Elizabeth WinsteadAfter splitting with the Joker, Harley Quinn joins superheroines Black Canary, Huntress, and Renee Montoya to save a young girl from an evil crime lord.If you are a fan of Suicide Squad, I say give this a look. If that movie frustrated you, this one has a lot of the same structure issues with a bit more action. One thing that really holds this film back is the need to make all but one male character horrible human beings (the one redeeming male character is the cook who makes Harley her beloved breakfast sandwich). I get the intent here is to bolster the "emancipation" aspect of the film, but when you have such a one-sided view you can alienate your audience. Margot Robbie continues to be a delight as Harley, but the movie focuses solely on Harley when it is billed as a "Birds of Prey" and there isn't much there. The effort was there, but in the end, after some much needed righting of the DCEU direction, this film sets it back a bit. A generous 7 out of 10 stars.